Article by Nils Scharff
SOAR Race Vest 2.0 (130€), SOAR Advanced Racing Shorts (190€) & SOAR Race Socks (34€)
Introduction
SOAR Race Vest 2.0 (130€)
Details
• 100% recycled, ultra-lightweight Italian fabric • 3D fabric structure for rapid sweat transport • Taped seams for added comfort • Close-fitting cut to optimize the cooling effect of the fabric and aerodynamics • Weighs just 44 grams
• 93% recycled polyester, 7% elastane • Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL • Currently available in five colors
Performance and Conclusiona
For years, the Soar Race Vest has been my gold standard for racing singlets. The combination of a feather-light, breathable material that simply "disappears" on the body in any weather and a close-fitting cut that seems tailor-made for me is simply unbeatable. I now have four Soar Racing Vests in my closet and, as long as I continue to run competitively, I don't want to wear any other top at the start of a race. It's also probably the item of clothing I've recommended most often to my running buddies.
The material used in the Race Vest 2.0 is virtually unchanged. It is still made from 100% recycled, ultra-light Italian mesh, whose 3D fabric structure has been optimized for moisture transport. You can really feel the material drying on your skin, even if, like me, you sweat profusely or pour water over yourself during a race. The material still offers exceptional breathability and is barely noticeable when worn. Even after a 28 km long run, there was no chafing on the nipples.
The revised cut now features a slightly lower back and a square neckline. I didn't realize I wanted the former change, but it actually makes the Race Vest 2.0 look even more athletic and aerodynamic. In addition, the cut under the armpits has been slightly altered so that less material sticks out and there is less friction. The singlet still fits snugly to the body to fully exploit the cooling properties of the material and take advantage of aerodynamic benefits. Bonded side slits ensure maximum freedom of movement and the minimalist, welded seams eliminate chafing, making the Race Vest 2.0 suitable for any distance up to a marathon.
At first glance, the Race Vest 2.0 can be seen as a series of minor improvements to the cut, making it what the Race Vest 1.0 was before: the best racing singlet on the market and, even at the hefty price of €130, I give it an unreserved recommendation!
SOAR Advanced Racing Shorts (190€)
Details
- Ultra-lightweight, quick-drying fabric
- Laser-cut seams
- Anatomically shaped aloe-infused liner
- 2.5" inseam
- Integrated waistband
- A small pocket for essentials
- Outer fabric: 60% polyester, 40% spandex
- Liner: 78% polyamide (nylon), 22% elastane
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Color: Black
Performance and Conclusions
The Advanced Race Shorts are a further development of classic split shorts and embody Soar's "subtractive design ethos" to perfection. These shorts are categorized by SOAR for competitions of 10km and shorter and are reduced to the bare essentials.
When you pick up these shorts, you immediately notice that you are holding a piece of high-tech material in your hands. The one-piece waistband is made of a very thin, neoprene-like material, requires no lacing or drawstring, and is held in place by integrated silicone nubs. This takes some getting used to at first, but it stays securely in place while running and provides a secure fit without any compression on the hips. There is a small pocket integrated in the center of the back of the waistband, but it can only hold a car key or a credit card.
The outer material of the shorts is made of an open-weave stretch mesh that is so soft and breathable that it is almost imperceptible when worn. The laser-cut side slits are reinforced with a film to maintain their shape even under heavy use, and two reflective details are the only design flourish that SOAR has allowed itself here, but they give the shorts an even higher-quality feel and a touch of nighttime safety.
However, the highlight of the Advanced Race Shorts is the seemingly most inconspicuous part. The aloe-infused liner fits so well and securely that you always feel comfortable and secure, even when sprinting at full speed. This allows you to focus fully on your running performance without having to worry about the potential discomfort that other, shorter split shorts can sometimes cause. Thanks to the flat, minimalist design, I didn't feel any friction even during a 28 km long run.
At €190, the SOAR Advanced Race Shorts are the most expensive running shorts I have ever worn. And, of course, at a certain point, the price and quality increase are no longer in proportion to each other. But if you simply want the best equipment for your runs and are willing to dig deep into your pocket, you will certainly not be disappointed by the SOAR Advanced Race Shorts.
SOAR Race Socks (34€)
Details
- Ultra-lightweight and thin construction made from three types of yarn
- Highly breathable for a sock
- Reinforced heel and toe areas
- Light compression around the midfoot
- 70% polyamide (nylon), 25% polyester, 5% elastane
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Color: Black
Performance and Conclusions
Soar's Race Socks are the perfect addition to any outfit. With their three-ply construction, they offer a successful balance of breathability, durability, and comfort. The ultra-thin structure minimizes bulk in the shoe, while reinforced heel and toe areas ensure durability even under heavy use. The socks reach to mid-calf height and are designed to stay in place and not distract you at any pace – from sprints to marathons.
Overall, SOAR Race Socks are a high-quality pair of socks that will be appreciated by anyone who likes extremely thin running socks. However, at €34 per pair, the price is very high, as is typical for SOAR, and unlike the singlet and shorts, I don't really see the difference in quality compared to cheaper competing products. However, if you need to add a few more items to your SOAR shopping cart to reach the shipping cost threshold, you can't go wrong with the Race Socks..
PURCHASE HIGH-QUALITY RUNNING CLOTHING FROM SOAR HERE
Tester
Nils Scharff
I am 35 years young, originally from Kassel, married to a wonderful wife, and have been running around Heilbronn and its surrounding vineyards for 7 years now. I have been involved in all kinds of sports my whole life, often 5-7 times a week. In addition to running, climbing and bouldering have been my sports of choice for several years. I haven't considered myself a runner for very long. It all started with a company run, which I didn't want to start completely unprepared. From that point on, I just never stopped. In 2017, I ran "only" just under 1,000 kilometers, in 2018 twice that, and in 2019 three times that. What's important to me during all these kilometers, whether on trails or roads, is above all switching off and exercising in nature. You'll rarely find me on a treadmill or wearing headphones. I have now run eleven marathons, setting my PB of 2:40:05h last year in Berlin. In competition, I basically run all distances from 5km (16:15 min), 10km (33:09 min) to half marathon (1:15:29 h) and even marathon.
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