Tracksmith’s new running shoe has Brooks Glycerin Max cushioning without the bulk

The Tracksmith Eliot Ryder are the latest running shoes purpose-built to go far and leisurely. They won’t win you a race, but the max-cushion, 45mm foam height will make your feet very happy after putting in the miles on the road.

I’ve been running with the Eliot Ryder for just over 25 miles in my initial tests. So far, the running shoe has wowed me with its design, comfort, and stability.

It may have a lot of foam, but it doesn’t look like it or feel like it. If you’re looking for a recovery running shoe for a slower pace or one for longer runs, the Eliot Ryder is a max-cushion shoe without the same downsides as others. There’s no max ugly here.

The Eliot Ryder doesn’t look or feel tall

The secret to the Eliot Ryder’s overall appeal is its 25mm of drop-in supercritical ATPU foam. The company describes it as feeling like you’re standing in the foam, rather than on top of it. After my initial miles, I agree.

Despite having 45mm of total foam stack height, I’ve been blown away by how much ground contact it feels like I have. I have Brooks’ first-gen Glycerin Max shoe, which has a similar amount of foam height. Those shoes feel like towering platforms.

I was jabbed endlessly by my family every time I put the Glycerin Max shoes on because of their tall, silly appearance. The midsole is so bulbous-looking! The Eliot Ryder not only haven’t been mocked, but were actually complimented before I could ask for an opinion.

I’m not sure if the Eliot Ryder are suitable to be your everyday shoes or are ideal travel running shoes, but they do hide the foam well. They don’t stand out or look obvious. So, in that regard, they can be worn in more situations.

On the road, running with the Eliot Ryder

My first runs with the Eliot Ryder have been smooth and comfortable, but they haven’t been speedy. That’s my biggest takeaway so far. These shoes don’t reward you for increased effort. Instead, they encourage you to hang back a bit and enjoy the trek.

While I don’t crave stability in my running shoes, the Eliot Ryder feels secure and heavily resistant to rolls. The shoe feels like it’s much closer to the ground than it probably is. That’s one area these shoes will be deceiving. That will give the illusion that they can be faster than they are.

Even with about the same stride and effort, my average pace slowed when using the Eliot Ryder. If you do find yourself pushing faster more often, then Tracksmith’s other Eliot Runner shoes will be a better fit for more energy return.

• The shoe has a rockered midsole design and a 7mm drop. Transitions have been smooth and natural. The heel lock feels good while the engineered woven upper hasn’t gotten too warm.
• The toebox is roomy without letting my feet slide around. I haven’t experienced any rubbing or hints of blisters.
• The weight is ideal for a max-cushion shoe—most shoes really. I don’t feel like I’m dragging anything under my feet.
• It’s too early to really comment on the grip and traction, but I haven’t had any issues so far.
• My biggest complaint so far remains minor. The laces are quite long if you don’t use a runner’s loop. Even double-knotting them leaves a lot of excess. However, the laces seem strong and durable. 

Should you buy the Tracksmith Eliot Ryder?

I had a feeling I was going to like the Tracksmith Eliot Ryder even before I laced them up. They address a major concern with all tall, max-foam running shoes with their more refined design. They don't feel tall, and they're not ugly.

But even beyond the aesthetic, the Eliot Ryder delivers on comfort. It's still early in my use, but they seem to be the longer-distance, slower-paced running shoes I've been waiting for.

While the $220 retail price might be a lot to swallow, it's not outrageous compared to shoes from other companies that continue to creep up in price. Despite the high price, people searching for this type of shoe to add to their regular rotation can still find value despite the premium cost.

The toughest decision might be picking a color to buy because as classic as the navy blue is, the ivory with green is hot. The Eliot Ryder is available starting July 15.