Latest news with #Tracksmith
Tom's Guide
22-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
I ran 45 miles in the Tracksmith Eliot Racer carbon plate running shoe — here's my verdict
Tracksmith is better known for making running apparel than running shoes, but its first performance shoe — the Tracksmith Eliot Runner — was an impressive daily trainer, and there's a lot to like about the Tracksmith Eliot Racer as well. While I didn't find it to be as propulsive and fast as the best carbon plate running shoes, the Eliot Racer has a more stable and natural ride that makes it comfortable at a wider range of paces than some racers with very aggressive rides, like the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3. It's a good option for both training and racing as a result, but the high price is off-putting. You can get a similar level of performance from the best super-trainers like the Hoka Mach X2 for less, and some top of my favorite racing shoes are cheaper than the Eliot Racer, like the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris. The Tracksmith Eliot Racer launched in March 2025 and costs $280 in the U.S. and £270 in the U.K., making it an expensive option even compared with other carbon plate running shoes. It launched in two colors — white with a gold sash and navy with a gold sash. I'm generally in between two sizes for running shoes and went for the larger one with the Eliot Racer to get a good fit. I'd say it fits small in general, and getting a half size up might be worth it. The Eliot Racer weighs 8.2oz in US men's size 10, which is at the heavier end of the spectrum for a carbon plate racing shoe. It has a stack height of 38.5mm at the heel and 30.5mm at the forefoot for a 7.5mm drop. The Eliot Racer has a lightweight engineered mesh upper with some classic Tracksmith touches that separate it from normal racing shoes, like the prominent sash and microsuede lined collar and tongue. I particularly liked the silicone-coated laces on the shoe, which feel like they will always stay firmly tied during races. The overall feel of the upper isn't as lightweight and racy as many super-shoes — it's more comfortable, which is a good thing for daily runs, but also more built-up, which isn't ideal for racing. The Eliot Racer uses two different foams in its midsole, with a drop-in top layer made from aliphatic TPU sitting above a chassis made from Pebax foam, both of which are responsive, lightweight materials that you'll find in many racing shoes these days. This innovative design minimizes the amount of glue used in the midsole, reducing the weight a little, and the carbon plate that sits between the two layers of foams has a rockered shape to boost energy return and the efficiency of the ride. Aside from the cutout on the inside of the shoe and a central groove that runs its length, the Eliot Racer's rubber outsole covers most of the bottom of the shoe. I found that the shoe gripped well at speed even on rainy runs and while it's just a thin layer of rubber, it isn't showing any signs of wear and tear from my use as yet. I did a wide variety of runs in the Tracksmith Eliot Racer, using it for fast, short reps on the track, longer tempo runs and marathon-pace efforts as well as some easy runs as well. Versatility is certainly its strong point — most carbon racers don't feel comfortable or stable at easy paces, but you can pull on the Eliot Racer for all kinds of runs without it feeling wobbly or harsh. However, this versatility is a result of it not having an especially aggressive or rockered ride, and I didn't find the Eliot Racer as fast as the best racing options. The Puma Fast-R 3, for example, really thrusts you forward and helps make running at faster paces feel easier, as does the Metaspeed Sky Paris, and both are a lot lighter than the Eliot Racer. I didn't feel that same level of punch from the foam and plate in the Eliot Racer. When I did longer fast runs in the shoe, it felt good but not great. It's snappy and quick for short intervals, but doesn't help you maintain race paces over long stretches as much as top carbon shoes. The Tracksmith Eliot Racer is a versatile speed shoe that I enjoyed running in, but wouldn't be top of my list to pick up unless you're a huge fan of its style. If you're seeking all-out speed for race day there are faster options available for less. The Puma Fast-R 3 is my favorite racer right now, but even if you're keen to avoid very rockered racers you could look at the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB, which is cheaper, lighter and faster than the Eliot Racer. There are also plated trainers that offer a high level of versatility at a lower price, like the Hoka Mach X2 and Saucony Endorphin Speed 4. While the Eliot Racer is an impressive first attempt at a carbon plate running shoe — many more established shoe brands have done worse in the past — the price-to-performance ratio isn't quite there for me to recommend it as a top option.
