I’m obsessed with Tracksmith’s Eliot Runner shoes for travel

Anyone who wants to keep their running routine while traveling, or just likes to take a jog in a new location, knows the pain of trying to find room in their bag for a pair of running shoes. Most running shoes aren’t small.

Not only size, but lots of running shoes are bright and bold, which makes them tough to wear with business attire. I’ve become obsessed with the Tracksmith Eliot Runner shoes for travel because they buck those trends.

Instead, the Eliot Runner shoes have a modern, sophisticated design that makes them suitable for all kinds of events. Plus, they aren’t bulky. Buying running shoes specifically for travel might not be in everyone’s budget. But the Eliot Runner might also be the perfect travel hack for anyone who can’t leave their running shoes at home when business calls.

The Eliot Runner’s design is tough to beat

The primary objective for running shoes is that they should be good for running. The foam, the traction, the laces, all of these things should contribute to a productive running experience. That’s obvious. But for all the running shoes out there, few of them have those features, plus a subtle, minimal design.

The appearance is less of an issue if you’re only lacing them up at home. But as I’ve been traveling more, I’ve needed to bring running shoes with me so I don’t miss too many training days. The classier design of the Tracksmith Eliot Runner has allowed me to double their usefulness by wearing them to meetings, besides just using them for running.

In other words, I don’t have to pack casual shoes, business shoes, and running shoes. The Eliot Runner can work in multiple roles, depending on the type of travel.

Looks are subjective, so the style of the Eliot Runner might not be for everyone. But they are some of the most business casual running shoes I’ve found. And I’ve looked a lot. So, people looking to avoid packing any extra shoes, these can do the trick.

Even when you’re not traveling, the Eliot Runner is a good running shoe

Even though the design is an important part of making the Eliot Runner shoes good for travel, they have substance to back up their vanity. The shoes use Pebax for the midsole, have a 9mm drop, and weigh about 9.2 ounces (for a men’s size 9).

The company describes the under-foot system in two parts. The first is a “softer, thicker Pebax insole directly under foot,” and the second is a “firmer midsole made from supercritical foam.” It’s designed to offer high energy return along with a cushioned support.

I’ve easily put over 150 miles on my pair of Eliot Runner shoes, and that’s exactly how I would describe them, too. They’re responsive, without being bouncy. They’re firm, without being hard. Critically, even after that many miles, they feel as fresh to me as they did on my first run.

I’ve also appreciated the thick laces, which feel unbreakable. They stay tied in every condition. The upper material also feels durable, yet refined.

Since these aren’t plated shoes, it means they’re good for walking and day excursions. All around, they’re extremely versatile.

Should you buy the Tracksmith Eliot Runner?

After spending months with the Tracksmith Eliot Runner, I’ve found them to be a very good daily trainer. Even better, their minimal, elegant design makes them perfect for travel. They’re my go-to running shoes for traveling.

The Eliot Runner is a premium-priced running shoe. Comparatively, their $198 price puts them above most other products in their daily trainer class. But if you can justify the price to use them for running, travel, and saving space in your suitcase, then the price becomes easier to swallow. Tracksmith also has a 100-mile (or 30-day) refund offer, including return shipping, so if you don’t end up liking them, there’s not much to lose.