Episode Ep 152 January 24, 2026 37 min 2s

Cutting through the Running Shoe BS - Carbon vs Nylon Plates, Heel Drop, and What All the Jargon Means

From Tread Lightly Running Podcast Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris

There are more running shoe brands and models than ever - and all the jargon can feel confusing. In this episode, we help you navigate what features of a running shoe actually matter - and what’s just good marketing. You’ll learn about supershoes vs supertrainers, why heel to toe drop matters, what the different foams do, and more.

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✨Join us on Patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning or subscribe on Apple Podcasts for special subscriber-only content!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ The difference between carbon and nylon plated shoes

✅ Why you shouldn’t train in supershoes all the time

✅ How to safely introduce carbon plated shoes

✅ The pros and cons of high stack height shoes

✅ The most important features to consider when buying new running shoes

✅ Understanding PEBA, TPU, and EVA foams

✅ Do you need a running shoe rotation?

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