Carbon plate shoes have gotten incredibly fast over the last few years. But a lot of modern racing shoes have stacked higher and higher foam stacks, adding more weight than competitive runners actually want at race pace.
What if you could have a full stiff carbon plate, high-energy return PEBA foam, and everything you need to race a full marathon – while keeping total shoe weight extremely low?
That's exactly what the IRUNSVAN CHASING LIGHT 1.0 promises. It markets itself as one of the lightest full carbon plate marathon racing shoes on the market in 2026. We tested it for seven weeks through speed workouts, tempo runs, half marathons, and a full marathon to see if it's actually as good – and as light – as it claims. In this full review, we'll break down everything you need to know.
On-Race Performance: Feather-Fast Feel
When you slip the CHASING LIGHT 1.0 on for the first time, the immediate thing you notice is how incredibly light they feel on your feet. It's a "barely there" feeling that you usually only get in super minimal road flats, but you still have the full carbon plate propulsion and substantial midsole cushioning.
The full-length M85 high-modulus carbon plate delivers sharp, snappy toe-off. It's noticeably stiffer than many full carbon shoes, which combined with the extremely low weight creates an incredibly responsive, fast-feeling ride. During our half marathon test, we found ourselves hitting PR splits without even trying – that low weight and aggressive plate encourages you to run faster naturally.
The PWRPEBA Light supercritical PEBA foam is lightweight and responsive, delivering 77% energy return. Even though they saved weight on the foam, they didn't sacrifice impact protection. It absorbs road shock surprisingly well, more than enough for a full marathon, and we didn't notice any leg fatigue from under-cushioning during our 26.2 mile test.
Upper and Fit: Ultrathin Breathability
The AIR-LIGHT ultrathin mono mesh upper is part of the weight-saving secret. It's incredibly thin – nearly see-through – but it's still strong and tear-resistant. The breathability is among the best we've ever tested in a carbon racing shoe. On 75°F+ race days, our feet stayed remarkably cool and dry, no overheating, no soggy socks.
The fit is true to size, with a snug, wrap-like secure feeling in the midfoot. The heel collar is minimal and low-profile, no extra padding that adds unnecessary bulk, but the heel lock is still secure enough that we never experienced heel slip. There's zero break-in time required – they're perfectly ready to race the second you put them on.
Durability: How Long Do They Actually Last?
When a shoe gets this light, the first question everyone asks is: "how long will it hold up?" After 210 miles of testing, we're seeing minimal wear on the Grip-Light minimal carbon rubber outsole. The outsole uses a high-density carbon rubber that's thinner than standard outsoles but far more wear-resistant, so it doesn't sacrifice durability to save weight.
The midsole foam is still 100% bouncy, no visible compression or dead spots yet. Based on our testing, we expect most runners will get 250-300 miles out of a pair. That's less durable than heavier training shoes that can go 400+ miles, but for a lightweight pure race day shoe that's built to go fast, that lifespan is completely acceptable.
Who Should Buy CHASING LIGHT 1.0
✅ Who Should Buy It:
- Competitive runners chasing PRs who prioritize low weight: If you're looking for the lightest full carbon plate marathon shoe you can buy, this is your pick.
- Fast half marathon and 10K racers: The ultra-light feel makes it even more perfect for shorter fast road races.
- Warm weather marathoners: The ultrathin mesh upper breathes incredibly well for hot race days.
- Runners who prefer a low-profile, no-bulk racing feel: It's very minimal, no unnecessary padding or material slowing you down.
The IRUNSVAN CHASING LIGHT 1.0 isn't trying to be a durable 500-mile training shoe – it's trying to be the fastest possible light race day weapon for competitive PR-chasers. If you're a serious marathoner who prioritizes low weight and you're looking for a new secret weapon to take your PRs to the next level, the CHASING LIGHT 1.0 absolutely deserves a spot on your shortlist.
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