Smartwool Teams up with Altra to Launch a Limited-Edition Cold Weather Run Collection, Available Exclusively at REI

October 3, 2024

The collection is thoughtfully designed as a head-to-toe Merino run kit, helping runners to conquer the cold

DENVER /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Smartwool, a manufacturer of Merino wool apparel for active lifestyles, has teamed up with Altra, a leading innovator in performance running, to release an innovative head-to-toe Merino run kit to conquer cold weather. The collection features apparel, accessories, socks, and footwear and will be available exclusively at REI from October 1, 2024 to November 1, 2024.

Knowing that Merino wool is a natural performance fiber that is warm and naturally breathable while being lightweight, the brands created a collection that features Merino in every piece, including the Altra shoe. The result is a Merino experience that combines technical features with versatile silhouettes, enabling runners to mix and match to find the right layering system for their needs.

“Partnering with Altra on this collection was a natural fit,” said Noah Bryan, General Manager, Smartwool & icebreaker North America “Both brands know the importance of natural fibers for enhanced performance, and wanted to offer consumers a complete Merino footwear and apparel kit they could layer to accommodate varying cold weather run conditions.”

The Smartwool apparel and accessories consist of key styles from the brand’s Active Fleece, Intraknit Seamless, and Smartloft lines that are designed to be layered for enhanced benefits. Technical features include wind paneling, reflective elements, targeted ventilation, thumbholes, and body mapping.

For the shoe, Altra has enhanced their best-selling Altra Escalante, an iconic performance road shoe, by adding a Smartwool Merino blend Knit upper. This addition improves thermal comfort by 3.5 percent over the standard model. Pairing the Altra Escalante with Smartwool’s Targeted Cushion Run socks offers added support and comfort next to skin, harnessing the benefits of Merino, including moisture management, thermoregulation, and odor resistance.

President, Altra & General Manager North American Key Accounts shared, “The addition of the Smartwool Merino blend upper enhances our promise to runners to keep them running – in comfort, and during the colder fall and winter weather. The collaboration adds a fresh, stylish look to a shoe known for both running and all-day wear.”.

The Smartwool x Altra collection is available in both Men’s & Women’s styles, and features four pieces of apparel, five accessories, two socks, and one shoe.

Shop the collection at rei.com/s/smartwool-x-altra. The apparel is available exclusively at REI, in-store and online, from October 1, 2024, to November 1, 2024. The shoe will be available exclusively at REI, in-store and online, as well as on Altra.com.

+++

About Smartwool
Based in Denver, Colorado, Smartwool® is a sock and apparel brand whose products are designed to get the most out of the inherent benefits of Merino wool and to bring comfort, confidence, and community to a life lived outside. For information on the full range of Smartwool® products or to find a dealer near you, please visit www.Smartwool.com. Smartwool, a division of VF Outdoor, LLC, is a brand of VF Corporation.

About Altra

Altra was founded in the backroom of a small specialty running store in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. Since the beginning, the goal has been to create innovative and purposeful running shoes that help people run more naturally and keep running. Altra’s unique platform includes a roomy toe box that allows the toes to relax and spread out which help enhance stability and encourage natural running form. Altra Running shoes have a Zero to Low Drop, ensuring your body stays in a more natural running position. Altra’s purpose is to unleash human potential by inspiring the world to move naturally. Be a part of our journey and follow along on Instagram. #altrarunning #stayoutthere

About REI Co-op 
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 24 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. In addition to the co-op’s many stores across the country, outdoor enthusiasts can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. Everyone is welcome to shop REI, but members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. More than a retailer, REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.

Contact:

Tyler Stephenson (on behalf of Smartwool)

tyler.stephenson@backbone.media

970.963.4873 ext. 1263