Adidas Shifts Strategy Away from Carbon Plates, Targets Mass-Market Runners

Adidas launched the Hyperboost Edge in March 2026, a super-trainer that omits carbon plates in favor of foam technology. The shoe targets recreational runners rather than elites, signaling industry recognition that carbon plate benefits diminish below sub-5:30 mile pace. **Analysis:** The shift reflects a maturation of the performance-shoe market from pure racing dominance toward training-specific optimization—where durability and comfort outweigh marginal speed gains for most runners.