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Jun 2, 2014

Opedix CORE-Tec Shorts review

A month ago I received a pair of the Opedix CORE-Tec Shorts for a review.  The shorts are designed with all athletes in mind but, really, I see them as geared towards running.  Here's what I received:


The shorts are certainly a high quality product.  Here's some of the features according to the company:
  • 4 way stretch - Promotes muscular blood flow for better performance and recovery
  • Moisture Wicking - Quick-dry nanotechnology pulls sweat away from the skin's surface.
  • Anti Odor - Advanced fiber technology reduces odor and preserves freshness.
  • Breathable - Remain comfortable and burn less energy
The idea of the shorts is to help with Core Stability and Dynamic Balance which helps to reduce lower back pain as well as reduce the rate of core muscle fatique and knee pain.  As many of you know, have a strong core typically helps with running.  While I think I have a fairly strong core, having the additional support certainly does not hurt.

I will say that before even trying these shorts, I run in compression shorts under my regular shorts.  I do believe that the compression helps my hips and reduces fatigue.  In the case of the Opedix shorts, they take it a step further.  Now I won't get into all the science of the technology because, frankly, it's probably above my thinking, so I'll give it to you in my layman terms.  Before I do that, I will quote the benefits from the company that is easy to understand:

"The joints of your body work harmoniously and are connected in a kinetic chain to produce action.  Fatigues, injury and poor technique disrupt the kinetic chain and expose your joints to excessive stress during dynamic or static activities.  This stress accumulates over time and causes poor Kinetic Health, resulting in soft tissue injuries or clinical symptoms including joint pain, stiffness and ultimately joint destruction."

This I understand!  Keep the spine and joints aligned and you will run better and with less injury.  Because I don't have the best form, this is where the technology of the Core-Tec Shorts come in.  While they are compression, they are designed to help align your body and give you better form while running.  That's my opinion and not something the company promises to runners.


As you can see below, the design of the shorts help keep the core in place and the hips aligned.  This is done through specific stitching to help where it's needed.  This is why I was interested in trying these shorts.  In regards to fit, they do sit up a little higher on your waste and that takes a little getting used to, however, after a couple runs I didn't even notice it further.  I presume they are made to be that way so that they help keep your core in check.  As I've done with my other compression shorts, I wear these under a pair of other shorts.

It's clear the quality of the product is top notch.  The shorts come with a waste band and a draw cord to adjust them to your liking.  I've run over 50 miles in them at this point.  They are super comfortable, do not chafe, and they don't ride up on you.  The inside on the bottom of the shorts is rubber type material to keep them in place.  As I said, they are compression but I've worn some other compression that has a death grip on you and is not comfortable and this is not the case with the Opedix CORE-Tec shorts.
Perfect fit
High quality
You can see below how the shorts hug your hips and keep your core in check.  The length is perfect for me.  Not too long and not too short.  Just the right length to keep your entire mid section in place.  As a bonus, these are made 100% in the USA!

The only concern that I have is not related to the function but the cost.  I'm willing to pay more for the technology.  As you know, most running apparel is more expensive and I expect that because it lasts for a long time.  These run $165 for a pair of shorts(or $225 for the tights).  Frankly, that's a lot of money to spend for one pair of shorts and even if you look at several of the highest quality brands, it's still quite high.  While I've really enjoyed testing these and they will get used on a regular basis since the fit is excellent, I'm not sure I could justify twice the cost of a comparable competitor.  I will, however, say that I can certainly tell the difference between these and what I typically run in and they are worth a premium price but double their closest competitor is pushing the envelope.

Interested in learning more?

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Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!





Disclosure:  I received a complimentary pair of Opedix CORE-Tec Shorts for this review.  All opinions are my own and I was not required to give a particular opinion other than an honest one.

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