Is Tracksmith Worth the Hype (and the Price)? An Honest Review

If you‘re a serious runner, you‘ve probably heard the buzz about Tracksmith. This premium running brand has gained a cult following for its classic designs, high-quality materials, and celebration of the competitive amateur running spirit. But with price tags that can make your wallet do a double take, you might be wondering: is Tracksmith really worth the investment?

As a longtime runner and admitted running gear junkie, I finally took the plunge and treated myself to a full Tracksmith kit. After logging some serious miles in their bestselling styles, I‘m here to give you my honest thoughts. Consider this your inside scoop on whether Tracksmith lives up to the hype.

What Sets Tracksmith Apart

First, a quick rundown on what makes Tracksmith unique in the crowded running apparel market. Founded in New England in 2014, the brand has a distinct aesthetic that blends Ivy League retro vibes with cutting-edge performance technology. Every detail, from the sash on their signature singlets to the thoughtful touches like key pouches, is obsessively designed for runners by runners.

Tracksmith is also deeply involved in the running community, sponsoring athletes and events from local 5Ks to major marathons. In 2021, the brand was even featured as one of the World‘s 10 Most Innovative Companies in Fitness by Fast Company.

But perhaps most notable is Tracksmith‘s commitment to using premium, sustainably sourced materials. Their cornerstone fabric is Merino wool, a natural fiber that‘s earned a cult following among endurance athletes for its temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant properties. Tracksmith‘s Merino wool is responsibly sourced from sheep farmers in New Zealand and Australia, then crafted in ethical factories that prioritize fair labor practices.

The catch? All those premium details come at a premium price. Tracksmith‘s shorts start around $60, and a long sleeve Merino top can set you back $128. So the question remains: is the quality and performance worth the investment for your running wardrobe? Let‘s dive into the gear.

Women‘s Tracksmith Favorites

As a female runner, I‘m always seeking out gear that nails the elusive balance of performance, comfort, and style. I‘m happy to report that Tracksmith delivered on all fronts. Here are my hands-on thoughts on a few of their bestselling women‘s pieces:

Allston Tanks: This deceptively simple tank has become my go-to for any kind of run. The lightweight Veloce fabric is silky soft and wicks sweat scary fast. But what really won me over was the fit – rather than squeezing or pinching, it skims your body in all the right places. The slightly longer length keeps you covered during burpees or gym sessions too. At $48, it‘s pricey for a tank, but I‘m already planning to stock up in a few more colors.

Twilight Long Sleeve: File this under "gear I didn‘t know I needed." I was skeptical about wool as a running layer, but after a chilly 10-miler in the Twilight, I‘m a convert. The Merino wool is so lightweight and soft, you‘ll forget you‘re wearing it – until you notice how warm and dry you feel. It‘s perfect as a solo layer for cold-start runs or as a base under a jacket for winter training. At $128, it‘s definitely a splurge, but I have a feeling this will still be a staple in my rotation years from now.

Session Shorts: If you‘re a fan of classic, no-frills running shorts, these are a gold standard. A 2.5" inseam and split hem offer total freedom of movement, while the featherlight AFO fabric practically disappears on the run. The best part? A built-in brief liner that provides just enough support and coverage without riding up or chafing. Yes, $68 is steep for a tiny pair of shorts, but you‘ll be so comfy, you might just PR your next race.

In short, these pieces prove that the beauty of Tracksmith is in the details. The brand has a knack for elevating running staples you thought couldn‘t be improved on. It‘s the little things – an extra-soft waistband, a key ring that doesn‘t jingle, a back zipper pocket that doesn‘t bounce – that add up to a noticeable difference in your running experience.

Men‘s Tracksmith Favorites

Of course, I couldn‘t keep all the Tracksmith gear to myself. My husband, a ultramarathoner and unapologetic Tracksmith fanboy, put some of the brand‘s men‘s bestsellers through their paces. His top picks:

Strata Tee: This tee has clocked some serious mileage as a running and training top. The star of the show is the 100% Merino mesh fabric, which manages to be both ultra-lightweight and durable. It wicks moisture lightning fast, never feels clingy or sticky, and resists odors so well, it‘s scary. The slim-but-not-restrictive fit works well for a variety of builds. If your guy is a stickler for natural fabrics, this tee‘s $78 price tag is 100% justified.

