Carbon-plated racing shoes have become remarkably similar over the past few years. The Altra Vanish Carbon 3 stands apart by sticking to the brand’s foot-first philosophy while embracing the speed-focused technology today’s racers demand.
The biggest update is underfoot. An all-new FAST RCE supercritical PEBA foam midsole delivers Altra’s lightest and most responsive ride to date, while a patent-pending split-toe carbon plate adds propulsion without restricting the natural movement of your big toe. Combined with an aggressive rocker geometry, the result is a shoe that feels fast, efficient, and surprisingly natural at race pace.
Unlike many supershoes, the Vanish Carbon 3 also retains Altra’s signature Racing FootShape fit. It provides a secure heel and midfoot while allowing your toes enough room to splay and generate power during toe-off—a welcome feature for runners who have never quite gotten along with narrow racing shoes.
Whether you’re chasing a marathon PR or lining up for your next 10K, the Vanish Carbon 3 delivers the performance expected from a modern supershoe without abandoning what makes an Altra shoe feel like an Altra shoe.
Specs
- Best for: Road racing and speedwork
- Weight: 7.7 oz (220g)
- Midsole: FAST RCE supercritical PEBA foam
- Plate: Patent-pending split-toe carbon plate
- Upper: Lightweight engineered mesh
- Stack Height: 40mm heel / 36mm forefoot
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
- Outsole: Rubber
- FootShape Fit: Racing
- Support: Neutral
- Price: $240
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