Forbes
27-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
The Best Running Shorts For Men, Based On Months And Miles Of Testing
Runners are a fussy bunch—and for good reason. The right gear can make all the difference, whether it's shoes, shirts or even the perfect energy bar. What works for one runner might be a total miss for another, and running shorts are no exception. Some swear by lightweight split shorts, while others won't head out without a liner and plenty of pockets. So, I put best-selling options to the test to find the closest thing to the best running shorts for men overall. After logging over 100 combined miles in different styles, the Tracksmith Van Cortlnd Short came out on top—it's comfortable, breathable and just right for most runners. I set out to find the perfect blend of comfort and coverage with the best running shorts for men. When it comes to running shorts, a few key factors can make or break a pair. I focused on the type—be it 2-in-1 shorts, fitted half tights, lined bottoms or compression shorts—the inseam length, the materials they're made from and their storage abilities. All of these details play a role in comfort, performance and practicality on runs of any distance. Below, the best running shorts for men based on my in-depth testing. Tracksmith Sizes: XS to XXL | Materials: 82% polyester, 18% spandex | Inseam length: 4 inches | Liner: Yes I've already sung Tracksmith's praises in our guide to men's workout shirts, so it's no surprise that the Van Cortlandt Short is my top pick. Made with a lightweight, breathable mesh that feels like a classic gym short, it's comfortable enough for hours of running—whether you're training, recovering or racing—and it looks great, too. Most runners have strong opinions on short length, but I think the four-inch inseam strikes a perfect balance: It's short enough for unrestricted movement, yet long enough to offer coverage for those who aren't into the split-short look. The waistband is comfortable, and the design includes three pockets for essentials like fuel, keys or a credit card (though you'll have to leave your phone behind). Tracksmith adds an antimicrobial liner for extra support as well. The mesh liner is unlikely to cause irritation, but if you prefer a true 2-in-1 short with a brief liner for optimal comfort, check out the Brooks High Point 2-In-1 Short 2.0. Otherwise, it's hard to find fault with a style this clean and functional. REI Co-op Sizes: S to XXXL | Materials: 73% recycled nylon, 27% spandex (body); 86% polyester, 14% spandex (liner) | Inseam length: 5 inches | Liner: Yes Not long ago, you could find comfortable, durable running shorts for under $50, but those days are mostly gone. Most of the options in this guide hover around $100, which is what makes REI's Swiftland Short such a standout at just $60. Despite the lower price, you're still getting a breathable fabric blend, four pockets (two stash pockets, a zippered pocket and an internal pocket for cards) and a built-in brief-style liner for support. The five-inch inseam offers a bit more coverage and REI's sizing is among the most inclusive in the industry, with six sizes to choose from. The one hesitation I hear from others when recommending REI gear is quality, but in my experience, that's never really been an issue. Plus, if you're an REI member (a lifetime membership is just $30), you get a full year to return a product—and if you're not, the Co-op's 90-day return policy is still solid. Ultimately, this is a great short to have in your collection for casual runs or any active outing. It might not have the premium look and feel of a pricier pair, but it gets the job done. Brooks Sizes: XS to XXL | Materials: DWR-treated ripstop | Inseam length: 5 inches | Liner: Yes Most runners know Brooks for its popular shoes like the Ghost and Glycerin, but don't overlook the brand's apparel. The High Point 2-In-1 Short 2.0 is designed for trail running, but when you break down all the details, it's just as capable on the road. The front panel features durable, water-repellent ripstop fabric to shield you from the elements, while split sides enhance mobility—especially useful for tackling hills. A 360-degree waistband pocket system lets you stash everything from fuel to soft flasks (a rarity in running shorts), reinforcing its trail-ready design. But the real standout is the boxer-brief liner that's soft, supportive and breathable. It extends just below the outer fabric, so you won't look like you're wearing full compression shorts under your running shorts. Some runners find the waistband a bit roomy, likely due to the built-in pocket system, so keep that in mind if you're unsure what you'll carry on your runs. Larger items, like a full set of keys or a phone, may stick out, while smaller items could shift around—it's all about finding the right balance. But if you're set on a 2-in-1 short that keeps everything in place down there and has room for the essentials, this one's a solid choice. Nike Sizes: XS to XXXL | Materials: 100% nylon (body); 100% polyester (liner) | Inseam length: N/A | Liner: Yes Runners don't always stick to the plan. Maybe you set out for a trail run, stumble upon a lake, and suddenly your workout turns into a run-swim-dry-off-and-keep-going workout. If that sounds familiar, Nike's ACG Reservoir Goat Shorts deserve a spot in your wardrobe. Technically running shorts, they're made with water-repellent fabric that dries quickly, while the relaxed fit through the rear and thighs makes it easy to