SOAR WINDBREAKER

£170 Premium women’s run top to protect from chilly gusts

This long-time 220 tester is often moaning about darkcoloured winter run and bike kit from a visibility and safety point of view, so pulling open the packaging to reveal this bright orange top with reflective details made us very happy (black option also available).

First up, we need to tackle that £170 price tag, which for a running top might see some of you skim over this review. Coming from Hackney-based run brand Soar, though, those in the know will understand the brand’s passion for textile innovation and functional design, and guess that this is more than a zingy colourway. They’d be right, too, as the quality of this shirt was second-to-none

Getting the balance just right between substance for warmth and a lightweight feeling for unencumbered running, it felt like a keeper as soon as we pulled it on, with just the right amount of stretch and a nifty adjustable cord at the back to cinch it in and stop draughts. A large fit this UK12 runner perfectly, though the XS-XXL sizing (so up to a UK16) will be disappointing for some.

The main function of this top is to stop wind, though (as the name suggests), so how did it fare? Well, during a sudden December cold snap with breezy conditions we found it kept the wind from cooling our body and felt like very good protection from the elements, without being sweaty once we got up some speed. Soar doesn’t claim waterproofing, but against chills and wind this top did a great job of keeping us warm and comfy. Finally, there’s a zippy pocket on the back with taped seams, handy for gels/keys. HW soarrunning.com

VERDICT Serious runners will get plenty of use out of this comfy, technical top