Has Tracksmith jumped the shark?

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.

Actually - reading farther down on the page, I revise my thoughts a bit. Its still stupidly pricey, but a) does look warm and b) the longer length looks like a good solution solve trailhead/track changing issues, as the guy in the photo is doing.

Still would never buy it, but maybe it has more utility than I first thought!

That's a great point. I agree that lots of their stuff looks great. I haven't sprung for any of their products yet, though your review of the shorts is persuasive...

Really, I was just having a little fun with the robe. No disrespect to anyone who actually buys one, just seemed pretty amusing to me.

rubetherobe wrote:

That's a great point. I agree that lots of their stuff looks great. I haven't sprung for any of their products yet, though your review of the shorts is persuasive...

Really, I was just having a little fun with the robe. No disrespect to anyone who actually buys one, just seemed pretty amusing to me.

I have some of their stuff, by far the best item of theirs I own is the fynnsen crewneck. I obviously don't even wear it during runs but it's easily the best sweatshirt I own. The merino is so warm and comfortable.

Oh flame away at the robe! Its basically a $180 bathrobe.

I probably never would have purchased any of their clothing because of the price, but did the PR promotion they put on a few summers back and got $250 store credit. The shorts and the harrier long-sleeve are great, and are now my go-to shorts/shirt. Got another pair this year!

I don't think the VCP shorts are all that great...the rear pocket isn't very tight and I'm always concerned things will fall out. I also don't find them to be very comfortable. I'm often adjusting them mid-run, and I've worn two different sizes.

I made fun of Oiselle and their $80 "hooded sleeveless sweatshirt" that you could make for $6 yourself ($4 for the hooded sweatshirt at Wal Mart and $2 for the scissors to cut the sleeves off) so you KNOW I am making fun of a $180 bathrobe.

I picked up a Russell Dri-Power athletic training tank for $1 on clearance a few weeks ago and wore it in a race recently. I smoked some dude 15 years younger than me (I'm in my 40s) decked out in Tracksmith gear. I'm not gonna lie: it felt good.

Even the description writer thinks it's silly:

The Post-Run Robe is our experiment in solving some of the post-race and post-long run problems that plague cold-weather runners.

In other words, "Please don't make fun, we're just charging an arm and a leg for a glorified snuggie."

I was aware of a time when they hadn’t jumped the shark. Maybe this is part of their marketing technique; just sell something so ridiculous that people will talk about it.

A girl was wearing a Tracksmith singlet at a race I ran recently. It looks nice, but whatever.

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

To each their own - I have never had an issue with the pocket, and like that it can fit an ID/credit card. I also prefer rear pockets because I hate how a key fob feels hitting my hip flexor in front. For me they are so comfortable that I sometimes forget to take them off after a run, and end up wearing them around the house all evening.

But hey, that's why there are many brands and models! Things fit people differently and people have different preferences.

Bakers Dozen wrote:

But hey, that's why there are many brands and models! Things fit people differently and people have different preferences.

That is, except for the Bathrobe, which will fit all types and sizes

MeHereYouWhere?! wrote:

I made fun of Oiselle and their $80 "hooded sleeveless sweatshirt" that you could make for $6 yourself ($4 for the hooded sweatshirt at Wal Mart and $2 for the scissors to cut the sleeves off) so you KNOW I am making fun of a $180 bathrobe.

I've never seen the Oiselle sweatshirt, but I can already guarantee that the fabric and cut is superior to a bargain-basement WalMart sweatshirt. I'm not sticking up for Oiselle; I could care less - I just have to laugh at the classic people who think a sweatshirt is a sweatshirt, no matter what. I bet you're the type that wears bargain basement cheapo underwear, socks, and yes, WalMart sweatshirts. Because they're all the same... right?

They are becoming like Oiselle and chasing every stupid trend and idea. They need some discipline.

Tracksmith is a good company, some of the popular items are often sold out. They've got a good line-up, but break the bank to get all their items.

I like the session shorts better than the VC. VC is good, but it "pulls". This isn't my video, but this guy demonstrates it well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNh3dKuQNYg

Anybody who buys anything from tracksmith is braindead lol

Some Things wrote:

Actually - reading farther down on the page, I revise my thoughts a bit. Its still stupidly pricey, but a) does look warm and b) the longer length looks like a good solution solve trailhead/track changing issues, as the guy in the photo is doing.

Still would never buy it, but maybe it has more utility than I first thought!

You had it right the first time. Who would buy that stupid thing to hide yourself while changing? Be proud ...

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.