The Ultimate Tracksmith Gear Review

Ah, Tracksmith. The brand I love to hate and hate to love. 

What is Tracksmith?
Tracksmith is a high-end running apparel company based in Boston, MA. Founded in 2014, the brand markets itself to the "amateur" runner, with "amateur" meaning not professional, but definitely competitive. They even sponsored runners in the 2020 Olympic trials.

They sell primarily running clothing with a few overpriced accessories like an umbrella ($88), sunglasses ($255), and a necklace ($600). Their prices are about 50-80 percent higher than traditional brands like Nike, adidas, New Balance and Saucony and their color palate is somewhat muted, understated and neutral.

They rarely have sales and you have to spend $150 to get free shipping. They don't sell through any distributors that I know of. You can buy their clothing online or in their Boston store. They have a program called "Hare AC" which gives you a $100 gift card if you set a PR while wearing Tracksmith gear. You need to submit proof that the race was a PR and you were wearing Tracksmith. This program costs $198 to join, although it does come with a singlet and you get free shipping without having to spend a minimum amount.

Tracksmith gear has become somewhat of a status symbol in the running community, and I think that is their goal. If you wear Tracksmith you are saying, "I am a serious runner who spends serious money on my gear."

Hate to love and love to hate
Based on my description above, you can probably guess why I hate to love and love to hate this brand. I hate to love it because I have spent way too much money on their gear. I really do not need to pay for expensive running clothing, but I do anyway. I also hate to love it because I'm not a status symbol person. I don't buy designer handbags, belts or shoes. And yet I believe Tracksmith to be a status symbol.

I love to hate Tracksmith because I find the advertising to be a little pretentious and the prices for some of the items to be ridiculous ($48 for a pair of running undies!). They also have some really ugly items that I can't believe people would get. Their Black Friday deal was something on the order of "spend $150 this week and get 10% off a future order". Wow- how generous. 

Outside the Boston store

So then why do I have so much Tracksmith stuff? It makes no logical sense! It's an emotional purchase, for the most part. I enjoy the material (it's unlike traditional brands), the packaging, and the styles (for the most part). The pieces are high quality and they have a unique aesthetic. I like that the brand stands for the competitive amateur, and I feel fast when I wear it. That's excellent marketing. 

As a marketing professional myself, I applaud them for having marketing campaigns that are so effective, runners are willing to pay nearly twice the price for their gear. Good marketing appeals to the consumer's emotions. Want to show up at a race and look fast? Feel fast? Have disposable income? Tracksmith is the brand for you. 

They do have excellent customer service and if you need to exchange your item for a different size, they will ship it out to you immediately without having to purchase another item and/or wait for your return to be processed. I find that their items run true-to-size or slightly small. I wear an XS in everything except for the Bell Lap top. 

With that said, I will now review some gear items from Tracksmith. 

On a scale of 1-5 with 5 being "excellent" and 1 being "poor" - here are my thoughts.

The Van Cortlandt Singlet ($65)
This is a lightweight loose-fitting singlet available in both men's and women's versions. Usually when you think about Tracksmith, this is the singlet that comes to mind as it is their signature piece. They come out with new colors each season. I have 3 of these and Greg has 1. If you want other runners to know that you are wearing Tracksmith, this is the piece you get. I think this singlet is okay. It doesn't have much shape to it but it looks fast!

• Comfort: 4
• Fit: 3 
• Material: 4
• Style: 3
• Value for money: 3 

The Van Cortlandt Singlet

The Twilight Tank ($62)
This fitted tank is available in both men's and women's versions. I prefer this tank to the Van Cortlandt Singlet because it's more flattering and less boxy. The material is super comfortable and lightweight. I have two of these and would probably buy another one if they came out with a color I really liked. Note, in 2021 the price of the Twilight Tank was $52, and I ranked it a "4" in Value for Money. Now in 2022 it is priced at $62 so I have downgraded it to a "3". 

• Comfort: 4
• Fit: 4
• Material: 4
• Style: 4
• Value for money: 3

Tracksmith Twilight Tank

The Bell Lap Top ($75)

This is a women's crop top that does not have a built in bra. So far Tracksmith has not come out with a bra that supports my cup size (32D) so I wear a regular sports bra under this crop top. I'll be honest, the main reason I like this top is because it looks fast and feels fast. The material is heavier than I would like. They re-modeled this piece at some point in 2020, making it smaller. I like the new version better than the previous version because the fit is more streamlined. I like to race in this top because it looks fast!

• Comfort: 4
• Fit: 4
• Material: 3
• Style: 5
• Value for money: 3

The Tracksmith Bell Lap Top

Lane 5 Crop Top ($72)
This Crop Top is similar to to the Bell Lap top. It looks almost identical to the Bell Lap with the exception of the signature diagonal stripe, which is reserved for the Bell Lap. The Lane 5 is just a tad longer, too. The Lane 5 Crop Top can be worn with or without a bra underneath it, depending on how much support you need. I definitely need a sports bra under it, but I have talked to another woman who doesn't wear a sports bra under hers. A non-padded, slim profile sports bra like the Nike Fe/Nom Flyknit or the Zensah Gazelle 2.0 are both good options to wear under Lane 5 for extra support. This top fits me a tad looser than the Bell Lap top. The Bell Lap is slightly more compressive. As you can see from the ratings below, I don't have a preference of Lane 5 or Bell Lap. They are almost the same top in my book with a $3 price difference. 

