Published June 1, 2018 09:59PM
First Look: XOSKIN
Compression is a somewhat contested issue. What’s not up for debate is whether XOSKIN is making burly base layers for runners, aimed at wicking moisture and reducing chafing.
2.0 Baselayer Short Sleeve Shirt
Material: Seamless XOSKIN™ technology
Price: $79
Right out of the bag, the 2.0 Short Sleeve Shirt is comfortable, if very fitted (there is also a 1.0 Loose Fit, but that was still relatively snug). It definitely screams performance wear off the bat. The material is relatively soft, super stretchy and has an anti-bacterial smell that is both pleasant and somewhat strange—though I imagine at the end of a 50+mile race, it beats the alternative. XOSKIN uses a patented “3D” fabric system that includes copper to keep skin drier and cooler. XOSKIN is out to be the ultimate base layer with regard to anti-chafing, anti-odor, anti-washing and anti-irritation.
As this was a First Look review, it was hard to determine whether the shirt would stand up to the test, as it seems best suited for epic long runs or even multi-day adventures. What is true, however, is that I took my 2.0 shirt on a run last week and then purposely shoved into the bottom of my bag and, upon pulling it out this morning, it does not stink.
Care instructions are stitched into the bottom hem of the shirts (no tags equals no itching), and state “hand wash only.” TR has been told that in reality, you can machine wash and dry, gentle cycle, with like fabrics. Just try not to wash with anything that could pick the knit structure.
The fabric is actually designed to be simply rinsed with water and hanged to dry, or just hanged to dry and worn again. XOSKIN has anti-chafing properties inherently and the fabrics are not designed to be worn with other anti-chafing products.
—Megan Janssen is the Assistant Editor at Trail Runner Magazine
XOSKIN 5.0 Compression Socks
Length: Knee-high
Material: 65% RAPIDriCOPPER™ , 20% Nylon, 15% Elastane
Price: $54
The XOSKIN 5.0 Compression Socks are the real deal. The touted graduated compression is meant to improve circulation and speed recovery and this reviewer agrees. The socks are surprisingly comfortable and the targeted-compression design is noticeable during those last couple miles. The price may be somewhat prohibitive at $54, but you really get what you pay for with these socks. These socks are designed to be worn over long periods of time—one runner reportedly wore them for 40 hours during the UTMB Mont Blanc without chafing or blisters. They’re also relatively thin—by design according to XOSKIN—be aware when pulling them up.
XOSKIN products are 100% made in the U.S.
—Tim Nooney runs 60 miles per week, typically with a new piece of gear that Trail Runner makes him take along and review.