With the cool weather and tacky trails, I find myself balancing time between trail running and mountain biking. When hitting the trails on two feet, I’ve been sporting the Opedix CORE-Tec Shorts.
Opedix CORE-Tec Short Features:
- 27-panel construction
- 90% nylon, 10% spandex
- Durable stretch draw-cord at the waist
- Silicon elastic binding at the leg-openings to keep the shorts properly anchored
- Moisture wicking to pull sweat away from the skin’s surface
- Breathable fabric to help regulate temperature to burn less energy
- Anti-odor fiber technology to reduce odor and preserve freshness
- MSRP: $145
Kinetic Health and the Opedix CORE-Tec Shorts
Several years back, I tested the Opedix S1 Pro Ski Tights and appreciated the additional knee support they provided. Since that time, Opedix has decided to simplify their product line with only two items: KNEE-Tec Tights and CORE-Tec Shorts. This simplification has allowed them to focus on the technology for a wider range of uses. After hearing lots of positives about the CORE-Tec Shorts, I’ve been able to use them extensively to find out first-hand just what makes these tick.
On the surface, the CORE-Tec Shorts look similar to a pair of bike shorts, but that’s where things end. Opedix uses a combination of stretch and non-stretch fabrics to provide the proper functional support. While I’ve used these exclusively for trail running, they are intended to be used in a wide variety of activities alone or under a pair of shorts or pants.
I received a size large and at 5’11” and 170 lbs, they seem to fit me well. I have a 33 in. waist, so I sit right in between sizes. I think the thighs and waist fit perfectly, but they could be a little more supportive in the crotch area. Most of my trail running has been with the shorts alone while most recently, I’ve been wearing them underneath my cold-weather friendly Cloudveil Journey Shorts. In both cases, the CORE-Tec’s wear well and offer noticeable support.
The tall waistband features a drawstring that has minimal stretch. As such, I found it easy to overtighten. As such, I’d recommend a slightly more elastic drawstring, like the one found on the Salomon Light Running Shorts.
Once on, the CORE-Tec’s really stay put and offer support and warmth. That warmth is great around this time of year, but a little much for 95-degree days. As far as the overall muscle and core body support, I will say that I noticed a difference while wearing these. I’d say I noticed it both while running and afterward. Post-run, I would feel less lower back tightness and have slightly less fatigue. I wouldn’t call it a dramatic difference, but I noticed it and have enjoyed wearing them more often than not these days.
The Good
- Extra support you can feel
- Reduces post-running muscle tightness
- Comfortable, bunch-free performance
- Can be worn alone or underneath unlined shorts
The Bad
- Drawstring could be a little more elastic for comfort
The Bottom Line
Opedix CORE-Tec Shorts promote proper kinetic movement with improvements that can be felt. Is it a cure-all? No, but it does provide noticeable support during trail running while reducing fatigue and lower-back pain afterward.
Buy Now: Available at Opedix.com
