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Gear to keep you cozy, on the run and off
Their apparel has been a wardrobe staple the past two years
All-new running short and updated designs to other essentials
If you’re some place other than the simulations of San Diego or Miami, you know the feeling of fall. Far off in the distance for so long, then coming into view as August rolls into December. Even though it serves as a precursor to the hard days of winter, there’s few things more comforting than the nostalgia-tinged hues of golden leaves and the crisp morning air that fills the lungs on an autumn long run. It’s a Tracksmith catalog come to life.
As a California-based brand, you’d think Roark has no idea how to fit our feels. And you’d be wrong. Because Roark offers a wide array of apparel made for dudes of any season. We haven’t tried all of it, but we have worn some of it enough to fall in love. Here’s our favorite pieces for the upcoming season.
Superb running short
Truth be told, the Roark Run Amok Alta 5″ short was never my favorite, though I loved the compression-lined Bommer short (which is on this list further down). I always hoped Roark would try another short that’s lighter with a more secure waistband. They listened to my thoughts and delivered with the all-new Baja Short (Jesse Ventura is all-in on this one).
With a polyester spandex blend and DWR water resistant finish, it feels like a race short in a training day package. The cut is just right with an angled scallop side seam and it comes with a gel stash pocket and a back cell pocket with water resistant lining. This is one of our favorites right now, no doubt.
Heavy metal running
Roark has done some solid collaborations in the past, whether that’s with running brands like Ciele or rock gods like Motorhead. So we’re not super surprised to see a Black Sabbath drop, though good luck finding that from any other run apparel brand. This limited edition set features a handful of items, but we’re going to highlight the Mathlis Raglan because we’ve worn it in the past. We can confirm it’s super comfortable and the Drirelease knit fabric is perfect for those fall temps when you can get away with a quick-drying cotton. Wear it running or don’t, either way it looks and feels great.
Travel in comfort
We run a lot, and in a lot of places. That means we’re traveling a lot as well. It’s hard to find the perfect travel pant but the Layover 2.0 might be close. With zippered hand pockets and an internal stash sleeve meant for travel docs, it’s convenient for everything on the go. A dual back pocket with separated snap closure and stash is perfect for quick cell phone and wallet access. And the back waistband features a vented mesh for breathability.
If you do pick it up, we recommend sizing down– the pant runs a bit large and only has a drawstring, so sizing needs to be spot on. Also, if you want more room, spring for the relaxed fit.
Cozy By The Campfire
One of the staple pieces in the Roark lineup, the Nordsman is old-school cool, the kind of outerwear that you’ll have for more than a few falls. With classic patches on the elbows and a just-right polyester/wool blend, this long sleeve is perfect for those post-long run hangs at the local brewery (or cider farm).
Compression-Lined Comfort
The Bommer is such a good running short, for a variety of reasons. An anti-microbial liner with a thigh cell phone pocket. Perforated 4-way stretch. Magnetic slash front pockets. Backside zip stash pockets. And just the right length. This one is even better with an amazing purple and black colorway and Black Sabbath branding on the front thighs. Grab this one quick before it sells out.
Casual West Coast Cool
We’re not even going to try and pitch this as running apparel. It’s just a long sleeve premium tee that looks cool as hell. With a custom dyed pigment wash and a premium fit, this shirt breaks in the more you wear and wash it. Plus, the design is just rad, which is what we care about the most.
All photos courtesy of Roark and Roark Run Amok.
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