Skins A400 Power Shorts review

A couple months ago I received a pair of Skins A400 Power shorts for review courtesy of Skins.  I've been wearing them as much as I can on my runs to give you an accurate review of the shorts.

Front

Back

Over the last several years, I've used compression shorts for additional support on all my runs.  I can't remember the last time I didn't wear compression shorts.  For me, they really help my whole body feel better while running and I also believe they help me reduce the possibility for injury as they provide the additional support in my lower back, glutes, quads and hamstrings.

I look for several things when determining what to look for in a pair of compression shorts including quality, compression, fit and price.

Compression - When it comes to compression, different companies make different kinds of compression.  I've found that companies do one of three things.  The compression material is really loose so that it does not really give any benefit to wearing them.  I don't need to wear shorts that are just tight.  The compression material is really tight.  I have a pair that are so tight it almost cuts off my circulation!  I'm guessing you know I don't wear those much.  Then there are companies that make the compression tight enough to be of benefit while running but still be comfortable.  Skins fall into that last category.  The compression material is really nice and you can feel the benefits.

Quality - The skins A400 shorts are made really well.  I would guess that the material will last many, many years as most do with good quality.  The stitching is also really well made as you can see below.  I don't mind paying more for such quality since they will last a very long time.  The material is made with a Memory MX fabric to help maximize explosive power.  They also help regulate your temperature and help with moisture management.  I always felt dry while running in them.

Nice stitching

Fit - For me personally, this is where the Skins shorts fell, well.......short.  While they are comfortable to wear, I feel like there is not enough material on the back.  Consequently, it always felt like I didn't have the shorts on all the way.  It feels like the material went up to the bottom of my back and just stopped.  Even as I ran in them, I could still feel like they were inching down on me.  You can see on the the second picture above, the material is straight so, frankly, there was not enough room for my butt.  I don't think I have that big of a butt.  Maybe I should have chose the next size up, however, I did follow the diagram for what size to wear and I was not in between sizes so I went with a small.

Price - When it comes to running stuff including clothes, I don't mind spending more for good, quality products.  I have some clothes still from when I first started running so it pays to get a quality product in terms of running apparel.  These shorts retail for $119.99.  Now, honestly, I've really struggled with the price point of compression shorts for not only this brand but many others.  While I want quality, I would have a hard time paying this much for a pair of shorts.  There are a ton of options for compression shorts and you just need to find the one that fits you perfectly.  If they happen to be $119.99, so be it.

Given how they fit, if you were to purchase a pair, I would definitely recommend trying them and making sure they are the perfect fit for you.  For me, they just didn't feel right.

I believe there are many advantages to wearing compression shorts and they are a useful tool especially when running long distances.

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

Disclosure:  I received a complimentary pair of A400 Skins shorts in exchange for this review.  All opinions are my own and I was not required to give a particular opinion other than an honest one.