Outside Tracksmith Article

Thing is that their clothing is not high quality. It seems like the original idea was to offer a premium product at a premium price. Yes, you'd pay for it, but it would retain its fit and function and look for years.

I have three pieces of Tracksmith apparel: a pair of shorts, a base layer, and a pair of tights. The shorts liner lost its elasticity just as quickly as that of any other brand. The base layer pilled up almost immediately. The tights have lasted a little better, but still don't seem any notably nicer or more durable than a Nike or Brooks equivalent.

So their marketing is pompous and annoying, their prices are higher than average, and the gear is mediocre. They're conning people with their Ivy League aesthetic. Fine, they can keep at it, but I won't buy any more of their gear and if you have a closet full of it, I'll know you've got more money than sense.

I have far more TS pieces than you do and haven't even had one go bad like you describe. Don't wash wool in warm water and don't put them in the dryer, moran.

Ex-D1 P5 wrote:

I have far more TS pieces than you do and haven't even had one go bad like you describe. Don't wash wool in warm water and don't put them in the dryer, moran.

If you're going out of your way to treat your running gear nicely to preserve it, then it's made like big time dookie. I buy a pair of big brand shorts, wear them a few times a week in rotation with some others. Give them that heavy rinse and throw them in the dryer on high. They'll last me a year or two. $40–$50 well spent. You're telling me that the gear you spend more on, that you have to baby, is equal to the other stuff?

But is the price that much more? I'll pay a few extra bucks for an equal product that isn't neon green and obnoxious like some brands have trended recently.

I will say, they keep inventory low and don't really offer sales or deals which is frustrating for someone like me. In that sense, it may be better to get a deal on Nike or something.

LRC where everyone makes 500k a year, but are cheep as hell and get COVID relief checks.

It's elitist. But I don't necessarily have a problem with that. I once showed up to a race in a Tracksmith singlet and someone asked me if I was going to win the race because I was in Tracksmith. They are marketing to people who want to be perceived as fast, serious runners, who can afford high-end running gear. They don't use bold colors, aside from the occasional golden yellow. No fluorescents nothing that is really "fun" - traditional darker colors and neutrals. I can totally understand how people would be annoyed by it and think it's over priced. Nothing ever goes on sale and you have to spend $150 to get free shipping.

To those of you who say "the quality makes it worth the price" - I have shorts and tops and tights that I have gotten on sale at Running Warehouse from 2010 that I still wear that still fit great and look the same as they did when they were new. I personally think it's a matter of washing them only in cold water with a slower spin and then hang-drying them.

I would never have purchased Tracksmith when I was making less than $100K per year. I have more disposable income now, so I buy it because I like the way the fabrics feel. I do think it's over-priced for what you get. But that's how I feel about pretty much anything designer.

TLDR: Overpriced-- you pay for the label what it stands for (fast and wealthy). Quality is no better than other brands, which can always be found on sale. I buy their stuff anyway because I like the materials.

I also do not understand the bloody sock. Do they think this will make people want the socks:

https://www.tracksmith.com/products/merino-no-show-sock-2019

Do you want these socks based on seeing this?

Runner1018 wrote:

I once showed up to a race in a Tracksmith singlet and someone asked me if I was going to win the race because I was in Tracksmith.

Well... Did you win?

What I didn't get was the point of the article. I couldn't tell if it was a hit piece, or praising it or what? You seem to think it was praising the brand. To me, it seemed like Martin Fritz Huber was torn himself so here is the excerpt I put up as QOD.

Full disclosure. I'm a big tracksmith wearer as Matt Taylor is a long time friend dating to my brother's undergard days. Little known fact. Matt used to actually help us here at LetsRun.

Someone was complaining about the quality. My father in law - who doesn't even run - wears the stuff as he loves the way it feel and looks. I think the quality is great. Even if it's just average, I think a lot of people may enjoy it simply as by putting it on you are acknowledging that the activity of running is important to you. It's an important part of your life.

Someone was emailing me the other day about how expensive it was. I said, "Yeah but you've got no problem dropping $125 on a pair of shoes that will last you 4 months. It seems it's illogical if you aren't willing to spend a little more for tights that will last you for years?"

Hell if you run a major marathon like NY, the entry fee is going to be $250, the hotel going to be $500, etc.

I came in 3rd. Someone wearing C9 by Target beat me!!!!!

No, You're Wrong wrote:

Runner1018 wrote:

I once showed up to a race in a Tracksmith singlet and someone asked me if I was going to win the race because I was in Tracksmith.

Well... Did you win?

I came in 3rd. Someone wearing C9 by Target beat me!!!!!

My only issue it the t shirts, first nobody wants to spend $55 to 65 bucks for a cotton t shirt and second, if I do want one like the Bannister shirt, they should not be sold out in 2 0 minutes, that means they are not making enough or I am not getting the email early enough.

I priced their other stuff and it's really not much more then other running items and the wool stuff can sometimes be cheaper then other places.

I feel like Outside magazine readers are the market Tracksmith is selling too as well. Seems like a match.

Their store looks pretty cool , but it's too clean and polished for me, I would take a old dirty phidippides with boxes of shoes and worn out directors chairs anytime

Weird (and slightly pointless) article. No idea what Huber is getting at or trying to say here.

I own a probably half a dozen TS items, I don't really get the brand bashing.

Some pieces are truly best in class, some are as good as anything else you'd find, some are meh/pretty awful (the Van Cortlandt mesh is a great material for shorts but fairly hideous for tops).

Same as you'd find anywhere though I'd say they skew good to better than other brands.

I prefer the Patagonia trail running stuff to any of the boutique running brands. Patagonia stuff lats forever, they have a lifetime guarantee, and all their stuff is recycled. Outdoor brands make stuff that is a lot more durable I have found. Also, their high endurance kit stuff is incredible.

I own several Tracksmith items. Most of their stuff is not overpriced, in my opinion, because most items are good quality - well made, good fabrics, less stinky, good look. I wear stuff for years. For example, I don’t replace my shorts every year as some here claim to. Like most things, I will gladly pay more than average for products that I like that are better than average quality.

El Gee wrote:. For example, I don’t replace my shorts every year as some here claim to..

Yeah, I thought this was weird too. I guess I’ve tossed a few shorts when the pocket ripped or something, but shorts otherwise “wearing out” is something I’ve never experienced in many years on this Earth.

Runner1018 wrote:

I also do not understand the bloody sock. Do they think this will make people want the socks:

https://www.tracksmith.com/products/merino-no-show-sock-2019

Do you want these socks based on seeing this?

Nike shill spotted!

Played waterpolo in college, right?

Runner1018 wrote:

No, You're Wrong wrote:

Well... Did you win?

I came in 3rd. Someone wearing C9 by Target beat me!!!!!

Podium finish. Not bad. Good job, man.

It's no surprise that this would be super confusing for LRBF, but us adults have an easy time selecting the "cold" setting on the washer and air drying any and all run gear. This is really for people who aren't stuck using the microwave exclusively in cooking meals. I'm sure you look adorable in your ratty nylon gear when you show up at the Friday backyard rasslin' party.