Released in November 2022, the debut shoe from Tracksmith extended the brand’s offering into the competitive and rapidly evolving footwear category. Plated shoes were already in circulation by the time the Boston-based brand launched their footwear frontier, extending their emphasis on detail and East Coast aesthetic at a price point just shy of $200/£200.

The detail is so well done that paradoxically, you’ll be unsure whether to treat this as a smart-casual shoe or piece of running kit to a beat around through mud and grit. Synthetic suede details and the brand’s signature woven sash express the quality of the design and again, colourways of dark rose, ivory and chateau gray demonstrate the versatility of the shoe for everyday use. This premium element imbues the brand’s DNA, providing a neutral shoe that generally applies to the full breadth of life.

Handling the shoe quickly reveals the upper’s precision, sat on top of a simple sole that evokes the early adios Adizero era since wiped away by the supershoe form. A 9mm-drop and heal stack of around 33mm weights in at 9.2oz (Men’s size 9), while Pebax® cushioning expresses the training nature of the shoe.

The inner tongue print includes a further detail with a script proclaiming Designed in Boston to Meet the Rigorous Demand of Runners Everywhere.

Most reviews from verified buyers put the shoe on the 5-star rating, with 4-star ratings citing the issues with grip on slippery pavement, wear on the heel and questions about the shoes durability beyond 150 miles. If future editions take note of these shortcomings and maintain the broad dimensions of the shoe, this debut edition could pair well with the Eliot Race, since released as a performance shoe for Tracksmith fans.

Learn more at trackmith.com