How long is the longest you’ve gone without buying new socks? 1 year? 2?
Longer than that?
Now think of the day you finally purchased new socks. Was it not slightly life changing by how soft, luxurious, and yet comforting that new pair felt when you put them on?
That’s exactly how Ketl’s Blackwood Trail Shorts and Egg Cradle Boxer Briefs feel. Except I still appreciate their level of quality each time I put them on weeks later.
More Running Shorts?!
I’ve tried lots of different running shorts over the last few years. And I’m not done searching for the best pair out there.
Each time I get a pair I wouldn’t be surprised if my wife thinks, “Really? Another pair of running shorts? How different can they really be?”
It’s been half a year since I’ve tried a new pair though, and Ketl did not disappoint. The material is simply incredible! Soft, light, a slight stretch.
It’s easy to say that they did their homework.
Having tried plenty of running shorts from competitors like Nike and Roark, it’s kind of shocking how well Ketl makes theirs. The material breaths well and feels almost like nothing is there.
With such a nice material, they do require a more particular cleaning process. Aka, air drying. Which isn’t too bad compared to similarly high end running gear.
The pockets are solid too. All three of them have zippers, so I never stress about things falling out mid run.
Compression Shorts
I love what Ketl named these. Egg Cradle Boxer Briefs. Crack up!
These compression shorts perfectly illustrate my sock story, because I can’t remember the last time I purchased a pair of workout boxer briefs. It’s been at least 5 years or more.
Putting them on the first time, I realized how it might’ve been too long since I last bought some new compressions shorts. Either way, these things are incredibly bougie.
The fabric is jaw-droppingly plush yet clearly made for movement with the perforations and supreme stretch.
Ketl has these small, soft dots lined across the inside cuff of the briefs to ensure they stay where they should too. Aka, wedgie proof.
I’m not sure how long they will last, but so far, they’re still solid. And I have no doubt the more you clean them properly, the longer they’ll last.
My only complaint is the sticker-like tag on the back interior. When you sweat that one spot feels slimy-like, all while the rest is designed to breath exceptionally well.
Mady By Runners
Whether you use these two together or separate, it’s clear that Ketl’s team has some runners and outdoor enthusiasts on it. It feels as if they made these shorts based on what their best running shorts would be. Something that varies so much from person-to-person.
From the placement of the pockets, how each one gets a tough zipper, or what materials are used. The price reflects this too.
At $74 for the shorts, and $34 for the compression shorts, these are pricier compared to your run-of-the-mill options. Thankfully Ketl runs sales throughout, but those who value a solid pair of shorts like these also know how other brands can be even more expensive and not as nice to use.
I don’t know what the costs are for materials, manufacturing, or all the other expenses involved with developing a pair of peak running shorts. However, I do know that these hit above their weight class based on the price.
I’d be super interested to see what Ketl could do if they created a less nice, but more affordable pair? One that’s less soft, easier to maintain, weighs more, uses less zippers, but lasts just as long… if not longer. And costs $20 or less.
The Recap
Ketl sells some magnificent gear and clothing!
It’s honestly not super surprising that their Blackwood running shorts and Egg Cradle briefs are outstanding too. However, it’s great to have more alternatives. The more choice we have as consumers makes for better products.
And if you’re running and training multiple days a week, then you know how much value there is in clothing that lets you do what you want.