We’re living in the golden age of running shoes, with innovation at every turn. But can a brand known primarily for apparel shake up the racing shoe scene with just its second-ever release? Honestly, I would’ve said, “No way.” But then I met my new best friend—the Tracksmith Eliot Racer.
Every detail of this shoe feels intentional, from its crisp, preppy design to its innovative removable midsole. It’s sleek, fast, and effortlessly refined.
The ride is smooth, the speed is electric, and the comfort is dialed in. I don’t know if it’s possible to run with my pinkie up… but in this shoe, I just might try.
Who Is It Good For?
Who is the Tracksmith Eliot Racer a good fit for?
Let’s break it down by some common categories:
- Wide Feet: Yes! Super accommodating fit for all runners.
- Heavier Runners:Same. Plush cushioning and structure.
- Long Runs:The shoe’s bread and butter.
- Front of the Pack: Runners of all abilities can find joy in this shoe. Those at the front will probably prefer it as a high-end trainer, while those in the middle and back can rock it for race day.
The Eliot Racer is a rare hare, blending speed and comfort in a way few racing shoes do. Built for race day, it’s smooth enough to carry you through a marathon yet fast enough to chase down a 3:30 finish (or better).
Eliot Racer Overview
Tracksmith has built a devoted following with its preppy yet highly functional apparel—clean lines, understated colorways, and gear that delivers on performance. Can a brand known for heritage-inspired aesthetics really deliver a race-day shoe?
I haven’t tested 2023’s Eliot Runner (though you should check out Coach Amanda’s thoughts on it!), but unboxing the Eliot Racer was an experience in itself. A beautifully designed box, a letter from the CEO, a canvas shoe bag, and—most importantly—an acknowledgment of the sacred nature of race day.
And the shoe? Simply stunning. A reminder that speed doesn’t have to be loud. With its vintage-inspired silhouette, the Eliot Racer feels like a relic from the past, yet one I couldn’t wait to lace up and push in the present.
But this isn’t just a pretty shoe. Tracksmith teamed up with Heeluxe, an independent biomechanics lab, to put it through its paces. The result? The Eliot Racer ranks in the top five percent of all shoes the lab has tested for energy return. Serious validation from an objective source.
Then there’s the midsole; it’s entirely removable, with an embedded message that hits home: race day is sacred.
For some reason, wearing this shoe made me feel like I was stepping into a movie montage, one of those cinematic sequences where every stride is smooth, effortless, and full of purpose. The Eliot Racer just has that kind of presence.
Eliot Racer Specs
- Weight: 7.7 oz in both Women’s and Men’s
- Stack Height: 38 mm
- Heel Drop: 7.5 mm
- Available in 2 colorways
- Not available in wide
- Available on Tracksmith.com for $280
Eliot Racer Fit
The moment I slipped these on, my first reaction was a drawn-out, satisfied “ooooooooh.” Tracksmith absolutely nailed the fit.
The upper is translucent and breathable, yet it provides just the right amount of structure, unlike the more cavalier feel of something like the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0. It’s balanced, controlled, and built to last. The suede-like tongue and lightly padded heel collar add a touch of comfort without excess bulk, locking my foot in securely with zero slipping or discomfort. They say, “If the shoe fits…” Well, this one does. With class.
Lacing is straightforward and functional, reinforcing that Tracksmith wasn’t just focused on performance (we’ll get to that soon) but also craftsmanship and durability. The exposed heel counter is a unique design choice—not something you see every day—but it blends seamlessly into the shoe’s overall aesthetic.
The midfoot opens up just enough to feel natural while still hugging and supporting the foot. Meanwhile, the toe box is generous, with plenty of room to splay your toes without feeling sloppy. The fit is true to size, and in my men’s 11, I felt right at home from the first step.
Even cushioning from heel to toe gives the Eliot Racer a distinct feel compared to many other racing shoes that tend to be more aggressive up front. And after testing a lot of shoes this year, I can confidently say this is my favorite fit of 2025 so far.
Eliot Racer Feel
The Eliot Racer isn’t trying to be the bounciest, squishiest supershoe on the market—and honestly, that’s what makes it so good.
Instead of chasing maxed-out foam stacks, Tracksmith delivers a ride that’s lively, cushioned, and ridiculously smooth.
At the heart of it is a removable ATPU midsole. No sockliner, no extra glue, nothing unnecessary to weigh you down. That midsole sits on a layer of Pebax-based foam and a spoon-shaped carbon plate, creating a ride that feels cushy yet controlled. It’s got pop, but without the bouncehouse effect of the Nike Alphafly or Saucony Endorphin Elite. And unlike those shoes, the Eliot Racer is far more stable.
The rocker is shaped like an exponential curve, which means the ride is smooth at any pace. No aggressive forward tipping like some supershoes. If you’ve ever felt like other racers were forcing you into a stride that wasn’t quite natural, this might be the perfect fix.
Marathon pace (6:40 for me) feels smooth and accessible, but this shoe isn’t just for long distances—it’s just as sharp in a 10K or even a 5K.
Honestly, it might be the most versatile supershoe I’ve ever run in.
The gold sash across the midfoot isn’t just for show. It locks things down while connecting to the carbon plate and foam layers. If I had to find a flaw, I’d say the heel can feel a little sloshy on sharper turns, making you more aware of your ankle stability. Nothing major, but worth noting.
And that outsole? Outstanding. Thick, grippy, and built for roads, tracks, and treadmills alike. No skimping on durability here. I have logged more than 50 miles in the shoe with no visible signs of wear and tear.
I enjoyed every single stride in the Eliot Racer. Whether you’re looking for a high-end daily trainer or your next race day shoe, I think you will too.
Similar Shoes to the Eliot Racer
We’ve tested a few that feel similar, but different based on the brand fit:
- New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite 4 – Less cushioned but awesome fit
- Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 – Not as fast but a fantastic plated shoe for midpack or training
- Asics Metaspeed Sky – Even more cushion with a lot of pop
That’s it, my friends! I hope you enjoyed reading about my miles in the Tracksmith Eliot Racer!
Not sure we could give it a more glowing review!
Who Tried It?
Hiya! I’m Jeff, a marathon-loving runner in Kansas City. Running keeps me mentally and physically healthy, and every day, I fall more in love with the sport. I usually log 45 miles a week, but right now, I’m training for the OKC Marathon in April and Grandma’s Marathon in June—let me know if you’ll be at either!
Follow my running journey on Instagram @jaruane.
Looking for more speedy running?
- Best Carbon Plated Running Shoes Right Now (ok we think it needs an update with this shoe!)
- The Best Speed Work for Runners
- Marathon Fueling Strategy – the key to your next PR
- What Running a Marathon Does to Your Body
Marathon Fueling Strategy | What to Eat, When and How Much on Race Day
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