You don’t run an event as legendary as the New York Marathon every day. And it was on this rather unique occasion, the first Sunday of November 2022, that I wanted to participate with great running shoes. A model that stands out visually, but is no less thoughtfully designed in its technicality. And so Cedric Mousseau, communications manager for Running Conseil Paris XVII, gave me the idea of wearing the Craft CTM Ultra Carbon 2 with their very distinctive look. So let’s try to see what lies behind this model from the Swedish brand…

By Jean-François Tatard – Photos: All rights reserved

The Craft brand started in the 1970s by developing an ultra-technical base fabric for Swedish fighter pilots. Building on this innovation, the brand created an innovative three-layer concept – Craft’s three-layer principle – which inspires and enables athletes to push their limits and build confidence in all weather conditions.

Today, the Swedish brand is a pioneer in the development of functional equipment for running, cycling, Nordic skiing, alpine skiing, and fitness. Craft works closely with many sponsored athletes and strives to design the most high-performance clothing. We are talking about high-end products here. So I expect no less for their first road shoe with a carbon plate.

The CTM Ultra Carbon 2 are visibly neutral competition shoes. They are sold as the ideal competition shoes to wear during an ultra. Indeed, they have been specially developed for running very long distances. But in my case, I’m interested in them for the most beautiful marathon on the planet. And it’s a good thing: I’ve probably waited as many days in my life to finally be allowed to participate in this major event as the brand has invested in laboratory studies and numerous tests to achieve the new perfect shoe.

The first carbon

First good point, they catch the eye. The Swedish brand’s first shoe with a carbon plate indeed stands out from the competition with a camouflage look that you won’t see twice. It’s completely out of the ordinary. If the goal is to get noticed: it’s a success. But what immediately surprises me is the very lugged sole for a super shoe. But ultimately, I quickly realize that it remains moderate enough not to be bothersome on the road.

The sole

The midsole is made of the brand’s Ud Foam, an EVA-based foam, and as its name suggests, a carbon plate. It is neither soft nor firm but offers just a balance between the two, with a good dosage between the foam and the carbon plate. Also, the three-piece rubber sole with lugs adapts equally well to Manhattan avenues as to road or moderate trails, and in variable weather conditions. What strikes me is the grip and traction power. I haven’t tested it, but it would be interesting to check its behavior on cobblestones. And even better if they are wet. And regarding the measurements, I realized that we are at the legal limit for World Athletics. Indeed, 40 mm heel thickness, 10 mm drop, and a weight of 288 g if I trust my kitchen scale.

The material returns energy very significantly, giving the impression of benefiting fabulously and most efficiently from our own impulse.

Last point about the midsole, while the carbon plate gives a feeling of stiffness when walking at a slightly slow pace, when you accelerate, the “perfect running gait” seems to come naturally. And what also strikes me is the cushioning material, which is very light and provides a strong sensation of energy return when walking. In fact, the material returns energy very significantly, giving the impression of benefiting fabulously and most efficiently from our own impulse.

The upper

For the upper, it is made of a single piece with a very airy mesh and a very technical knit. The brand’s entire DNA can be found in the characteristics of the upper. This material is breathable, keeping feet cool while retaining a little moisture. Also, there are no reinforcing elements except for the two small pads under the malleolus, which provide a lot of support.

My feelings

I don’t know exactly what the designer’s intention was in developing this fabulous product, but it’s clear, the upper is minimalist with a fairly wide volume. Moreover, it’s important to lace the shoe properly to prevent the heel from slipping and to make the most of the two rear pads. The Ultra concept is designed for speed, that’s undeniable. But the other hidden gift, and I didn’t expect it, is the durability. I ended up running a lot with them. All my specific sessions and long runs in preparation for this event, I did with them. I also tried them on the road, of course, but also on trails and in the forest.

They are super comfortable. It’s the first time I’ve adapted so quickly to shoes. No blisters. No overheating. Even though I ran 30 km with them on the very first outing. Ultimately, I don’t even know what their flaw is, except that they are not affordable for everyone.

The fairly wide sole also offers remarkable stability compared to its direct competitors, with which you sometimes even feel like your foot is coming off the sole during the impact phase. And finally, the lugs that immediately caught my eye when I opened the box turned out to offer another benefit, optimizing grip in all circumstances.

The design of this model is just perfect. And even more so for a brand new to this field. Craft hit the bullseye! The Swedish designer fully utilizes their knowledge of sport and textiles to offer a high-performance model that is stylish, even fun – very fun and even timeless, as well as lightweight, responsive, and durable.

Who are they for?

That’s a good question! The target audience for this supreme model is, in my opinion, not the same as for the Metaspeed, Endorphin, Alpha, or Vaporfly. Indeed, even if I believe the shoe is also ideal for the marathon, it is still less dynamic than its competitors. The trampoline effect I discovered when wearing the others in the past is not the same. Nevertheless, of all of them, these are the ones that perform best in terms of safety and comfort. They are the most versatile of all. As for the look, even if it’s subjective, there’s no comparison…

Conclusion

When you go to New York to run the marathon, you know in advance that the course is difficult and that you’re not going for a record. What interests you is to fully and memorably achieve your goal in the heart of a completely unique atmosphere. What you come for is an unforgettable experience that you will take with you to paradise. This is not just another article about the best running shoes, but rather an emotion that only the New York Marathon can amplify tenfold. And I am truly very happy that it took place with Craft CTM Ultra Carbon 2 on my feet…

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