7 Best Triathlon Running Shoes in 2023

From quick-lace capability, comfort, durability, and performance-driven technologies, the best triathlon running shoes need to have it all to meet the high volume of training and the actual racing (and recovery) hours.
As one of the hardest endurance sports anyone can do, triathletes need to have the right gears and support to maximize their athletic potential. Getting them is crucial to gaining an advantage in this sport.
To help you choose the right pair of shoes for your upcoming triathlon race, we’ve handpicked our top choices for review. After thorough testing on the road and at the lab, we then selected our best picks in different categories, from best overall and on-road performance to the best budget-friendly options.
How we test running shoes
Our aim is to provide you with recent updates and comprehensive (honest) reviews on the best running shoes for triathlons available out there. We use proven methods to determine which models make the cut for our best selections based on their strengths and road-test performance.
Our entire approach involves the following:
- We use our own funds to purchase all the shoes for this review. This is to keep us free from any bias, brand loyalty, and all that.
- We bring the shoes to our independent testing lab. We cut them open and reduce the shoes to their essential parts. We then measure 30+ parameters, from cushioning, durability, breathability, and many others.
- We test each model in high-mileage training and racing conditions to see its actual road performance and figure out its strengths and weaknesses.
- To get further in our research, we also check and gather opinions from shoe experts and regular athletes who dabble in triathlons.
To conclude our review, we input all comparable data into our CoreScore system to give us the final ratings that range from 0 to 100. The top-rated pairs of triathlon running shoes are included in this list.
Best overall triathlon running shoes


















What makes it the best?
Pros
- Fast as hell
- Buttery smooth transitions
- Protective cushion
- Comfy for long miles
- Stable when cornering
- Very very breathable
- Heel lockdown is awesome
- No more heel rubs
- Fits just right!
- Grippy on wet roads
Cons
- Stiffer than before
- Outsole lacks durability
- Expensive
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Best lightweight triathlon running shoes





















What makes it the best?
Pros
- Insanely lightweight
- Very breathable
- Bouncy
- Responsive
- FAST
- No break-in period needed
- Good grip on dry surfaces
Cons
- Not ideal for wide feet
- Unstable
- Forefoot strikers only
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Best triathlon running shoes for wide feet
























What makes it the best?
Pros
- Peppy all the way
- Comfy for easy days
- More stable than ever
- Cushioned for long miles
- Quick and smooth transitions
- Lightweight
- Airy as hell
- Roomy toe box
- Fit is amazing
- Grippy on dry and wet roads
Cons
- Rubs the heel
- Not for narrow feet
- No reflective details
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Best value triathlon running shoes



































What makes it the best?
Pros
- Do-it-all shoe
- Superior comfort
- Light and nimble
- Responsive and lively
- Versatile for slow and fast runs
- No need for socks
- Great stability
- Efficient lockdown
- Eye-catching
Cons
- Firm at first
- Not as grippy on wet and dirt
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Most popular triathlon running shoes



























What makes it the most popular?
Pros
- Speedier than ever
- Snappy toe-off
- More cushioned for long runs
- Stable for during sharp turns
- Perfect breathability for hot weather
- Race-ready fit
- Gusseted tongue
- Insanely light
- Grips on soaked pavements
Cons
- Causes heel rubs
- Toe box can be roomier
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Triathlon running shoes with best cushioning



































What makes it the best?
Pros
- Great for personal bests
- Propulsive ride
- Very comfortable
- Versatile for short and long runs
- Amazing lockdown
- Airy upper
- More stable than v1
- Long-lasting
- Less annoying noise
Cons
- Expensive for sure
- Still slightly unstable on corners
- Hard to slip on
- Heavier and less magical than v1
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Best triathlon running shoes with wide toebox


























What makes it the best?
Pros
- Plush comfort in a race shoe
- Smooth, fast ride
- Breathable
- Responsive toe-off
- Carbon plated
- Stiff but not overly stiff
- Fits wider feet well
- True to size
- Stretchy material hugs feet
- Sticky, grippy tread
- Sexy! Sparkles in sunlight
Cons
- Spendy at $225
- Heavier than other race shoes
- Tongue tends to fold under
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Comparison of the 7 best triathlon running shoes
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