Prepare for trail running enthusiasts: Tracksmith's debut trail shoes boast Merino wool innersoles and Vibram outsoles, offering comfort, but their lightweight design carries a high cost.
The Tracksmith Eliot Range trail running shoes, the brand's first pair designed for rugged wilderness trails, have generated a buzz in the running community. Priced at $240, these shoes are among the most expensive pairs on the market, but do they justify the high price tag?
Performance Comparison
The Eliot Range excels in moderately technical trails, offering excellent traction thanks to the Vibram XS Trek Evo outsole. It provides a snappy feel and is lightweight, making it suitable for runners who prefer a nimble ride. However, it might not be ideal for highly technical trails due to its lack of a toe plate and somewhat road-oriented fit.
The Merrell Skyfire 2, a competitor, is known for its stability and support, often preferred by runners who need protection on technical trails. It typically offers more cushioning than the Eliot Range, which can be beneficial for longer trail runs or rough terrain.
The Saucony Endorphin Edge, designed for serious trail enthusiasts, focuses on speed and agility on technical trails. It features a unique rocker design that aids in propulsion and a more substantial toe cap for protection, making it suitable for challenging terrain.
Comfort Comparison
The Eliot Range offers a soft Merino wool lining for comfort and breathability, which is praised for its natural odor resistance. However, it has a narrower fit, which might not suit all foot types.
The Merrell Skyfire 2 is often noted for its comfortable fit and adequate toe room, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more spacious toe box. It provides a balance of support and cushioning.
The Saucony Endorphin Edge is known for its responsive ride, offering a snug fit and can be more suitable for those who prefer a performance-oriented shoe with less cushioning overall.
Price and Value
At $240, the Eliot Range is relatively high compared to some other trail running shoes. However, it offers a unique blend of performance and stylish design. Both Merrell Skyfire 2 and Saucony Endorphin Edge generally offer competitive pricing with the Eliot Range, depending on the retailer and any sales, but might provide different value propositions based on specific features like protection and cushioning.
Conclusion
Whether the Tracksmith Eliot Range is worth the $240 price tag depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize agility, a lightweight feel, and moderate trail performance with excellent traction, the Eliot Range might be a good choice. However, if you need more cushioning or protection for technical trails, options like the Merrell Skyfire 2 or Saucony Endorphin Edge might offer better value. Additionally, runners with wider feet might find the Eliot Range less suitable due to its narrower fit.
In summary, the decision should be based on your specific trail running needs—whether you prioritize performance on lighter trails with a focus on speed, or if you require more support and cushioning for technical terrain. The high price of the Eliot Range raises questions about its worth, but its unique features and performance might make it a worthy investment for some runners.
Additional Information
- Vibram outsoles typically feature an aggressive formation of rubber lugs, designed to dig into rough terrain and prevent slipping.
- Merino wool is a popular choice for outdoor brands due to its smooth, non-itchy finish and temperature regulating performance.
- The Eliot Range shoes are lightweight, with a men's US size 9 weighing 9.9 oz (281g) per shoe.
- The Saucony Endorphin Edge shoes, ranked as the overall favorite trail running pair, also cost $200 (£200).
- The Merrell Skyfire 2 and Saucony Endorphin Edge are cheaper alternatives to the Eliot Range trail running shoes.
- The Eliot Range trail running shoes are priced at $240 (US only).
