Who makes your favorite running apparel and why?
Roka shorts are hands down the best I have ever worn. There are others too that I like, alot…e.g. DeSoto. Roka is very expensive but probably worth it. Reasons = all of the above - fit, materials, weight, phone pocket, etc.
Tracksmith Running because they make the best looking running clothes out there.
I’ve seen their website. It looks a lot like Rapha stuff because the co-founder of Rapha, Luke Scheybeler, helped them design it.
Nike shorts and winter tights, because they have lasted me 10 years.
Balega socks.
Any performance material tops that I receive from entering races, because they end up smelling terrible after a year and become bike grease rags.
Shorts: Originally Nike 5" (no pocket) shorts but those are long discontinued… but the Brooks Sherpa 5" are identical and amazing!
Tops: Honestly, 2xU Ghst singlet is pretty amazing fit/feel and lasts forever. I also just bought the Lululemon Metal “something” singlet and really like that too.
Socks: Swiftwick… but I’m still waiting on the perfect sock. I want a 6" cuff and Swiftwick’s is ugly.
But seriously… the best running stuff I own is the Apple Watch and Airpods. Stick the watch in my back pocket (straps removed) and go. I never notice it and I still get to use my Garmin. Life changing. **And no, I don’t want the Garmin 645 because it does not work with Airpods and (as of today) still doesn’t work with any 3rd Party music apps.
My favorite shorts are the Zoot PCH 3". Perfect length without being too short, not baggy, reasonably priced, and the waistband and liner are the most comfortable of any I own.
For shirts mostly New Balance - they fit me well, the quality is good and the prices are reasonable. I have a few Nike singlets that I really like as well.
I also dig the Tracksmith stuff but it’s crazy expensive.
What is appealing about Tracksmith? It seems to be very basic designs and old school retro feel just like Rapha
What is appealing about Tracksmith? It seems to be very basic designs and old school retro feel just like Rapha
That’s what is appealing about it. It’s a change from all the neon colors, graphics, etc. Sort of a retro look with (I assume) modern functionality.
To be honest, I find that the more expensive the apparel, the better quality and more comfortable it is… Shocker right???
For both tops and shorts, the two brands that I like the most are De Soto and Patagonia.
Shorts: The De Soto Tuesday Run shorts are amazingly light and great for really hot weather. The Patagonia Strider Pro shorts are super comfy and feel like they have some more weight to them, but in a good way.
Tops: Really like the Patagonia Capilene T-Shirt for a loose, airy, wicking shirt, but my go-to top is the De Soto Long Sleeve Skin Cooler top!! I love having to put on less sunscreen in the summer and the material/fit is just amazing. If you haven’t tried one on, you are missing out.
Socks: I ran last year in Vibrams with no socks… Before that I had a few pairs of socks from Newton Running and did not have any complaints.
I like the Champion C9 stuff at Target. Cheap, stylish, and doesn’t scream, “I like to exercise!”
I like the Champion C9 stuff at Target. Cheap, stylish, and doesn’t scream, “I like to exercise!”
x2 when companies started racking their prices up to $40 for a pair of shorts I turned to Target C9 stuff. Quality isn’t as good as the name brands but its very much good enough.
Roka shorts are hands down the best I have ever worn. There are others too that I like, alot…e.g. DeSoto. Roka is very expensive but probably worth it. Reasons = all of the above - fit, materials, weight, phone pocket, etc.
Been a serious runner for 36 years. The North Face Better Than Naked shorts are far superior IMO than Roka or any other shorts. Fit, comfort, material, weight, drying ability, waistband and pocket are top notch.
Take a look at Tracksmiths Instagram, itll give you a much better idea of their designs and the collaborations they have done. Their website is looking kind of limited right now.
Been a serious runner for 36 years. The North Face Better Than Naked shorts are far superior IMO than Roka or any other shorts. Fit, comfort, material, weight, drying ability, waistband and pocket are top notch.
Have you (or anyone) run in the Better than Naked singlet? Thoughts/opinion?
I’ve tried most of the main stream and high end brands to varying success. The one brand/pair I keep returning to (and I think the only thing currently in rotation) are some cheap house brand (BCG - I think) from Academy. They’re like $15 and last forever.
I’ve been following them for months and almost ordered some stuff but hesitated and backed off. I love my Roka gear though.
Who makes your favorite running apparel and why?
DeSoto Tri shorts with DeSoto running shorts over that. And the DeSoto Skin Cooler tops.
I prefer the tri clothing for anything active. I like how it keeps everything in place and I have yet to find running shorts that don’t chafe the you know what out of my groinal area.
What is appealing about Tracksmith? It seems to be very basic designs and old school retro feel just like Rapha
This is the first I heard of Tracksmith but first impressions are good. The old school, simple design is very appealing.
Having said that pricepoint is a big thing for me. I like the Rapha stuff but i don’t buy it even though I can afford it.
Rapha and Tracksmith are just basic to me. I get the retro look but I’d rather have function and cool patterns over basic single color designs. I’ve tried for months to become a Rapha fan but I just can’t get past the “Pantone color of the year” choices. The same goes for Tracksmith. Maybe my perceptions will change. My Castelli winter gear is awesome and I highly doubt Rapha is better.