Tested | Diadora Gara Carbon 3

A controlled and subtle carbon racer 

My first impression was that this is a cool-looking shoe. The contrast of the dark navy blue upper with white and yellow base makes the whole shoe pop. I also liked the small details on thelaces – they’ve got those little grip bumps which make a difference when tightening them. Once they’re tied, they stay put.

I’ve got a slightly wider foot and these fitted well. My foot felt comfortable and secure straightaway, with no pressure points or weird rubbing during the run. Weighing in at 188g for a size 41, the shoe feels light on foot – it’s one of those shoes you almost forget about while you’re running. The lockdown is solid, especially around the midfoot and heel, and I didn’t feel like my foot was moving around at all. The heel cup also feels really stable, not wobbly like you sometimes get with higher-stacked carbon shoes. My ankles and heels felt secure, which translated into my run feeling more controlled.

You can feel the cushioning with every step, and it’s just really easy on the legs. Compared to other carbon shoes, I found the Gara Carbon 3 comfortable and stable – not super aggressive or bouncy. At an easier pace it feels smooth, comfortable and not overly reactive. When I started pushing the pace, I could feel more bounce and that push-forward feeling you expect from a carbon shoe. So it’s there, just subtle.

Overall, it’s light and comfortable, and works well for pushing the pace. It’s a controlled carbon shoe, with the spring you need when you want to go fast but that doesn’t leave you feeling unstable.

For anyone who has steered clear of carbon shoes because they’re worried about a lack of stability, or for runners who prioritise comfort and control over pure speed, the Gara Carbon 3 is a good option. It would also work well for longer efforts where you want some performance benefits but don’t want to end your run with sore feet. Personally, I don’t think I’d choose it as my race shoe if I was chasing a PB – I would probably go for something more aggressive – but I can see it working well for those in-between events, or for someone who doesn’t want something too intense.

Verdict: It’s a good shoe,it just doesn’t give that “wow, this is fast” feeling. It’s light but not super springy or explosive, and if you’re expecting that typical carbon bounce, you might find this a bit muted. That said, it still gives you that bit of speed support when you need it!– Jess Hayes-Hill

RRP R5 999 | diadorasouthafrica.co.za