2017 Buyer’s Guide: Running shoes

The perfect triathlon shoe is just like the athletes who wear them – versatile, adaptable and able to take on a variety of distances at a variety of speeds. Finding a shoe that will get you through your longest training days, your quickest interval workouts and your toughest transition workouts and also serve as a great racing shoe isn’t just a dream – just check out our list of lightweight trainer/racer options below.

Skechers GOmeb Razor $165

Zoot Solana 2 $120

Asics Gel Nimbus 19 $200

New Balance Vazee Prism v2 $129

Saucony $190

Skechers GOmeb Razor

$165 With a moulded heel counter that ensures a snug, comfortable fit, the GOmeb Razor is a lightweight speedster that you can’t help but feel fast wearing. The mid-foot strike zone helps you get on your toes and roll into your next stride, while lightweight cushioning will get you through virtually any distance event. The air mesh tongue, seamless fit and integrated inner support strap make this an easy shoe to wear barefoot during races if you prefer that.

Zoot Solana 2

$120 Zoot’s origins are Hawaii’s Big Island, so it comes as no surprise that their products are favourites for multi-sport athletes. The new Solana 2 is a lightweight, responsive neutral trainer that will suit triathletes looking for a supportive, quick shoe for any race distance. The BareFit seamless system makes this a great option for no-sock racing, while the breathable mesh upper keeps things cool for hot races, like, say, Kona.

Asics Gel Nimbus 19

$200 If you’re like us and think Asics’ Noosa is an awesome triathlon shoe, but want that same feel with a touch more cushioning and support, the Gel Nimbus 19 might be what you’re after. With rear- and forefoot gel cushioning systems and a specially-designed midsole that provides lots of bounce back and cushioning properties, you get lots of support in a plush, lightweight ride. We especially like that Asics uses a lower-density top layer in the midsole for the women’s models to ensure they get the benefits of the midsole compression. Add in the seamless construction and you have a shoe that you can train and race in with ease.

New Balance Vazee Prism v2

$129 You get lightweight stability in a shoe that feels fast thanks to the REVlite midsole that provides a quick, responsive feel. The co-moulded medial post and midfoot wrap ensure you get lots of support and some pronation protection. The no-sew material in the mesh upper makes it both cool and comfortable for hot days. The 8-mm drop makes it easy to roll onto your toes for fast efforts, too, so you’ll be happy to use this for everything from longer runs to quick transition workouts to races.

Saucony Triumph ISO 3

$190 This neutral trainer has lots of cushioning thanks to the Everun landing zone and continuous cushioning so you don’t only get the shock absorption at the heel, but all the way through your foot plant. The mesh upper provides a comfortable, breathable fit. The flexible sole makes it easy to toe off during those faster training or race efforts, too.