Should you wear Merino wool for running?

[@bikesandlaces]

Good to check in with you looking good thanks for sharing!!

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

Thanks Jess

[@40beyondfashion]

Great video as always regards from South Africa 🇿🇦 Cape Town

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

Thanks Chirvan 😀

[@MihaiGoRunning]

Just checked out your review on the Innovate long sleeve Merino tee, and I gotta say, you've got me convinced! The discreet logo is a nice touch, and your experience running in it through Scotland's cold winds sounds like a chilly adventure. And who knew Merino wool could be so magical? Definitely considering adding stuff like this to my running gear arsenal. Thanks for the insight, Martin!

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

Thanks Mihai, It's a cracking top that I'm using a lot at the moment. I'd certainly recommend one if you're thinking of a Merino in the future 👌

[@TheOldUltraRunner]

I am a fan of Merino wool. Thank you for the video, Martin!!!

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

Thanks Jay, good to hear lots of folk are onboard with Merino 👍

[@movemorenowjames]

Weirdly just been thinking about this exact question…. Perfect timing !

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

You now have the answer 😀

[@RunFreeandStrong]

Fantastic product review and love how you mix the studio clips with the trail clips. Really good looking top, and could be worn as casual wear, it's so functional and comfortable. I'm a big fan of merino wool. Thanks Martin.

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

Thanks Reto, it can for sure be worn as a casual piece as well as a technical piece, good to know you are already a Merino convert 😀

[@ryanrunningwild]

I used to do a lot of Hiking / Wildcamping at merino wool was always the gold standard when it came to underwear / base layers etc. My biggest concern with anything running related is chaffing, but, looks like that is not an issue. Informative video, thanks for sharing :)

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

Thanks Ryan, I can certainly say I've been chaff-free wearing it, nobody wants chaffing! 😱

[@CoachKev0731]

I would think moisture management is one of the best assets of running gear. Definitely something that I look for when I'm working out or playing basketball. Need to control that sweat as best as possible. So it would be a go for me.

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

Cheers Kev, it does perform really well, I'm getting plenty of use out of it at the moment for sure 👌

[@BenNotley]

Another superb review Martin! Sounds like Merino is the way forward mate. Been looking at a few Merino tops but I thought they might be too warm now we're coming into the Spring / Summer. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences buddy! 😎🤘

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

Cheers Ben, if you've not got a Merino top, I'd certainly add one to your selection, as for it getting warmer, you do remember I'm in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🤣

[@chamonixcabs]

I always wear it and love it. My wife can’t she finds it itchy!!

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

Well that's a 50% success rate 😜

[@runningwithstelvio]

For cycling it is used pretty often actually, so why not for running?! Especially in cold countries, I believe it is a pretty good idea. The only downside usually is that it is quite expensive. But of course the quality is much better. Thank you for the review Martin.

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

Thanks Stelvio, you're right about the initial outlay being more than a synthetic alternative, but for the comfort & the fact they last so long, I'd say Merino is actually good value 👍

[@runningwithstelvio]

@@TheDeterminedRunner yes, true, considering the longer duration, at the end it is cheaper 👌

[@brianjohnston2959]

I often take note of the Loomie Merino wool toque you wear while running (and I remember the review you did of it some time ago) so no surprise you also like the Inov-8 Merino wool long sleeve tee, which looks like a solid product. I have to say I'm a fan of the 150 lightweight--often I'd rather wear another layer than a heavier weight product. Lightweight products are more versatile and they dry fast. For travel, I find an high quality synthetic washes and dries faster than Merino wool. Similar, for a high aerobic run, the synthetic material seems to hold less moisture than Merino wool. For a slower pace run or activity say hill walking, the Merino wool is, as you stated, better for thermal regulating. This fall/winter season has been overly crazy weather so I took to wearing a lightweight hoodie every run, synthetic or Merino. The Merino is actually a new hoodie. I'd be washing the synthetic hoodies on a regular bases because I wore them as base layers and because they are synthetic, whereas as as you pointed out, the Merino is much better for odour management and I'd often wear a synthetic base layer with the Merino hoodie overtop and wash the next to skin layer. Again, keeping the next to skin layer synthetic because it doesn't hold much moisture. In the end, I too believe that there is a place in your running kit for Merino wool, and it's not only for the top of your head.

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

Good spot with the toque Brian, it is my favourite hat! Very true about lightweight being more versatile & being able to layer. Synthetics definitely dry quicker but during that period when they are wet, I've been caught out many a time & become cold in certain weather conditions, whereas with the Merino I tend to stay comfortable. Hope your weather becomes a little more settled as Spring continues to arrive 🌼

[@brianjohnston2959]

Yes, Merino wool is better for warmth when wet but truly nothing is really comfortable when wet and cold. Once I can no longer heat or keep the moisture warm it’s time for dry clothes even if the wool is warmer. Cheers to spring training.

[@markg99]

😂😂 hob nob! Brilliant. I'm commenting before the end but just wanted to ask whether you think using fabric conditioner with running clothes, and merino wool in particular is ok.

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

Good question, answer is never use fabric conditioner with running clothes or wool, it’ll prevent them breathing properly 👍

[@markg99]

Cheers mate

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

@@markg99 No problem 👋

[@reluctantfellrunner]

Plenty of sheep up there. Wonder what they are wearing? Best wishes.

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

Thanks Nigel, the sheep are certainly onto something 🐑

[@alanrobinson2229]

Always wear Merino 👍 Synthetics stink in no time Never paid that much tho,I have five shirts

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

Thanks Alan, synthetics are definitely wear once & wash, great at quick wicking but fail when there's stopping & starting on the activity several times, that's when the Merino wins. Sounds like you have quite a collection with 5 shirts 👍

[@alanrobinson2229]

Yes,three long sleeve and two short sleeve some originally got for hiking.​@@TheDeterminedRunner

[@SwimBikeRunStu]

To itchy for me 🙈

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

I must admit I have used some Merino in the past that made me itch, but depending on the weight of the garment & even the brand certainly makes a difference 👍