The right shoe can help make or break a race, but shoe selection is even more important when that race comes AFTER a swim and a bike. Triathletes have a lot of options when it comes to selecting the right gear, wheels, helmets, wetsuits, googles, gearing and of course, shoes.
With the new emergence of the carbon plated shoes, many triathletes have a dedicated training shoe and a dedicated racing shoe. We picked out some of the best running shoes for triathletes to race with.
BEST RUNNING SHOES FOR TRIATHLETES
HOKA CARBON X 2
HOKA has taken the triathlon world by storm over the last 5 years, with many of the top professionals racing in HOKA footwear.
Positioned as an endurance racer, the Carbon X2 delivers the same propulsive speed as its predecessor in an adaptable silhouette geared for training and racing alike. Engineered with a responsive, carbon fiber plate and aggressive Meta-Rocker, this performance shoe is a formidable competitor.
The record breaking shoe of Eliud Kipchoge, the worlds first sub-2 hour marathoner. You won’t go to race and not see an athlete racing in the brightly colored Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next%.
Responsive foam and 2 Zoom Air units combine to push your running game forward for your next marathon or road race.
Saucony jumped on board with the carbon plate hype with their model, Endorphin Pro.
The Endorphin Pro has ultralight, springy PWRRUNPB cushioning and a signature s-curve carbon fiber plate for powerful transitions, running at top speed feels easier, so you get to the finish line faster.
The temperatures across the country may be cold, but the latest running shoe launches of 2021 have been hot!
With 2020 in the rearview mirror, 2021 has provided us with a stunning collection of running shoes from top brands such as HOKA, New Balance, Brooks, Saucony and On!
“The New Balance 1080 v11 is a thickly cushioned, neutral trainer. It’s one of the marquee shoes in the New Balance line and one of the best-selling models in recent years.”
“The Saucony Kinvara 12 has been overhauled in look and feel, but it retains the lightweight, low-to-the-ground design while morphing into more of a reliable, lightweight, high-mileage workhorse than its old persona as a go-fast trainer.”
“The second edition of the On Cloudswift has gone through some significant changes, but it remains a lightweight, low-profile neutral trainer with a cushy, energetic vibe.”
“The Brooks Glycerin 19 is a neutral-oriented everyday trainer that provides soft, pillowy cushioning in every stride. With a buttery soft ride and an exquisitely plush interior, the Glycerin has always been a top-of-the-line workhorse model. It exudes softness and responsiveness in every stride.”
“The Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 is the Brooks Transcend reinvented. An update to the shoe formerly known as the Transcend 7, the Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 is a stability-enhancing everyday trainer. It provides provides soft, pillowy cushioning and adaptive support in every stride.”
“The Saucony Guide 14 is a modern mid-weight stability trainer for runners who need a touch of medial-side support to help offset mild to moderate over-pronation. It serves up a soft and resilient ride with the athletic vibe of a neutral shoe, but disguised in that smooth, flowy sensation is plenty of subtle support.”
“The Carbon X returns after the successful first edition won races and set records. It proved itself among the best of the initial crop of long-distance racing shoes built with carbon-fiber plates embedded in thick, cushy midsoles.”
“From its inception in 2015, the Adidas Ultraboost has been a maximally cushioned training shoe built on a thick, lively platform of extremely resilient Boost midsole cushioning. The Adidas Ultraboost 21 is the cushiest and most responsive version yet, serving up a springy ride that returns considerable energy in every stride.”
“With a vibe that’s equal parts cushioning and performance, the neutral-inclined New Balance Fresh Foam 880v11 is a versatile training shoe proficient at running any pace and any distance.”
“The HOKA Mach 4 is lightweight, smooth-riding, neutral-oriented everyday training shoe that gives off a soft, lively vibe. It has enough comfort, versatility and giddy-up to handle the rigors of all types of workouts. Based on the improvements, overall design and our wear-testing experiences, we believe this will to be one of the best models of early 2021.”
“If you only want one trail running shoe in your quiver of running shoes, the Altra Lone Peak 5 is an ideal do-it-all candidate. It’s a comfortably appointed and very reliable jack-of-all-trails without any major shortfalls.”
