Marathon season is well and truly here. The Boston marathon delivered some record-smashing results yesterday, while in the UK runners are limbering up for a 26-mile dash across London this coming Sunday.

If you're an established runner and race-day fever has you inspired to up your game, I've rounded up some of the very best pro-level running shoes below. All feature a carbon plate that's designed to snap back into place and propel you forward to a John Korir-beating time (or at least a PB) on your next marathon.

A couple of caveats before we kick off. Carbon plate shoes are really for experienced runners looking to shave off precious seconds — if you're not at that stage yet, our general guide to the best running shoes has plenty more beginner-friendly recommendations. It should also go without saying that if you're already in the end stages of training for a marathon, I wouldn't suggesting you switch your tried-and-tested runners for a pair of these at this point.