Newly Released Tracksmith Super Shoe Overshadows Competition Yet Stays Under the Radar
Tracksmith Introduces the Eliot Racer Super Shoe
Nike may have pioneered the super shoe trend with the Vaporfly 4% in 2017, but Tracksmith has now entered the fray with the Eliot Racer Super Shoe. This premium trainer, launched in 2022, offers a unique blend of comfort, speed, and thoughtful design, catering to a variety of foot types and running goals.
The Eliot Racer stands out with a 7.5mm heel-toe drop, a lightweight construction of 7.7 oz for both men and women, and a 38mm stack height that balances cushioning with responsiveness. The midsole is crafted with a layer of Pebax-based foam and a spoon-shaped carbon plate, delivering excellent energy return. According to biomechanics testing by Heeluxe, the shoe ranks in the top 5% for energy return.
One key feature that sets the Eliot Racer apart is the removable midsole insert. This allows runners to customise the cushioning, saving it for races or personal best efforts. The shoe also offers a generous toe box while maintaining support and stability, and fits true to size. The outsole is thick and grippy, suitable for various surface types, contributing to durability without excess bulk.
The Eliot Racer is both comfortable and fast, making it suitable for long runs, marathon racing, and a wide range of body and foot types. Thanks to its carbon plate and responsive Pebax foam, it provides a springy feel with high energy return, helping improve running efficiency. Stability and support combined with a balanced cushioning profile reduce fatigue over extended distances.
The drop-in midsole of the Eliot Racer is free-floating on the interior of the sneaker with a mapped distribution for better propulsion. The standard laces have a silicone skin to prevent them from coming undone during a race. The Eliot Racer looks similar to the Eliot Runner but delivers the highest energy return of any shoe tested in the lab.
The Eliot Racer is available in two colours: ivory-gold and black-gold. It weighs approximately 7.7oz (U.S. men's size 9) and is made of an engineered woven mesh upper with a microsuede lining. The rubber outsole ensures durability.
Tracksmith is a highly respected boutique running brand founded in 2014. Based in New England, the brand focuses on making running garments for non-professional competitive runners. Since 2020, every major world record in endurance racing has been broken by a wearer of super shoes. The price of the Eliot Racer is $280, a significant jump from the Eliot Runner's $198 price tag.
Tracksmith aims to eliminate the controversy surrounding super shoes by keeping cushioning at a minimum and focusing on the athletes themselves. The average number of world record-breaking performances per year has increased from about 2 from 2010 to 2016 to 7 in the past five years, with 11 in 2021 alone. The Eliot Racer Super Shoe is a testament to Tracksmith's commitment to pushing the boundaries of running technology and performance.
The Eliot Racer Super Shoe, unveiled by Tracksmith in 2022, showcases a fusion of style and advanced technology in its footwear line, featuring a sleek design that complements its impressive performance capabilities. Runners can appreciate the optimized balance of comfort, speed, and design offered by the removable midsole insert, while the Pebax-based foam and carbon plate deliver enhanced energy return, as evidenced by biomechanics testing.
The shoes' durability is ensured by the thick, grippy outsole, providing traction on various surfaces without compromising lightweight construction. With its availability in two colors and engineered woven mesh upper, the Eliot Racer Super Shoe boldly represents a significant leap forward in sports footwear technology, catering to both long runs and marathon racing for a wide range of body and foot types.
