I enjoy my carbon plated shoes. I wear them for workouts as well as races. I can't say for sure they that help my times but I do know that I feel fast wearing them and when I bring them out it feels special, like I'm ready to rip. When they first came out I snagged a few pairs but as they have been developing since then I'm finding that I enjoy a high stack daily trainer with a less aggressive plate. I think they are plastic plates maybe...the shoes are a bit less expensive and I find I can wear them for more than workouts and races. For example I have the New Balance Super Comp Trainer and I can wear that for long runs, work outs and races.