Tracksmith Eliot Ryder Overview & First Run Review

Tracksmith is making its first real push into the max cushion daily trainer category, and the Eliot Ryder is bringing some seriously interesting tech with it. A max stack of 45mm pairs with supercritical ATPU foam and a unique 25mm drop-in midsole sitting directly underfoot for a ride that promises max cushioning without the bulky feel. Add in a 7mm drop, engineered woven upper, high-mileage rubber outsole, and a listed weight of 9.5oz, and this could end up being one of the more intriguing max cushion trainers of the year.

Tracksmith Eliot Ryder Specs

Stack Height: 45mm in the heel with a 7.5mm drop

Weight: 9.5 oz (270 grams) in a Men's US size 9

Midsole: An innovative, 25mm drop-in midsole made of supercritical ATPU foam sitting on top of an EVA carrier foam

Price: $220 MSRP

Max Cushion

Tracksmith Eliot Ryder

All-new max cushioned model designed for comfort and bounce

Price

$220

Plated?

No

Foam

ATPU, EVA

Weight (oz)

9.5

Drop (mm)

8

Support

Neutral

see details

First Run Review

Overview

The Eliot Ryder is a max cushion daily trainer designed for stacking miles in comfort. It is Tracksmith's fourth running shoe to come to market. Their first shoe was the Eliot Runner, which debuted in 2022 as a lower stack daily trainer. Most people found it to be more of a lifestyle shoe than a running shoe because it didn't feel very protective; however, the Eliot Runner also came with the drop-in insole technology that Tracksmith has carried over into the Eliot Racer and Ryder. Their second shoe was the racing companion to the Runner, which they called the Eliot Racer. It was a fun long run shoe with a bouncy, soft foam and a very comfortable upper, but it lacked the pep and speed assistance that most runners want in their marathon racing shoe. Tracksmith also launched a trail running shoe, the Eliot Range, that didn't get much press or attention.

Fit & Feel

Tracksmith continues its reputation for premium craftsmanship with excellent materials, stitching, and overall construction. The shoe offers a roomy toe box with generous length, creating a comfortable fit for longer runs. The lace-up experience is somewhat stiff, and the thin tongue doesn't provide the most performance-oriented feel. Instead, the upper leans more toward a refined lifestyle aesthetic while still delivering solid comfort.

Ride Experience

The Eliot Ryder delivers a plush underfoot experience with a soft, highly cushioned feel. The thick ATPU insert provides a satisfying combination of squish, bounce, and impact protection, while the forefoot rocker helps the transition feel smooth and surprisingly energetic. Despite the lively forefoot, this isn't a shoe that encourages faster running. It shines as a relaxed mileage companion where comfort is the priority. Heel landings can feel a bit unstable due to the tall stack of soft foam, but once settled into the stride, the ride is smooth and cushioned.

For Yowana's full first-run review, check out the Supwell YouTube channel:

Competitors / Other Options

If you'd like a more versatile max cushion shoe that will allow you to pick up the pace, do some strides and surges, and would perform well for the long run, check out the Nike Vomero Plus or the R.A.D UFO. For a similarly relaxed ride to the Eliot Ryder, you may also want to consider the Saucony Paramount Max.

Summary

The Tracksmith Eliot Ryder is a premium max-cushion trainer built for easy miles rather than speed. Its luxurious construction, soft underfoot feel, and ample cushioning make it an excellent option for runners looking for comfort, impact protection, and a bit of rebound. If you're after a plush shoe that lets you sink into the cushioning while enjoying a smooth, relaxed ride, the Eliot Ryder is a strong contender. We also think it is a fantastic walking, casual and lifestyle shoe that will make it hard to take off.

Supwell Shoe Matcher

Whether you're looking for a reliable easy run shoe, pampering comfort on recovery days, a long-run cruiser, or a race day weapon, check out our Shoe Matcher tool to get matched. We've done the extensive testing, so you don't have to.