Best Triathlon Running Shoes

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Nike Zoom Fly
Test Winner: Nike Zoom Fly
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Participating in a triathlon and completing them is a highly respected goal and achievement in the sporting world, and if you are already competing, then you know the feeling after your cross that finish line. Triathlons can be quite energy draining and takes not only a strong mind but also proper gear to keep you cruising to that finish line. Now, if you already participate in triathlons then you know that the most important piece of gear when competing is a pair of triathlon running shoes. If you are on the hunt for a great pair of running shoes to take you that extra mile in your next triathlon, then you have come to the right place.

Standout Picks

ASICS Gel-Noosa Tri 11
ASICS is a well-known manufacturer who has obtained an excellent reputation for making excellent athletic shoes, and they’ve done that again with this product. ASICS’ Gel-Noosa Tri 11 Shoes are a very popular pick among triathletes, and they offer you a functional, comfortable shoe that is also stylish and comes in a variety of colors. You’ll get a shoe you can wear sock-less and get on easily, and these shoes will also boost your performance when you compete.
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Zoot Ultra Race 4.0
Zoot has been in business since 1983, and since they started making athletic gear, they’ve become a very popular brand among triathletes. Their Zoot’s Ultra Race 4.0 shoes are made to deliver a lot of performance and comfort and a stylish design. Made to be very comfortable and easy to use, this is an affordable shoe that is designed to fit well and stay dry when you compete.
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Newton Distance III
Newton’s Distance III comes with a unique design for triathletes that makes them a very popular choice overall. They are constructed to provide you with the correct running form each time you compete with them, and you’ll wind up landing comfortably on your heels as you run. The stability and comfort these shoes provide will make you realize why they are so popular once you wear them, and you’ll wind up with a better gait, which can greatly improve your performance.
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Saucony Kinvara 7
Saucony is another reputable brand that makes excellent athletic gear, and their shoes are extremely popular among many athletes. Saucony’s Kinvara 7 won’t come cheap, but they offer you a lot of style and several color options in a shoe that is also very functional. You get excellent ventilation, and a lot of flexibility. Plus, you get a removable insole, which means you can put whatever insole you need inside of this if the original insole doesn’t work for you.
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Nike Lunar Tempo
Nike has been making great running shoes for decades, and these shoes meet their usual standard of excellence. Nike’s Lunar Tempo is a popular triathlon shoe for many reasons. You’ll get a lot of great breathability and ventilation with this shoe, since it is comprised out of a lot of mesh material. It also features a lot of cushioning inside for extra comfort, and it’ll provide you with all you need to deliver some excellent results at your next event.
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Adidas Ultraboost
Adidas is another well-renowned brand that makes high-quality athletic gear, and their running shoes are very popular among athletes for a reason; they offer a lot of functionality and comfort while boosting your performance. Adidas’s Ultraboost shoes fit this concept well, and while they are a bit more expensive, you’ll wind up with plenty of color and style options, and a shoe designed for both stability and comfort.
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Brooks Ghost 10
Brooks is well-known for making high-quality running shoes, and this product is a very popular one among runners and triathletes. Brooks’ Ghost 10 offers you a neutral shoe design that will deliver you plenty of functionality and will also offer you a stylish appearance. They feature a comfortable cushioning system, and a lot of great ventilation and breathability so your shoes will never feel like they are overheating.
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Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18
Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS 18 brings you a quality stability shoe that will give you the support you need to help your feet stay comfortable and boost your endurance in your triathlons. You’ll get a very breathable shoe that is also designed with comfortable cushioning and absorbs shock well. Also, while the shoe is very functional, you’ll also get a variety of color and style options, so you’ll be able to find a look you enjoy as well.
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Asics Dynaflyte 3
Asics’ Dynaflyte 3 offers you a nice shoe that is specifically designed to be both lightweight and comfortable, which is a bit of an achievement with triathlon shoes. You’ll get the ComforDry Lasting Technology in these shoes, which provides you with a lot of great cushioning and a very breathable shoe. Plus, these shoes are made to help you improve your gait so that your performance improves, and there’s nothing bad we can say about that.
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Nike Zoom Fly
Nike’s Zoom Fly offers you a very popular shoe that will help you compete well in your triathlons. These shoes are made to run marathons and focus on endurance, so you get a lot of comfort and support with their design. There is a nice ventilation system here, and you also get a snug fit with these shoes. You’ll get a boost in your performance, and you’ll love how great these shoes feel when you run in them.
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Criteria Used for Evaluation

