Vanish Carbon is Altra's road racing shoe, and the 3 pairs a two-piece supercritical PEBA midsole with a split-toe carbon plate — split so your big toe can still drive. Under that sits a 40 mm heel and a racing version of Altra's foot-shaped last, so the toe box keeps its width to the front.
It suits you if you race on road and the fit of a conventional racer is what has been putting you off one. Altra puts it at road racing and speedwork, which is exactly where a plate pays.
It is not zero drop, and that surprises people. Altra built this one with a raised heel, so if a level platform is why you came to the brand, know that the racing shoe breaks it. It is also not a trainer — the foam is quick and expensive and will not survive easy miles.