Adidas Pivots from Carbon Plates to Mass-Market Running Shoes

Adidas launched the Hyperboost Edge in March 2026, skipping carbon plates in favor of foam technology. The shoe targets everyday runners, not elites—reflecting the industry's recognition that carbon plates deliver marginal speed gains only at elite pace. The shift signals a maturing market: performance shoes are moving beyond racing dominance toward training shoes optimized for durability and comfort.