Comfort

Comfort is very important when you are considering an endurance event like a triathlon, and shoes are going to be a big part of that. If you don’t wind up with an uncomfortable pair of shoes, and you’ve got to run a long time with them, chances are, you’ll never use them. To prevent you from getting into this predicament, you’ll want to check out a couple of things to ensure optimal comfort.

First, you need to check out a few areas of the shoes to ensure the design will provide comfort. Make sure that the shoe comes with a seamless upper so that it won’t chafe. You’ll also want to make sure that your shoes also have a ventilation system in the upper as well. When the shoes breathe well, your feet won’t wind up covered in sweat; your shoes won’t rub on your feet, and you’ll feel far more comfortable.

Shock Absorption

The mid-sole on these shoes is also important, because that’s where you’ll find the cushioning system. There are different types of cushioning designs offered by manufacturers, but what you need to check on is how good that mid-sole feels to you when the shoes are on your feet. Some mid-soles are made to five you an extra bounce to propel you forward, while others focus on shock absorption.

The sole is another part you’ll need to check out to see how it is made. Many of these types of shoes feature foam, and they are also designed to help absorb shock. The less shock you feel, the better your body will feel, and the longer you’ll be able to perform.

Features

Features can vary widely among these types of shoes, so we’ll cover some of the things you’ll find. Lacing systems can be an important feature in triathlon events, because some of these shoes have regular lacing systems, while others feature quick-lacing systems that you might prefer when competing in this type of event. Also, some of these shoes come with reflective technology in them to make you more visible during low light conditions.

Style and fashion is another thing to check out when you examine features. Some of these shoes offer many color choices, while others do not. So, if style is important to you, then you might want to check out shoes that have a lot of color options.

Along with the features, you’ll notice that some shoes have sock liners in them, or extra insoles as well. So, since you’re going to see a lot of different options here when you look at the various product’s features, what you need to do is to think about what you really need with your shoes, and try to stick with that. If you don’t need something, you might find it a bit excessive and annoying.

Durability

How durable a shoe will be is affected by a few things. First, lightweight shoes and shoes with more mesh on them tend not to be as durable when compared to other shoes. Many manufacturers have to sacrifice durability when they make shoes light, so you’ll need to take that into consideration before making your final decision.

Shoes are usually durable if they feature a strong out-sole on them that is also abrasion resistant. Plus, having a rubber sole also adds a lot of durability to the shoe’s design. So, when you are checking out durability, take a look at the out-sole and the sole, and find out if the out-sole is abrasion resistant. Next, look at the sole to see if it has a strong design.

Top 10 Picks

1. ASICS Gel-Noosa Tri 11

Where to buy
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ASICS Gel-Noosa Tri 11
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ASICS is a well-known manufacturer who has obtained an excellent reputation for making excellent athletic shoes, and they’ve done that again with this product. ASICS’ Gel-Noosa Tri 11 Shoes are a very popular pick among triathletes, and they offer you a functional, comfortable shoe that is also stylish and comes in a variety of colors. You’ll get a shoe you can wear sock-less and get on easily, and these shoes will also boost your performance when you compete.

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Comfort: ASICS’ Gel-Noosa Tri 11 Shoes offer you a shoe designed to keep pushing you forward, with a lot of stability throughout the upper and plenty of comfort and cushioning in the midsole. You’ll get shoes with a responsive EVA midsole that will cushion your feet as they also push you forward. Plus, you can also wear these shoes without socks since they have a cozy sock liner on the inside. They are also made to be fully seamless so that they won’t rub.

