This carbon-plated hybrid shoe is built for running and HYROX, and here is an honest verdict. From CrossFit to Hyrox, functional fitness is having a real moment. Booming alongside running, hybrid sports are becoming increasingly popular, offering high-intensity disciplines that combine strength training with cardio endurance to enhance overall fitness. Fewer people are focusing solely on leg day at the gym; instead, they are growing overall fitness through hybrid workouts like running, barbell exercises, burpees, pull-ups, and skipping.
However, finding the best footwear for hybrid workouts can be tough. Stiff, flat weightlifting shoes are terrible for running, while squidgy, supportive runners make weightlifting a nightmare. To make transitions easier, Represent has unveiled a new carbon-plated hybrid running shoe engineered for explosive speed on the run and absolute stability for hybrid training and competition: the 247 Arc-4 Elite Race.
247 Arc-4 Elite Race: Key Features
Created for days when you want to perform, the 247 Arc-4 Elite Race shoes are more than a running trainer. They help you finish first on racing segments and ace strength elements with zero compromise. Priced at £250, these shoes are designed for running, CrossFit, and everything in between.
Carbon Progression Plate
The standout feature is the Carbon Progression Plate, constructed from Pebax PA12 polyamide combined with carbon fibre. This plate delivers high energy return during the drive-off, push-off, and take-off phases of each step, adding power with every stride to help complete runs faster.
Supercritical 247 Foam Midsole
Alongside the plate, the Supercritical 247 Foam midsole offers a 65% rebound rate while remaining lightweight. It provides the perfect amount of softness for responsive cushioning without sacrificing ground feel, ensuring no control is lost but plenty of power is gained. This also adds stability for functional movements like the SkiErg and double unders.
Durable Outsole
The shoes feature 100% rubber outsoles with 50mm³ maximum abrasion resistance for added durability and traction across various surfaces, from gravel streets and roads to rubber gym flooring.
First Impressions and Performance
As a runner and CrossFitter, initial skepticism about how a running shoe could work for CrossFit workouts was common. Stability and traction are key in functional fitness, and CrossFit shoes are typically flat. However, the 247 Arc-4 Elite Race shoes make sense.
These are stunning running trainers for races and speed sessions. The carbon plate provides noticeable extra propulsion in every step, solidifying them as a staple race day shoe. The first time using the Arc-4s resulted in a 5k personal best.
The shoes look sleek, especially in Black with pink accents. The contrasting sole adds style. They feel incredibly light, made with a super lightweight mesh that is thin yet strong thanks to clear line TPU skin overlay reinforcements. Feet stay cool and aerated, making them excellent for longer runs. They are also comfortable, with a wide enough fit for wide feet while remaining snug for constant support.
Running in these shoes feels like getting a boost. The carbon plate provides explosive power with every step. In CrossFit workouts, they performed excellently. During a session with running, double unders, burpees, and wall balls, the Arc-4s kept feet stable. They felt excellent on run segments and blew expectations away with functional elements. Skipping felt propelled and supported, and the shoes helped feet bend and move easier during burpees, a common struggle with more rigid shoes. During wall balls, they felt flat and supportive, helping maintain flat feet for easy squatting.
In short, the 247 Arc-4 Elite Race shoes have become the go-to race day, competition day, and speed day pair.
