I love to run on vacation. I find jogging around a new neighborhood is such a special and invigorating way to explore my surroundings. But luggage space is precious and I don’t like having to choose between bringing my chunky trainers along or using that space for more useful items, like another pair of pants or my bulky hairdryer or even just saving that space for souvenirs. Enter the Tracksmith Eliot runners, my ultimate travel sneaker and top recommendation for anyone who, like me, enjoys breaking a sweat on their vacation.
These Tracksmith Sneakers Are the Ultimate Travel Shoe, Especially for Runners
According to two editors who are totally obsessed
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Published Jul 25, 2024
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Tracksmith
Tracksmith released its first shoe, the Eliot runners, back in 2022, as a training sneaker great for everyday miles for runners of any level. They’re a neutral shoe with a Pebax foam insole and supercritical foam midsole that provides ample cushion without needing to build up the sole to a super-chunky level (a la my beloved Hokas). There are plenty more nerdy, runner-specific facts I could dive into when talking about the Eliot, but the thing that made me most excited to adopt these as an everyday trainer and what earned them a prized spot in my suitcase for trips of any length is the look. Inspired by old-school, vintage trainers, the Eliot runners are sleek and simple with a single contrasting stripe cutting across the midfoot. Unlike most modern running shoes, which tend to go all-in on neon colors, chunky outsoles and highly-visible branding, Tracksmith’s design looks much more like a casual sneaker, akin to Adidas Sambas or Kate Middleton-approved Vejas, meaning I can wear it with everything from my favorite running shorts to a cute sundress.
Senior Editor Dana Dickey is also an avid fan, calling the Tracksmith Eliots a fantastic all-in-one sneaker. “They’re the only shoe I brought on vacay to Provincetown, where I am now, because I knew I'd be playing tennis, so I wanted a shoe that didn't have a lot of tread to tear up a court. But I also wanted a shoe with enough support and that is lightweight enough to run in. Finally, I wanted a shoe that was cute enough to be an airport shoe, to look minimalist and matchy enough for a basic travel khakis and T-shirt look.” The answer: the Eliot. “Voilà! A shoe that does everything.”
Most recently I packed my Tracksmith sneakers for a trip to Dublin, Ireland, wearing them with jeans and a cashmere sweater for the plane, a floral midi skirt and T-shirt for lunch along the Liffey and for jogs around Phoenix Park and St. Stephen’s Green. They kept my feet feeling great and looking stylish throughout the whole trip, though it also unearthed their one flaw as an everyday travel shoe. The mesh upper, while wonderfully breathable and comfortable, allows rain to seep in, something I never really mind when running (I’ll be home soon enough to swap out my socks and shoes after a shower), but that wasn’t ideal when I planned to wear the same socks and shoes for a full day of exploration. So if you’re headed somewhere rainy, you might be better off making room in your suitcase for both a running shoe and a waterproof shoe. (I’ll keep you posted if I stumble upon a weather-proof sneaker that’s as versatile as this Tracksmith style.)
Tracksmith
My Eliots have held up really well, even after months of consistent use and multiple trips. And while I stand by my navy-and-white pair as perhaps the most versatile shoe in my wardrobe, I’ve also got my eye on the all-white design. Or maybe wine-and-ivory for a sporty twist on the unexpected red theory. Either way, they’ve certainly earned a permanent spot in my travel capsule wardrobe.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US women’s 5.5 to 11 and men’s 7 to 13
- Width: medium
- Heel-Toe Drop: 9mm
- Weight: approximately 8.8 ounces
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PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.