Best triathlon race-day run shoes reviewed

All being well, by the time you read this you’ll be one step – one stride – closer to swapping your overused training kit for your dust-collecting race apparel.

To celebrate the new normal, you can instead put the duster away and bag yourself sparkling new gear. Once you know how to choose triathlon running shoes, you’ll be making strides with your new kicks…

What are the best shoes for running?

As triathletes, we know that weight matters. Which is why a pair of lightweight road running shoes really can pay off. Okay, we may only be talking 100g or so per shoe over your training shoes, but throw in a cadence of around 120 strides per minute over 5km, 10km, 21km or 42.2km, and that soon adds up.

If those weight savings are equal to energy savings, in theory race-day trainers mean not only faster leg turnover, but glycogen saved for the final push, too. We say ‘in theory’ as these aren’t for everyone. Beyond weight, triathlon-specific features include elastic laces, drainage holes and heel loops.

The best race-day running shoes for triathlon

Nike ZoomX Streakfly

• £144.99 / $128

A featherlight racing shoe that can handle all conditions, the Nike ZoomX Streakfly performs best over fast 5km and 10km. At just 160g per shoe (UK7), the Streakfly is equipped with Nike’s ZoomX midsole, offering a silky-smooth ride and an energetic push-off.

Built for speed, its rubber outsole at the front delivers excellent grip, even on slick surfaces, making it a reliable choice for wet-weather running. On the track, it feels comparable to track spikes.

The thin, knit upper provides solid ventilation, making it ideal for those who tend to overheat. We love its lightweight construction and snug, foot-hugging fit.

One minor gripe is the laces, which can be tricky to manage with cold fingers. That said, switching to lock-laces tailored for triathlon races can easily solve this issue. TW

Read our full Nike ZoomX Streakfly review here.

Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2

Buy now from Salomon

• £240 / $315

The Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2 impressed during testing, standing out for its lightweight design (200g, UK7) and exceptional fit.

The upper provides a secure, sock-like feel, while the tongue’s padded, flexible construction ensures comfort without pressure points.

Stability is a highlight, thanks to a flared midsole and wider forefoot platform, making it one of the most stable race-day shoes tested.

The Contagrip outsole delivers excellent grip on corners and pavement, while the PEBAX midsole and carbon plate create a smooth, responsive ride.

Though the price isn’t to be sniffed at, it’s a versatile and speedy racing option across various distances. TW

Read our full review of the Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2 here.

New Balance SuperComp Elite v4

• £260 / $249.99

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 offers notable upgrades to its predecessor, including a PEBAX foam midsole and thinner, arched carbon plate.

Testing revealed a bouncy, stable ride with excellent energy return, making it suitable for various distances and moderately twisty courses.

The breathable upper is sockless-friendly, though the fit runs small, and the tongue requires adjustment, which could be problematic for triathletes in transitions.

At 222g (UK7) and £260, it’s heavier and pricier than its predecessor, with the rubber outsole contributing to added weight. Refining these aspects in future models could elevate it to top-tier supershoe status.

Read our full review of the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 here.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 

• £180 / $170

If you’re seeking a cushioned, super-shoe-inspired option for both training and tri racing, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is an excellent choice. Designed for both comfort and propulsion, it combines performance and practicality well.

The midsole’s winged nylon plate enhances stability and adds a springy responsiveness to the run stride. While the rocker sole promotes smooth transitions and efficient energy return, akin to top-tier carbon-plated shoes.

Despite its bulky appearance, the Speed 4 is surprisingly lightweight, helping reduce leg fatigue over longer distances. The padded heel collar ensures a secure, snug fit, and the outsole delivers reliable grip, making it a versatile road running shoe. JP

Read our full review of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 here.

Brooks Hyperion Max 2 

• £160 / $180

The Brooks Hyperion Max 2 impressed us as a versatile training shoe that can also handle race-day needs. Featuring a PEBAX SpeedVault plate, it provides responsive propulsion, while the increased stack height (36mm heel, 30mm forefoot) balances support and speed.

The knitted upper delivers excellent breathability and comfort, making it sockless-friendly, though it’s less suited for wet conditions. The roomy toe box and secure lacing enhance fit, while the extended heel tab aids quick transitions.

