I’ve never really been a big fan of running in tights
It’s probably my age, and maybe I’m a little self-conscious. I also get to hear plenty of amusing often derogatory remarks about runners who are maybe bolder and like to set their stall out, so to speak — I guess Robin Hood pulled it off ok. Perhaps these will offer a more comfortable introduction to compression clothing.
Description
The SKINS Dnamic Men’s Compression Superpose Half Tights are running shorts with rear zip pocket incorporating SKINS compression half tight.
The compression element of the garment extends from the waist to just above the knee.
Outer shorts have an inside leg length of 7 inches (18cm) and an outside leg of 15 inches (37cm) from top of waist band (size small).
The inner shorts feature SKINS ‘Dynamic Gradient Compression’, which according to SKINS website is ‘SKINS most advanced compression technology increases muscle oxygenation, stabilises active muscles and reduces blood lactate build up, to enhance performance and speed up recovery time’.
First Impressions
It is clear when unpacking these compression shorts that this a high-quality garment. It should be, these shorts are not cheap having a retail price of £60, although these were available for £21 for certain colours at the time of writing (SKINS also have special offers outlet if you are looking for compression bargains).
Stitching on the outer shorts is tight and accurate with no loose or dangling threads. The fabric is a light and soft polyester (85%) and elastane mix.
The inner compression tights are again finished well. Seams are smooth and strongly stitched. Fabric is Nylon (76%) and Elastane.
The two parts are joined together along the lower seam of the waistband.
The rear pocket is easily large enough to contain a credit card without stretching the fabric, it’s 6 x 3.5 inches (15 x 9cm) and is shaped with bagginess to allow bulkier items without stretching surrounding fabric.
Fit and Feel
If you are not used to compression clothing then these shorts will feel tight, not uncomfortably so, but certainly tighter than typical cycle shorts for example. In this size (small) the inner compression shorts extend below the outer shell by about an inch (2.5cm), although there is some adjustment to be had by pulling the compression shorts up or down.
If you enjoy some ‘freedom’ in your shorts, these are not for you, but read on for my personal views.
I did not find them uncomfortable, but certainly I felt I was very definitely wearing them, compared with traditional shorts which once on are forgotten.
I’m just over 6ft (1.84m) and around 150lbs (68kg) and the useful size chart on the SKINS website tells me I’m ‘S’ size. Although they felt tight, I didn’t feel I needed a larger size once I got used to the snug compression fit.
On the Run
As mentioned, if you’re not used to wearing compression clothing, you won’t forget you are wearing these, at least not at the beginning of a run; this was my experience. But, after a mile or two the feeling of constriction subsides. Personally, I wasn’t expecting to get along with these. Aside from occasional runs in Lycra type shorts, I’ve been wearing traditional loose-fitting shorts for more than 25 years in running, so I am someone who enjoys a bit more freedom and less restraint. However, this feeling of being squeezed into the shorts soon subsided and I for one very quickly got used to it. Indeed, as the number of miles increased, my hamstrings actually felt as if they were benefiting from a little more support than normal. Of course, like most things in running, this was just a thought and I have no means to accurately assess how supportive they are. But the main point here is that I was surprised how quickly I adapted to running in these compression shorts.
I’ve worn them in both cold and warm conditions with no discomfort or sense of clamminess.
Do they work?
As shorts, they work perfectly; they keep you decent and they are comfortable. Until the introduction of compression garments, that’s all we required or expected of our shorts — oh, yes, and maybe to look good too. Although I’ve not worn them for runs of longer than 90 minutes yet, I’d have no hesitation in wearing them for longer runs including marathons. Of course it’s impossible for me to evaluate and confirm some of the claims made for compression clothing, of which there are many. It is quite hard to find research studies to back-up these claims, but there is some. Nevertheless my comment earlier about the hamstrings feeling more supported might well be of real benefit. It’s easier to relax if you feel that you are in good hands and if you can keep relaxed on a run it will reduce fatigue — isn’t that one of the main aims for endurance runners?
What do others think?
Judging by the reviews posted by users on the SKINS website, other people like them too. These are typical: ‘First pair of compression gear. Superb fit, structure and quality.’ and ‘Love my new skins very comfortable. Big fan of Skins‘.
A quick scan of SKINS product reviews elsewhere on the web (Amazon) seems to confirm that the products are of a high standard and highly regarded.
According to sportsinjury.net ‘compression shorts are useful products for reducing the risk of a hamstring injury‘.
Conclusion
These are good quality shorts, no doubt. If you are new to compression clothing, I reckon they are a great place to start. If you already wear compression clothing you’ll have your own opinion of course. These are great for runners who — like me — want to try compression clothing but maybe feel a bit self-conscious prancing around in tights. In short (couldn’t resist), I’ll be getting another pair.
For details: SKINS Half Tight Compression Shorts
Disclosure
These shorts were sent to us by SKINS for honest evaluation FOC. We’ve no interest in promoting and recommending stuff that we would not or do not use. See more on our product reviews page.
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