I have long been a fan of Falke for their highly technical and well-thought-out running kit. I was asked to review a few items from the new spring/summer 2016 collection.
A woven top with full-zip and long sleeves for cool, still days.
Key features: Totally seamless, close fitting and with ergonomic warming and ventilation zones, plus a high degree of stretch.
RRP: £100
My thoughts: This is a snug-fitting top with woven, stretchy areas to give a neat and tight fit. It doesn’t leave any room for bulges, or the thought of bulges, so you need to be fairly slim to wear it, or confident in your appearance. I found myself sucking in my stomach when out in public!
It’s really versatile. You could wear this against the skin with no itching or discomfort, or on top of a vest top for extra layering. It would also be ideal as a base-layer on chillier days when you might want to add a gilet or running jacket.
The collar is super soft and feels great on the sensitive neck area when fully zipped up.
The full-length front zip is one-way only and has a zip guard at the top to prevent skin chafing.
I am usually a UK10 and the small fits me well in terms of width and length.
For some reason, Falke mark the sleeves “L” and “R” although it is vey obvious which way round the top fits! I have this on another Falke top. It’s quirky and I quite like it although people have asked me why I would want to have L and R on the sleeves! On this top, the L and R act as reflective detail, so they do have some use.
I think that £100 is a lot to pay for a running/fitness top but I have found that Falke kit is very durable and long-lasting. So, if you are choosing just one technical item, you might want to pay that.
Falke running/fitness shorts
Loose-fit, comfortable running shorts.
Key features: Super fast drying, reflective details and integrated key pocket.
RRP: £55
My thoughts: These are not my normal style of running shorts. I normally wear tight-fit shorts or lightweight and loose-fit baggy shorts. These are a style I might normally reserve for the beach!
However, they are actually very comfortable and practical. The waistband is super wide and folds down to give brilliant comfort. I hate tight things around my waist so I welcome the wide waist of theses shorts.
There is a drawcord if you need it but I found, to my relief, I did not. The shorts stayed up while running.
The shorts are sort of a cross between shorts and a skirt and the look is really flattering. It’s far more flattering than I thought it would be.
There is no liner so you need to wear pant or shorts underneath for support but I guess this is the case with lots of running shorts.
Again there is the L and R featured icons, again offering a reflective detail.
I think I am much more likely to wear these shorts than I thought I would when I first saw them. They are flattering and actually very comfortable to run in. They would double up as shorts for doing other activities, such as yoga or walking in the mountains on warm summer days.
Falke running tights
Three-quarter length seamless tights.
Key features: Fastest drying fabric construction, reflective details, body hugging, supportive fit. Zip pocket.
RRP: £65
My thoughts: The fabric is a thicker, more woven style. I would normally expect to see this on winter tights but these are in the spring and summer collection. Saying that, the tights are three-quarter length.
I think it is an odd mix to have a heavier weight fabric in a three-quarter length.
The tights feel lovely to wear. Although the fabric is quite heavy weight you do not really notice this when running. They offer good breathability too.
I would have preferred a wider waist area, like the shorts, although the tights do stay put when they are on. If you need extra support, there’s a draw cord.
The reflective details are found in the L and the R icons as well as a series of dots to the side of the knees.
I think £65 is a fair price for such an obviously good quality pair of tights although I am not at all sure about the bright red colour. I think I’d prefer something a little less in-your-face-bright! (I see you can buy them in other colours.)
Falke “Shape” bra top
Medium support, racer back sports bra
Key features: Bra with double layered, supportive shaping cups. Highly elastic construction and with no seams.
RRP: £45
My thoughts: I love this sports bra. It offers enough support for me when running and looks really good. Many sports bras simply flatten the chest into a mono boob but this bra doesn’t do that at all.
I like that it is padded and nicely shaped and the fit (small) is really good. I am usually a 34A. This sports bra has become my favourite, which says a lot.
If you are quite big chested you will probably want more support that “medium” for running although you could easily wear it for sports such as yoga or walking, where less bounce is likely. (Try Falke Maximum Support sports bra.)
There is not much to adjust in the bra, except the hight of the shoulder strap and, annoyingly, the pads fall out duirng the washing process. You have to pop them back into the openings at the side of the bra.
Falke RU 4 Invisible running socks
Moderately cushioned sock for good protection and direct shoe contact
Key features: Optimum moisture wicking due to three-layer construction.
Patented anatomical toe box for a perfect fit
£13
My thoughts: These are super comfortable socks and do as they suggest they will. I usually prefer my socks to rise a bit up the ankle but if you are keen to achieve the “invisible” look then these are a good choice.
Conclusion: Falke’s spring and summer 2016 sports collection includes some great new colours for existing products and also some new items that are well-designed and made with high quality fabrics . See Falke Sport. They also sell men’s ranges.