Tracksmith Eliot Runner Review: Performance Daily Trainer With a Retro Aesthetic
GEAR & SHOE REVIEWS
Tracksmith has officially brought back the Eliot Runner—just in time for fall. Although the shoe launched last year, the brand recently emailed customers announcing its return, suggesting it was previously out of stock. For runners who missed it the first time around, here’s an in-depth look at what to expect.
Before diving in, note that this pair was provided for review, but Tracksmith did not sponsor the content and all opinions are my own.
About Tracksmith
Founded in 2014, Tracksmith is a younger brand rooted in premium craftsmanship and a distinctly vintage, heritage-driven aesthetic. The sash singlets, the small woven tabs, the retro color palettes—those details have become synonymous with the brand’s identity. This matters for the Eliot Runner because the shoe serves not only as performance footwear but also as a style piece aligned with Tracksmith’s culture of quality, tradition, and love of the sport.
Purpose of the Shoe
The Eliot Runner was designed as a daily trainer built for runners who want two things:
A cushioned, responsive ride
The ability to feel natural ground contact
Tracksmith positions this shoe as versatile across natural surfaces, offering a soft yet stable underfoot experience.
Tech Specs
Stack Height: 33.5 mm (heel) / 24.5 mm (forefoot)
Drop: 9 mm
Weight: 9.2 oz (men’s 9) / 8 oz (women’s 7)
These numbers place it squarely within the daily trainer category, though notably lighter than many competitors.
Key Features
PEBA Midsole
The full PEBA midsole is the backbone of the shoe’s responsiveness. PEBA, typically found in elite racing shoes, adds an unexpected level of energy return in a daily trainer.
Two-Part Cushioning System
Tracksmith highlights a dual-component design intended to mimic the softness of natural surfaces. At the heart of this is:
A removable 10 mm PEAX foam insert
A firmer PEBA layer beneath
Together, these elements create a progressive cushioning system aimed at comfort and stability across a variety of paces.
Upper Construction
Breathable engineered mesh
Snug, foot-locking fit
Faux-suede accents for a vintage aesthetic
Decorative tab on the heel (not a functional pull tab)
Outsole & Traction
The outsole features full-coverage rubber with no cutouts, offering durability and moderate traction—helpful for mixed natural surfaces.
Tongue & Laces
The tongue uses the same material as the upper, providing a uniform feel. Laces are soft and secure, integrating seamlessly with the retro design language.
Color Options
Six colorways are available:
Navy / White
White / Navy
Wine / Ivory
Ivory / Ivory
Ivory / Wine
Black
The pair reviewed here is Ivory Gold, a shade no longer available—a bit of a disappointment given its unique look.
Price
$198 - This places the Eliot Runner above the typical daily trainer, something worth keeping in mind when evaluating performance versus purpose.
Comparison to Other Shoes
Comparisons are tricky because this shoe straddles performance and lifestyle. Two models come closest:
Nike Pegasus — similar softness, responsiveness, and ride feel, but at a significantly lower price.
Hoka Clifton — similar plushness and elevated underfoot feel, though the Eliot’s removable insole changes the stack dynamics.
First Impressions
The Tracksmith experience starts before you even lace up. The thicker box, illustrated interior, and branded tissue paper immediately evoke a sense of heritage and nostalgia. This isn’t a shoe you buy solely for performance—it’s something you choose because you already appreciate Tracksmith’s aesthetic.
From a running-performance standpoint, expectations were modest at first. The retro styling and lifestyle appeal led me to believe it may not deliver the responsiveness of more modern-looking trainers. But once on foot, the experience surprised me.
Fit & Feel on the Run
The shoe fits slightly narrow. I could have gone up half a size, particularly because I typically run barefoot in most shoes. The Eliot’s interior stitching makes that uncomfortable, so I had to wear socks, contributing to the snug fit. That said, most online reviews say the shoe runs true to size.
Once on the run:
It felt more responsive—more “poppy”—than anticipated.
The stability impressed me, especially given the dual foam setup.
Breathability wasn’t exceptional, but matched expectations based on the upper material.
One note: Because the shoe looks stylish, I found myself avoiding puddles and dirt more than usual.
Pros
Responsive, cushioned, surprisingly lively ride
Unique dual-foam system enhances comfort
Stylish retro aesthetic with high-quality details
Lightweight feel on foot
Washes well (though machine washing is not officially recommended)
Removable insert dries quickly for wet conditions
Cons
Premium price at $198
Not intended for long runs
Slightly narrow fit for some runners
Aesthetic appeal may make runners hesitant to “beat them up”
Some interior seams may bother barefoot runners
Who This Shoe Is For
Tracksmith fans who value performance blended with heritage aesthetics
Daily runners seeking a comfortable, responsive trainer for moderate mileage
Travelers who want one shoe that works for both running and casual wear
Collectors of vintage-inspired gear who want a unique footwear piece
The Eliot Runner performs better than expected and offers a distinct experience within the daily trainer category. While the price sits high, the value is clear for those who appreciate the brand’s ethos and design language.