• Comfort: 4
• Fit: 4
• Material: 3
• Style: 5
• Value for money: 3 

The Tracksmith Lane 5 Crop Top (and Lane 5 Shorts)

The Harrier Long Sleeve ($84)

This long sleeve shirt is available in both men's and women's versions. As far as long-sleeved t-shirts go, this one is super comfortable and flattering. But that's for everyday wear. I don't particularly like running in this shirt because when you sweat the material gets wet and it noticeably looks wet. It doesn't seem to breathe as well as other running tops. I like this shirt as an everyday shirt or something to slip on after a race. So if you want to spend $84 on a comfy t-shirt to throw on after a run, go for it!

• Comfort: 4
• Fit: 4
• Material: 2
• Style: 3
• Value for money: 2

The Tracksmith Harrier Long Sleeve

The Brighton Base Layer ($88)
This long sleeve shirt is available in both men's and women's version and both Greg and I have one! Actually, I have two. I really like this piece. It has the signature diagonal stripe, but it's less pronounced because it's the same color as the rest of the shirt. It's form-fitted and has a long length. I wore this shirt in a snowy 5K and the snow stuck to shirt instead of the shirt soaking it in, which kept me warmer than a traditional long-sleeve. I love this fit, the fabric and the style. I highly recommend this one. Note: this is one of the few items that has NOT increased in price from 2021 to 2022. 

• Comfort: 5
• Fit: 4
• Material: 5
• Style: 5
• Value for money: 4

The Brighton Base Layer

The Downeaster ($148)

This merino wool top is my absolute favorite Tracksmith piece! I have 3 of them plus the "Wind Block" version ($188). If you only buy one Tracksmith piece in your life, it should be this. It's a lightweight material but keeps me warm in cold weather. I find that it's ideal for temperatures in the high 20's to low 30's and I don't wear anything underneath it. For colder temps I would probably throw a tank on underneath. The Wind Block version works well on those brutal cold and windy days. I wore it in 26 degrees with 12 mph winds and felt comfortable. I haven't seen anything similar from other brands aside from Smart Wool, which is also pricey. You do need to be careful when washing this top. Delicate cycle only and line dry.

• Comfort: 5
• Fit: 5
• Material: 5
• Style: 5
• Value for money: 4

The Tracksmith Downeaster

The Turnover Half-Zip ($128)

This long-sleeve half-zip comes in both men's and women's versions. I feel like all running apparel brands have their signature long-sleeved half zip for cold weather and this is Tracksmith's. I really love the material on this one. I wear the Downeaster on easy runs and easy-paced long runs, but I break out the Turnover Half Zip for speed work. The Downeaster is a cozy feeling while the Turnover is a "work hard" feeling. It wicks the sweat well and is best for temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s if you are doing speed work. (Disclaimer: I am a warm runner so most people would probably wear this in the high 30s to low 40s). I think this piece is rather pricey for what it is and you can get similar things from other brands, but I do like it quite a bit. It's a little short in terms of length, but I appreciate that for the sake of performance.

• Comfort: 5
• Fit: 4
• Material: 5
• Style: 4
• Value for money: 3

The Turnover Half Zip w/Turnover Tights

The Trackhouse Crew ($110)

This sweatshirt is basically just a really nice sweatshirt. I don't think it's meant for running (I don't run in it), but it's nice to throw on after a cold race and before you have a chance to shower. I wear mine while working from home and while out running errands. It has a boxy cut and it's on the shorter side. Sweatshirts are "in" right now this one is about as stylish as you can make a sweatshirt. I have one of these from 2019 and from 2021, and they seemed to have changed it during that time. The 2019 shirt is light material while the 2021 is more substantial and heavier. I like them both - but I probably prefer the newer, warmer version. If you want an arguably over-priced sweatshirt, this is a good one to get! Note: in 2021, this sweatshirt was priced at $98 and I rated it a 2 in "Value for money". Now in 2022 it's $110 so I have downgraded it to 1. I'm glad I bought mine before inflation hit!

• Comfort: 5
• Fit: 4
• Material: 4
• Style: 3
• Value for money: 1

Trish: Brighton Base Layer. Me: Trackhouse Crew

The Session Jacket ($128)

This lightweight jacket is perfect for warming up before a workout or cooling down afterwards. It's fitted, sleek and versatile. You can also wear it at the beginning of a long run and then throw it in your car as the temperature starts to warm up. Or you can wear it as a normal everyday jacket. 

• Comfort: 4
• Fit: 4
• Material: 4
• Style: 4
• Value for money: 3

The Session Jacket

Lane 5 Short Tights ($68)

These form-fitted shorts are great if you like a tight fit. They have a 5" inseam. Most all form-fitted shorts ride up to some extent; and these do a little bit. But once you have sweated and gotten the material nice and wet, they tend to stay put! I wear these shorts in warm and humid weather and in the rain. Overall, these shorts are okay. I don't think they are anything special in terms of a tight-fitting short. I much prefer the "First Place" by Rabbit, which are shorter but seem to fit me better.

Note: When these shorts were priced at $58 back in 2021, I rated "value for money" a 2. But now in 2022 the price is $68, so I have downgraded "value for money" to 1. Some people love these shorts, but I think you can get better fitting compression shorts elsewhere.

