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:
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A cushioned, responsive ride
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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
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Stack Height: 33.5 mm (heel) / 24.5 mm (forefoot)
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Drop: 9 mm
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A removable 10 mm PEAX foam insert
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A firmer PEBA layer beneath
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Breathable engineered mesh
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Snug, foot-locking fit
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Faux-suede accents for a vintage aesthetic
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Decorative tab on the heel (not a functional pull tab)
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Navy / White
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White / Navy
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Wine / Ivory
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Ivory / Ivory
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Ivory / Wine
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Black
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$198 – This places the Eliot Runner above the typical daily trainer, something worth keeping in mind when evaluating performance versus purpose.
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Nike Pegasus — similar softness, responsiveness, and ride feel, but at a significantly lower price.
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Hoka Clifton — similar plushness and elevated underfoot feel, though the Eliot’s removable insole changes the stack dynamics.
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It felt more responsive—more “poppy”—than anticipated.
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The stability impressed me, especially given the dual foam setup.
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Breathability wasn’t exceptional, but matched expectations based on the upper material.
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Responsive, cushioned, surprisingly lively ride
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Unique dual-foam system enhances comfort
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Stylish retro aesthetic with high-quality details
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Lightweight feel on foot
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Washes well (though machine washing is not officially recommended)
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Removable insert dries quickly for wet conditions
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Premium price at $198
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Not intended for long runs
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Slightly narrow fit for some runners
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Aesthetic appeal may make runners hesitant to “beat them up”
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Some interior seams may bother barefoot runners
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Tracksmith fans who value performance blended with heritage aesthetics
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Daily runners seeking a comfortable, responsive trainer for moderate mileage
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Travelers who want one shoe that works for both running and casual wear
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Collectors of vintage-inspired gear who want a unique footwear piece
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:
Together, these elements create a progressive cushioning system aimed at comfort and stability across a variety of paces.
Upper Construction
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:
The pair reviewed here is Ivory Gold, a shade no longer available—a bit of a disappointment given its unique look.
Price
Comparison to Other Shoes
Comparisons are tricky because this shoe straddles performance and lifestyle. Two models come closest:
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:
One note: Because the shoe looks stylish, I found myself avoiding puddles and dirt more than usual.
Pros
Cons
Who This Shoe Is For
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.