Features: ASICS’ Gel-Noosa Tri 11 Shoes bring you a lot of great features that help make them a nice pair to have for competition. First, you get elastic laces so you can get the shoes on quickly, and a sock liner that will allow you to put them on without socks. They also glow-in-the-dark to make you more visible and safe at night. With the mesh upper, you’ll get plenty of breathability that will help your feet stay dry.

Durability: ASICS’ Gel-Noosa Tri 11 Shoes come with a durable rubber out-sole that is designed to absorb impact and also protect the outer area of the shoe from mishaps while you are on the go. The outside design features strong seamless construction in areas that can be torn or rub, and this ensures that the shoes will last for a long time. They can handle a lot of abuse while you run, and still look like new.

Value: ASICS’ Gel-Noosa Tri 11 Shoes are not cheap and do cost more than some of the other products on our list. However, you get a very durable, well designed shoe that is built to last. So, you won’t need to replace them, and you’ll certainly get your money’s worth.

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2. Zoot Ultra Race 4.0

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Zoot Ultra Race 4.0
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Zoot has been in business since 1983, and since they started making athletic gear, they’ve become a very popular brand among triathletes. Their Zoot’s Ultra Race 4.0 shoes are made to deliver a lot of performance and comfort and a stylish design. Made to be very comfortable and easy to use, this is an affordable shoe that is designed to fit well and stay dry when you compete.

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Comfort: Zoot’s Ultra Race 4.0 are designed for comfort, and you’ll get a nice cushioning system combined with a Z-bound high-response midsole that will make you feel like you have a spring in your step. Plus, with their Tri-Water drainage system, they are designed to give you a lot of breathability so that your feet won’t perspire inside your shoes. You’ll also get an Ultrafit upper made to give you cushioning at the top of your shoe, so nothing inside rubs while you run.

Features: Zoot’s Ultra Race 4.0 offer you several great features, and have a nice lacing system, called the Cable fast lacing system, that makes it very easy to get them on while you compete. Plus, you get a shoe that is quick-drying and ventilates very well so you won’t feel wet. With the responsive mid-sole that will propel you forward as you run, and the stylish look, these shoes offer a lot.

Durability: Zoot’s Ultra Race 4.0 features a strong ZPU outsole, which is designed to protect the shoe from damage while you are on the go. The out-sole is abrasion resistant, and helps to add a lot of durability to the shoe. Also, the durable rubber sole also protects the shoe from wear, giving you a pretty durable combination.

Value: Zoot’s Ultra Race 4.0 is a very cost-effective option if you are shopping on a budget. You’ll get stylish looking shoe that also comes with a lot of comfort. Plus, these shoes have a very durable design so you’ll get plenty of use out of them. All of that means they are a great value.

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3. Newton Distance III

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Newton Distance III
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Newton’s Distance III comes with a unique design for triathletes that makes them a very popular choice overall. They are constructed to provide you with the correct running form each time you compete with them, and you’ll wind up landing comfortably on your heels as you run. The stability and comfort these shoes provide will make you realize why they are so popular once you wear them, and you’ll wind up with a better gait, which can greatly improve your performance.

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Comfort: Newton’s Distance III features a plush tongue and a plush collar, and that means you’ll get a lot of comfort on the top part of the shoe while you are on the go. Plus, you get an excellent midsole design that will provide you with plenty of comfort while you are on the go and absorb shock, but is also made with mid-food and heel action/reaction technology. That technology means the midsole will bounce you up and propel you forward to keep you going.

Features: You’ll get a lot of wonderful features with these shoes, like their mesh upper design which allows for a lot of breathability. Your feet will stay dry, and you won’t need to worry about excess rubbing. Also, the laces have a heel lace lock and are easy to use. You’ll also get shoes with reflective technology so that it is easier to see you if you run in low-light conditions, providing you plenty of safety as well.

