Has Tracksmith jumped the shark?

Some Things wrote:

Yes and no. I agree that they have some ridiculous items and are pushing a certain NE prep vibe hard. That robe is silly. But hey, if people buy it, then whatever.

That being said, I still maintain that their Van Cortland shorts are the best shorts I have ever worn in my running career. Hands down. I am actively disappointed when both of my pairs are in the laundry and I have to wear a different brand. $60 is a bit spendy for shorts, but 100% worth it for these. As long as they keep making those, they haven't fully jumped the shark in my book.

funny, I consider those some of the worst shorts I've ever worn. I do like some other tracksmith products though.

Carl Spackler wrote:

What's the difference between this "robe" without a front opening and a loose fitting dress for plus-sized woman? We may see this in the Lane Bryant catalog shortly.

I don't want to look like a weirdo...... I'll take the muumuu.

Both pairs in the laundry? what kind of rich person are you?

Having 2 pairs is crazy but if you do wear one for a week, then wear the other for the next week. Who washes their running clothes every day?

Having two pairs of shorts is really that crazy? I'm actually a fairly broke person. As I mentioned, I got one pair free from their promotion.

Because of that, I pay for my coin-op laundry in my apartment only once every two weeks or so. I can wear running shorts maybe 3-4 times, but after that they are too stinky. At that point, I'd rather wear something clean...

Some Things wrote:

Having two pairs of shorts is really that crazy? I'm actually a fairly broke person. As I mentioned, I got one pair free from their promotion.

Because of that, I pay for my coin-op laundry in my apartment only once every two weeks or so. I can wear running shorts maybe 3-4 times, but after that they are too stinky. At that point, I'd rather wear something clean...

Sorry to hear. As a runner, it's better to get more shorts. At least five pairs. If I were in your situation, I'd ask family for some new shorts as a gift. I'm not making fun, just trying to help. On your birthday, say you want some new running shorts.

Kvothe wrote:

funny, I consider those some of the worst shorts I've ever worn. I do like some other tracksmith products though.

What products? I love the session shorts. Also the VC singlet. I didn't care for the VC shorts either.

They had one jacket way back that's discontinued. It had a massive TS hare logo. I like the more subtle logos better. Not surprised this one was discontinued.

The robe is silly and funny. I don't see it as a big seller, but it's nice surgeons and doctors have the option of a $168 changing robe. Most runners can't afford that luxury. $68 maybe.

Here's the massive logo jacket for those that don't want to click the link.

https://womensrunning-compgroup.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/20150419WRBostonTrackSmith-99.jpg

Oh I’m with you - I have probably 7 pairs of running shorts. I was just responding to the poster who called me a crazy rich person for having two pairs if tracksmith shorts.

Ultimately, quality running shorts are expensive. But they pay for themselves over time - I have one or two pairs from a decade ago that I’m still running in! On the other hand I purchased a $19 pair of Boa shorts from Runningwarehouse. While they fit great, adter about a year the liner edge started fraying ans chafeing.

rubetherobe wrote:

Post-run robe?????

I admit, it looks comfortable. But wow

They don't have it anymore. Mostly mainstream designs and nothing avant-garde like the post-run-robe.

Tracksmith's gotten so big it's just another apparel brand now. Sold out. IMO. 2019 is when they've jumped the shark.

They've entirely lost the thread on the amateur New England vintage running aesthetic that originally set them apart in the first place.

Their insistence on limited product runs is hurting their quality control, as a "navy" sweater and a "navy" beanie end up being completely different shades. If you're about fashion, you can't sell crap to people that they can't match in an outfit, it's basic basic stuff.

They need to stop watering down their lineup by not selling cheaper stuff in Fleet Feet stores to meet particular price points, because it dilutes the brand image. You don't see BMW manufacturing $18,000 cars for a reason.

They need to cull at least 50% of what they produce, because the vast majority of it is junk that sits in a warehouse until their summer sale. Make a ton more Brighton as it's always sold out, make WAY LESS of this Horizon, VC Henley, and Twilight longsleeve crappola.

Their jackets kind of blow now, too. Dry clean only for a vest that you run in?? Who authorizes that in pre-production?

These are textbook late 1980s-mid 1990s Apple type mistakes: lose original purpose and direction, bad quality control, diluting the brand-image with junk, manufacturing way too many products that confuse the customer, creating trash like a $10,000 CD-ROM or dry clean only running gear wow

NotPC wrote:

That robe looks sweeeet. I'd put that on to drive home after a cold run.

You drive to run?

FFF wrote:

You drive to run?

You drive to fly on an airplane?