7 Best Triathlon Running Shoes in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best Triathlon Running Shoes in 2023
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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?

Soar through the skies with the Metaspeed Sky+ from ASICS. It's a marathon racer that's filled with all the responsiveness and pop you need to reach that finish line fast. And if you're looking for something light, this IS light. Even more, it's not the just perfect pair for race day; you can also lace it up for faster training sessions.

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
Full review of ASICS Metaspeed Sky+

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Unisex
Any color
Orange Pop/Island Blue (1013A115800)
Velvet Pine/Safety Yellow (1013A115300)
Black/New Leaf (1013A115001)
Hazard Green/Sky (1013A115301)

Best lightweight triathlon running shoes

What makes it the best?

The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2 is probably one of the fastest shoes on the market, but it has some problems that the majority of runners agree with. It’s unstable, a bit too narrow still, looks ridiculous, and hits the pocketbook hard. If your job is to run fast, or you’re a sponsored athlete I think these shoes may be the tool to help you win, but for the average joe who wants to drop two minutes off their 5K time, it may be too much tech in a shoe that's a better fit for the 1% club.

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
Full review of Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2

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Men
Women
Any color
400 glacier blue/chile red-pale iv (CU4111400)
Barely Volt Black Hyper Orange (CU4111700)
Black (CU4111002)
White/black-metallic silver (CU4111100)
Green (DZ4779304)
White/Black (DJ5458100)
Orange (CU4111800)
White/Black-Volt-Racer Blue-Bright Crimson (CU4111103)
More colors

Best triathlon running shoes for wide feet

What makes it the best?

"This is a killer shoe!" is a comment from one expert that sums up the totality of the Endorphin Speed 3 from Saucony. It's energetic, stable, and light; it ticks all the important boxes of a tempo running shoe. Even more, it can be your do-it-all trainer. From easy days down to the faster, more competitive race days, you can count on the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3.

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
Full review of Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

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Men
Women
Any color
Red (S1075616)
Red Poppy (S2075616)
White/Black (S2075611)
Black/Goldstruck (S1075610)
Agave/Black (S2075625)
Concrete/Vizi (S2075627)
White/Black/Vizi (S2075685)
Night Lite (S2075665)
More colors

Best value triathlon running shoes

ASICS Noosa Tri 14
90
Superb!

What makes it the best?

The ASICS Noosa Tri 14 is a light, nimble, extremely comfortable shoe that performs great at various paces. Best for short daily workouts, it is a great choice for race day too. It’s really fun to ride in and can be a solid alternative to carbon-plated shoes.

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
Full review of ASICS Noosa Tri 14

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Men
Women
Any color
Island Blue/Indigo Blue (1011B368401)
Safety Yellow/White (1011B368750)
Black/White (1011B368002)
Lime Zest/Sky (1011B368301)
Diva Pink/Indigo Blue (1012B208702)
Electric Red Black (1011B368300)
Black/Pure Silver (1011B368001)
Cherry Tomato/Safety Yellow (1011B368800)

Triathlon running shoes with best cushioning

What makes it the best?

The Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% 2 confirms all the qualities that made the first edition one of the best shoes—for some, the best ever—for racing marathons. It’s still incredibly fast, cushioned and comfortable, plus it earned some stability and versatility. Overall, a fantastic performance-oriented choice. That is, if money is not an issue.

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
Full review of Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% 2

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Men
Women
Any color
Pink (DN3559600)
Green (DZ4784304)
800 total orange/black bright crimson (DN3555800)
White/black-total orange (DJ6206100)

Best triathlon running shoes with wide toebox

What makes it the best?

Looking for a luxurious spa-day treat for the feet? The New Balance FuelCell RC Elite v2 will do the job! It's got an uber-plush midsole but it also has a plate that balances it out, making the ride not only cushy but also very snappy and stable. If you're looking for a mid to long-distance racing shoe that will outthrow the Swoosh, this, along with the MetaSpeed Sky, can do it handsomely!

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
Full review of New Balance FuelCell RC Elite v2

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Blue (MRCELSV2)
White (WRCELZ2)
Green (MRCELCG2)
Deep Violet/Black (WRCELVB2)
Yellow (MRCELCO2)

Comparison of the 7 best triathlon running shoes

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CoreScore
Users rating
Experts
Best price
Ranking
Popularity
# of colorways
Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.