Swimrun 101: The Best Swimrun Shoes for 2024

Welcome to episode 228 of the Löw Tide Böyz - A Swimrun Podcast!

We’ve got a new addition to our Swimrun 101 Series this week. In this episode we discuss the state of the Swimrun shoe in 2024, share our thoughts in choosing the right Swimrun shoe for your next race, and give our rankings on the current shoes that are out there.

Note, you can watch this episode on YouTube.

First, The State of the Swimrun Shoe in 2024

• Lots of great options…probably starting with what you already have
• While most trail run shoes will work, there are some specific features that make a shoe better or worse for Swimrun that we will be discussing later
• We wish there were more specific Swimrun shoes but here we are.

Second, Things to Consider for Choosing a Shoe For your next Swimrun

• Start with a trail shoe since most swimruns take place on trails so you’ll want something with lugs on the sole
• Look for uppers that will drain well
• Do the bucket test
• Bonus tip: Pair your shoe with thin/moisture wicking socks to prevent blisters/chaffing/hot spots/etc. We like Swiftwick & CEP

Next, it’s time for some shoe show and tell

• Some of the shoes that we’ve used or will be using
  • VJ Maxx Ultra 2
  • Hoka Tecton X
  • Hoka Speedgoat
  • Hoka Zinal
  • Vivobarefoot Hydra ESC (The only actual Swimrun Shoe on the list)
  • Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra (no longer in production) (LTBz shoe of the year for 2022 and 2023)
  • Brand spanking new Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra (with a carbon plate)

Finally, our rankings on the best Swimrun shoes available for 2024 (so far)

Long Races: Hoka Tecton X, VJ Maxx 2

Technical Terrain: Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra, VJs

Overall Winner: Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra

Enjoy!

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That’s it for this week’s show.

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Thanks for listening and see you out there!

- Chip and Chris