transition between running, swimming and biking (and lounging). Nike finishes the design with zippered hand pockets, a mini carabiner for keys and a breathable mesh liner to prevent overheating. The trade-off with do-it-all gear like this is that it's not great at any one thing—if you're only using these for running, you're better off with a true running short like the Tracksmith Van Cortlandt. But if versatility is a top priority and your workouts tend to turn into multi-sport adventures, this short will keep up. Jnaji Sizes: S to XL | Materials: 88% recycled polyester, 12% elastane (body); 94% polyester, 6% spandex (liner) | Inseam length: 5 inches | Liner: Yes Whether you're carrying the basics like a phone, wallet and keys or packing extras such as fuel, first-aid supplies and lubricant, Janji's AFO Middle Short Ultra is built to haul it all. While most running shorts offer up just a pocket or two, Janji goes all in with six: two zippered hand pockets, an interior liner pocket with a carabiner, two drop-in stash pockets and a back zippered pocket for your phone. Having worn the standard AFO Middle Short (which has fewer pockets), I can vouch for the comfort and solid coverage of the five-inch inseam. The fit is dialed in and the design is understated yet versatile enough for most runs. If you don't need quite that much storage but like the overall design and comfort, the standard AFO Middle Short offers a more streamlined option with a rear zip pocket and an internal drop pocket with a key loop. And if you want storage but prefer a more secure fit that prevents items from bouncing around, the Path Projects Half Tight is the way to go. Either way, both Janji styles have excellent storage options for runs of any distance. Path Projects Sizes: S to XXL | Materials: 80% nylon, 20% spandex | Inseam length: N/A | Liner: No It's been a while since I've found a pair of running tights I actually enjoy wearing, but the Sentinel Half Tight quickly earned a spot in my regular rotation. Unlike true compression shorts, the fabric is slightly thicker, so it doesn't feel like you're running in spandex, and it's incredibly soft to virtually eliminate any chance of irritation. Path Projects doesn't list the inseam length, but it hits a few inches above the knee for ideal coverage, and remains there consistently, even on long runs exceeding 20 miles. What really sets this half tight apart, though, is the pocket placement: large stash pockets on each leg for a phone and flask, a rear zippered pocket, an internal key pocket and a few others thoughtfully placed around the waistband. The pockets never sag and keep all your essentials secure and within reach. Running in tights might not be your usual go-to, but if you're curious about the experience, this is a great style to try. Reviews from bigger runners suggest the fit is still comfortable and not too revealing. If you prefer more coverage or need extra warmth for cold-weather runs, check out the full-length version. The Forbes Vetted Gear team relies on research and hands-on testing to recommend products that help you stay active and engaged, whether that means running a faster mile, tackling longer hikes, lifting heavier or just staying comfortable. As runners, backpackers, cyclists, skiers and lifters (and more), we know how important it is to find gear that supports your goals. We put in the miles to find the best running shorts for men, researching top brands and testing a range of styles to determine which ones are worth the money. Here's how we made our picks: When the time comes to shop for running shorts, you'll quickly discover that options abound. Consider the following variables to find a pair that meets your needs and supports your goals: Men's running shorts come in numerous styles. Like any pair of shorts, they all fall above the knee, but if you take a closer look at each design, you'll notice tiny details set them apart. These are the most common ones to consider. Inseam length plays an important role in how your running shorts feel and perform. The most common options are: If you're new to running and uncomfortable with the idea of wearing short shorts, don't worry—you're not alone. Many new runners feel awkward sporting shorter inseams, but if you give them a try, you'll probably find they're actually more comfortable and less restrictive. The material of your running shorts can make all the difference when it comes to comfort, breathability and overall performance. Lightweight fabrics like polyester, nylon and spandex are great for wicking sweat and drying quickly. Other natural fabrics like merino wool are just as versatile, and they don't hold onto odors if you decide to wear your shorts multiple times between washes. Many shorts also feature breathable mesh panels or fabrics designed for better airflow. When combined with stretchy materials that deliver freedom of movement without restriction, these options leave you feeling fresh and focused to run your best. Storage options in running shorts can range from nothing at all to cargo short-level capacity, depending on your needs. Compression shorts feature a minimalist design, so they don't have any pockets, while most other shorts offer multiple pockets. They're designed for everyone from casual runners who want to stash their wallet, phone and keys, to elite athletes who carry fuel, lubricant, first aid supplies or other gear. Whether you need just the essentials or a full-on mobile aid station, there's a pair of shorts with storage to match your needs.
