The Best Triathlon Shoes of 2022

Originally Published Oct 27, 2022

Next to a high-performance bike and sleek wetsuit, quality running shoes are key to a winning triathlon performance. The best triathlon running shoes aren't just comfortable and supportive but must be easy to get into and get you to the finish line.
 
And shoes, like feet, aren’t one size fits all.
 
Finding your best triathlon running shoes for 2022 is no easy endeavour. But, keep reading for some great tips to help you find your next favourite pair.

Choosing Your Triathlon Running Shoes

There are some features of a triathlon shoe that are standard to most all tri shoes. For example, most all tri shoes are flexible and lightweight, just like regular running shoes. Most will not have laces, since laces can be time-consuming and difficult to tie during transitions. Drawstring systems are common, and these are the easiest and quickest systems to use.
 
Additionally, the best triathlon shoes are made to be worn without socks, since putting on socks during the race can add time to the transition. The shoe should fit snugly enough that the foot does not move around within the shoe, so don’t forget to try them on sockless. 
 
Some triathlon shoe feature run-off channels or moisture-wicking materials that help water (from the swimming portion of the race) drain away from the foot, which also helps prevent hot spots or blisters.
 
However, there are other characteristics like cushioning, for example, which is decided more by personal preference. Some feel the more cushion in their shoes, the less impact on their feet when they strike the ground, so, the better it is for their bodies. Others enjoy less (or sometimes none, aka barefoot!) cushion – favouring a more natural feel to their run.
 
Stability, flexibility, energy return and weight are traits that vary greatly from shoe to shoe and person to person. Thinking about the questions below will further help you find the best triathlon shoe for 2022 to suit your specific needs.
 
●      What sort of running are you doing? (Long training miles? Fast 5ks? Off-road?)
●      Do you mix up distances?
●      Do you overpronate or underpronate?
●      Do you know your gait?

Best Triathalon Running Shoes of 2022

Brooks Launch 9

The Brooks Launch 9 is a stable, comfortable and affordable shoe that comes in a range of both funky patterns and plain designs, so there’s something for everyone’s taste.
 
This shoe has a wide, stable platform and works best for those with medium to wide feet. It has a slightly rockered sole, which helps you to get a smoother transition and a more powerful toe-off while reducing foot fatigue. 
 
The Launch 9 uses Brooks’ BioMoGo foam in the midsole, which is moderately cushioned and has a thin tongue to help you get a snug fit. It also has an anatomically-designed speed collar that lowers the weight of the shoe and makes it more streamlined so you can run faster. And we all love the eco-friendly Green Rubber on the outsole for great traction.
Hoka Carbon X3
Is it fair to say the Hoka Carbon X3 is not the prettiest shoe on the market? Triathletes don’t purchase this shoe for its looks. But the technology and how they feel during and after their run makes it oh so worth it.
 
What makes this one of the best triathlon shoes for 2022 is a carbon fibre plate located closest to the outsole. That ensures that all the shocks and bumps in the roads are absorbed in the carbon fibre so your legs, knees and ankles don’t feel the vibrations.
 
The carbon plate helps your legs stay fresh and gives them a stable base to last for 30+ mile runs and long days in the shoes. It is a heavier shoe than some others, but a good choice for those who go the distance.

Zoot Ali’i 14

The Zoot ALI’I is moderately cushioned, fresh and colourful. Its unique BOA Closure System delivers a fast, customised and comfortable fit, providing quick application and on-the-fly adjustment for racing and training.
 
This system is perfectly designed for triathletes: the BOA system locks in the heel and stabilises the midsole – fit for a king!
 
The Ali’i is built with an 8 mm drop, somewhere in between more traditional running shoes and mid-foot specific shoes. The midsole feels lively and bouncy and has an ample toe box that allows your swelling feet to be happily accommodated during long efforts. 
Asics Gel Noosa Tri 11
This one is a looker! This lightweight running shoe provides a blend of comfort and support to help you smash your training goals.
 
The ASICS Gel Noosa Tri 11 has some great enhancements over the previous Noosa versions like lighter, more comfortable “user-friendly” materials and fewer seams that could result in irritating spots throughout the interior.
 
The GEL-NOOSA TRI 11 model features a FLYTEFOAM midsole, which works with GEL technology cushioning in the rear foot for a more comfortable run. Open holes in the forefoot drain water to keep you dry, while the airy mesh mid-foot area lets your feet breathe.
 
The elastic laces and a pull tab on the tongue and heel also make the shoe easy to take on and off. The GEL-NOOSA TRI 11 shoe is designed to help promote better durability, thanks to its heel plug that helps to reduce wear in high-contact areas.

Newton Running Fate 8

Newton Running is impressively always evolving its product line with some fantastic footwear options for triathletes. The Fate 8 shoes are superior in minimising impact while maximising running economy. The men's version is only 8.8 ounces and the women’s is 7.4 ounces, making them very lightweight. 
 
Featuring a plush form-fitting upper and gender tuned to maximise both fit and performance, it will help you run healthier and happier for miles to come. And, the innovative sustainable construction uses recycled materials to increase biodegradability, making sure your footprints disappear even faster in the future.
On Cloudboom Echo
The On Cloudboom Echo is a different kind of racing shoe, but the right athlete will fall in love with this unique shoe.
 
The On Cloudboom Echo is a higher stack height, eye-catching carbon-speedboard racing shoe for those wanting a firmer, speedier ride for middle to longer distance racing. While its design is sleek and simple, the word “comfort” does not come to mind.
 
The upper fits slightly long but has a comfortable mesh up top. The midsole features On's Helion midsole and clouds, making for a firmer ride despite being the softest On shoe yet.
Altra Escalante 2.5

Well known for its zero-drop technology for natural running, the comfortable, casual Escalante 2.5 is a winning pick as one of the best triathlon running shoes in 2022.
 
The Escalante 2.5 features an updated sock-like upper that is lightweight, breathable, and so very comfortable. The Balanced Cushioning platform positions your heel and forefoot at an equal distance from the ground, encouraging better alignment and better form.
 
The original Altra EGO foam is designed to provide added energy return and a responsive, yet soft, comfortable feel. If you appreciate a spacious toe box, then the Escalante takes care of that too. 

New shoes for your next triathlon are calling your name!
 
And our expert therapists at Physio Inq are ready to help get you in tip-top shape for your next race. Book an appointment today!

Written on behalf of Physio Inq