In For The Long Run

In a market saturated by neon-hued synthetic activewear, Boston-based running brand Tracksmith aims to restore grace and timelessness to an ageold sport, writes Mitchell Oakley Smith.

- Mitchell Oakley Smith

“We’re inspired by the history of the sport and the iconic university and club teams that paved the way,” says Matt Taylor. “There’s a timeless beauty to these classic styles that had been missing in running as the trend shifted to a more neon and tech-forward aesthetic. We wanted to design running apparel that would perform at the very highest level, but not look out of place with the other clothing in your closet.” In response, Taylor launched Tracksmith midway through 2014 with Luke Scheybeler. Tracksmith is a Boston-based performance wear brand that prides itself on its specific focus on running, as the name suggests.

“We did a lot of obsessing to pick the perfect name to reflect the spirit of the brand and what we’re trying to achieve. We wanted a name that demonstrated our passion for competition and our commitment to craftsmanship. ‘Track’ symbolises the performance and racing aspect of running that we look to celebrate, while ‘smith’ reflects the care and precision with which we approach our work.

“This means being really thoughtful about every aspect of a product, from the specific problem we’re trying to solve for runners, to the material we select and the finishing touches that make the piece stand out. We want these products to be able to stand the test of time and miles, and that requires a laser-sharp focus on the details.”