WIRED
24-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- WIRED
The Best Running Shorts for Racing, Training, and Adventures
As a woman runner, I come across the same conundrums as my colleagues, but with the additional problem that shorts tend to ruck up or down around my differently shaped waist and hips. One way of getting around that is with tight shorts, but my favorite are Oiselle's Roga (running-yoga) shorts, which are running shorts with a wide, soft yoga-style waistband. It's semi-fitted, so it's not too revealing, and the 4-inch inseam is modest enough on my 5'2" self. The wide, soft waistband has a zip pocket that's big enough to hold my iPhone 16 immobile against the small of my back while running. There's a liner, so you can wear these commando (although I usually do not) with an interior drawstring to adjust the fit. I particularly like Oiselle's Roga fabric, which is a blend of bluesign-approved polyester and Spandex that's simultaneously light while having enough weight to it to hang properly and not get crinkled up in between your legs. I've worn these for about a year and they've held up—I put them in the washing machine, but I also hang them to air dry. My only caveat is that these are medium-weight shorts and they're worn high, so they're a little heavy for summer weather or racing. —Adrienne So Tracksmith Session Speed Shorts I'm not a huge fan of running with my upper thighs on show. But when I want to feel completely free and super light for all-out efforts, I'll sometimes reach for the shortest of short shorts, and when I do, these racy Session Speed Shorts are my go-to. A speedier—and shorter version—of Tracksmith's excellent Session Shorts, these 3-inch inseam speedsters strip everything back to the almost-bare basics, so you can drive forward, unencumbered in total comfort. (Editor Adrienne So runs in the women's version of these as well.) The high-stretch Italian knit outer is light, loose, and incredibly soft and luxurious. The retro overlapped side splits add a touch of classic style while boosting your range of movement. The comfortable brief-style liners aren't as supportive as you'll get from a two-in-one short, and everything can feel a little bit 'naked.' But your dignity is well protected. I've run scores of track sessions in these without fretting over potential wardrobe malfunctions. Those inner briefs also pack Polygiene antimicrobial powers to ward off unwanted stinks. I'm also impressed with the storage, which is pretty good for short shorts, too. There's a hidden zippered pocket on the right hip and another small fuel pocket in the liner. It's all a bit unstructured, and anything too heavy tends to bounce around, but if you really need to stash small essentials, it's good to have the option.
Boston Globe
30-01-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Boston Marathon runners are speeding along well into their 70s. I tried to keep up with one.
