Icebreaker Women's Merino Sphere T-shirt Review

The Merino Sphere from Icebreaker is said to have amazing breathability and comfort yet still be durable enough for high-energy activities and travel. We asked our canine loving team member Kat to put it through its paces on a canicross race (trail running with your dog).    

Initial Thoughts About The Product

When I took the top out the packaging it was soft to touch and felt nice against the skin. It stretched with my movement and didn’t feel restrictive. I especially liked the neckline which wasn’t too low or high and I was looking forward to wearing it in the race.

52% merino wool/35% Tencel/13% nylon 130gm jersey is featherweight, wicks moisture and dries quickly Cool-Lite - merino/Tencel combination stays cooler and wicks better in the heat Corespun - merino fibre wrapped around a superfine nylon core for extra durability

Short sleeved Forward set side seams for comfort Icebreaker pip label Regular fit

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How Did It Perform?

Fit: 8/10

I found the fitted panels down each side particularly useful; they gave the tee a more fitted style without feeling restrictive. The sleeves were a good length and weren’t tight on the arms.

Performance: 8/10

The breathability was great at helping to prevent me from overheating, leaving me to focus on the trail ahead.

Comfort: 9/10

I put the top on and it instantly felt light and comfortable. It provided me with a solid amount of warmth whilst warming up and stretching and afforded me a large range of movement. Once the race began, I found that the merino soon wicked away excess moister leaving me dry and cool. 

Even though I didn’t run with a backpack during the race, I did hike to the start line with a pack. The well thought out shoulder patterning prevented the rucksack straps from rubbing along the seams - and the long body provided extra coverage and comfort

Durability: 9/10

I was running a 5km trail race with my dog Max who is tethered to me with a harness belt that sits around my waist. In the past, other tees have bobbled and snagged on the harness but the durability of Sphere top was fantastic. And after the race, I was able to put the tee in with my normal clothes wash and it retained its elasticity and soft feel.

Weight: 8/10

At 130gm, the jersey felt light enough to run in while remaining thick enough to protect from strong wind and overcast conditions. Even though the top was thin, it felt solid and tough enough to withstand abrasions.

Materials/Construction: 8/10

The ‘52% merino wool/35% Tencel/13% nylon’ blend provided a cool and lightweight feel backed up by high-quality stitching and ergonomic fit.

Aesthetics: 7/10

The top’s high-quality design and construction results in a fit that is flattering yet practical. I also like that it comes in a range of colours (something for everyone) and the short sleeves drop nicely off the shoulder.

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Pros & Cons

Pros

Good fit, nice length and super soft 

Cons

I normally run in a vest so this top felt like it gave me a bit too much cover but for those who prefer this classic styling, it’s a great option.

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Overall Verdict

I’d recommend this product for anyone who enjoys hiking, camping, travelling and running.  For something so soft it was extremely durable and I could see myself wearing this for long-distance races and hikes.

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About the Author: Kat Mason - Outdoor Expert Kat has always had a passion for the outdoors, enjoying camping and hiking. Last year she adopted two rescue dogs and in doing so discovered Canicross, trail running while wearing a harness connected to her dogs. Most weekends you’ll find her searching out new trails and travelling around the UK with her canine friends.