• Comfort: 3
• Fit: 3
• Material: 4
• Style: 3
• Value for money: 1

Lane 5 Short Tights

Bell Lap Shorts ($75)

These fitted shorts are almost the exact same as the Lane 5 Short Tights, only they have a 3" inseam as opposed to a 5" inseam. Just like the. Bell Lap top, they re-modeled this piece at some point in 2020 or 2021. I prefer the previous version, which you can see in the very first photo of this post. The new version doesn't have the roll-over waistband, which I liked, and these shorts do ride up. I would not wear them for racing, which is their intended purpose. My favorite form-fitted racing short is the First Place by Rabbit. Finally, there is absolutely no reason why these shorts should be priced higher than the Lane 5 Short Tight (above) They are practically the same thing, only the Bell Lap has less material.

• Comfort: 2
• Fit: 3
• Material: 3
• Style: 3
• Value for money: 1

The new Bell Lap Shorts

Twilight Split Shorts ($62)

These loose fitting shorts are light and fast! They are available in both men's and women's versions. These shorts are comfortable and fast feeling, making your leg feel "free". They are great for speedwork and races. I prefer them to the Session Shorts ($68) which I will not review because they re-modeled them recently and I don't plan on buying the new model. The best thing about these shorts is the fabric - really light and smooth to the touch! At some point around 2020, they re-modeled this short, making them slightly longer, baggier and with more of a side slit. I'm wearing the original model in the first photo below, which I prefer to the new version. like a more streamlined fit. But the updated version is pretty good too-- the slit is pretty intense though! These shorts increased in price from $52 to $62 from 2021 to 2022. 

• Comfort: 5
• Fit: 4
• Material: 5
• Style: 4
• Value for money: 3

Tracksmith Twilight Split Shorts- original version

Twilight Split Shorts - updated version 2022

Van Cortlandt Shorts ($64)
These mesh shorts are another signature Tracksmith item that pair well with the Van Cortlandt Singlet. I really like the men's version of these on Greg but I'm not in love with the pair I have. I only have one pair (which I bought to go with the singlet) and I don't plan on buying another. I don't like the tie on these shorts- I prefer elastic waistbands with no tie. These shorts have chafed me on runs and the fit is sloppy on me. I like the burgundy color and the way they match the singlet, but that's about it.

• Comfort: 3
• Fit: 2
• Material: 3
• Style: 4
• Value for money: 2

The Tracksmith Van Cortlandt Shorts

Turnover Tights ($128)
I have a pair of these tights in normal length and in capri. I like them quite a bit and I wish they would bring back the capri length which doesn't seem to be listed on their site anymore. I don't have any other tights from Tracksmith because I have so many tights already and I've been able to resist the "emotional purchase" for some reason when it comes to tights! These are lightweight and and fitted without having compression. They are fast and they perform well. I wear them for long runs and speed work. I might get another pair at some point. The website describes these as "a cold weather running tight" but I find them to be light and I would probably want something warmer if it were under 25 degrees. 

• Comfort: 5
• Fit: 4
• Material: 4
• Style: 4
• Value for money: 3

Tracksmith Turnover Tights w/Downeaster top

Conclusion
Is Tracksmith an emotional purchase? Yes. Aren't most purchases emotional? Yes. Do we like to admit they are emotional? No. If you have never tried Tracksmith and you want some starter pieces, I recommend the Downeaster top, the Brighton Base Layer, and the Twilight Split Shorts. I love the style, material and comfort of these pieces. Tracksmith items make excellent gifts for your runner friends and family because it might be something they like but wouldn't buy for themselves. 

Brooks Sports Bras: Everything you need to know

Brooks recently launched an entirely new line of sports bras! And I am going to review many of them. I have another post called The Best Sports Bras for D-Cup runners, but many of those bras are no longer sold, as that post was written a few years ago.

Of all the running apparel brands (Saucony, ASICS, Nike, Tracksmith, New Balance, etc), Brooks is the only one to really focus on supporting women's breasts. As a D-cup runner, this is important to me because I cannot simply wear any sports bra that looks good and have it work. For me and women with larger breasts, sports bra support is as important as running shoe support. Inadequate or improper support is not only uncomfortable, but can cause other problems. For example, shoving your large breasts into an extra small bra to get maximum compression is not healthy for your breast tissue.

In the UK and Europe in general, there are many more options for runners with D-cup (or larger) breasts. When I attended the London Marathon expo, there were almost as many sports bra booths as running shoe booths. In the USA, you might find one or two sports bra booths, and only at the very large expos like NYC or Boston. A few European brands I like are Anita and ShockAbsorber. Brooks has really stepped up to address the needs of larger breasted runners in the USA, offering a variety of options.

If you go to the Brooks website, and go to "apparel" in the navigation, the very first item is bras. They are listed above all the other apparel items, which shows they are not an afterthought for this brand! It's also important to note that Brooks is a running company. They focus solely on products for runners, not for other sports. In this blog, I'll be focusing on their "Drive" and "Dare" sports bras. I love that all of these bras are sized by actual bra size instead of Small, Medium, and Large. 

The ideal sports bra is comfortable, wire-free, flattering (not bulky), adjustable, chafe-free (when using Body Glide or 2Toms), and supportive. Bonus points if it comes in a variety of attractive colors.  I will rank the features I just mentioned as excellent, good, average, or poor. 

The Dare Crossback Bra

The Brooks Dare Crossback Bra is one of the few racerback bras that comes in size C/D. According to Road Runner Sports, this bra offers maximum support for A-C cup sizes and medium-low support for D+ cup sizes. I found this description to be accurate. The bra is comfortable, but it's not as supportive as its "Scoopback" counterpart (reviewed below). I have the 32 C/D size, and it feels like a 32C, with the cups not being quite big enough. I'm not likely to wear this bra on its own without a tank top over it because it's a little small for me. You can see in the photo below that I'm popping out a bit! 

