Diadora Gara Carbon 3: carbon-plated performance for road and track

The Diadora Gara Carbon 3 is the latest version in the brand’s carbon-plate road running range built for road and track surfaces with low-cushioning, high-responsiveness specifications.

The shoe features a full-length carbon fiber plate embedded in thermosetting resin designed with an extreme curvature - higher at the heel, lower at the forefoot and with a raised toe spring. The plate extends along the full length of the shoe and is intended to provide sole rigidity and consistent energy transfer during footstrike.

The midsole uses an updated ANIMA PBX compound in PEBAX SCF . Laboratory measurements indicate the material now has a density of 0.9 g/cm³ up from 0.15 g/cm³ in the previous version with energy return improved by 5% to a total of 85%. The update also reduced the midsole weight by 20 grams compared to the prior iteration.

The upper consists of lightweight Matrix Mesh reinforced with carbon yarns combined with a refined forefoot shape and minimalistic tongue and lining construction derived from the Track & Field collection. A microfiber heel lining is included to provide additional structure and targeted zones in the mesh aim to balance breathability, airflow and foot stability.

Additional structural updates include forefoot wings for mid- and forefoot support and an asymmetrical heel geometry for increased medial support. The rolling point of the shoe has been moved back to enhance forward momentum while a redesigned TPU outsole tread and an extended rubber base are intended to improve grip and durability.

The shoe features a 5mm drop and a stack height of 39mm at the heel and 34mm at the forefoot. The weight for a men’s US 10 is listed at 205 grams and the shoe uses a traditional lace-up fastening system.

We spent time running in the previous version of the Gara Carbon were very impressed so we’re looking forward to putting the latest iteration through its paces. Watch this space.

Technical Summary:

* Weight: 205g / 7oz (Men US 10)

* Drop: 5mm

* Stack Height: 39mm heel / 34mm forefoot

* Upper: Matrix Mesh with carbon yarns

* Midsole: ANIMA PBX, LEVA Carbon

* Sole: GCU full-length with TPU tread

* Insole: EVA sheared

Availability: Online and at Diadora stores including Mall of Africa, Centurion Mall, and East Point Shopping Centre.


RRP: R6,999