Craft CTM Ultra Carbon Race Rebel: First Run Review of an Ultra-Focused Racer

Introduction

The Craft CTM Ultra Carbon Race Rebel is a carbon plate shoe designed for racing and running fast over long distances, with ultra running in its DNA. Craft even worked with ultra runner Tommy Ribbs during development, and the shoe’s brief is clear: efficiency and speed over ultra distances rather than short-course fireworks.

With a price of £220 / $249.99, it sits alongside the most expensive racing shoes on the market. We took it out for a first 15K on hilly roads at around 4:40 per kilometre to see what it actually delivers.

Key Specs

• Price: £220 / $249.99
• Weight: 211g (7.4oz)
• Drop: 11mm
• Full-length carbon fiber plate with Craft’s “precision split”, a gap at the front of the plate for extra torsion and variable energy return
• Craft UD Foam Pro EVA midsole, described as ultra light with ultra high rebound
• Thin rubber outsole layer covering the majority of the midsole
• One-piece engineered mesh upper

First Impressions and Fit

The shoe runs true to size, but it feels generous. There is a lot of space in the upper around the midfoot and forefoot, and it takes some work to get a locked-down fit, including tying the laces quite tight. The tongue is also fairly loose and can be fiddly to position nicely inside the shoe.

None of that is a dealbreaker, but if you like a snug racing fit out of the box, plan on spending a little time dialling in the lacing.

How It Runs: 15K at Marathon Pace

Over 15 kilometres of undulating roads at marathon pace, the Race Rebel feels like a very solid shoe. What it does not feel like is a typical carbon plate super shoe. Compared with shoes like the Vaporfly, Alphafly and Metaspeed Sky, it lacks noticeable propulsion and bounce. The carbon plate is barely noticeable at all.

That is not necessarily a bad thing. Ultra runners generally want something stable and comfortable over long hours rather than aggressively bouncy. In feel, it sits much closer to the Hoka Carbon X range, where the plate quietly supports efficiency rather than shoving you forward.

Stability, Comfort and Grip

The wide base and slightly firmer EVA midsole combine to produce a sturdy, supportive ride that still feels lightweight. Many carbon plate racers feel wobbly underfoot; this one keeps your foot firmly in place on every landing, which is a genuine bonus for long-distance runners who want stability over hours.

It also performs well at slower paces, which fits the ultra brief perfectly. The thin outsole rubber covers the majority of the midsole with very little exposed foam, and on damp coastal roads it gripped very well, holding the feet firmly to the ground.

Price and Verdict

The biggest question mark is the price. £220 is a lot for a running shoe, and it puts the Race Rebel in the same bracket as the Vaporfly, Alphafly and Metaspeed Sky. After a first run, it does not deliver the same experience as those shoes and arguably should not sit at that level yet.

If you are shopping purely for short-distance speed, this is not the shoe for that job. But for longer distances at a consistent pace, where you want something sturdy, reliable and lightweight, it makes a lot of sense. It is more realistically a rival to the Hoka Carbon X (around £160) or Rocket X (around £140) ranges, which makes it feel a little expensive for what it is.

This is a first-run verdict based on 15K. It is an ultra shoe, and more miles will be needed to fully judge how it delivers over real distance. As a starting point, though, it is a good, sturdy, reliable, lightweight option for long, steady running.

Conclusion

The Craft CTM Ultra Carbon Race Rebel is a solid ultra-focused racer with excellent stability, dependable grip and a comfortable long-distance ride. Just do not buy it expecting Vaporfly-style propulsion, and consider whether its premium price fits what it offers compared with cheaper carbon-plate alternatives.