Durability: Newton’s Distance III offer you decent durability, although they are probably not as durable as some other options, they won’t wear out overnight. The do have a solid rubber sole that absorbs shock and also helps protect the outer area of the shoe from wearing out. They will last for some time, but they don’t have the durable outer area that some other shoes on our list offer.

Value: Newton’s Distance III comes with an inexpensive price tag, and they do offer a lot to help you out while you compete. You’ll wind up with a very nice mid-sole that will cushion your feet while propelling you forward, and several other great features. They are moderately durable, and you won’t wind up draining your bank account if you buy these.

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4. Saucony Kinvara 7

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Saucony Kinvara 7
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Saucony is another reputable brand that makes excellent athletic gear, and their shoes are extremely popular among many athletes. Saucony’s Kinvara 7 won’t come cheap, but they offer you a lot of style and several color options in a shoe that is also very functional. You get excellent ventilation, and a lot of flexibility. Plus, you get a removable insole, which means you can put whatever insole you need inside of this if the original insole doesn’t work for you.

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Comfort: Saucony’s Kinvara 7 comes with a lightweight design and a lot of great breathability so that your feet stay dry and comfortable while you run. You also get a shoe that provides a cushioned underfoot feeling and absorbs shock very well, keeping your feet safe from shock. They also offer a great fit so that you get the best performance possible out of them.

Features: You’ll get a bevy of excellent features with these great shoes. They offer several color and fashion choices, so you’ll love the way they look. Plus, you get Everun heel cushioning with these shoes which helps absorb shock well while you run. And, the FlexFirm upper will help you improve your stride while you go so that you perform better and feel great while you run.

Durability: Saucony’s Kinvara 7 offers a lot of durability in the design. First, the upper on the shoe is designed on the outside to resist abrasions with ease, so that even after a lot of use, the shoes look great. You’ll also get a great rubber sole design with this product, and the rubber soles are made to help prevent excess wear to the shoes. So, you’ll be able to utilize these shoes on your runs for a long time.

Value: Saucony’s Kinvara 7 runs in the moderate to high price range for this type of shoe. So, they don’t come cheap, but they do offer a lot of great comfort and performance benefits. Plus, they are build to last, so you do get value if you purchase this shoe.

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5. Nike Lunar Tempo

Where to buy
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Nike Lunar Tempo
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Nike has been making great running shoes for decades, and these shoes meet their usual standard of excellence. Nike’s Lunar Tempo is a popular triathlon shoe for many reasons. You’ll get a lot of great breathability and ventilation with this shoe, since it is comprised out of a lot of mesh material. It also features a lot of cushioning inside for extra comfort, and it’ll provide you with all you need to deliver some excellent results at your next event.

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Comfort: Nike’s Lunar Tempos feature a lot of comfort and are designed for excellent ventilation. There is a ton of mesh on this shoe, and that will keep your feet very dry and give you the breathability you’ll want for comfort while you are running. You also get a nice Lunarlon cushioning system that will help absorb shock so you feel less fatigue when you are running.

Features: Nike’s Lunar Tempo come designed with a lot of great features, including the use of mesh on the upper for great breathability. You also get a nice cushioning system and a durable sole that helps absorb impact while you are run. These shoes have a regular lacing system, and that’s one thing we wish they’d improve since you’ll benefit from having quick lacing shoes in triathlons, but otherwise, this is a nice shoe.

Durability: Nike’s Lunar Tempo are moderately durable, so they won’t last as long as some of the other products on our list, but you will get some use out of them. One of the thing that affects their durability is the use of a lot of mesh on the upper area of the shoe. However, you do get a durable rubber sole that helps to extend the life of this shoe.

Value: Nike’s Lunar Tempo falls in the average price range, and does offer several nice features that make it worth considering. If you like getting a lot of breathability, then these shoes might be great for you. Also, they offer a lot of comfort to protect your feet and keep you going for long periods of time.

