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Are These Fit Items Worth the Hype?

New brands and new products are being launched all the time. Like, if ya’ll could see our inboxes, they are full of emails claiming best-this, most-revolutionary that.

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It’s hard to know sometimes what’s really new and exciting (and true), and what’s just hype. And if we feel that way, we imagine you might, too.

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Which is why we decided to put a few of the most interesting claims we’ve seen to the test. The FBG test! (And, yep, all these companies sent us gear to review and we’ve included some affiliate links in case you want to check anything out, too, but all thoughts and opinions are our own, as always.)

The claim: The UA HOVR APEX ($140) allows for comfort, stability and flexibility in the gym, so it can be worn for running or lifting.

Our experience:

Creating a shoe that has enough stability and grip to perform lifts while also giving you enough spring and flexibility to also run? Well, that is a tall order. And although when you put these shoes on they do feel a bit heavier and bulkier than most shoes (and look it, too — although not in a bad way; just a less streamlined looking shoe than your usual pair of running kicks), they don’t perform that way. At all! I (Jenn) did a number of bootcamp and CrossFit type workouts in them and found them to perform really well, no matter what I was doing. During Olympic lifts, I felt centered and locked in, and during runs and explosive movements like box jumps, I felt springy. Really surprised and really impressed!

The claim: The UA Breeze GORE-TEX INFINIUM shirt is ultra-soft with high airflow.

Our experience:

Over the years of reviewing products, we’ve found that a lot of times if a garment is billed as moisture-wicking, it usually means that its feel isn’t always soft and cozy. So we were intrigued by this shirt that uses some of GORE-TEX’s latest technology, Performance Fiber, to do so. While the look of the shirt isn’t exactly blowing us away, the fit is flattering and — even better — it does what it says it does! This shirt feels soft and comfy from the start of your workout to the end (perfect for athleisure). It’s a little bit sheer, very breathable, and very lightweight. It definitely keeps you cool — without any clinging or a fabric that feels thick or scratchy. A really cool fabric!

The claim: Vuori The Summits Woven Jogger ($89) are the most comfortable pair of joggers you’ll ever own.

Our experience:

Now that’s a big claim, huh? And while I’m (Jenn) not sure they’re the most comfortable jogggers I’ll EVER own, I have to admit that they are up there. With just the right amount of stretch and fabric that is soft but still performance-oriented, they feel great on — whether it’s while dropping my kiddos off at school or hitting the gym. I absolutely love the fit and the color, and I’ve never worn them without getting asked about where I got them. My only hiccup with these? They’re very lightweight and breathable, which IS awesome at the gym and in the warmer months, but this winter? They’re pretty chilly if there’s any sort of breeze — and it pains me to see them wait in my drawer until spring!

The claim: This American Fitness Couture Certified Organic Silky Soft Bamboo Side Tie Tee ($52) is the softest feeling and sustainable top that will take you from studio to street.

Our experience:

So may times I’ve (Jenn) tried bamboo or other eco-friendly apparel and while I LOVE the idea behind them being more sustainable, usually, they just don’t have that same soft and comfy feel as other fabrics. A small price to pay for eco-friendliness, I know, but this American Fitness Couture top is both earth-friendly (yay, organic bamboo) AND it really is silky soft, like the name claims. Depending on the color you get, the fabric is pretty sheer (I like it as a base layer if I’m wearing it outside of the gym), but it feels buttery soft on. Oh, and be sure to check out American Fitness Couture’s full line — as an FBG reader you can save 10 percent on all non-sale items with code FBG10. Woot!

The claim: These Rockay Accelerate Running Socks ($14.95) are the best performance socks and create no senseless waste.

Our experience:

I’ve (Kristen) become pickier than ever about the running socks I wear (no thank you, blister-inducing cotton), so I’m a hard sell when it comes to trying a new brand. But Rockay’s mission to use recycled fabrics, eliminate plastic waste in their supply chain, and produce products designed to withstand wear and tear (thus reducing turnover of workout clothing, and therefore waste in general) really appealed to me. And I’m glad I was open to trying out their running socks, because they hold up to the things I won’t compromise on: seamless toe, breathability, snug fit, and high enough tabs to allow me to wear any of my running kicks without fear of my socks sliding down in the back. There’s also performance cushioning, arch support, and a lifetime guarantee, so … kind of no reason not to give them a go, right?

What other big claims do you think we should look into? And what other fit products or apparel do you believe live up to the hype … or don’t? –Jenn & Kristen

FTC disclosure: We often receive products from companies to review. All thoughts and opinions are always entirely our own. Unless otherwise stated, we have received no compensation for our review and the content is purely editorial. Affiliate links may be included. If you purchase something through one of those links we may receive a small commission. Thanks for your support!

Comments

1 Comment
  1. Hey Jenn,

    Thanks so very much for the positive review about our http://www.americanfitnesscouture.com Organic Bamboo Workout Tees. Sourcing that fabric was no small feat.

    Your fan,

    Linda LaRue, RN MEd, ATC, Founder
    American Fitness Couture

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