Ah, Tracksmith. The brand I love to hate and hate to love.
What is Tracksmith?
Tracksmith is a high-end running apparel company based in Boston, MA. Founded in 2014, the brand markets itself to the "amateur" runner, with "amateur" meaning not professional, but definitely competitive. They even sponsored runners in the 2020 Olympic trials.
They sell primarily running clothing with a few overpriced accessories like an umbrella ($88), sunglasses ($255), and a necklace ($600). Their prices are about 50-80 percent higher than traditional brands like Nike, adidas, New Balance and Saucony and their color palate is somewhat muted, understated and neutral.
Tracksmith gear has become somewhat of a status symbol in the running community, and I think that is their goal. If you wear Tracksmith you are saying, "I am a serious runner who spends serious money on my gear."
Hate to love and love to hate
Based on my description above, you can probably guess why I hate to love and love to hate this brand. I hate to love it because I have spent way too much money on their gear. I really do not need to pay for expensive running clothing, but I do anyway. I also hate to love it because I'm not a status symbol person. I don't buy designer handbags, belts or shoes. And yet I believe Tracksmith to be a status symbol.
I love to hate Tracksmith because I find the advertising to be a little pretentious and the prices for some of the items to be ridiculous ($48 for a pair of running undies!). They also have some really ugly items that I can't believe people would get. Their Black Friday deal was something on the order of "spend $150 this week and get 10% off a future order". Wow- how generous.
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| Outside the Boston store |
As a marketing professional myself, I applaud them for having marketing campaigns that are so effective, runners are willing to pay nearly twice the price for their gear. Good marketing appeals to the consumer's emotions. Want to show up at a race and look fast? Feel fast? Have disposable income? Tracksmith is the brand for you.
They do have excellent customer service and if you need to exchange your item for a different size, they will ship it out to you immediately without having to purchase another item and/or wait for your return to be processed. I find that their items run true-to-size or slightly small. I wear an XS in everything except for the Bell Lap top.
With that said, I will now review some gear items from Tracksmith.
On a scale of 1-5 with 5 being "excellent" and 1 being "poor" - here are my thoughts.
The Van Cortlandt Singlet ($65)
This is a lightweight loose-fitting singlet available in both men's and women's versions. Usually when you think about Tracksmith, this is the singlet that comes to mind as it is their signature piece. They come out with new colors each season. I have 3 of these and Greg has 1. If you want other runners to know that you are wearing Tracksmith, this is the piece you get. I think this singlet is okay. It doesn't have much shape to it but it looks fast!
- Comfort: 4
- Fit: 3
- Material: 4
- Style: 3
- Value for money: 3
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| The Van Cortlandt Singlet |
The Twilight Tank ($62)
This fitted tank is available in both men's and women's versions. I prefer this tank to the Van Cortlandt Singlet because it's more flattering and less boxy. The material is super comfortable and lightweight. I have two of these and would probably buy another one if they came out with a color I really liked. Note, in 2021 the price of the Twilight Tank was $52, and I ranked it a "4" in Value for Money. Now in 2022 it is priced at $62 so I have downgraded it to a "3".
This fitted tank is available in both men's and women's versions. I prefer this tank to the Van Cortlandt Singlet because it's more flattering and less boxy. The material is super comfortable and lightweight. I have two of these and would probably buy another one if they came out with a color I really liked. Note, in 2021 the price of the Twilight Tank was $52, and I ranked it a "4" in Value for Money. Now in 2022 it is priced at $62 so I have downgraded it to a "3".
- Comfort: 4
- Fit: 4
- Material: 4
- Style: 4
- Value for money: 3
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| Tracksmith Twilight Tank |
The Bell Lap Top ($75)
This is a women's crop top that does not have a built in bra. So far Tracksmith has not come out with a bra that supports my cup size (32D) so I wear a regular sports bra under this crop top. I'll be honest, the main reason I like this top is because it looks fast and feels fast. The material is heavier than I would like. They re-modeled this piece at some point in 2020, making it smaller. I like the new version better than the previous version because the fit is more streamlined. I like to race in this top because it looks fast!
