I need to stop running in shoes with a 10mm heel drop. None of the ones I’ve tried are shoes I’d recommend.
But, in an attempt to stay open minded, I tried the Tracksmith Eliot Racer. Hoping these would be different, I went balls-to-walls and tried their best, most expensive shoe.
Man was I wrong.
Current Conditions
Since it’s still winter and cold morning runs quickly become repetitive, I run indoors on a treadmill for my weekly easy run. These runs tend to be tragically uneventful and boring, but that wasn’t the case this past week.
After a good leg day lift on Tuesday, I was super sore for Wednesday’s easy run.
It was a 5 mile run at a conversational pace, and by mile two the outside of my right knee was hurting. I focused more on my form and tried to run the absolute best I could. By the last mile, the pain was sharp and constant.
I don’t know if it was because of the soreness, exhaustion, or what, but my right knee is still hurting.
Do I blame the shoes?
What Are These Things?
I try to run ~50 miles in every pair of running shoes I write about. The only exceptions, like the Tracksmith Eliot Racers, are when they’re just not good to run in. Aka, they’re harmful to run in.
I honestly didn’t expect this poor of an experience after strong first impressions.
They’re extremely soft, plush, and shockingly light. Both the midsole and inserts have a lot of natural cushion and bounce, just like the Brooks Glycerin Max.
As a whole, the Eliot Racers have a trampoline, bubble-like rebound whether you’re walking or running. Something that initially seems encouraging to then run in.
But, from the very first run in the Eliot Racers, the bottoms of my feet hurt. Coming from the Fivefingers Trailopes, I assumed that my body just needed to acclimate to the new shoes… until I was halfway through a 7.5 mile run, and my calves joined in with a fury.
If there’s anything this first run made clear, it’s that the shoes would require an adjustment period.
Stealth Wealth Styling
Coming back from that run, the first thing I got used to was Tracksmith’s styling. Even my fashion-forward sister-in-law loves the look of them!
At first glance the Eliot Racers are subtly basic, but when you lace them up you notice a lot of seriously nice touches. For example, the upper it fantastically thin, light, and breathable.
It’s this space-like plastic that’s becoming more common on race-specific running shoes. (One of my favorite running shoe trends, that I want more of.)
The laces are one of a kind too. Featuring a dual texture, the tops are supremely soft while the bottoms have an invisible layer that’s extremely grippy. Ensuring your shoes don’t loosen or move around during a run.
Even the inside of the shoes utilizes a similar coating, except it’s like an ultra-thin rubber that holds your socks/feet tight on the inside.
However, with the flashy gold patches and bunny on the outside of the shoes, they very much exude the trust-fund baby vibe. Something that I do not care for.
Routine Running
Obviously, I needed to get used to these shoes in a few ways. But the simple reality is that I still haven’t. And I won’t be giving them any more chances.
After running indoors and outdoors, completing multiple speed runs and casual runs, as well as running on different surfaces, I’m done with them.
It’s been 38 miles of trying to be patient and enduring discomfort. And I’ve had enough.
These shoes are for paved surfaces, and nothing else! I like to mix it up on my runs, something I can’t do with the Eliot Racers. And it doesn’t matter how fine or coarse a gravel road is. At no point do I feel stable.
Instead, I feel like a twisted ankle is one step away every stride.
And no matter how many miles I run on roads, there’s always something on the edge of hurting. Something that begins to hurt within the next 3-5 minutes. Aka every run something went wrong.
Lower back, knees, ankles, feet, calves, etc. One or more of these areas hurt on at least one of the runs.
The Recap
I’m trying not to be too dramatic. Heck, there’s still a small part of me that thinks, “The next run will be better.” But that’s insanity speaking.
The only way I would recommend these shoes, is if someone is a die hard for shoes that have 10mm heel-to-toe drops. But for $280, that person must really dislike Nike and other established brands, AND enjoy the trust-fund, preppy-like style that these boasts.
If that’s you, then I would recommend sizing up by ½ a size to ensure your toes have enough room to spread out. Other than that, good luck!