7 Best Triathlon Running Shoes in 2023
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Why trust us
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
ASICS Metaspeed Sky+
89
Great!
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
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$250
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$250
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$250
Marathon Sports
Free shipping
$250
Best lightweight triathlon running shoes
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2
91
Superb!
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Nike
$150
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$200
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$225
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$250
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$260
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$323
Best triathlon running shoes for wide feet
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3
89
Great!
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$109
Sun and Ski
Free shipping
$160
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$170
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$170
REI
Free shipping
$170
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$170
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$89
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$89
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$89
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$89
Fleet Feet
$98
Sun and Ski
Free shipping
$130
Most popular triathlon running shoes
Saucony Endorphin Pro 3
89
Great!
What makes it the most popular?
A super shoe is now on its way to becoming even more super. Say hello to the Endorphin Pro 3 from Saucony—a racing flat that can go fast and far. It's lightweight, incredibly energetic, and smooth-rolling; setting and breaking marathon records is as easy as easy can be. And if you crave that extra cushion for the extra miles ahead, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 won't let you down.
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$225
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$225
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$225
REI
Free shipping
$225
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$225
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$225
Triathlon running shoes with best cushioning
Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% 2
83
Good!
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$275
Nike
$275
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$285
Stadium Goods
$420
Best triathlon running shoes with wide toebox
New Balance FuelCell RC Elite v2
89
Great!
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$292
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Comparison of the 7 best triathlon running shoes
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