- Comfort: 4
- Fit: 4
- Material: 3
- Style: 5
- Value for money: 3
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| The Tracksmith Bell Lap Top |
Lane 5 Crop Top ($72)
This Crop Top is similar to to the Bell Lap top. It looks almost identical to the Bell Lap with the exception of the signature diagonal stripe, which is reserved for the Bell Lap. The Lane 5 is just a tad longer, too. The Lane 5 Crop Top can be worn with or without a bra underneath it, depending on how much support you need. I definitely need a sports bra under it, but I have talked to another woman who doesn't wear a sports bra under hers. A non-padded, slim profile sports bra like the Nike Fe/Nom Flyknit or the Zensah Gazelle 2.0 are both good options to wear under Lane 5 for extra support. This top fits me a tad looser than the Bell Lap top. The Bell Lap is slightly more compressive. As you can see from the ratings below, I don't have a preference of Lane 5 or Bell Lap. They are almost the same top in my book with a $3 price difference.
This Crop Top is similar to to the Bell Lap top. It looks almost identical to the Bell Lap with the exception of the signature diagonal stripe, which is reserved for the Bell Lap. The Lane 5 is just a tad longer, too. The Lane 5 Crop Top can be worn with or without a bra underneath it, depending on how much support you need. I definitely need a sports bra under it, but I have talked to another woman who doesn't wear a sports bra under hers. A non-padded, slim profile sports bra like the Nike Fe/Nom Flyknit or the Zensah Gazelle 2.0 are both good options to wear under Lane 5 for extra support. This top fits me a tad looser than the Bell Lap top. The Bell Lap is slightly more compressive. As you can see from the ratings below, I don't have a preference of Lane 5 or Bell Lap. They are almost the same top in my book with a $3 price difference.
- Comfort: 4
- Fit: 4
- Material: 3
- Style: 5
- Value for money: 3
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| The Tracksmith Lane 5 Crop Top (and Lane 5 Shorts) |
The Harrier Long Sleeve ($84)
This long sleeve shirt is available in both men's and women's versions. As far as long-sleeved t-shirts go, this one is super comfortable and flattering. But that's for everyday wear. I don't particularly like running in this shirt because when you sweat the material gets wet and it noticeably looks wet. It doesn't seem to breathe as well as other running tops. I like this shirt as an everyday shirt or something to slip on after a race. So if you want to spend $84 on a comfy t-shirt to throw on after a run, go for it!
- Comfort: 4
- Fit: 4
- Material: 2
- Style: 3
- Value for money: 2
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| The Tracksmith Harrier Long Sleeve |
The Brighton Base Layer ($88)
This long sleeve shirt is available in both men's and women's version and both Greg and I have one! Actually, I have two. I really like this piece. It has the signature diagonal stripe, but it's less pronounced because it's the same color as the rest of the shirt. It's form-fitted and has a long length. I wore this shirt in a snowy 5K and the snow stuck to shirt instead of the shirt soaking it in, which kept me warmer than a traditional long-sleeve. I love this fit, the fabric and the style. I highly recommend this one. Note: this is one of the few items that has NOT increased in price from 2021 to 2022.
This long sleeve shirt is available in both men's and women's version and both Greg and I have one! Actually, I have two. I really like this piece. It has the signature diagonal stripe, but it's less pronounced because it's the same color as the rest of the shirt. It's form-fitted and has a long length. I wore this shirt in a snowy 5K and the snow stuck to shirt instead of the shirt soaking it in, which kept me warmer than a traditional long-sleeve. I love this fit, the fabric and the style. I highly recommend this one. Note: this is one of the few items that has NOT increased in price from 2021 to 2022.
- Comfort: 5
- Fit: 4
- Material: 5
- Style: 5
- Value for money: 4
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| The Brighton Base Layer |
The Downeaster ($148)
This merino wool top is my absolute favorite Tracksmith piece! I have 3 of them plus the "Wind Block" version ($188). If you only buy one Tracksmith piece in your life, it should be this. It's a lightweight material but keeps me warm in cold weather. I find that it's ideal for temperatures in the high 20's to low 30's and I don't wear anything underneath it. For colder temps I would probably throw a tank on underneath. The Wind Block version works well on those brutal cold and windy days. I wore it in 26 degrees with 12 mph winds and felt comfortable. I haven't seen anything similar from other brands aside from Smart Wool, which is also pricey. You do need to be careful when washing this top. Delicate cycle only and line dry.
