Running Shoe Specs Guide
Understand weight, drop, stack height and carbon plates, with distributions across the listed models.
Weight
Weight is the weight of one shoe reported by the source. Use it to compare models, keeping in mind that shoe sizes and measurement conditions can differ.
The shoe size, men’s or women’s model, width and measurement conditions vary by source. Confirmed measurement details are listed on each shoe page; weights are not converted to a common size.
View the lightest racing-shoe rankingMedian 275 g
Heel-to-toe drop
Drop is the height difference between the heel and forefoot stated by the source. A smaller number does not mean a shoe is thinner; a high-stack shoe can still have a low drop.
When a source publishes heel and forefoot stack but not drop, any derived difference is distinguished from a manufacturer-stated value.
Open the table sorted by lowest dropMedian 7.9 mm
Stack height
Stack height is the total material between the foot and the ground at a stated point, usually heel and forefoot. Running Shoe DB lists total stack height, rather than midsole or outsole thickness alone.
Terminology and the shoe sizes used for measurement vary by brand. If a source only says ‘sole thickness’ or the measurement method is unclear, the value is left unknown until total stack height can be confirmed.
View the highest-stack rankingMedian heel 35 mm
Carbon plate
The carbon field records whether the model uses a carbon plate or a clearly identified carbon propulsion structure. A plate-like system made from nylon, TPU or another named non-carbon material is recorded as non-carbon.
Unknown is distinct from No. If a brand names a Speedboard, Wave Plate, rods or another structure without disclosing the material, carbon status remains unknown.
Open carbon-plated shoes in the table149 carbon / 732 non-carbon