Tracksmith Running Apparel Review
By Senior Contributor David Salas and Contributor Andrea Myers
By Senior Contributor David Salas and Contributor Andrea Myers
Price: $75.00
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| One of the most iconic symbols of the clothing line is the sash seen in the Van Cortlandt Long Sleeve above. The inspiration comes from Japanese Ekidens - long distance relay races - that typically involve a sash that is handed to the next run during each leg of the race. |
David: The vintage aesthetic makes a comeback with modern performance. The Van Cortlandt Long Sleeve immediately made a place in my running apparel rotation. I run many of my runs in the mornings before going to work and the temperature normally is around 40-55 degrees depending on the season with the occasional sub 40 degree morning. The mesh material is breathable but does seem to be a tad on the thicker end compared to many performance long sleeves. That seems to makes this a good top for easy efforts and/or workout/race warm ups that can share a couple of reps as you warm up into the workout. The sash does create a seam that moves diagonally along the anterior aspect of the body. On the first run it was a little noticeable but I forgot about it once I started running it more frequently. This is definitely an intriguing piece of apparel for those that like to use a single layer and don't like bothering with multiple layers.
The sizing of the Van Cortlandt Long Sleeve does seem to run a tad big. Normally I wear a men's medium and with this long sleeve I am wearing a men's small. Ironically the dimensions fit me perfectly, which is not normally the case for a small. I'm 5' 10" with a relatively thin build and long arms and the dimensions seem pretty dialed in. Even in the arm pits there is just enough space for me to drive my arms when running fast and not feel any passive tension in the material when my shoulders move into full extension. Overall I am really happy I actually am off my normal size. The arm length goes straight to my wrist and fits very well. The width throughout distal aspect of the arm sleeves is normal and holds up pretty well if you have to pull the sleeves up (which I do a lot with my long sleeves and I like that it does not slide).
Overall I am a fan of the Van Cortlandt Long Sleeve for its variety of uses in my rotation. From a pure comfort and material perspective it is hard to say whether or not it is "better" than the other long sleeves out there but the versatility as a single layer makes it intriguing. It does run a tad warmer than some of my other long sleeves while still remaining breathable so I like using it for warm ups or easy running. If the workout calls for a single layer because of cold weather this can do it. Value wise I find it difficult to pay $75 for a single garment but I like the versatility of the piece in colder conditions so it's definitely a toss up.
The sizing of the Van Cortlandt Long Sleeve does seem to run a tad big. Normally I wear a men's medium and with this long sleeve I am wearing a men's small. Ironically the dimensions fit me perfectly, which is not normally the case for a small. I'm 5' 10" with a relatively thin build and long arms and the dimensions seem pretty dialed in. Even in the arm pits there is just enough space for me to drive my arms when running fast and not feel any passive tension in the material when my shoulders move into full extension. Overall I am really happy I actually am off my normal size. The arm length goes straight to my wrist and fits very well. The width throughout distal aspect of the arm sleeves is normal and holds up pretty well if you have to pull the sleeves up (which I do a lot with my long sleeves and I like that it does not slide).
Overall I am a fan of the Van Cortlandt Long Sleeve for its variety of uses in my rotation. From a pure comfort and material perspective it is hard to say whether or not it is "better" than the other long sleeves out there but the versatility as a single layer makes it intriguing. It does run a tad warmer than some of my other long sleeves while still remaining breathable so I like using it for warm ups or easy running. If the workout calls for a single layer because of cold weather this can do it. Value wise I find it difficult to pay $75 for a single garment but I like the versatility of the piece in colder conditions so it's definitely a toss up.
Tracksmith Running Van Cortlandt Long Sleeve
David
Fit: B (Only because it fits so perfectly in a full size under what I normally wear. Otherwise dimensions are good and the piece moves well at all paces)
Performance: A- (Versatile for a lot of conditions, especially if you want one layer. It does run a little warmer than some other long sleeves which does take away from full workout potential but otherwise performs really well.)
Personal: A (I don't normally do full workouts in long sleeves so the thickness factor doesn't matter too much to me. This is definitely a comfortable piece that I reach for pretty frequently.)
Overall: A- (A good long sleeve that you may want to size down for. Breathable yet still thick enough for some colder conditions. May be a tad warm for full workouts.)
Tracksmith Running Turnover Tights
Price: $128.00
The sizing for the Turnover tights are true to size. I do happen to be a size up from my normal size with this testing piece. My frame dimensions are 5'10" with a relatively thin and "long" build. Even though I am a size up it does seem to still fit okay. The tights aspect still hug my leg with enough of a hold to where it still gives a full tight sensation, just with a little more wiggle room proximally. For me it wasn't a problem and actually made the pair more cozy for easy efforts. The tights do have zippers distally along the posterior lateral aspect of the lower leg that makes getting them on and off easy even when still wearing shoes. The zipper seems to run up a little higher than other tights I have which I think is actually quite nice for quick changing.
