TYR’s First Strides: Unveiling Potential

Back when I started running seriously twelve years ago, I used to run in cross training shoes. They were fine, but once I switched to proper running shoes, I realized what I had been missing all along.

TYR has been making waves in the cross training scene for a while, and I’d seen their logo in the swimming world. But in 2022, they really caught my attention when six of the top 10 CrossFit finishers sported their footwear – quite an achievement! To my surprise, TYR has now ventured into the running world, and we recently got a chance to try out their SR-1 Tempo Runner (a lightweight shoe designed for speed) and Techknit RNR-1 Runner (an everyday trainer). Can’t wait to share our thoughts on them! 

Techknit RNR-1

The Techknit RNR-1 boasts a simplistic and stunning design. With four out of six options, including the one we tried, being single-colored for the upper, midsole, and outer, the shoe keeps it simple yet elegant. Even the other two options are straightforward, showcasing a classic look in a world that celebrates colorful diversity.

In short, I genuinely enjoy these shoes. They offer great comfort, a good fit, and deliver the performance expected from a running shoe. I first wore them for a day out walking around town (yes, they can double as a non-running option), and my feet felt great.

Chalk that up to their the SurgeNRG+ foam which is enhanced with Pebax. This provides durable support during any active motion. The 3D knit upper construction is quite nice as well with solid breathability and securing. There is a gusseted tongue and sockliner, which add nicely to the comfort.

All of these things leave me really (surprisingly?) impressed with the RNR-1.

SR-1 Tempo Runner

If the RNR-1 is the daily trainer option for TYR, the SR-1 is the tempo shoe. It is the lighter one of the pair, tipping the scales at a mere 7.6 ounces for a men’s size nine.

The SR-1 still has that straightforward look, but there’s a touch of standard main color with cool accents vibe. It just looks like a running shoe.

And – looks aside – it feels like a running shoe! After a few speedier runs, I gotta say, they feel exactly like what I’d want them to. And honestly, isn’t that all we really want? You can tell they put a lot of thought into running-specific technology, and the result is quite respectable.

The SR-1 includes much of the good stuff inside – also utilizing their Surge NRG+ Foam enhanced with Pebax. Thus, the comfort and responsiveness are quality as well.

The monomesh upper reduces the weight from the knit of the RNR-1, and provides better breathability for those quicker paces. They also boast a Flex Groove outsole for nice traction (though we have only tested these in warm summer days), a beveled heel for smooth ground contact, and a molded sockliner for extra comfort and support.

TYR may have had humble beginnings, but their initial options are definitely heading in the right direction.

I actualy had some internal debate going on during my testing of these two shoes – do I really enjoy them, or were my expectations tempered at the onset and so any positivitiy is exponentially heightened as a result? I still haven’t fully determined that yet, but regardless – these are really good running shoes. They are comfortable, fit well, and perform exceptionally as running shoes should. I’m genuinely impressed.

Like with many new running shoe companies, it takes a few iterations to learn the ropes and deliver what runners truly want. We’ve seen this with other newcomers like Allbirds and the revamped On running collection – it often takes some time to hit the mark. However, I believe TYR has real potential and can keep up with the best in the game.