With firm cushioning, it excels at tempo runs and faster-paced training, but isn’t ideal for recovery jogs. Overall, the Hyperion Max 2 is a solid neutral shoe and a strong Brooks offering. MB

Read our full review of the Brooks Hyperion Max 2 here.

On Cloudboom Echo 3

Buy now from Sportsshoes

• £260 / $289.99

The Cloudboom Echo 3 stands out for its lightweight design, tipping the scales at just 211g per shoe (UK size 7). Ideal for tri racing.

Its construction includes a full-length carbon plate sandwiched between two foam layers, creating a responsive and energetic ride. However, the shoes feel firmer compared to others and with a 10mm heel-to-toe drop, we found that they encouraged heel-striking during runs.

The fit leans on the narrow side, offering agility but less support. On the plus side, the breathable upper ensures a secure fit and delivers a comfortable sockless experience, ideal for triathletes.

The outsole impressed with its durability and reliable grip, though some knee discomfort arose for us during testing. MB

Read our full On Cloudboom Echo 3 review for more.

Under Armour Flow Velociti Wind 2

• £140

The Flow Velociti 2 is a hugely fun shoe, and it’s one that we returned to more than any other on test. Triathlon friendliness comes in the breathable mesh upper and sockless comfort, and the visuals feel classic tri.

In a bid to lose weight – the 236g (UK7) is pretty lean – a conventional rubber outsole is missing and we do have (currently unfounded) long-term concerns over the outsole material’s grip and durability.

The feel is responsive yet cushioned (the heel height is a moderately high 28mm) and, though they lack the sheer toe-off propulsion of the Nikes or Kipruns here for sprintdistance tri, Olympic and middle-distance feels about right.

A smart linkup with MapMyRun also offers a host of metrics, including cadence and stride length to complete a versatile if slightly pricey package.

361° Kairos

• £124.99

Durable, supportive and stable, the Kairos really is a shoe that’s hard to fault. So why an anticlimactic air? Speed. These kicks are more suited to grinding out the training miles than pursuing PBs on race day.

Granted, there’s what feels like a minimal heel-to-toe drop (the exact number is undisclosed) and tri ‘racing’ can involve Ironman run leg survival, but speed seekers should look elsewhere.

Plus points include a classy mesh upper and a supple tongue that offers plenty of cosy coverage. There’s a shank running through the midfoot that successfully increases stability, yet the result is more efficiency rather than propulsion.

We’re still unconvinced about the extended heel collar, but there’s plenty of evidence that the Kairos will make a long-lasting training shoe. Weight is a lofty 274g (UK7), price a happier £125.

Asics Metaspeed Sky

• £225

The Metaspeed’s available in two almost identical looking variations. On test here is the Sky, which is for runners who extend their stride to increase pace.

It has a carbon plate sandwiched within its midsole and a 5mm drop, both of which aim to help you conserve energy and maintain race pace.

Like the Ons, they feature a recycled upper, while breathability is on par with the Crafts. The heel collar has a surprisingly luxurious amount of cushioning considering these are the lightest shoes on test at 166g.

However, our UK5.5 ran considerably small, and we found our toes were squished forwards in the narrow toe-box.

The curved sole’s best suited to midfoot or heel strikers as the outsole felt lacking in grip and left this forefoot striker feeling somewhat unstable in motion. Plus, they’re the coolest looking kicks on test.

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How to choose triathlon running shoes

Finding the right pair of triathlon shoes for your running style and needs can be confusing, but there are a few key features that are important to look out for in your next pair of racing trainers.

Firstly, consider what terrain you’ll be running on and over what distance. If the run leg of your race is on road and especially for the longer distances, you’ll need to think about what cushioning and support your feet need to cope with the high impact of tarmac. If you’re after an off-road pair, we’ve got you covered with an extensive round-up of the best trail shoes reviewed.

Beyond cushioning levels, triathlon race-day run shoes should be as light-weight as possible to help you maintain a high speed and cadence. Some other triathlon-specific features include elastic laces and heel loops for quick transitions, and drainage holes so your feet aren’t weighed down by the rain when racing in bad weather.

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