Smartwool, a renowned purveyor of Merino wool apparel for active lifestyles, has joined forces with Altra, a front-runner in performance running gear, to introduce an all-encompassing Merino run kit designed for battling cold weather. The uniquely curated collection features a range of items including clothing, accessories, socks, and footwear. The complete collection will be offered exclusively at REI throughout the month of October 2024.
Merino wool is known for being a natural performance fiber that provides warmth, is breathable, and remains lightweight. With this in mind, the two brands have combined their expertise to create a collection that incorporates Merino into each piece, including an Altra running shoe. The outcome is a range that goes beyond the expectations of Merino wool, which pairs technical features with versatile silhouettes. These features allow runners to mix and match items to find the ideal combination for their personal layering systems.
“Noah Bryan, the General Manager of Smartwool & icebreaker North America, said that the partnership nurtured with Altra on this collection came naturally. Both brands understand the significance of natural fibers for enhanced performance, and aimed to create a holistic Merino footwear and apparel kit that could be layered to adjust to various cold weather running conditions.”
The Smartwool apparel and accessories include critical styles from the brand’s active range, including the Active Fleece, Intraknit Seamless, and Smartloft lines. These are designed to be layered which becomes beneficial during the cold weather. The special technical features comprise wind paneling, reflective elements, targeted ventilation, thumbholes, and body mapping.
In terms of footwear, Altra has redefined their best-selling Altra Escalante, an admired performance road shoe, by integrating a Smartwool Merino blend Knit upper. This enhancement increases thermal comfort by 3.5 percent compared to their standard model. The proposed combination of the Altra Escalante with Smartwool’s Targeted Cushion Run socks offers extra support and comfort, utilizing the benefits of Merino such as moisture management, thermoregulation, and odor resistance.
The Smartwool and Altra collaborative collection will be available in both men’s and women’s styles. It features four pieces of apparel, five unique accessories, two styles of socks, and one shoe.
Smartwool, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, is a brand recognized for its socks and apparel whose products seek to maximize the benefits of Merino wool. Dedicated to enhancing outdoor comfort, confidence, and community, the brand is a division of VF Outdoor, LLC, and falls under the VF Corporation brand umbrella.
Altra, on the other hand, started its journey from a small specialty running store in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. Aiming to create innovative and useful running shoes, Altra has a unique platform featuring a roomy toe box that supports natural running form. Their shoes range from zero to low drop, ensuring a more natural running position.
REI, the exclusive retailer for this unique collection, is a specialty outdoor retailer based near Seattle. As the nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 24 million members, who enjoy top-quality gear, inspiring expert classes, and trips along with outstanding customer service. More than just a retailer, this purpose-driven and values-led company is dedicated to enabling life outside for all.
