Tracksmith Eliot Range Review: A Strong Trail Return That Needs Fine-Tuning

We put the new Tracksmith Elite Range trail shoe to the test in the Colorado mountains to give you a complete review.This isn’t Tracksmith’s first foray into trail running, but they would say it’s their best foot forward. The team put in some long hours really exploring what they wanted from a shoe in terms of materials and performance.

After hearing from a variety of athletes that they’re spending more time on the trails to play, Tracksmith wanted to come back with a technical collection that was more than a road to trail shoe, but maybe not a Killian Jornet let’s tackle every mountain we see shoe.

Knowing that like every brand they will continue to refine things, we’re pretty impressed by the starting point.

The Eliot Range is a moderately cushioned trail shoe, that really shines on the less technical runs where you can enjoy getting in to a flow with a little speed and yet knowing you have great traction.

Tracksmith Eliot Range Overview

Early this year we surprised a lot of people by calling the Tracksmith Eliot Racer one of our top shoes. What can we say, when we like a shoe we aren’t concerned with whether it’s “supposed” to be a top shoe or not. We know what feels good and who it’s going to work for.

I feel like the Eliot Range might fall in this category again.

The shoe is built on the original Eliot Runner frame and yet it felt different to me. One of the things I noticed in the original was a little bump under the heel (that being said it became my I need to travel and run with 1 shoe option). This almost immediately reminded me of one of my long time trail favorites the Saucony Peregrine.

That’s some seriously high praise.

Those looking for a big max cushioned shoe can move on, but everyone who enjoys a little bit more ground feel for better footing is going to be pretty happy. You’ll also be happy with a shoe that doesn’t suck out your energy in that big cushy foam, but allows you to feel light and nimble (even if I’m not quick on rooty rocky trails).

You might be less happy with the price point, but that’s to be expected with all Tracksmith gear.  Some of the price comes simply from the way the brand operates, but additionally from the full merino bootie AND the injected PEBAX nylon plate.While the plate can add a little pop and speed, definitely noticeable in this shoe, overall it’s serving the same function as a rock plate. The super critical top layer foam, really did give this shoe a nice cushioned feel that kept the feeling of being able to pick up the pace.

I’m rarely out on a big mountain trail trying to hit top speeds, so I also tested this on dirt roads, some gravel paths and less technical terrain. It flowed. And that’s a great compliment for a trail shoe.

The Vibram outsole did it’s job. Giving me trusted traction over boulder fields, without getting stuck in areas that were softer due to the 3mm lugs. It’s a little harder to see on the all green vs the red pair, but there’s also a light outer shell that provides structure to the merino and provides some waterproofing.

To be clear it’s not GORETEX completely waterproof shoe, but will be great in those early mornings running through some dew filled grass or we hit some water crossings on the way up the mountain and a little bit of water was no issue.

Tracksmith Eliot Ranger Fit

This shoe runs true to size in length, but narrow from tip to heel. That’s a pretty standard fit for Tracksmith, so nothing new, but not accommodating for a wider foot or those seeking a bigger toe box.That being said, I was plenty comfortable for two hours on the trails. The merino bootie fit means no issues with a tongue that moves, feels overly padded or cuts in to the ankle. Yup, it’s the same merino as the Brighton base layer shirt that we’ve recommended many times.

I could see this feeling a bit warm for some people because it’s a little thick, but merino is one of the best possible fabrics for summer running so…again I was comfortable! And bonus points for all the stinky feet out there because we know Merino is an odor manager.

There is an outer loop hole for heel lock lacing, but with the bootie fit I didn’t find it necessary. I’m not entirely sure if there would have been enough lacing to make it happen either.While there is a little padding around midway up the heel of the shoe on the inside, you’ll notice it’s not a big padded collar. This can be an issue for some who run in to issues with rubbing. I am usually those some people and had not a problem on any run.

What to read next?

• See all of our Trail Running Shoe reviews
• Hoka Tecton X3 Review – A bouncy carbon plated shoe
• Altra Lone Peak 9 – A wide technical shoe