7 Best Triathlon Running Shoes in 2024

We ran with many triathlon running shoes in search of the best overall — and it’s none other than Nike’s Vaporfly 4. This record-breaker feels like it’s barely there and delivers unparalleled responsiveness for that podium finish. The comfort and stability of this hypersonic shoe make it a great racer, even for a half-Ironman.

Weighing 5.9 oz (166 g), it’s feathery light compared to other racers that average 7.8 oz (208g). With less weight, it prevents fatigue and boosts our agility.

Vaporfly 4 has a moderate stack combined with the soft and responsive 19.9 HA ZoomX foam, which makes our off-the-bike runs comfortable. It’s a leg-saver that allows us to maintain a strong and consistent pace over long-haul efforts.

Meanwhile, the stiff Flyplate promotes energy return and stability. Our bend test confirms it’s 14.6% stiffer than average. Combined with the balanced stack, we felt quite surefooted throughout testing.

The pleasantly breathable upper also contributed to the light feeling. Smoke escaped easily in our lab test, earning it an impressive 4/5 rating. This prevents sweat and heat build-up and blisters.

However, those racing full Ironman distances may want to think twice about this shoe. Its near-average 34.1/25.5 mm stack may not feel cushioned enough for a full marathon.

With outstanding ratings from our lab and runners, Alphafly 3 proves it's a leg-saving, responsive, and breathable shoe. It delivers much-needed support and unwavering resilience that shines even better in long distances, making it the best for Ironman among triathlon running shoes.

We noticed this racer's strong and consistent energy, promoting smooth turnovers. We cut the midsole in half and found the FlyPlate and Air Pods integrated into the foam. These made our off-the-bike runs effortlessly fast! Proven by our 90° bend test, it emerged 144.7% stiffer than average, translating to a strong energy return.

This max-cushioned shoe provides comfort for brutal miles. Alphafly 3 features the world-renowned ZoomX midsole, that’s both bouncy and plush. This shoe elevates it further by adding a firm 29.3 HA top layer to enhance stability, which is crucial when our running form starts to change as the fatigue kicks in. 

Alphafly 3 is a breath of fresh air, literally! The shoe sits at a feathery 7.1 oz (201g) vs. the 7.5 oz (214g) average racer. We’re amazed at how stacked and light it is simultaneously! On top of this, it has a well-ventilated upper that secured a perfect score on our breathability test.

However, we don’t recommend wearing this shoe sockless as the Atomknit has a slightly rough texture that may cause blisters.

The ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris gets the first podium spot among triathlon running shoes for comfort. Our lab results and test runs agree—this pair exudes pure speed while maintaining comfort through its plush cushioning, massive power return, and unmatched lightness.

This powerhouse features a flat carbon plate integrated between the superior FF Turbo+ midsole, measuring a soft 21.0 HA per our durometer. Together, these elements deliver an energetic ride like no other. The shoe features a late-stage toe rocker and a grippy outsole that allow us to run at full speed.

The exceptional combination of midsole softness and above-average stack heights kept our legs fresh after cycling. Checking with our caliper, the stack is a massive 39.1/32.6 mm, giving us much-needed impact protection during brick runs.

These lightweight shoes helped us soar to the finish line—weighing only 6.5 oz (183.0 g), 30.9% lighter than average! Our feet could feel the fresh air even as the stretchy MOTIONWRAP 2.0 upper embraces us. We had no encounters with blisters and hotspots, as the upper scored a 5/5 on our lab breathability test. Sky Paris continues to impress by earning a solid 4/5 toebox durability, a remarkable feat given its ventilation.

Unfortunately, Sky Paris will only deliver peak performance for mid-to-forefoot strikers. The narrow 77.8 mm heel and moderate drop make it less stable and optimal for rear strikers.

Running in the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 gave us an unparalleled experience in our runs. Redefining a supershoe, it’s not only lightning-fast, but it’s also remarkably supportive. This speedster helps us shave off minutes through its extra grippy base without sacrificing durability, making it our triathlon shoe with the best outsole.

AP4’s lab results are outstanding but it’s our runs that amaze us more. The outsole features LIGHTTRAXION, which has a remarkably low 41.0 HC durometer reading. This aligns with the traction we felt while passing through wet transition areas. While most soft rubbers sacrifice durability, AP4 amazed us in our Dremel test by showing less damage vs. average.