I wear this bra for easy runs because it's not as supportive as some of the other bras for long runs or speed work. I do love the material and the style, and it could be the ideal bra for someone with an A, B, or C cup. 

Comfort: Excellent

Wire-free: Yes

Flattering, not bulky: Excellent

Adjustable: Good. Adjustable back closure, but straps are not adjustable.

Chafe free: Good

Supportive: Average

Variety of Attractive Colors: Excellent

Would I buy more of these: No.

The Brooks Dare Crossback Run Bra

The Dare Scoopback Bra

Of all the bras I am going to review, the Dare Scoopback is the most supportive. According to Road Runner Sports, it offers maximum support for C-DD+ cup sizes. I am a size 32D, and Brooks sells this bra in size 32 C/D. It fits me perfectly, offers plenty of support, and the material is smooth. I have run long runs up to 16 miles in this bra and it's worked well. This bra is very similar to the Dare Crossback in terms of fabric and style, but it fits me much better and feels like a true 32D. If you wear a C-cup, you might prefer the Crossback. If you wear a D cup, you will likely prefer the Scoopback. 

This bra uses molded cups to support the breasts as opposed to compression. Thus, there will be some bounce, but according to breast experts, you do not want to eliminate bounce, you want to control it and minimize it.

Comfort: Excellent

Wire-free: Yes

Flattering, not bulky: Good

Adjustable: Excellent, with adjustable hooks and straps

Chafe free: Good. A tiny bit of chafing on very sweaty long runs

Supportive: Excellent

Variety of Attractive Colors: Excellent. I have this bra in grey, blue, red, pink, and teal

Would I buy more of these? I already have 5 of them!

The Brooks Dare Scoopback Run Bra

The Drive Convertible Run Bra

This Brooks Convertible bra was newly launched this year. It can be worn as a racerback or a scoop back. Unlike the Crossback and the Scoopback bras, this bra does not have molded cups; it uses compression. There is no padding or shape to it.  The benefit here is that the bra is less bulky and feels more streamlined and fast. I also think it's more flattering than the Scoopback and Crossback for this reason.

I first tried this bra as a scoop back, but I found the clasp that connects the straps to be uncomfortable when used that way. Additionally, it did not fit me as well as a racerback. When I unclasped it and used it as a standard bra style, it was much more comfortable and the fit was better. I'm wearing the Convertible Run bra in the first photo (black bra) and also below.

Comfort: Excellent

Wire-free: Yes

Flattering, not bulky: Excellent

Adjustable: Excellent. You can adjust the back clasps and the straps.
Chafe free: Good. I'd prefer a smoother material for the bottom.

Supportive: Excellent

Variety of Attractive Colors: Poor. Hopefully they come out with more.
Would I buy more of these? Yes, if they come out with more colors!

The Brooks Drive Convertible Run Bra

The Drive Interlace Run Bra

The Brooks Drive Interlace Bra was released this year, just like the Convertible Bra. Similar to the Convertible Bra, this bra does not have molded cups; it uses compression for support. That said, the Drive Interlace bra doesn't compress them as much as the Convertible bra, and gives the girls more breathing room. The notable thing about this bra is that it is low cut, which is great for breathability, but not so much for modesty. It has a fun strappy back and you can adjust both the straps and the closure to get a perfect fit. 

I personally did not find this bra to be as supportive as the Dare Scoopback or Convertible, which goes along with the Road Runner Sports rating: Maximum support for A-C cups, medium to low support for  D-DD+ cups. That said, it is definitely supportive enough for running and more so than the Scoopback. This probably will not be a speed work bra, but I think the breathability will be great for summer running.

Comfort: Good

Wire-free: Yes

Flattering, not bulky: Good

Adjustable: Excellent. You can adjust the back clasps and the strap length.
Chafe free: Good

Supportive: Good

Variety of Attractive Colors: Poor. I had to go with basic navy blue.
Would I buy more of these? Only if they came out with a color that I really wanted.

The Brooks Drive Interlace Run Bra

Brooks Interlace Run Bra, back view

The Drive 3 Pocket Run Bra
The Brooks Drive 3 Pocket Run Bra has the look of a crop top, which is very much in style at the moment. I was so excited to try this bra that I wore it on the first day it was warm enough to wear a sports bra only this spring. As the name states, it has three pockets, with one for the cell phone in the back. There are also side pockets that can store gels, cash, etc. Although this is a nice-to-have feature, it's not important to me. Almost all of my shorts have pockets and the last thing I need is something weighing me down up top! That said, I know that sports bras are a popular storage spot for other runners so I think this bra will be hugely successful. 

As with the other bras, I have the size 32C/D. The fit is pretty good. It comes with molded cups that you can remove. I removed the cups and immediately put them back in. Without the cups there was not enough coverage of the nipples and the bra was way too revealing. I was not expecting this bra to be as supportive as it was. I found it to be more supportive than the Dare Crossback, and I barely noticed I was even wearing it while running. Because it's high cut, it's not good for ventilation, but that's true of any "crop top" design. 

Comfort: Good

Wire-free: Yes

Flattering, not bulky: Excellent

Adjustable: Poor. You cannot adjust this bra.
Chafe free: Good

Supportive: Good

Variety of Attractive Colors: Good. They don't have a ton of colors, but I like the ones they do have.
Would I buy more of these? Yes. 