- Comfort: 5
- Fit: 5
- Material: 5
- Style: 5
- Value for money: 4
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| The Tracksmith Downeaster |
The Turnover Half-Zip ($128)
This long-sleeve half-zip comes in both men's and women's versions. I feel like all running apparel brands have their signature long-sleeved half zip for cold weather and this is Tracksmith's. I really love the material on this one. I wear the Downeaster on easy runs and easy-paced long runs, but I break out the Turnover Half Zip for speed work. The Downeaster is a cozy feeling while the Turnover is a "work hard" feeling. It wicks the sweat well and is best for temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s if you are doing speed work. (Disclaimer: I am a warm runner so most people would probably wear this in the high 30s to low 40s). I think this piece is rather pricey for what it is and you can get similar things from other brands, but I do like it quite a bit. It's a little short in terms of length, but I appreciate that for the sake of performance.
- Comfort: 5
- Fit: 4
- Material: 5
- Style: 4
- Value for money: 3
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| The Turnover Half Zip w/Turnover Tights |
The Trackhouse Crew ($110)
This sweatshirt is basically just a really nice sweatshirt. I don't think it's meant for running (I don't run in it), but it's nice to throw on after a cold race and before you have a chance to shower. I wear mine while working from home and while out running errands. It has a boxy cut and it's on the shorter side. Sweatshirts are "in" right now this one is about as stylish as you can make a sweatshirt. I have one of these from 2019 and from 2021, and they seemed to have changed it during that time. The 2019 shirt is light material while the 2021 is more substantial and heavier. I like them both - but I probably prefer the newer, warmer version. If you want an arguably over-priced sweatshirt, this is a good one to get! Note: in 2021, this sweatshirt was priced at $98 and I rated it a 2 in "Value for money". Now in 2022 it's $110 so I have downgraded it to 1. I'm glad I bought mine before inflation hit!
- Comfort: 5
- Fit: 4
- Material: 4
- Style: 3
- Value for money: 1
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| Trish: Brighton Base Layer. Me: Trackhouse Crew |
The Session Jacket ($128)
This lightweight jacket is perfect for warming up before a workout or cooling down afterwards. It's fitted, sleek and versatile. You can also wear it at the beginning of a long run and then throw it in your car as the temperature starts to warm up. Or you can wear it as a normal everyday jacket.
- Comfort: 4
- Fit: 4
- Material: 4
- Style: 4
- Value for money: 3
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| The Session Jacket |
Lane 5 Short Tights ($68)
These form-fitted shorts are great if you like a tight fit. They have a 5" inseam. Most all form-fitted shorts ride up to some extent; and these do a little bit. But once you have sweated and gotten the material nice and wet, they tend to stay put! I wear these shorts in warm and humid weather and in the rain. Overall, these shorts are okay. I don't think they are anything special in terms of a tight-fitting short. I much prefer the "First Place" by Rabbit, which are shorter but seem to fit me better.
Note: When these shorts were priced at $58 back in 2021, I rated "value for money" a 2. But now in 2022 the price is $68, so I have downgraded "value for money" to 1. Some people love these shorts, but I think you can get better fitting compression shorts elsewhere.
- Comfort: 3
- Fit: 3
- Material: 4
- Style: 3
- Value for money: 1
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| Lane 5 Short Tights |
Bell Lap Shorts ($75)
These fitted shorts are almost the exact same as the Lane 5 Short Tights, only they have a 3" inseam as opposed to a 5" inseam. Just like the. Bell Lap top, they re-modeled this piece at some point in 2020 or 2021. I prefer the previous version, which you can see in the very first photo of this post. The new version doesn't have the roll-over waistband, which I liked, and these shorts do ride up. I would not wear them for racing, which is their intended purpose. My favorite form-fitted racing short is the First Place by Rabbit. Finally, there is absolutely no reason why these shorts should be priced higher than the Lane 5 Short Tight (above) They are practically the same thing, only the Bell Lap has less material.
