Gear
Review: Spring Running Clothing
April 30, 2010By Gus Alexandropoulos
With the spring running season in full swing, runners are shedding their warmer winter layers and are ready to wear lighter and more breathable clothing. While the running gear may not initially look very technical, every company has worked hard to fashion garments that provide exceptional moisture management, a maximum range of movement, lightweight material and good looks. Many pieces use sophisticated anti-odour-retention technologies, so the shorts and shirts avoid the stench of some older fabrics. Some companies have integrated materials that provide extra UV protection - very important for anyone training outside. The result of all these innovations is clothing that allows runners to remain comfortable during training and racing.
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NBX Sublimated SL (W) - $50
New Balance
The colourful, semi-fitted top is an ideal choice for warm-weather running. The quick-wicking fabric improves comfort during longer runs and the smooth seams and cleanly finished edges prevent irritation. As an added bonus, the top is also a good base layer choice during colder conditions.
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NBX Capri (W) - $65
New Balance
Offering more coverage than shorts, the NBX Capri is a good choice for runners wanting greater sun protection or extra warmth on cool, crisp mornings. Functional features like reflective piping, a small internal pocket and a flat draw cord with a grip-enhancing silicone treatment complement the NBX Capri's flattering lines. An iPod pocket contains New Balance's In Case of Emergency (ICE) tab for the runner's contact information.
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NBX 5IN Short (M) - $45
New Balance
The five-inch inseam on the NBX 5IN Shorts offers enough freedom of movement for hard workouts, while providing more coverage than pure racing shorts. The light fabric moves easily, dries quickly and is surprisingly cool, thanks to highly breathable material and strategic venting. The X-Static antimicrobial fabric liner eliminates odour, while the flat silicone-coated draw cord ensures the shorts stay put.
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Go Girl Run Short (W) - $55
Saucony
These surf-inspired running shorts combine a wide hip-sitting waistband with a lightweight fabric, delivering flattering style and running comfort. The added waistband fabric may not work for elite marathoners, but these shorts will likely appeal to the majority of female runners not seeking Olympic qualifying times.
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PrimoLite Top(M) - $55
Saucony
With its buttery-soft fabric and cotton-like feel, the PrimoLite is the perfect technical top for runners who don't like the feel of synthetics. The addition of 10 per cent Lycra prevents bagginess without creating a skin-tight fit. It might be too heavy for some, but is otherwise an excellent short-sleeve top.
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ARD Short Sleeve Shirt (M) - $70
Asics
With its UPF 50+ sun protection rating and highly vented back panel, the ARD Short Sleeve Shirt is an excellent choice for warm-weather running. Asics uses fast-wicking and silky front panel, further improving comfort and reducing the risk of chafing. Reflective panels and a hidden key pocket round out the features on this exceptional running top.
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ARD Short Sleeve Shirt (W) - $70
Asics
The women's ARD Short Sleeve Shirt has a lightweight silky-feeling fabric on the shoulders and front for friction-free warm-weather training. On the back, a panel of highly breathable fabric ensures that perspiration and excess heat quickly escape, keeping the runner cool and comfortable. A small hidden-zipper pocket provides enough space for energy gels or ID without adding unnecessary bulk. Finally, the fabric's UPF 50+ sun protection rating provides critical skin protection during summer runs.
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ARD Favorite Short (W) - $50
Asics
Soft, easy-moving fabric and smoothly finished seams make the ARD Favorite Short an excellent choice for warm-weather running. An antimicrobial treatment eliminates unwanted odours and the UPF 50+ sun protection rating shields the skin from damaging UV rays. Carefully positioned venting panels improve comfort during long runs, while a small, centred back pocket accommodates gels. Side stretch-panels ensure easy movement during faster efforts. The shorts have a high level of UV resistance.
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XT Lite Short (W) - $65
Salomon
With their lightweight and fast-wicking fabric, the XT Lite Shorts are ideal for warm-weather running. Salomon uses subtle side details that add visual interest and provide extra venting. Unlike many shorts, the XT Lite's front waist panel is a flat non-elasticized fabric, which eliminates any unflattering poochie-waist issues. A small zippered rear pocket could fit a key and an energy gel.
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Trail Runner II SS Zip Tech Tee (W) - $65
Salomon
The carefully selected fabric panels on the Trail Runner II SS Zip Tech Tee keep runners cool and dry in warm weather. The torso is made from a lightweight, fast-wicking fabric that provides breathable coverage, while a silver-lined X-Static material under the arms regulates heat and minimizes odour. A small iPod-compatible side pocket accommodates gels, while the lined neck zipper offers extra cooling. The addition of UV protection in the fabric further enhances the Trail Runner II SS Zip Tech Tee's versatility.
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Supernova Glide Short (W) - $40
Adidas
With their short inseam, modified side-slit and lightweight fabric, the Glide shorts are perfect for fast training or racing. A perforated fabric panel on the back just below the waistband improves ventilation and small inside pocket accommodates a key or a toonie. With no other features like zippered pockets or iPod holders, the Glide shorts are obviously built for speed.
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adiZERO Short Sleeve Tee (M) - $55
Adidas
With its multiple ventilated panels, fast-wicking fabric and low weight, it's not surprising that this is the shirt worn by top runners like Haile Gebrselassie. While it may not make you as fast as Geb, the adiZERO Short Sleeve Tee will keep you dry and comfortable during training runs and races.