Van Cortlandt Shorts: Named for the iconic cross country course in the Bronx, these 4" shorts are a Tracksmith signature for a reason. The retro-inspired design, complete with a sash at the waist, looks damn good for race day. But they deliver on performance too, with a barely-there feel, built-in anti-chafe brief, and a back pocket that fits a phone without bouncing. The $64 price is a lot for a tiny pair of shorts, but you‘ll get so much wear out of them, the cost per mile will be minimal.

Turnover Tights: If the man in your life has been resistant to running tights, the Turnovers might just convert him. These have become my husband‘s go-to for any run under 40 degrees. They‘re surprisingly soft and stretchy, with a brushed interior that feels cozy without trapping heat. The zippered back pocket and internal drawcord are practical touches that just make sense. At $98, they cost about what you‘d expect for high-end compression tights, and the quality makes them worth every cent.

In the end, we agreed that with Tracksmith, you‘re paying for the thoughtful, runner-first design as much as the premium materials. These are pieces engineered for performance, but with a timeless aesthetic that doesn‘t scream "hard-core runner dude." If your priority is a great value, there are cheaper options out there. But if you‘re after uncompromising quality, Tracksmith is a worthwhile investment.

The Tracksmith Experience

Since a big part of Tracksmith‘s brand ethos is celebrating the running community, I was curious to see how that extended to the customer experience. I‘m happy to report that shopping and interacting with Tracksmith is a delight from start to finish. A few highlights:

The website is cleanly designed and easy to navigate, with detailed product descriptions and images that show the gear in action. I appreciated the comprehensive sizing charts and information on fabrics and care instructions.

Shipping was fast and free on orders over $75. The gear arrived in a reusable canvas mailer with Tracksmith‘s signature hare logo – a nice touch that made the delivery feel like a special occasion. Returns and exchanges are also free within 30 days, which makes it low-risk to try a new style.

For this review, I reached out to Tracksmith‘s customer service team with a few questions about fabric sourcing and sizing. The reply from their "Customer Happiness Team" was prompt, friendly, and genuinely helpful. You can tell that the folks answering your emails are passionate runners themselves.

One of the coolest parts of the Tracksmith experience is their Hare A.C. team. This is their crew of sponsored amateur athletes from across the country. Members range from college standouts to working parents squeezing in training before dawn. Following along with their training and races on Tracksmith‘s blog and social media makes you feel like you‘re part of a badass running collective.

So yes, Tracksmith gear has a hefty price tag. But you‘re not just buying shorts or a jacket – you‘re buying into a brand that authentically lives and breathes running culture. Every touchpoint, from the hand-written note in your order to the team cheer tunnel at the Boston Marathon expo, reinforces that Tracksmith is for runners, by runners.

The Verdict

By now, you can probably tell that I drank the Tracksmith Kool-Aid. But I‘m not alone – the brand has garnered glowing reviews from Runner‘s World, GQ, Esquire, and countless running blogs. Tracksmith sales grew by an impressive 75% in 2020, as scores of new and seasoned runners turned to the brand for a dose of motivation and style. Their limited-edition collections, like the "No Days Off" kit that dropped in January, can sell out in mere minutes.

So, is Tracksmith worth the investment? If you‘re a runner who appreciates top-notch materials, thoughtful design, and brands that are authentic participants in the running world – then my answer is a resounding yes. Tracksmith‘s gear is functional and stylish enough to make it worth the splurge for your running wardrobe all-stars.

If you‘re new to running or not totally sold on the Tracksmith aesthetic, then the high price point might not be justified for you right now. That‘s totally okay – building a running habit is way more important than having the coolest kit. But if you find yourself falling in love with the sport, craving a competitive challenge, and itching to treat yourself, then I can‘t recommend Tracksmith enough.

The first time you pull on those signature Van Cortlandt shorts and check your reflection, you‘ll feel like an Olympian – and that extra boost of confidence is 100% worth the price of admission. See you out there, Tracksmith fam.