What Run Oregon is Wearing: Mizuno Spring line

All of these items were released in February 2016 and are part of Mizuno's 2016 Spring running apparel line. Thank you to Mizuno for providing us with samples to try out. Products:

• Discover Tee ($55)
• Geo Print Shorts - 8.5" ($55)
• Eclipse Jacket ($120)

Impressions (Discovery Tee):

Specs (from website):

• 74% polyester, 26% nylon
• Colors:
  • Blue
  • Gold/Charcoal
  • Charcoal/Black
• Main body fabric UPF 50+

Mizuno claims that this is made of their “high moisture management fabric”, called their Drylite PP fabric. Having never worn anything from Mizuno, save for my feet, I didn’t really have a point of reference. The shirt was very soft and functional – exactly what I would expect from a well-constructed running shirt. There are mesh panels along the side, allowing for air to move freely and keep things cool.  I am really enjoying this season’s seemingly abundance of mesh paneling – a feature that seems to be utilized with more frequency from the tops I have reviewed this Spring. There are also two back pockets, making stashing an energy gel, key, or ID a cinch and without need for a belt. There are some silicone designs on the shoulders that looks cool, but I wasn’t sure entirely sure what its function was until I saw their video (spoiler: it’s for gripping packs).

Impressions (Geo Print Shorts – 8.5″):

Specs (from website):

• Main body:
  • 100% polyester
• Colors:
  • Blue
  • Black/Charcoal

On my adventure into growing up as a runner and wearing running shorts (if you have been reading any of my Spring Line apparel posts, you will understand what I am referencing), is the Mizuno Geo Print Shorts with an 8.5 inch inseam.

With the basic visuals of most running shorts, these have a bit of a different visual with horizontal stripes. It’s not too flashy, but something a little different that help round out a nice and varied running wardrobe (if you want no design, they have a simple, non-lined version as well). With the main body being their polyester DryLite shell, they are good with moisture. I thought they felt a little thin – which is good for weight, but left me feeling a little concerned that they may see wear faster or risk being snagged and tearing.  They come with a “FRESHPLUS anti bacterial brief”, which is comfortable and has kept me chafe-free so far. I really like the zippered pockets and the circular draw cord. These will fit in nicely to my regular running rotation in certain environments.

Impressions (Eclipse Jacket):

Specs (from website):

• 100% polyester
• Colors:
  • Black
• Main body fabric UPF 50+

As an Oregonian, this jacket is almost a staple. I can’t tell you the number of times I have started out Spring, Summer, and even Fall runs with a jacket on, only to be cursing myself an hour later as I am overheating or carrying my jacket in my hand. A recent example was during a morning run when it was raining and the clouds overhead looked increasingly threatening. I was happy to be dry…until my 8 miles turned into 19 (I was feeling good that day!) and the sun started shining through. What I wouldn’t have given to be able to zip my sleeves off – and I could have with the Eclipse!

This just seems to be such a versatile piece. It can keep you dry during those Oregonian downpours and warm when the wind picks up. It can also assist with keeping your temperature regulated a little bit by being able to take off (and put on) the sleeves. I didn’t even find all 7 pockets (2 front, 3 back, 2 internal) until I was a few runs in. Whatever the weather, you will definitely be covered.