The Tracksmith Turnover tights certainly provide a very nice balance between comfort and performance which is certainly necessary for longer efforts. The Inverno Blend material is incredibly comfortable and does lean a tad thicker than most performance tights but still doesn't lean overly warm either. I feel the temperature range for this garment is pretty variable and does well both for warm ups and for performance. There is another variation to the model that is lined that perhaps may be better for really cold conditions. For 40 degree (4 C) weather I have been quite happy with my pair.
Andrea: Tights are an essential item for winter running, but it can be a challenge to find a pair that fit well without restricting stride length. The Turnover Tight excels in these categories and has a convenient back zipper pocket for keys or gels. They are full length, hitting just above the ankle bones, which is much appreciated in sub-freezing temperatures. I normally wear a S in Tracksmith shorts and the tights fit true to size. The waistband hit just below my belly button and did not restrict my breathing at all. These are some of the softest tights I have ever worn and found them to be perfect for temperatures in the teens-mid 30s. They have maintained their shape well through many washes. I have used them for long runs and intervals in the cold and found that I quickly forgot about them. These have become one of my go-to tights for cold days.
Tracksmith Running Turnover Tights
David
Fit: A (I'm up a size from my normal size and so it is a tad less "tight" than full tights normally would be but still fits really well. There are no doubts in my mind if I am true to size the dimensions would be dialed in.)
Performance: A (Incredibly cozy and still do well with turning up the pace. The material doesn't give you a pulling sensation when the stride is fully opened up and breathes well enough for performance efforts.)
Personal: A (My favorite pair of tights. Expensive but to be fair the coziness is a league above many other pieces I've run in)
Overall: A (A wonderful blend of comfort and performance that will still perform in a variety of conditions)
Andrea
Fit: A (fits true to size and has not stretched out through multiple washes)
Performance: A (does not restrict stride length, stays in place, no chafing)
Personal: A (perfect tights for New England winter running)
Overall: A (great fit and performance, works for a range of temperatures, high quality fabric, worth the price)
Brighton Base Layer
Price: $88.00
Price: $88.00
Andrea: The Brighton base layer is made of very soft, engineered Merino wool mesh that provides excellent warmth and breathability in a variety of temperatures. The knit is looser in the torso and tighter in the arms, which helps keep your core cooler and extremities warmer in cold weather. My first run in it was a 13 mile easy run in 35F temperatures with 20 mph winds. I wore it as my only layer because I had not paid attention to the wind forecast. I was pretty concerned at the beginning of the run that I would be cold, but within the first mile I was in the sweet spot of neither hot nor cold. By the end of the run I was warm and dry due to the top’s excellent wicking properties. I have also worn it as a base layer under different weight jackets in 15-25F temperatures with similar performance. I normally wear a S in Tracksmith tops and this top fits true to size, although it is on the longer side. I had no issues with the top riding up (when worn alone or under a jacket) due to the stretchiness of the material. I expect that this top will last many winters due to the high quality material and construction.
Brighton Base Layer
Andrea
Fit: A (fits true to size, does not ride up/no need to tuck in to keep in place)
Performance: A (performs exceptionally well in a variety of temperatures (15-40F) depending whether it is worn alone or under a jacket)
Personal: A (one of my most versatile LS base layers due to versatility and quality of material)
Overall: A (worth the money for a versatile, well fitting winter base layer)
SUMMARY
Tracksmith has made a lot of ground in the running apparel industry in a pretty short amount of time. It does seem that they are bringing good materials to their product and they all match up well with any competing companies I have tried (David). Tracksmith always seems to bring a vintage aesthetic to their clothing and so if you like the unique look of the apparel and don't mind paying a little more for some more "premium" material they are definitely worth looking into. I tend to be on the frugal end when it comes to gear so I'm apprehensive with paying a lot for clothing, but the performance and comfort is there.
SHOP TRACKSMITH (Non-Affiliate Links)
Brighton Base Layer
Men | Women
Price: $88
Turnover Tights
Men | Women
Price: $128
Van Cortlandt Long Sleeve
Men | Women
Price: $75
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Editor's Note: As always, the views presented on this website belong to myself or the selected few who contribute to these posts. This website should not and does not serve as a replacement for seeking medical care. If you are currently injured or concerned about an injury, please see your local running physical therapist. If you are in the Los Angeles area, I am currently taking clients for running evaluations.
***Disclaimer: These apparel items were provided free of charge for a review. We thank the people at Tracksmith Running for working with us. This in no way affected the honesty of this review. We systematically put each type of shoe through certain runs prior to review. For trainers and performance trainers, we take them on daily runs, workouts, recovery runs and a long run prior to review (often accumulating anywhere from 20-50 miles in the process). For racing flats we ensure that we have completed intervals, a tempo or steady state run run as well as a warm up and cool down in each pair prior to review. This systematic process is to ensure that we have experience with each shoe in a large variety of conditions to provide expansive and thorough reviews for the public and for companies. Our views are based on our extensive history in the footwear industry and years testing and developing footwear. If you are a footwear rep looking for footwear reviews or consultations on development, we are currently looking to partner with companies to assist, discuss and promote footwear models. Partnership will not affect the honesty of our reviews.
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