The Olympic motto is 'faster, higher, stronger.' But they should think about adding 'older' to the list. Because as people are living longer, they're also running faster for longer. When a Boston Marathon champion for the men's over 60 division was first recognized in 1978, the winner clocked 3:07. In 2024, the winning time was 2:48. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Enter Email Sign Up If you're not a runner, let me explain something: That's really fast. In my wildest dreams, I could never run a 2:48 marathon. Advertisement The qualifying times for senior athletes are getting faster, too. Boston is unlike the other major marathons because most of its entry spots go to athletes who achieve a qualifying time. Securing this qualifying time is the ultimate bragging right for a non-elite runner. And it doesn't let up for age group categories. The qualifying times for seniors have dropped by 5 minutes over the past decade. And the competition can be fierce. I first meet Dawn Ebbetts on a brittle winter morning in Exeter, New Hampshire. The sky is a flawless, pristine blue. Cloudless and unblemished. It's cold. The kind of cold that would deter a lot of runners and keep them on their couches or in bed. But not Dawn. Before she met me, she got up and ran 12 miles. And with me, she'll run another 4 without breaking a sweat. We set out along a path that banks the Squamscott River, the snow crunching under our heels. I wanted to meet Dawn because she is the reigning Boston Marathon champion of the women's 70-74 age group. Her winning time was 3:46 (that's 4 minutes faster than my own personal best), and she plans to defend her crown and go even faster this year. I wanted to run with Dawn to see if she could help me understand how senior athletes are running faster, and for longer. I was also just curious to find out if I could keep up. Advertisement When Dawn first started running, it was the late 1970s and the start of the aerobics boom. She bought a book on how to run: It advised to walk from one telephone pole to the next, then to run from one to the next, until your lungs and legs are strong enough to carry you farther. Back then, Dawn wasn't thinking about winning races. She just wanted to look good. 'I made a cute little outfit. It was terry cloth. Baby blue. I sewed a red stripe down the leg. I knew nothing about running,' she says. 'But I wanted to look adorable.' Dawn still puts a lot of thought into her running outfits. The day we meet, she's decked out entirely in black Tracksmith gear and a pair of wraparound shades. She's so well dressed, and her outfit so well curated, that it looks like she has a brand deal (she doesn't). Marathons, and the long brutal training they require, didn't interest her at first. Running was a hobby. Something she did to clear her mind and fill her lungs. 'Six miles to me was a long run,' she says. She ran her very first race with a friend around Lake Massabesic in Manchester. A couple of miles in, Dawn suddenly realized that she had gotten out in front and lost her friend — so she turned back. 'What are you doing?' her friend hissed when Dawn found her. 'You're supposed to go and finish!' Advertisement After that, Dawn hopped into a few local 5K and 10K races here and there, placing a few times, but that was it. Then, after raising two kids and retiring from her job working in an elementary school, Dawn joined a running club and was suddenly surrounded by marathon runners. Surrounded by people steeped in the lore of 26.2, with their black toenails, and blisters, and heroic tales of extreme chafing. Marathon runners — and I say this as one of them — are like goalkeepers, mountaineers, and drummers. Total lunatics. Dawn resisted for a while. 'I'm like, I'm never going to run a marathon. The training's too much,' she says. But the lunatics wore her down. 'You just get talked right into it.' Dawn made her marathon debut at age 69. She'd heard the stories about what runners call 'hitting the wall.' It's the part of a marathon where you go farther than you ever do in training and reach a kind of no-man's land where you don't have a clue how your body will react. Will it endure, or will it capitulate? 'I felt fine,' Dawn says. A few miles into my run with her on that icy New England morning, I notice that her form is near perfect. She moves with her head high, arms relaxed, breathing measured. There's a lot of science that suggests the optimal number of strides per minute is 180. For me, that's almost impossible. I had to start listening to music that's 180 beats per minute just to get close (for the record, most of that music is made by Pitbull). I ask Dawn what her cadence is and she tells me it's always 180. It never wavers. The woman's a metronome. Advertisement Dawn Ebbetts running the Boston Marathon in 2024, when she won the 70‑74 age group. Sarah Stafford She first ran Boston in 2024. And when she toed the start line, winning wasn't on her mind. And that was partly because she had no idea who she was running against. When the elite runners set off at Boston, they all line up together. And when the race gets going, they know who's ahead of them, who's behind, and who's on their shoulder. It's not the same for competitive age-group runners like Dawn. First of all, there's no list of competitors ('I don't know who's going to show up,' she says. 