Inspired by the endurance and power of the horse, the Swift Running Equus is built for runners chasing speed, strength, and style. With a full carbon-fiber plate, E-TPU “pellet” midsole, and a featherlight build under 7 oz, it’s positioned as Swift’s premier performance model—engineered for race day but versatile enough for long training miles.
Jenna logged over 35 miles, including the Long Beach Half Marathon, while Jason tested the Equus on daily road and indoor track runs, totaling roughly the same distance. Both found the shoe impressively light, stable, and propulsive, with the carbon plate adding subtle stiffness and the E-TPU midsole delivering a lively, cushioned feel.
Jenna praised its “marshmallow bounce” and springy comfort through 13 miles, while Jason highlighted the thick padding and overall secure fit. However, both noted that the shoe runs small and narrow in the toe box, with Jenna recommending a half-size up for optimal comfort.
In short, the Equus blends race-day energy return with daily-run dependability, offering standout performance in a lightweight package—just be sure to nail your sizing before you lace up.
The Equus At-A-Glance
Swift Running Equus Specs
- Weight: 7.2 oz (Men’s 9) / 6.9 oz (Women’s 8)
- Stack Height: 40 mm heel
- Drop: 8 mm
- Midsole: E-TPU “pellet” foam with full carbon-fiber plate
- Upper: Lightweight breathable mesh
- Outsole: Durable CPU rubber
- Best for: Races | Tempo runs | Long-distance training
- Price: $135
The Swift Running Equus makes an instant impression with its sleek design and featherlight feel, pairing race-day tech with everyday comfort. Jenna described it as “bouncing off marshmallows,” praising the cushioning and rebound for her half marathon effort, while Jason noted the secure fit and firm padding that held up across daily 5K runs.
Both runners agreed that the Equus feels fast, springy, and efficient, but sizing is critical: it runs about a half-size small with a narrow toe box. Once dialed in, the shoe offers a responsive, propulsive ride that balances comfort with performance—an impressive effort from Swift’s lineup.
The Upper
The Swift Running Equus features a lightweight, open-weave mesh upper designed for ventilation and race-ready security. Both Jenna and Jason praised its breathable feel and sleek appearance, noting that it stays cool on hot road runs and locks down well once laced.
Jenna highlighted how the tongue slides neatly into place and stays put, even through half-marathon miles, while Jason appreciated the thin, form-fitting upper that hugged the foot without creating hot spots. However, both runners noted that the fit runs small and narrow, with Jenna experiencing toe pressure and bruising after longer efforts.
“The weaving is so open you can see your socks through it—super breathable and fun, but definitely runs small.”
The result is an upper that delivers exceptional breathability and a precise, race-like fit, best suited for runners who prefer a snug feel. Those with wider feet—or who plan to use the Equus for long-distance training—should consider sizing up for a more comfortable experience.
The Midsole
At the heart of the Swift Running Equus lies an E-TPU “pellet” midsole paired with a full-length carbon-fiber plate, engineered to deliver responsiveness, rebound, and stability at speed. The combination produces a smooth, propulsive ride that feels fast underfoot but remains forgiving enough for longer efforts.
Jenna loved the cushioning balance, describing it as “bouncing off marshmallows”—soft enough for comfort but not so squishy that it slowed her down. She noted the foam seemed to “form to her feet” after a few runs, providing great comfort during her half marathon. Jason found the midsole well-padded and stable, though he experienced mild foot fatigue early on—likely from the firmer, performance-oriented setup compared to his usual trainers.
“There’s some really great cushioning—it felt like bouncing off marshmallows, but it wasn’t squishy enough to slow me down.”
Overall, the midsole strikes a strong balance between cushion and control, offering a lively, responsive ride ideal for tempo runs and races. Runners accustomed to softer or higher-stack foams may find it firm at first, but those seeking energy return and long-run efficiency will feel right at home.
The Outsole
The Swift Running Equus features a CPU rubber outsole designed to keep the shoe light while maintaining strong traction and durability. Both Jenna and Jason found it reliable on pavement and hard surfaces, with no signs of early wear even after multiple runs.