The Brooks Drive 3 Pocket Run Bra

Conclusion

I really like all of these bras. More often than not, I am disappointed when I try a new sports bra. I'm very picky, so it says a lot that one company can have such a variety of styles that fit me and support me. The winner in the group is the Dare Scoopback bra, which is the most supportive, but the trade off is that it's not quite as flattering as the Drive 3 pocket or the Drive Convertible. The Drive Convertible would be #2 on my list. Because it's a new bra, I haven't tried it out on a variety of runs yet, so it's possible that I might end up liking the Convertible just as much as the Scoopback. 

The Drive Convertible and the Dare Scoopback are the only ones on this list that Road Runner sports says offer maximum support for D-DD+ cups. Brooks also has other bras that I did not review that are supportive for women with larger breasts such as Dare Racerback and the Dare Zip Run. The one with the zipper looks like it would be uncomfortable, and the Dare Racerback doesn't look as flattering as the Scoopback. The Dare Racerback is also not reviewed as highly as the Scoopback on the Brooks website. 

I hope you found these reviews helpful! Road Runner Sports sent me both Dare bras and the Interlace Bra as part of their ambassador program, and I purchased the Convertible and 3 Pocket Bra myself.

Running Shoe Review + Sports Bras: adidas and Brooks

I recently had the opportunity to add four new running shoes to my rotation. RoadRunner Sports has been gifting me a new pair of shoes each month in exchange for sharing them with my Instagram followers. They did not ask me to formally review these shoes on my blog, but I enjoy reviewing shoes, so I am going to do that anyway.

RoadRunner sports also sent me two new sports bras. I will review those at the end for the pure love of reviewing gear! I will be reviewing:

• The adidas Adizero Adios 5
• The adidas Ultra Boost 20
• The Brooks Glycerin 18
• The Brooks Ghost 12
• The Brooks Dare Crossback bra
• The Brooks Dare Scoopback bra

These are all neutral shoes. I chose adidas and Brooks shoes from RoadRunner sports because even though I had never worn these particular models, these brands work for me based on fit and heel drop. For example, I would never try a Hoka or a Saucony shoe because they don't make shoes with a heel drop higher than 8mm. I need a drop of 10-12mm due to my history with achilles tendonitis. Asics and New Balance shoes tend to be too wide for me. 

Adidas Adizero Adios 5 Review

• Current mileage: 28.5
• Number of runs: 3
• Sizing: Runs 1/2 size large compared to Brooks and Mizuno.
• Biggest benefit: light and fast
• Biggest drawback: feet hurt after 8 miles of racing
• Current Price: $139.95 ($125.96 for VIP members)
• Link at RoadRunner Sports

Of the four shoes I am reviewing, this is the only shoe that would be used for speed work or racing. This shoe is lightweight and responsive. It has a good amount of energy return, and it used to be what many of the elites wore for marathons until the rise of the Nike Vaporfly. 

adidas Adizero Adios 5

Previously, I had worn the Adios 3 and 4, so I was excited to get my feet inside the new model. According to the website, this new model is "now even lighter with a full-length Celermesh upper inspired by sprint spikes." However, when I weighed the shoe on a kitchen scale it was slightly heavier than a brand new pair of the adios 4. Both shoes were the same size. The color options are kind of boring: you can choose from black or grey. I love black with white stripes (for obvious reasons) but it would be nice to have a more colorful option.

I wore this shoe for a 10K race and the Virtual Cherry Blossom 10-miler last weekend. The shoe performed really well during the the 10K, but I didn't like it for the 10-miler. The bottoms of my feet began to hurt at mile 8. To contrast, I wore the Adios 4 for the One City Half Marathon and my feet felt awesome the entire time.

Ultimately, I prefer the previous model of this shoe (version 4). That said, I still do like the Adios 5 because it's a lightweight, fast shoe that fits me well. I will continue to wear it for speed work, but probably on days where the total run is less than 10 miles.

Adidas Ultra Boost 20 Review

• Current mileage: 31.2
• Number of runs: 4
• Sizing: Runs 1/2 size large compared to Brooks and Mizuno.
• Biggest benefit: plush comfort
• Biggest drawback: heavy and bulky
• Current Price: $143.95 ($129.56 for VIP members)
• Link at RoadRunner Sports

The adidas Ultra Boost was a new shoe for me. I had not worn any of the previous models and I didn't know what to expect. I know that this shoe has a reputation for being a premium model, as the

adidas Ultra Boost 20

price when it first came out was $180. It also seems that this shoe has a cult-like following. Based on the reaction I got on my Instagram, there were some die-hard Ultra Boost fans. 

The minute I put this shoe on I noticed that it was super luxe and cushioned. Walking around felt amazing. It took a little time to get used to running in the shoe, though. It's bulky and heavy and even though I sized down by half a size, it still felt a little big on me. But the more I ran in it, the more I liked it. I think it's the perfect shoe for recovery runs because it forces you to go slowly. At least, that's how I feel in it. I've found that I really enjoy wearing the shoe because the ride is so plush and smooth, and if I am also listening to a mellow song, I just coast along and everything feels great.

I would definitely recommend this shoe for recovery runs for that reason. It feels really good and reminds you that you are in recovery mode. Also it looks really sleek and comes in some nice color options. 

