Run shoe brand Altra has introduced the Vanish Carbon 3, its latest road racing shoe featuring a new patent-pending split-toe carbon plate. Launched officially on September 17, 2026, in the UK, following a US roll-out, the shoe combines the split carbon plate with the brand’s FAST RCE supercritical PEBA foam.
According to Altra, the Vanish Carbon 3 builds on three generations of racing design. The original Vanish Carbon featured a Carbitex half-plate, while the Vanish Carbon 2 introduced a full-length plate. The third iteration splits the carbon plate itself at the big toe to allow for natural movement and power during toe-off while maintaining propulsion.
In lab testing, the Vanish Carbon 3 reported a 2.6% improvement in running economy compared with the Vanish Carbon 2. The shoe retains World Athletics approval for road racing.
Constructed with a two-piece sandwiched PEBA foam midsole, the shoe places the split-toe plate between the foam layers. It features a 4mm drop, with stack heights of 40mm in the heel and 36mm in the forefoot. The model incorporates Altra’s signature roomy toe box and a specialised eyestay design to secure the midfoot without restricting toe splay. Additional details include a seamless engineered mesh upper and a updated lightweight rubber outsole. Men’s sizes weigh around 220g, while women’s versions weigh around 192g.
Kylee Barton, Head of Product at Altra, said “We didn’t set out to build just another carbon racing shoe; we set out to build an Altra racing shoe. Every element of the Vanish Carbon 3 was designed to work in harmony with the actual shape of the foot and our Altra Fit.
“The split-toe-carbon plate allows the foot to move, stabilize, and generate power more naturally, giving runners the propulsion they expect from a carbon plate while preserving natural movement and the qualities that make an Altra feel uniquely Altra. It’s race-day performance that works with the body, not against it.”
Parent company VF Corporation reported that Altra revenue rose 45% in the fourth quarter of 2026 and over 30% for the full year, passing US$270 million.
The Altra Vanish Carbon 3 launched on September 17, 2026, priced at £220.00 across three colourways. Alongside the racing shoe, Altra will introduce the Vanish Tempo 2 plated trainer on September 30, 2026.