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Supernova Glide Short Sleeve Tee (W) - $40
Adidas
Ventilated panels on the back and under the arms of the Supernova Glide Short Sleeve Tee provide comfort in warm conditions. The rest of the body is built with a quick-wick fabric that pulls moisture from the skin, keeping runners dry tough workouts. A small zippered side pocket holds gels or an iPod, and two separate earbud ports offer iPod and miCoach compatibility.
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Vector Sleeveless Top (M) - $24
MEC
Runners seeking the coverage of conventional short sleeve running tops and the excellent venting of racing singlets will love the Vector Sleeveless Top. Built with soft, recycled polyester, the Vector Sleeveless Top feels great against the skin and offers effective moisture-wicking comfort on hot days. Smoothly finished seams minimize the risk of chafing .
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Dualtrek (M) - $65
Merrell
With UV-resistant fabric and a mid-length neck zipper, the Dualtrek provides excellent sun protection and ventilation during hot summer runs. The included arm warmers extend the Dualtrek's comfort range, making it a good choice during changeable weather. Two open side-pockets provide space for gels and a dedicated MP3 pocket ensures safe storage for an iPod.
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Longmont (W) - $80
Merrell
This attractive running top provides excellent breathability thanks to its strategically placed venting- fabric panels. The Longmont also offers excellent UV protection due to the material's 50+ UPF rating. A built-in shelf bra provides control during faster training, while the removable shrug adds warmth in cooler conditions.
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Infinity Short (M) - $55
Pearl Izumi
Made from 100 per cent recycled polyester, the Infinity Short is a cool and comfortable choice for summer running. A thin drawstring cord and smooth waistband ensure chafe-free training, while the tiny perforations on the side and crotch panels offer ventilation for extra comfort in hot conditions. A small zippered pocket accommodates gels and a key.
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Infinity Sport Tank (W) - $65
Pearl Izumi
This very attractive top offers women a flattering fit while still providing adequate support for training and racing. The combination of a ventilated internal shelf bra and a stretchy outer fabric controls unwanted movement. The wide, smoothly finished shoulder straps are comfortable in warm weather, and the modified racerback construction allows for ventilation and creates an interesting visual element. Pearl Izumi uses a soft, fast-wicking fabric for exceptional temperature and moisture control.
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Celebration Racerback II (W) - $55
Running Room
With its wonderfully soft and quick-wicking Lycra fabric, the Celebration Racerback II is a good choice for warm summer runs. The performance fabric complements its good looks, creating a stylish and functional alternative to traditional running shirts.
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Flex Tee (M) - $50
Running Room
Built with a lightweight and highly breathable wicking fabric, the Flex Tee delivers performance and comfort for summer running. Mesh panels provide additional ventilation and temperature control during strenuous workouts.
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Soft Hand Base Layer Short Sleeve (W) - $35
Nike
Built with a silky polyester fabric, the Soft Hand Base Layer Short Sleeve top offers excellent breathability. The addition of open mesh panels under the arms and on the shoulders further increases ventilation. Smoothly finished seams prevent chafing on long humid runs and the three subtle reflective swatches increase safety in low-light situations.
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2-in-1 Woven Short (M) - $55
Nike
This lightweight short offers easy movement, excellent wicking and, thanks to its seven-inch inseam, more coverage than ultra-short racing shorts. A small internal pocket and slightly larger external zippered pocket provide storage for essentials like gels or a house key. Small reflective side-seam tabs improve visibility, while the orange accents add a subtle splash of style.
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Stellar Tank (W) - $65
Oakley
This attractive tank offers women great styling and function for warm-weather training. Made with a soft nylon-Lycra blend fabric, the Stellar Tank feels silky against the skin. A built-in Coolmax shelf bra provides support and wicking, while smoothly finished seams minimize the risk of chafing.
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Source Crop Pant (W) - $70
Oakley
Women looking for a little more coverage will love the Source Crop Pant. Constructed from a soft and fast-wicking blend of Coolmax and spandex, these low-on-the-waist capris provide unrestricted movement and weather protection during cool morning runs.
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CompressrRx Active SS Top and Active Short - $120 each
Zoot
Zoot's CompressrRx apparel is one of the more sophisticated compression clothing options for runners. What sets Zoot clothing apart from some other brands is the use of variable compression panels that stabilize muscles and improve circulation. These graduated compression panels help move blood back to the heart, which may reduce fatigue and improve performance. The garments use a lightweight polypropylene material for wicking and the addition of antimicrobial SilverTech treatment prevents odour retention.
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Comp Short Sleeve Run Top (W) - $60
2XU (no image)
By using highly breathable fabric panels in the back and under the arms, 2XU creates a highly breathable shirt suitable for hot-weather running. The addition of silver particles in the fabric prevents odour retention, while the fabric's inherent UV resistance protects runners from the sun's damaging rays.
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Run Short / Medium Leg (M) - $60
2XU (no image)
The Run Short's longer leg and relaxed fit make it a perfect choice for recreational runners. 2XU uses a very fine, breathable polyester fabric that wicks moisture and offers UN protection. A small zipper stores a key or energy gel and reflective accents increase visibility.