Brooks Glycerin 18 Review

• Current mileage: 8.1
• Number of runs: 1
• Sizing: True to size, but I got the narrow width
• Biggest benefit: plush comfort
• Biggest drawback: not responsive
• Current Price: $149.95
• Link at RoadRunner Sports

The Brooks Glycerin was another shoe that was completely new to me. I had not worn any of the previous models. However, I knew that Brooks shoes generally worked for me if they were available in a narrow width (2A). If you generally wear Nike, Mizuno, and adidas because you have a narrow foot, you'll want to buy the narrow width in Brooks. 

The only drawback with the narrow width is that you only get one color choice. It's usually a decent choice, but also kind of boring. I like a lot of variety in my footwear and it's such a tease to see all the fun color options that Brooks offers for the non-narrow widths! 

I found this shoe to be very similar to the adidas Ultra Boost 20. It was on the heavier side, plush, and difficult to pick up the pace in. I have only worn it once-- for an easy 8 miler. I found that when I started to pickup the pace and run under 8:40, it was not so easy to do. But that's okay, because this shoe is meant for easy runs! Similar to the Ultra Boost, I will probably only wear these shoes on recovery days, or for easy runs when I am feeling like I want to be on the slower end of my easy range. 

One issue I noticed with the Brooks Glycerin was that my posterior tibialis tendonitis (arch pain) started bothering me about 5 miles in. And I felt it for nearly two miles. To me that indicates that this shoe has no stability (which it's not supposed to because it's neutral) and lacks arch support. The Ultra Boost, on the other hand, did not bother my arch whatsoever.

Brooks Glycerin 18 vs. Adidas Ultra Boost 20: I found these shoes to be equally as plush and cushioned. You'll have to grab the Ultra Boost on sale in order for the price to match the Brooks, though. The Glycerin is a little bit lighter and fit my foot better. However, the complete lack of arch support makes me want to keep this one out of the rotation until the summer when my injury has been behind me for longer. 

Brooks Ghost 12 Review

• Current mileage: 74.7
• Number of runs: 11
• Sizing: True to size, but I got the narrow width
• Biggest benefit: a versatile shoe: comfort + responsive
• Biggest drawback: narrow widths should come in more colors
• Current Price: $129.95
• Link at RoadRunner Sports

Brooks Ghost 12

The Brooks Ghost has been part of my rotation for over a year now. I was first introduced to the Ghost at the end of 2018 and fell in love with the Ghost 11. I added this shoe to my rotation because I needed a highly cushioned shoe for my easy days that was also responsive and not too bulky. I had been wearing the Mizuno Wave Inspire for 5+ years and I stopped wearing it because it was too firm and the bottoms of my feet would hurt after 8 miles. I also had a gait analysis done and I learned that I was now a neutral runner. 

Anyway, the Ghost 12 is a great update to the 11 because it's virtually the same. Don't mess with a good thing. According to the website the new version has a "newly engineered mesh and 3D Fit print upper". I don't really know what that means, but I like the shoe a lot.

Brooks Ghost 12 vs. Brooks Glycerin 18: To me, the biggest difference is that the Ghost 12 is "easier" to run in. It's responsive, it allows me to pick up the pace, and it's nicely cushioned. The Glycerin is more luxe. It feels better to go walking in. That would explain the extra $20 in cost-- there's more cushion in the Glycerin. Some runners might prefer the Glycerin because it's plusher and softer. I will continue to use the Brooks Ghost for my easy runs, and save the Glycerins for recovery runs when I know I will be coasting along slowly.

Also I should note that the Ghost as a 12mm drop and the Glycerin has a 10mm drop. This could explain why my arch wasn't as happy in the Glycerin: a shoe with a relatively lower drop that's also extremely soft will provide no support for the arch. 

Shoe review conclusion

Adidas Adios 5 for speed work 8 miles or less

Adidas Ultra Boost 20 and Brooks Glycerin 18 for recovery runs

Brooks Ghost 12 for easy runs

That pretty much sums it up. These are all high-quality shoes that I will wear until they are worn out. Once they are retired, I will probably keep the Ultra Boost for walking around in, because they are simply delightful for that and I like the white color. The Glycerin would also be a good candidate for a walking shoe.

Now onto sports bras. . . 

The Brooks Dare Crossback Sports Bra Review

• Sizing: Runs small
• Biggest benefit: No hardware: all softness
• Biggest drawback: runs small; not much coverage for a size D cup.
• Current Price: $59.99
• Link at RoadRunner Sports

If you've been reading my blog for awhile, you know that I am constantly on the hunt for the perfect sports bra. The most perfect sports bra of all time was made by Athleta and discontinued two years ago. Nothing has ever compared to it, but some have come close.

As for the Brooks Dare Crossback bra, which is a completely new bra in 2020, I really like it! I love that this bra comes in actual bra sizes rather than small through large. I’m a size 32D so I got the size 32 C/D. I think this size would fit C cups much better because my girls don’t have a lot of coverage but it was still really comfortable.

The bra has no hooks or hardware of any kind. You can’t adjust it but I didn’t feel the need to adjust the straps. The crossback design allows you to easily slip it on and off. When I first wore this bra with the intention of reviewing it, I forgot I was wearing it. The bra wasn’t even noticeable for 2 miles! That’s how a sports bra should be. Very supportive and comfortable. It would recommend this bra for its style and comfort. If you wear a D cup or larger, there’s not a lot of coverage so you might not wear it without a shirt over it.

