Tracksmith Elliot Rider Review: Max Cushion Without the Bulk

Introduction

Tracksmith’s latest release takes an unusual approach to the max cushion trainer. Rather than stacking foam in a conventional way, the Elliot Rider uses a drop-in midsole that puts 25mm of supercritical ATPU foam directly underfoot, paired with the brand’s trademark premium design details like embroidered sashes on the sides.

The big question is always whether there is substance beneath the stylish exterior. After well over 50km of test miles covering long runs, easy runs, progression runs, and even some intervals, the answer is yes. This is comfortably the best Tracksmith shoe we have run in, and it competes with the best max cushion trainers on the market.

Quick Specs and Design

The Elliot Rider packs a 45mm heel stack with 37.5mm in the forefoot, giving around a 7mm drop. It weighs 295g (10.4 oz) in a US 9 test shoe, and it is priced at $220 in the US and £220 in the UK.

The design centers on that 25mm supercritical ATPU drop-in insert that nests into the shoe and sits directly underfoot. Tracksmith says this gives you the feeling of standing in the foam rather than on top of it, and the insert is claimed to deliver 85% energy return. It is housed in a supercritical chassis that adds stability and control, rockered in the forefoot but flatter in the rear.

Up top, woven uppers aim for breathability and support where needed, with flat knitted tongues gusseted down into the forefoot, medium padded heel collars, and a standard lacing setup. The outsole is what Tracksmith calls a rubber net mesh: a generous full-foot rubber covering with cutouts that save weight while keeping grip.

Fit and Sizing

Fit is true to size, which is a welcome change. Earlier Tracksmith models like the Elliot Runner and Elliot Racer ran a bit hit and miss with sizing, but both testers here ran their normal running shoe size and were happy.

There is good toe clearance, no pressure across the toe knuckles, and a toe box that feels fairly spacious for a daily shoe. The crossover laces lock down nicely across the midfoot, the knitted tongues wrap close to the foot with enough padding to prevent lace pinch, and the mid-level heel collar padding delivers comfort without being overbuilt. Just make sure to lace them down well to avoid any heel movement.

Ride and Performance

This is where the Elliot Rider earns its place. The cushioning is genuinely good: soft under the heel without sinking in excessively, with a quick and natural return of energy. It is not a hyper-aggressive rocket shoe, but the transition is smooth and the foot flows through nicely, even at easy paces.

It is livelier than it looks. The setup handles pace up to around marathon pace well, and it shines most on long runs at a cruising pace, helping you tick over through the miles. Moving up to steady paces on progression runs felt comfortable and natural too.

Stability was never a concern despite the narrower footprint. That slightly narrower profile is arguably a plus: it keeps the shoe nimble and keeps it from feeling like one of those big tanky max cushion cruisers. The outsole also copes with light trails thanks to its full rubber coverage, with one small caveat: on pavements with just a sheen of water on an otherwise dry day, it can occasionally feel a little slick.

If you want marshmallow-soft max cushion for slow and easy running, this is not that shoe. It is bouncier and more performance-leaning, which many runners will prefer.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Price is the main drawback. At $220 / £220, it sits above the market standard even within an already expensive max cushion category, so better value options definitely exist.

The weight is the other consideration. Some of the styling details add mass, and trimming them could sharpen the faster-run credentials further. It is also not the softest option in the category, so pure plushness seekers should look elsewhere.

Alternatives Worth Considering

The Nike Zoom Vomero Plus is the usual benchmark in this category. It is a little heavier but wider and bouncier with its ZoomX midsole, giving a softer, squishier feel, and it is often available much cheaper in sales, making it a strong first alternative.

The Hoka Clifton Pro has a similar feeling midsole but with a more pronounced rocker design for a smooth rolling ride. It is not as good looking, but the ride is right up there and it costs a fair bit less.

The Saucony Triumph 24, with its ATPU midsole, is very similar all around, though we lean slightly toward the Tracksmith, and the Saucony is again notably cheaper. There is also the R8 UFO, a lighter and bouncier max cushion option with a bit more scope for faster running, though it is still not cheap.

Buying Advice

Tracksmith’s stated aim is max cushion performance without the aesthetic baggage, and the Elliot Rider nails that brief. It looks good with everyday gear, works as a travel shoe, and still delivers the performance for everything from easy hour-long runs to seven-mile progression efforts.

If the price does not put you off and you want a poppy, versatile max cushion trainer that doubles as an excellent casual shoe, this is a very strong choice. If you are shopping purely on value, cheaper alternatives above will serve you well.

Conclusion

The Elliot Rider is a genuinely impressive max cushion daily trainer that flips the usual comfort-over-speed formula. It is cushioned, nimble, fun to run in, and stylish enough for everyday wear. The premium price is real, but the shoe backs it up on the run better than any Tracksmith release before it.