Diadora Gara Carbon 2 review

I’ve been having alot of fun testing the Diadora Gara Carbon 2, and I can tell you right now, this carbon plated running shoe delivers an incredibly lightweight, responsive ride for fast training sessions and racing too (not that I’ve raced in them yet, however).

Weighing in at just 7.4oz (210g for a US Men’s 9), its design leans more towards a traditional super shoe feel, while incorporating modern running technologies.

Now to quickly address the elephant in the room, their $300 price tag makes them more expensive than some of the best race day running shoes available right now, so I’ll break down both its strengths and some potential downsides, and let you know if they’re worth that hefty price tag.

Key specifications

• Price: $300 at Diadora.com
• Weight: 7.4oz (210g for US9)
• Drop: 5 mm
• Upper: Matryx mesh with carbon yarns
• Insole: EVA sheared and micro-perforated
• Midsole: Anima PBX foam which Increases midsole rebound by 55% while reducing weight by 40% compared to EVA Light, with a full-length carbon plate
• Outsole: Duratech 5000 wear-resistant rubber compound

Sizing and fit

When it comes to sizing, they do run true to size and have a medium to narrow width – so it’s nice to see an Italian runing brand starting to make their shoes more consistent in sizing with other brands.

On first lacing up the Gara Carbon 2, the breathable Matryx upper is what stands out the most. MATRYX is a material I’m very familiar with in high end trail running shoes, but I believe this is the first time I have seen it used in a road shoe.

The toe box is snug but not constrictive, and I initially noticed that the inside edge felt a little unusual, but after moving in them, it adjusted and the fit became spot on.

The lacing system is straightforward and holds the foot well, and I like the dual loop on the tongue that helps stop it from moving to the side or slipping down.

What’s good

The lightweight nature of the Gara Carbon 2, coupled with its no-nonsense fit and snappy ride is one of its most appealing features, and quite frankly it holds its own against the other top racing shoes out there right now

At 7.4oz, the shoe delivers a lively and responsive ride that really makes each stride feel efficient – and you instinctively feel like increasing your stride and cadence to the max.

The midsole, built around the Anima PBX foam, strikes a solid balance between cushioned landing and a firm, propulsive kickback. This setup results in a lightweight, yet comfortable ride that, in some ways, reminds me of the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4.

The full-length carbon plate is integrated thoughtfully into the design, and engineered to provide rigidity where it counts: peaking at the heel, dipping at the forefoot, and rising again at the toe.

This geometry supports a strong push-off while ensuring that energy isn’t wasted, contributing to the overall efficiency of the ride.

Complementing the midsole is an outsole made from Duratech 5000, which has proven to offer reliable traction across various surfaces.

Aesthetically, the Gara Carbon 2 is sleek, and I feel it’s very attractive, without coming off as too flashy. This combination of performance and understated style is something I appreciate, especially when considering a shoe that’s primarily built for speed and responsiveness on race day.

The bad

While the initial fit on the inside edge of the upper was something that stood out, it was never a problem on the run, and when lacing them up for my second run I didn’t feel it at all, so I guess that was related to the MATRYX Upper needing a little loosening up.

Then there’s the price, at $300, the Gara Carbon 2 is positioned very much at the higher end of the market.

For runners who are budget-conscious or who need a shoe that can withstand high-volume training without worrying about long-term durability, this might put you off – especially when you can pick up a pair of Saucony Endorphin Elite 2, Hoka Cielo X1 2.0, or Nike Alphafly 3 for less money.

Having said that, if you have the money, and you’re in the market for a great race day shoe that won’t be on everyone else’s feet at the start line, then these should definitely be on your radar.

My verdict

Overall, the Diadora Gara Carbon 2 is a compelling option for runners looking for a very comfortable, lightweight, responsive shoe that will perform well on race day, and during speed training sessions.

The combination of the Anima PBX foam and the full-length carbon plate provides a balanced mix of a cushioned landing and a propulsive push, while the breathable and highly durable Matryx upper and refined Italian-inspired design add to its overall appeal.

For those who naturally strike with the midfoot or forefoot, this shoe can elevate your performance during fast training sessions and races. However, if you’re a heavy heel striker or if you’re wary of a premium price tag, it might be worth exploring other options.

---

👋🏼 Not sure if these are right for your race day needs but still looking for carbon plated running shoes? Head over to my Best Race Day Running Shoes roundup. See you on the next review! -Alastair

➡ Enjoy this review? Subscribe to my newsletter and Youtube Channel, for more authentic, honest, and reliable running shoe reviews just like this one.