The Brooks Dare Scoopback Sports Bra Review

• Sizing: True to size
• Biggest benefit: Smooth flexible fabric; no rigid parts
• Biggest drawback: Might be less supportive if wet or drenched in sweat
• Current Price: $69.99
• Link at RoadRunner Sports

This Scoopback bra is essentially the same as the Crossback bra I reviewed above. It's made from the same material: very silky and soft with no rigid parts. The main differences are that the Scoopback bra has adjustable straps and adjustable back clasps. The back clasps have 4 different settings! Also, the Scoopback fits my D cup much better than the Crossback. I got both bras in a size 32C/D, but the Crossback one seems to be made for a C cup, whereas the Scoopback seems to be made for a D cup. Thus, I prefer the Crossback.

I wore the Scoopback bra for a 7-mile run in cool weather, so I didn't really put it to the test. Will it chafe at longer distances? Will it lose its structure if I was soaked in sweat in the summer? I love that it's not rigid, but the negative aspect of that is that it could lose its supportiveness when wet. This is the challenge of finding a good sports bra! As you can see, this one fits me better. I feel like I am kind of popping out of the Crossback above, and might not go running in it without a tank top over it. 

Brooks Dare Scoopback Bra

With sports bras going on and off the market, I think the Brooks Dare Scoopback, the Nike Fe/Nom Flyknit, and the Anita Air Control Padded sports bras are the best options for D-cup runners today.

The Best Sports Bra for D-Cup Runners

I'm very passionate about the topic of sports bras. As a size 30-32D, it's difficult to find a supportive, comfortable sports bra.

When I was in high school, my dance team coach informed me that my bouncing boobs were a distraction for the entire performance. "Nobody is watching the dance because they are all looking at your chest bouncing around," she said. "You need to get a more supportive sports bra before our next performance." Needless to say, she wasn't the nicest or most sensitive coach in the world.

Thus began my life-long quest for the perfect sports bra. My mom and I found one that worked quite well in terms of support, although it wasn't all that comfortable. And it was over twice the price of the one I had been wearing. But if it meant that my breasts wouldn't be the focus of the next dance team performance, (at least in my coach's mind) it was a necessity.

I learned that most sports bras came in small, medium, and large sizes, which roughly equated to 32A, 34B, and 36C. There was little thought given to women who didn't fit these sizes.

What I Want in a Sports Bra
The perfect sports bra, which does not seem to exist, meets all of the following criteria:

1. No underwire
2. Slim profile without bulk
3. No chafing when used with Body Glide or 2Toms
4. Comfortable and supportive
5. Flattering

Bonus points if the bra is stylish, comes in a variety of colors, and looks good under a tank top. I have yet to find a sports bra that meets ALL of these criteria. My favorite sports bras come close, but nothing is truly ideal.

American vs. European Sports Bras
In the United States, it's difficult to find a D-cup sports bra that meets the first three criteria. Most all sports bras that support a larger breast are bulky, have underwires, and/or chafe. I tried on multiple Lululemon bras but didn't buy any of them. The ones that were designed for a D cup, like the "Speed Up" bra were too bulky. And the other ones were not supportive enough. Brooks and Under Armour both offer multiple options for D cup sizes, but I've found them to chafe, even with massive amounts of Body Glide. Most sports bras you find in the US are XS, S, M, L, XL which, as I said above, correlate roughly to 32A-38DD. It's like they assume that as your breasts get bigger, so does your width around, which we all know is not true.

When I first started running, I realized that I had to choose between a bulky underwire D-cup bra or cramming my breasts into an XS standard sports bra for compression. The underwire options were so uncomfortable that I typically opted for bras that were way too small for my breasts, but supported me nonetheless.

Berlei Sport Fit Crop Top (discontinued)

Then, in 2008, my sports bra world changed. I ran the London marathon which meant visiting the London Marathon Expo. In Europe, they treat sports bras the same way Americans treat shoes. They acknowledge that you need to be professionally fitted and they research and develop supportive technologies. The London expo had multiple booths solely dedicated to sports bras. There, I learned that my compression technique was really unhealthy for breast health. I also learned that you don't want to stop the bounce completely, you simply want to support it. Your breasts need to have enough room to move around freely, but the bra should incorporate features to support that movement.

I left the expo with three different sports bras-- all of which were above my budget, but something I never regretted for a minute. They were the Thuasne Force 3 (pictured above), the Shock Absorber B4490, and the ZSport. For the next 3 years I continued to buy those bras online until they were finally discontinued. Somewhere around 2014, I realized that those bras were breaking down and I needed new ones. At this point, I discovered two new favorites: The Berlei Sport Fit Crop Top and the Athleta Hulabraloo. Berlei is a European brand, and I was surprised that Athleta was able to design a bra that worked so well for me. Note: Athleta is great for D-cup swimwear, too!

D-Cup Sports Bra Reviews
This summer, I am once again on the quest for the perfect sports bra. Here are my reviews of the bras I have tried so far. Note: I have not received anything for free or for discount in exchange for these reviews. As I mentioned above, I am passionate about this topic so I am writing about it.

The Athleta Hulabraloo
Rating 9/10
It looks like this bra is being discontinued, but there are still a few left online. This bra tops my list as the best sports bra I have ever owned. I have 8 of them. It's not perfect, but pretty darn close. There's no underwire and no bulk. It's very lightly padded just for additional coverage, which I don't mind. This bra has never chafed me, even on 20-mile sweaty long runs. It's very comfortable and supportive and the racerback style makes it look good under tanks.

