# Inaugural Research-Backed Footwear The Tracksmith Eliot Runner is the Brand's First Shoe By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2022-10-01 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tracksmith-eliot-runner References: [werd](https://www.werd.com/66570/tracksmith-unveils-their-first-shoe-the-eliot-runner/) & [tracksmith](https://www.tracksmith.com/pages/eliot-runner) The Tracksmith Eliot Runner has been unveiled as the brand's first footwear style ever to provide athletes alike with an option to complement their existing gear. The shoes were developed over the course of several years with ample research, and were designed with forest trails, natural surfaces and wood chip-covered paths in mind. The shoes are thus constructed with [ample cushioning, a responsive sole](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fresh-foam-x-1080-v13) and a perfectly snug fit to ensure they can withstand use during three seasons of wear. The Tracksmith Eliot Runner is built with performance in mind, but maintains a decidedly simple silhouette to make it suited for casual wear outside of training. The sneakers will be launched for preorder starting on October 24, 2022. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 77% | Activity: 64% | Freshness: 13% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Research-backed Footwear:** The creation of footwear styles that are backed by extensive research to elevate performance and comfort for athletes. - **Multi-purpose Athletic Shoes:** Development of shoes that can perform well in diverse terrain and also suitable for casual wear. - **Direct-to-consumer Shoe Brands:** Increasing popularity of direct-to-consumer shoe brands that create performance-driven footwear. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Athletic Footwear:** Innovations in performance-driven footwear for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. - **Apparel and Accessories:** Creation of versatile athletic footwear that can be worn outside of training sessions opens up opportunities in the fashion and apparel industry. - **E-commerce:** Direct-to-consumer shoe brands also opens up more e-commerce opportunities in the athletic footwear industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Boutique Brand Super Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tracksmith-eliot-racer.md) - [Stylish Everyday Men's Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lululemon-2.md) - [High-Mileage Off-Grid Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-zegama-2.md) - [Traction-Optimized Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roam-trail-running-shoe.md) - [Performance-Ready Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fresh-foam-x-1080-v13.md) - [Realistic Runner Footwear Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/altra-experience-3-range.md) - [Agile Elite Runner Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/on-running-cloudultra.md) - [Progressive Timeless Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fresh-foam-x-1080v14.md) - [Ultra-Cushioned Performance Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cloudeclipse.md)