- Comfort: 2
- Fit: 3
- Material: 3
- Style: 3
- Value for money: 1
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| The new Bell Lap Shorts |
Twilight Split Shorts ($62)
These loose fitting shorts are light and fast! They are available in both men's and women's versions. These shorts are comfortable and fast feeling, making your leg feel "free". They are great for speedwork and races. I prefer them to the Session Shorts ($68) which I will not review because they re-modeled them recently and I don't plan on buying the new model. The best thing about these shorts is the fabric - really light and smooth to the touch! At some point around 2020, they re-modeled this short, making them slightly longer, baggier and with more of a side slit. I'm wearing the original model in the first photo below, which I prefer to the new version. like a more streamlined fit. But the updated version is pretty good too-- the slit is pretty intense though! These shorts increased in price from $52 to $62 from 2021 to 2022.
- Comfort: 5
- Fit: 4
- Material: 5
- Style: 4
- Value for money: 3
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| Tracksmith Twilight Split Shorts- original version |
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| Twilight Split Shorts - updated version 2022 |
Van Cortlandt Shorts ($64)
These mesh shorts are another signature Tracksmith item that pair well with the Van Cortlandt Singlet. I really like the men's version of these on Greg but I'm not in love with the pair I have. I only have one pair (which I bought to go with the singlet) and I don't plan on buying another. I don't like the tie on these shorts- I prefer elastic waistbands with no tie. These shorts have chafed me on runs and the fit is sloppy on me. I like the burgundy color and the way they match the singlet, but that's about it.
These mesh shorts are another signature Tracksmith item that pair well with the Van Cortlandt Singlet. I really like the men's version of these on Greg but I'm not in love with the pair I have. I only have one pair (which I bought to go with the singlet) and I don't plan on buying another. I don't like the tie on these shorts- I prefer elastic waistbands with no tie. These shorts have chafed me on runs and the fit is sloppy on me. I like the burgundy color and the way they match the singlet, but that's about it.
- Comfort: 3
- Fit: 2
- Material: 3
- Style: 4
- Value for money: 2
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| The Tracksmith Van Cortlandt Shorts |
Turnover Tights ($128)
I have a pair of these tights in normal length and in capri. I like them quite a bit and I wish they would bring back the capri length which doesn't seem to be listed on their site anymore. I don't have any other tights from Tracksmith because I have so many tights already and I've been able to resist the "emotional purchase" for some reason when it comes to tights! These are lightweight and and fitted without having compression. They are fast and they perform well. I wear them for long runs and speed work. I might get another pair at some point. The website describes these as "a cold weather running tight" but I find them to be light and I would probably want something warmer if it were under 25 degrees.
I have a pair of these tights in normal length and in capri. I like them quite a bit and I wish they would bring back the capri length which doesn't seem to be listed on their site anymore. I don't have any other tights from Tracksmith because I have so many tights already and I've been able to resist the "emotional purchase" for some reason when it comes to tights! These are lightweight and and fitted without having compression. They are fast and they perform well. I wear them for long runs and speed work. I might get another pair at some point. The website describes these as "a cold weather running tight" but I find them to be light and I would probably want something warmer if it were under 25 degrees.
- Comfort: 5
- Fit: 4
- Material: 4
- Style: 4
- Value for money: 3
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| Tracksmith Turnover Tights w/Downeaster top |
Conclusion
Is Tracksmith an emotional purchase? Yes. Aren't most purchases emotional? Yes. Do we like to admit they are emotional? No. If you have never tried Tracksmith and you want some starter pieces, I recommend the Downeaster top, the Brighton Base Layer, and the Twilight Split Shorts. I love the style, material and comfort of these pieces. Tracksmith items make excellent gifts for your runner friends and family because it might be something they like but wouldn't buy for themselves.
Is Tracksmith an emotional purchase? Yes. Aren't most purchases emotional? Yes. Do we like to admit they are emotional? No. If you have never tried Tracksmith and you want some starter pieces, I recommend the Downeaster top, the Brighton Base Layer, and the Twilight Split Shorts. I love the style, material and comfort of these pieces. Tracksmith items make excellent gifts for your runner friends and family because it might be something they like but wouldn't buy for themselves.