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6. Adidas Ultraboost

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Adidas Ultraboost
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Adidas is another well-renowned brand that makes high-quality athletic gear, and their running shoes are very popular among athletes for a reason; they offer a lot of functionality and comfort while boosting your performance. Adidas’s Ultraboost shoes fit this concept well, and while they are a bit more expensive, you’ll wind up with plenty of color and style options, and a shoe designed for both stability and comfort.

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Comfort: Adidas’s Ultraboost is made with a lot of comfort in mind, and they feature a well-cushioned midsole that helps to absorb impact while you run. Also, that midsole features “bounce” technology, which means your feet will feel like they have a spring in their step as the shoes propel you forward. You’ll get a lot of breathability as well for additional comfort, and you’ll feel great when you run.

Features: Adidas’s Ultraboost features a lot of stability in the design, so your stride will be where it needs to be, and that can help you improve your performance. It’ll also help your feet feel better if you tend to roll them when you run, and that will make you run harder and stronger. Plus, you get plenty of mesh at the front of the foot for a lot of extra ventilation.

Durability: Adidas’s Ultraboost is a very durable shoe overall, and the materials that make up these shoes are a combination of high-quality textile and synthetic materials. The combination is designed to resist abrasions while you run, which will make them last longer. Also, you get a durable rubber sole as well which helps protect the outer area of the shoe from wear and tear.

Value: Adidas’s Ultraboost run on the expensive side of things when compared to other products on our list, but they do offer a lot of features. Since they stabilize so well, you’ll get an improved stride and better performance. Plus, they are a durable product, and you’ll be able to use them for a while, making them a good value.

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7. Brooks Ghost 10

Where to buy
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Brooks Ghost 10
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Brooks is well-known for making high-quality running shoes, and this product is a very popular one among runners and triathletes. Brooks’ Ghost 10 offers you a neutral shoe design that will deliver you plenty of functionality and will also offer you a stylish appearance. They feature a comfortable cushioning system, and a lot of great ventilation and breathability so your shoes will never feel like they are overheating.

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Comfort: Brooks’ Ghost 10 offers you a nice, breathable upper that has seamless engineered mesh. So, the upper area of the shoe won’t rub on your feet while you are on the go, and the mesh features a lot of ventilation to keep your feet cool and dry. Also, you’ll get a nice, well-cushioned midsole that will keep your feet feeling cozy. The midsole helps to absorb shock well, and that will make your feet feel great while you are running.

Features: Brooks’ Ghost 10 has a lot of great features packed into it. You get a guiding eyelet on the tongue so that the upper will stay in place while you run, and this feature also makes these shoes easy and quick to lace. The upper is designed to hug your feet well so you get the perfect fit, and all the support you’ll need when you run. These shoes are also very responsive, meaning they move well as you move, and you’ll feel very seamless when you run.

Durability: Brooks’ Ghost 10 come with a very durable outsole that also has a crash pad on it. That crash pad helps you keep the correct stride, but also does a good job of protecting the shoe from wear and tear on your runs. Also, you’ll get a rubber sole that helps protect the outer area of the shoe, making these shoes very long-lasting.

Value: Brooks’ Ghost 10 is an affordable shoe option, and that makes it a great value considering it will give you a lot of comfort and also help out your stride. Plus, the shoe itself has a strong out-sole and sole design so that the shoe is built to last. So, you’ll be able to utilize these shoes for a while.

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8. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18

Where to buy
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Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18
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Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS 18 brings you a quality stability shoe that will give you the support you need to help your feet stay comfortable and boost your endurance in your triathlons. You’ll get a very breathable shoe that is also designed with comfortable cushioning and absorbs shock well. Also, while the shoe is very functional, you’ll also get a variety of color and style options, so you’ll be able to find a look you enjoy as well.

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Comfort: Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS 18 has a lot of comfort in its design, and you’ll get a fabric lining inside the shoe that feels very soft to the touch and won’t rub while you are running. Also, you get a removable insole that you can use, or remove, that will give you more cushioning at the bottom of your feet. The midsole also works great to absorb shock, and your feet will feel great while you are on the go.

