2 min readPrice: $78
The right shirt for: Long-distance runs under the sweltering sun
There’s gear out there that’s just gear, and there’s gear that makes you feel “official”—like you’re imbued with the notion that you can get out, look sharp, and attack that race course. Think: Superman revealing his insignia on his chest. That’s a lot to say about a running shirt, but that’s just how I felt when I wore Tracksmith’s Strata Tee.
Silky Soft
The Strata is silky soft yet doesn’t cling to your skin, even miles into a long run when sweat is usually pooling at your collar. It’s form fitting without being too tight and loose without being too billowy. For someone who can’t stand the heat and wishes for September mid-May, I was pleasantly surprised with how cool the Strata kept me on runs when it was above 90 degrees. The t-shirt comes in two colors for both men and women: ivory with a navy stripe across the chest, and reversed. Runner-in-chief Jeff Dengate noted how the fabric “drapes well off the shoulders and even ripples in a light breeze.” He recommended the ivory shirt, however, as the navy “proved too toasty at high noon in July.” As a wearer of the ivory Strata, I can attest lunch runs were quite pleasant, even under a cloudless sky and a blazing sun.
High-Tech Fibers
Tracksmith uses Swiss company Schoeller’s coldblack fabric, which reduces heat absorption and protects against UV radiation. An anti-microbial finish also controls bacterial-growth and manages odor. The cut of the neck runs a little high in the men’s version, which may feel strange for some runners but shouldn’t disrupt their run.
Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.
