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The Tracksmith Eliot Runner is the first running shoe from Tracksmith. Tracksmith is already known for its high-end apparel, and it decided to enter the running shoe world, too. The Eliot Runner is a sleek trainer using PEBAX foam, usually saved for racing shoes. I was curious with how the running shoe would fit and feel.
I first noticed that the Tracksmith Eliot Runner looks modern and sleek. It looks more like a shoe I want to wear casually. It's not a secret that Tracksmith Eliot Runner looks good. It's a shoe you want to wear casually, not a shoe I want to run in. In fact, I don't usually run in the desert in the Eliot Runner because I don't want to get them dirty. But keep in mind, the more you walk around casually in a running shoe, the more it wears out.
Tracksmith Eliot Runner Stats:
Price: $198
Weight: 9.2oz
Heel Toe Drop: 9mm
What kind of shoe is it? daily trainer
The Eliot Runner is the Tracksmith's first running shoe. Even with a PEBAX midsole, it feels like a traditional super shoe. PEBAX is usually saved for racing shoes because it's expensive and generally "faster." In a nutshell, the Eliot Runner is a relatively narrow-fitting, neutral trainer with a responsive ride. It does feel faster than a traditional soft daily trainer, but not fast enough that you want to race in it.
I've heard from several people that different colors of the Tracksmith Eliot Runner fit differently. Yikes, that can't be great for the brand. I have the white/navy and found them to be on the narrow side but true to size. I didn't have to adjust my size.
At $198, you hope the shoe's upper feels premium, and it does. It's soft with no heel slippage. A single blue stripe is on the side, and the rest of the shoe is white. It's a sleek shoe, and you would want to wear it outside of running.
The best-running shoe uppers disappear off your feet; for the most part, the Tracksmith Eliot Runner does just that. The engineered mesh upper stretches, and I haven't had any hot spots despite the shoe fitting reasonably narrow. One thing to remember is the lower heel collar, which will take time to get used to.
The tongue and heel counter have a nice amount of padding and Eliot Runner has the back eyelet to do the runners knot, or any special knot you need to keep your shoes secure.
Finally, you'll notice the ultra-plush and premium sock liner. Many brands claim they have a plush sock liner, but the Tracksmith Eliot Runner does. I don't think I've seen a more plush one. Tracksmith should start selling these sock liners too.
I tend to wear between a women's size 10-11 wide in running shoes. I've found the women's size 11 to fit the best. You'll likely want to go up at least a half size if you have a wider foot.
Interestingly, Tracksmith chose to use PEBAX since that is generally a "fast shoe" material. But not all PEBAX is created equally, and the midsole of the Tracksmith Eliot Runner has two components:
Together, these make up the midsole. The sock liner adds some softness to the shoe. If you decide you want to run a little faster, the Eliot Runner picks up the pace well with no issue. I think I've run as fast as 6:30 in the Eliot Runner, but it didn't feel as smooth or comfortable as a carbon-plated shoe.
I wondered what kind of shoe the Tracksmith Eliot Runner would be. An easy run shoe? Daily run? The PEBAX made me think it might handle workouts moderately well. I've found it's an excellent everyday run shoe. I prefer something lighter and faster for workouts and something more soft for recovery runs.
It does handle faster paces moderately well. As mentioned it's not something I would want to race in, but if you want to pick up the pace, it works pretty well. It's a versatile running shoe I would pack if I could bring a single pair with me and needed something that could handle everything.
When you flip over the Tracksmith Eliot Runner, you'll notice how much rubber is on the bottom. Maybe they were inspired by New England winters and not sliding around. I've used the Eliot Runner in all conditions, including rain, without issue. I occasionally take them out onto the sandy trails and don't have any sliding there, either.
Regarding durability, I have about 200 miles on my Eliot Runner with no signs of it slowing down. It will likely last the entire 400 miles, which is excellent because the $198 daily trainer is not cheap.
While the Tracksmith Eliot Runner is a more expensive shoe, it is an excellent daily trainer. Is it way better than a $140 or $150 daily trainer? Not really; you're paying for the Tracksmith name. It is a good option if you are looking for a daily trainer.
Who should buy the Tracksmith Eliot Runner? If you are looking for a daily trainer, that looks good, with great traction, and money is not a problem.
Who should not buy the Tracksmith Eliot Runner? If you have wider feet or don't want to pay $198 for a daily trainer.
I was paid to write an honest review about a shoe of my choice.
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