Features: Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS 18 comes with a few features we really like, including the adjustable mid-food saddle which means you can actually customize these shoes to get the perfect fit. You’ll get a mid-sole that is made to give you plenty of stability and support to straighten your feet out, helping you feel far better on endurance runs. Also, you’ll get a shoe that has a durable rubber sole as well, and that sole helps absorb impact.

Durability: Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS 18 comes with a durable rubber sole, but the lightweight design of the upper on this shoe and the extra ventilation means it isn’t quite as durable as some of the other products on our list. The durability here is about average, and you’ll still get some use out of these shoes, but their lightweight design means you are trading off a bit of durability in the shoe itself.

Value: Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS 18 come with a cost-effective price tag that makes them a nice value overall. They are moderately durable, but they do offer you plenty of comfort and stability for all of your runs. Also, you’ll get plenty of shock absorption, too, which makes this a good product overall.

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9. Asics Dynaflyte 3

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Asics Dynaflyte 3
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Asics’ Dynaflyte 3 offers you a nice shoe that is specifically designed to be both lightweight and comfortable, which is a bit of an achievement with triathlon shoes. You’ll get the ComforDry Lasting Technology in these shoes, which provides you with a lot of great cushioning and a very breathable shoe. Plus, these shoes are made to help you improve your gait so that your performance improves, and there’s nothing bad we can say about that.

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Comfort: Asics’ Dynaflyte 3 comes with the ComforDry Lasting technology system, which provides you with a lot of cushioning under your feet for comfort. Plus, this technology also brings you a great ventilation system so that your shoes will stay dry. You’ll wind up with a soft fabric lining that feels great against your skin, and a great overall feel.

Features: Asics’ Dynaflyte 3 brings you a lot of great features in the design. You get a nice FlyteFoam system in these shoes, which helps absorb shock well and will keep your feet feeling great for a long period time. Also, you’ll get flexibility with these shoes, which are designed to move with you as you run, providing you with a comfortable feeling.

Durability: Asics’ Dynaflyte 3 is a nicely designed shoe that is both lightweight and well-cushioned, but as it is with most lightweight shoes, they aren’t as durable as some of the other product options on our list. However, you will get average durability out of them, which means you will get some use out of them.

Value: Asics’ Dynaflyte 3 is an affordable option if you are looking for a good, cushioned lightweight shoe to help you compete in your triathlons. Although they aren’t as durable as some other options, they do help make your feet feel very comfortable and will help boost your overall performance.

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10. Nike Zoom Fly

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Nike Zoom Fly
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Nike’s Zoom Fly offers you a very popular shoe that will help you compete well in your triathlons. These shoes are made to run marathons and focus on endurance, so you get a lot of comfort and support with their design. There is a nice ventilation system here, and you also get a snug fit with these shoes. You’ll get a boost in your performance, and you’ll love how great these shoes feel when you run in them.

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Comfort: Nike’s Zoom Fly is designed for comfort, and you get a seamless upper that won’t ever rub or chafe you while you are on the move. Also, you’ll get plenty of Flymesh material on the upper that helps these shoes to breathe so your feet stay more comfortable. Also, you get a tongue designed to support your ankle’s front tendons, and that will help your feet feel great for longer periods of time.

Features: The soles of these shoes are designed to give you a lot of cushioning, and they have three layers of foam that will absorb shock. Plus, the soles and out-soles are designed to be abrasion resistant, which helps extend the life of the shoe. You’ll get very effective cushioning as well with the midsole design.

Durability: Nike’s Zoom Fly features abrasion resistant materials on the sole and out-sole which help prevent the shoes from wearing out easily. That means you’ll get plenty of use out of these those. They are very strong and durable, and have three layers of foam in the sole which gives you an idea about why they will last so long.

Value: Nike’s Zoom Fly is a bit expensive, but these shoes are still a great product option considering their overall design and durability. You’ll be able to use them for a long time, and that helps to make them worth the money.

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Sources

  1. Brian Price, Best Triathlon Running Shes, Informatiional Running Website