'I wish that they would let everybody know who the 70-year-old women were.') In the throngs of a major marathon, there's a good chance Dawn won't ever see who she's competing with, let alone know whether she's in the lead. Last year, 'I just kept plodding along, plodding along,' she says. 'I don't even think I ever looked at my watch. I was just focused on running.' When she crossed the finish line, Dawn was satisfied. She'd finished Boston. Made it up Heartbreak Hill. In the car on the way home, her husband suggested checking to see where she placed in her age group. Dawn scoffed. 'I'm just like, There's no way, ' she says. 'I'm going to be like 200th, you know?' But when she checked, she realized she had won. She was the 70-74 age group champion. 'I'm still astonished,' she says. Like all the great champions — LeBron James, Tom Brady, pre-disgrace Lance Armstrong — one title is not enough for Dawn. She wants to win again. And, just like the aforementioned athletes, she's using science to boost her performance and longevity. Advertisement 'Protein bars, eggs, electrolytes,' Dawn lists. There's more: She wears a running watch that tracks all of her data, and she takes creatine supplements to help gain muscle mass, and collagen supplements to support her joints. Dawn races in the latest Nike super-shoes, equipped with energy-returning foam and carbon plates. She's just as optimized as any younger amateur athletes (or the kind of men who host podcasts and shill green juice powder). This type of preparation also helps her body be more resilient to injuries. And, again, just like the great champions, Dawn is no stranger to battling back from adversity. She tells me that in the early '90s she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and doctors told her to stop running. And she did, for about five years. Finally, she says, 'I missed running so much that I'm like, That's it. I don't care. I'm going to start running again. So I did.' Given her history of injuries, I ask Dawn how it feels to still be running marathons in her 70s. 'I was thinking about that the other day,' she says. 'I live near a retirement village.' She looks at some of the residents, she says, and thinks 'Maybe they used to run and now they can't run anymore. 'So I am very aware of how lucky I am to be healthy at this age and be able to do this.' I say to Dawn that it's possible a lot of the people watching her run from inside the retirement home are a similar age. 'They could be,' she says. And then she tells me this: 'I run with a friend of mine. We kid with each other and we say we're running because death is right behind us. And we're going to keep running because we don't want it to catch us.' Dawn and I finish our run together. She easily holds a conversation throughout, and doesn't seem to break a sweat. We stretch out our hamstrings and our calves and our thighs. And then she gives me a ride to the train station. In the car I ask Dawn a question so basic that, once it tumbles out, I immediately feel embarrassed for having asked. 'What's it like to get older?' I say. She pauses for a moment, and, eyes still on the road ahead, Dawn tells me that after a certain point she began to feel invisible. 'I could rob a bank and nobody would ever notice,' she says. I ask if running makes her more seen. 'I guess so,' she says. 'In the realm of running.' And I'm not sure if that answer speaks to her modesty. Or the reality of getting older. For me, the pain started last year. A stabbing feeling in my right hamstring that migrated to my left knee. I went to see a physiotherapist who specializes in treating runners. She had me run on a treadmill and filmed me from a range of angles. I'm going to summarize the findings of her assessment in non-scientific terms: I'm a lousy runner. All of my fundamentals are off. Duck feet, weak hips, overstriding. Biomechanically, I'm a total disaster. But I keep going. I have to keep going. Among other reasons, I'm having a baby this summer. A little girl. She'll be my first. And when she arrives, I'll be 42 years old — an old father. So for me it's less about lowering any personal records, and more about being there for my kid. Being able to play catch. Kick a ball. Squat to pick up Lego blocks for as long as she needs me. I'm at the point where I'm starting to tell people outside of my inner circle about the pregnancy. I just let my manager know, and my manager's manager, and HR. And then I tell a source from a story: Dawn. She has two kids, and I thought she might be able to give me some good advice on staying active and healthy during the heavy parenting years. Dawn told me to get a jogger, bundle my baby up, and get out there. Keep stacking miles. 'I had always been running before them and I just tried to keep running with them,' she says. 'That's what you do. You just find ways of doing it.' I tell her I will. And she'll know whether I'm true to my word or not. Dawn is a power user of Before meeting up with the writer, Dawn Ebbetts had already run 12 miles that day. She ran another 4 with Nelson. George Annan Jr. for the Boston Globe I can't stress how motivating having a Boston Marathon age-group winner monitoring your training is. The other day, it snowed. I looked out of my bedroom window and wondered if I should stay at home. Brew some tea and watch Netflix. I sent Dawn a text. Do you run in the snow? Yes, she replies. Does that mean I should stop being a baby? Yes, she replies. I ran 10 miles that day. I didn't want to let myself down. And I didn't want to let Dawn down, either.