Jenna noted that the outsole’s cutout contributes to the shoe’s featherlight feel but can occasionally trap small rocks when on gravel or dirt paths. Jason added that, while the outsole’s appearance reminded him of “pressed styrofoam,” it held up well through repeated testing.
“The outsole looks like styrofoam (in a good way) and seemed to weigh about as much...The opening in the bottom does tend to pick up rocks, however”
Overall, the outsole delivers a smooth, responsive transition and dependable grip, reinforcing the Equus’s strength as a lightweight, road-focused performance shoe built to handle tempo runs, races, and high-mileage training.
How the Equus Stacks Up
Within Swift’s lineup, the Equus stands as the brand’s lightest and most performance-oriented shoe, built to deliver carbon-plated speed for tempo runs, half marathons, and race-day efforts. Compared to the Swift Running Apus and Swift Running Horus, it offers a higher stack height (40mm), a firmer carbon plate, and a noticeably snappier, more propulsive ride.
When measured against mainstream competitors, the Equus holds its own. Jenna Busch noted that it feels bouncier and lighter than the Nike Zoom Pegasus, while maintaining a smoother, more stable transition. She also compared its energy return favorably to the Skechers Aero Spark, pointing out that the Equus delivers similar spring with less weight.
Jason S. found its firmness and geometry comparable to the Saucony Kinvara 14 and Endorphin Speed 2, though he described the Equus as more responsive through the midfoot and better suited for speedwork than recovery runs.
The Equus ultimately fills the role of a budget-friendly carbon racer—a bridge between traditional daily trainers and high-end marathon super shoes like the Nike Vaporfly 3 or Saucony Endorphin Pro. It’s the most aggressive model in Swift’s lineup, ideal for runners seeking a plated shoe for tempo sessions, long-distance races, or high-efficiency training without the premium price tag.
The Equus: Who's It For?
Who Should Buy It:
✅ Runners seeking a budget-friendly carbon plate racer: the Equus delivers race-day propulsion and long-run comfort at a fraction of the cost of similar models.
✅ Tempo and half-marathon runners: its springy E-TPU midsole and full carbon plate make it ideal for sustained efforts between 10K and marathon distance.
✅ Runners who value lightweight efficiency: at under 7 oz, the Equus feels fast and agile, helping maintain quick turnover without fatigue.
✅ Those who prefer firm, responsive cushioning: runners who enjoy a more controlled ride will appreciate its balanced stability.
✅ Style-conscious runners: with bold colorways and sleek design details, the Equus looks as fast as it feels.
Who Should Skip It:
🚫 Wide-footed runners: the fit runs narrow and small; a half-size up is recommended for comfort.
🚫 Runners preferring plush cushioning: if you favor soft landings, the Equus may feel too firm.
🚫 Beginners or casual joggers: this shoe is tuned for efficiency and speed—it shines under effort but may feel overly stiff for recovery or easy runs.
🚫 Trail-focused runners: the lightweight CPU outsole performs best on roads and tracks, not gravel or technical terrain.
Related: Best Wide Running Shoes: 9 Expert Picks for Ultimate Comfort, 4 Low-Cost Running Shoes For Budget-Conscious Runners
The Swift Running Equus is Swift’s most confident step yet into the performance running scene—combining carbon-fiber efficiency, springy E-TPU cushioning, and a featherlight build to create a shoe that feels as fast as it looks. It’s a race-day performer with enough comfort and stability to double as a tempo trainer.
Jenna praised the Equus for its lively, cushioned feel and consistent rebound through 13.1 miles, calling it one of the lightest yet most supportive shoes she’s raced in. Jason added that the build feels substantial and durable, offering solid protection and padding for everyday efforts.
Sizing remains the biggest caveat—it runs small and narrow, with most runners likely needing a half-size up. But once dialed in, the Equus delivers a fast, responsive, and surprisingly cushioned ride that rivals plated trainers at a lower price point.
Lightweight, efficient, and built to last—the Equus proves that you don’t need a $250 super shoe to feel super on race day.