The only thing keeping this bra from earning a 10 out of 10 is that it's not totally flattering. It's not un-flattering, but I think because it's so low cut and then has some extra material on the bottom, it makes my breasts look lower on my body than I would like. The bra does not have adjustable straps. If it did, I think I could raise the boobs up a bit and get the look I wanted.  Here are some photos of the Hulabraloo in Action, size 32D:

The Anita Active Maximum Support Wire Free Sports Bra (model 5527)
Rating: 7/10
I like this bra quite a bit. It has no underwire, it's very supportive and comfortable, and it has an extremely slim profile with no padding. This bra also comes in multiple color options. However, it might not look great under a tank top because it's a classic bra style and not a racerback. The straps are adjustable which means I can make the breasts look higher on my torso. This bra keeps the breasts separate from one another, whereas many sports bras push them together. This is a good feature!

The bra does not chafe when used with 2Toms Sport Shield, but with Body Glide it does chafe. Anita bras can be bought online at HerRoom.com. They are fairly pricey (about $70 each) but HerRoom often has sales on particular colors. If the material were smoother, I would have given this bra 8/10, but it's a little coarse. It does not look like this bra is being discontinued any time soon, so get it while you can!

I also bought the Anita Active Air Control Sports bra (model 5533) This bra is very similar to the one above, only it has some light padding. I like both bras about the same. Once I have run in them more I might have a different opinion, but for now, I can't tell much of a difference in comfort, fit or style. Here is a photo of the Active Air Control Sports bra (size 32D), which retails for $74:

I also have the Active Air Control Sports bra model 5544, which is almost identical to the one above, but the band is wider and the cups are slightly more molded. I don't have a preference among any of these three Anita bras. I like how these sports bras come in multiple colors and support without underwire or a ton of bulk. I'm often jealous of the women who can wear the cute and colorful sports bras while the ones I like are typically limited to just a few plain colors. I highly recommend Anita, just watch out for the chafing and use 2Toms instead of Body Glide.


Nike Impact Strappy
Rating: 6/10
Even though this bra is sold in sizes XS-XL, it looked like it might work for me, given the adjustable straps and the coverage. My favorite thing about this bra is its looks. It has a slim profile with just a little bit of padding. It's stylish and the adjustable straps are great for getting just the right fit. This looks like a traditional sports bra with a strappy back, not some over-engineered device for a busty woman. And it comes in 5 different colors.

The reason I am only rating it a 6 out of 10 is that it's only somewhat comfortable. It's supportive, but just the way it sits makes me notice the bra while I run. Ideally, you wouldn't notice a sports bra was even there while running. It also chafed me a little bit even though I was using 2Toms. I would recommend this bra for shorter, non-sweaty runs. This bra retails for $55. I'm wearing a size Small:

Shock Absorber Ultimate Fly Sports Bra
Rating: 9/10
I'm no stranger to the Shock Absorber brand. It's a European brand that I discovered at the London Marathon expo. For years, I wore their B4490 model because it was supportive and fit really well. However, it was a chafing nightmare. I used to always run with a heart rate monitor, which stood between the bra and my skin, and that actually prevented the chafing. But without the heart rate monitor, the B4490 was a no-go. They also have an Ultimate Run Bra, but I tried that on at an expo once and didn't like the way it fit.

A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon the Ultimate Fly Sports Bra and decided to try it. I love it! It has a fun design with a bright back and a grey front. Some of the color can even be seen under the grey overlay in front. There's no padding and it has adjustable straps. It will look great under tank tops because of the thin straps and racerback style.

When I ran, I loved how light the bra felt. It was like I was running "free" without a huge device on me. The only thing stopping this bra from being the ideal 10/10 is the chafing. It did not chafe me on a 6-mile run with 2Toms Sports shield, but the material looks and feels like it would probably chafe with just Body Glide, or potentially on a longer run even with 2Toms. I'll need to try it on a longer run to confirm, and if it does chafe me with 2Toms, that would be a deal breaker. It's sleeker, more stylish and more flattering than the Athleta Hulabraloo, but if it ends up chafing me on long runs, that won't be good. Here's the 32D Ultimate Fly Sports Bra in action:

Under Armour Balance Eclipse High Bra
Rating: 5/10
I ordered this bra online and when it arrived, I was surprised at how bulky it was. It has molded cups which make the bra heavy with a lot of material. The material is smooth and the bra is supportive, however there was a little bit of chafing with Body Glide. I have not tried this bra with 2Toms yet. It's not uncomfortable, but it's also not comfortable. In the future, I will probably use it for easy runs only. The bra is available in cup sizes and has adjustable straps, so here is the 32D:

Here is a list of the bras that I tried on but did not purchase:

• Zensah Gazelle Sports Bra: supposed to provide support for D cups via compression (which we know is not ideal). This bra didn't fit properly and my boobs were spilling out the sides.
• Nike Alpha High Support Bra: This bra was very, very bulky. I ordered it online because it looked sleek but this was a huge contraption that I had no interest in running in.
• Lululemon Speed Up Bra: This bra did not fit well at all; it was very awkward feeling.

In closing, if you wear a size 30D or 32D bra, I highly recommend the soon-to-be discontinued Athleta Hulabraloo, the Anita wireless bras, and the Shock Absorber Ultimate Fly Bra. In the meantime, I will continue to be on the quest for a bra that's as smooth and as non-chafing as my discontinued Berlei, as supportive as the Hulabraloo, in as many colors as the Anita bras, and as flattering and weightless as the Ultimate Fly Bra.