“The Altra Rivera is an all-new neutral everyday training shoe that’s light, lively, soft, versatile and fun. We think it’s one of the best new shoes of 2021 and one of the best models Altra has ever produced.”
Check back weekly for the latest 2021 shoe reviews and to see when shoes have arrived at our stores and JackRabbit.com. You can find all the 2021 footwear arrivals here.
Do you have a favorite shoe so far in 2021? Let us know by tagging us on social via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter
Ditch the roads and the hit the trails in 2021 with the help of our friends over at Altra Running! The Altra Red Team athletes have compiled a list of their favorite trails to run on throughout the United States.
If you are predominately a road or treadmill runner, trails are a great way to mix up your training and can offer a breathtaking escape from the every day pounding of the pavement.
Check out the recommendations from the Altra Red Team as they highlight their favorite trails from each region across the United States.
“There are over 100 miles of trails with lots of great hills and plenty of space to explore. The Skyline trail is a favorite—it leads you to an outlook with impressive views of Boston and the Atlantic.” -Katie Kloss
“Devil’s Path in the Catskill Mountains is not for the faint of heart—it lives up to its name! Just over 24 miles point-to-point with close to 9,000 feet of climbing, it’s considered one of the toughest hiking trails in the Eastern US due to the rugged terrain over multiple peaks.” -Laura Kline
“You’ll experience rolling hills as you climb through a mature forest on rocky single track. Keep your eyes up as you climb for a glimpse of the majestic Holy Hill basilica, which sits on a hill perched high above the surrounding area.” -Annie Weiss
Mines of Spain 100 Loop
Location: Dubuque, IA
Distance: 20.4
Elevation Gain: 2,388 ft
“This route has everything from fast, flat, dirt single track, to steep, technical climbs, prairie, dense forest, creek crossings, and everything in between. The route offers stunning views of the Mississippi River, a tour through the iconic Horseshoe Bluff, an old farmstead, and the Julien Dubuque monument.” -Christine Burns
“The trail is shaped like a lollypop, going up, around and back, and is about 6.5 to 7 miles long. The trail looks up to Death Canyon and you have a decent chance of seeing bears while you’re out.” -Pam Reed
“Along the route, you will find brilliantly colored glacier lilies, wind-blown subalpine firs, and some vociferous marmots. Once you’ve reached the top of the mountain, you’re greeted with a breathtaking view of Chimney Rock, Hunt Lake, Priest Lake, and the surrounding mountains. It’s spectacular.” -Steph Rodgers
“You’ll have big sections of the trail to yourself and climb more than 6,000 feet from Mount Baldy village to the summit. You’ll enjoy wildflowers, stunning panoramic views of the Angeles National Forest, and you might even see a mountain goat or two.” -Sarah McMahon
“You can see the view of downtown Denver in one direction, and a view of Red Rocks in another. There are lots of wildflowers in the spring and summer and you may run into some deer if you are lucky.” -Junko Kazukawa
“It’s a great trail for short runs, hikes, rides, or 50k-plus long runs or rides. You can stick to fast flats or take on more technical hills and climbs by hitting the various peaks. It’s really a fun place to play. In the summer you can even take a swim in the lake after your run.” -Marc Henn
“The Mount Kessler Trail System is a great representation of the Ozarks. I love the rocks, boulders, roots, the views of the Boston Mountains to the south, and downtown Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas campus to the northeast.” -Cliff Pittman
“Just a short drive west of Atlanta, you will be transported to stunning views over approximately 8 miles of whitewater-filled creeks, boulders, and remote forest. Additionally, this route passes the ruins of the New Manchester Mill, which was used as a filming location for The Hunger Games. This route combines the Red, White, and Yellow trails in the park and provides a pleasant change in scenery every few miles, which keeps my mind and legs engaged.” -Amanda Yu-Nguyen
“It has roots, sandy trails, and even some rocks. It also offers a little bit of climbing which is hard to find in this region. This 4-mile loop which combines a few different trails within the park offers some scenic views of the Neuse River and combines singletrack and doubletrack trails. While not overly technical, the Park is great for all ages and is perfect for running those short to mid-range distance runs.” -Justin McLamb
Special thanks to Altra Running and the Altra Red Team for sharing their trail recommendations!
Do you have a favorite trail or hidden gem? Share it with us on social media on Facebook or Instagram