Because of its resistance to wear, it can afford to have a thin 1.0 mm outsole vs. the 3.2 mm average. This was a great relief during our runs because it didn’t erase the plushness of the 11.0 HA midsole. Plus, it managed to trim down its weight to 7.1 oz (200g), allowing us to run at full speed!

AP4 is extremely supportive through its forefoot that's 4.7 mm wider than average. Even when turning at high speeds, we felt in control, especially with the small Continental rubber patch underneath our forefoot. However, the heel isn’t as accommodating as the forefoot. Measuring 10.3 mm narrower than average, it will feel too unstable for rear-strikers.

Among triathlon shoes, Endorphin Pro 4 delivers the best cushioning while maintaining consistent support, exceptional power, and unmatched comfort. In and out of the lab, it proves a supershoe can feel good on foot while running at full speed.

Our off-the-bike runs feel more bearable with the elite-level midsole. It offers bottomless cushioning, rising to 38.1 mm, with its dual-density layers. Our durometer reveals the top is a plush yet springy 18.5 HA PWRRUN PB for leg-saving relief, while the foundation layer is a firmer 22.0 HA PWRRUN HG for surefooted strides.

This speedster is the wind beneath our wings, with its airy build and Speedroll technology. Our scales confirm a mere 7.8 oz (220g), 17.3% lighter than the average. Adding to its feather feel is its superior ventilation. Meanwhile, the S-shaped carbon plate sandwiched between the two foams effortlessly propels us forward. The insane responsiveness comes from the shoe’s stiffness, which our bend test confirms is 137.5% above average.

Its tough elements guide our foot alignment to prevent ankle rolls. Apart from the firmer foam and the stiff carbon plate, it has high torsional rigidity. We found it hard to twist, scoring an above-average 4/5 score. 

While EP4 has the makings of a racer, its focus on comfort pulls back a little from top-level supershoes. Those who crave peak record-breaking performance can check other options.

Triathlons are demanding events and become even more grueling in the run portion. In this final stretch, efficiency is key, and we discovered in the lab a shoe that’s energetic yet responsive: the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4. This featherweight is versatile and stable across all paces, making it our top speed trainer among triathlon shoes.

Honoring its moniker, ES4 delivers a steady stream of energy in our intervals. Embedded in the midsole is a nylon plate which offers a gentler experience than carbon plates. Our bend test confirms it’s at par with the average road running shoe, which makes it incredibly flexible for a plated shoe. This translates to a vibrant yet comfortable experience that’s suitable for any training.

We handled longer workouts with ease since the cushion was comfy enough for daily mileage. Its above-average 36.2/27.5 mm stack absorbed landing impact and promoted a bouncy ride. We felt stable even while cornering at full speed, which is largely due to the balanced cushion, as confirmed by our 22.3 HA durometer measurement.

ES4 can double as a racer with its light weight of 8.4 oz (237g), 10.9% below average. As an effort to minimize weight, the tongue is a minimal 2.0 mm. We warn caution of lace bite, especially during long runs.

ASICS Noosa Tri 16 is an eye-catching, versatile shoe that offers comfort, speed, and support in a lightweight package. It’s so comfortable that we can run many miles in it sockless—perfect for Tri(athlons). On top of this, it only costs $135, making it our best budget pick. That’s 33.2% cheaper than the $202 average lab-tested triathlon running shoe!

Weighing 7.7 oz (217g), it’s at par with other lab-tested racers. It encourages effortless and efficient turnover—a great relief for our off-the-bike runs. Thanks to its natural feel, we're equally at ease even on slower training days. Our flex test validates it's 28.9% more flexible than average.

The FF Blast+ foam feels delightful, providing much-needed impact protection and responsiveness for tired feet. We felt stable throughout our runs thanks to the midsole sidewalls and sole flare of the 3D Guidance System. The surefootedness is a pleasant surprise considering the foam’s durometer reading is 14.1% softer than average.

The rejuvenating ride is enhanced by an airy mesh upper. Under our microscope, we saw ventilation holes in the toebox, explaining its 5/5 breathability score. With zero friction, it felt comfortable to wear sockless—perfect for triathletes saving precious transition time. Additionally, the heel and tongue include tabs for seamless slip-ons. However, the upper had no chance against our Dremel. Therefore, runners who tend to ruin toe boxes should explore elsewhere.