The Diadora Gara Carbon 2 is an excellent race day option for soft, cushioned comfort. The supercriticial PEBA midsole is tuned for protective squish, and the aggressively angled carbon fiber plate flings the forefoot along when picking up the pace. While it’s not as aggressive as the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris or as bouncy as the On Cloudboom Strike, the coddling comfort shines through on long and taxing efforts. With a moderate 5 mm drop, it’s also accommodating for all foot strikes. For runners who loved the 1080v13 or the Nike Invincible 3, this is the best race day shoe with a similar comfort-oriented feel.

Category

Race Day

Release Date

March 2025

Plated?

Yes

Type of Plate

Full carbon plate

Foam

AnimaPBX

Foam Compound

Supercritical PEBA

Ride

Cushioned, Soft, Stable

Heel Stack (mm)

40.0

Forefoot Stack (mm)

35.0

Drop (mm)

5

Weight (mens size 9)

8.1

Support

Neutral

Fit

Snug