I was recently asked if I was interested in doing a review for INKnBURN, an athletic gear company that produces unique workout clothes. Needless to say, I was “all in” because it presents me with some great opportunities:

  1. Run… because that’s really what I love to do.
  2. Run in some pretty cool clothes that is unlike anything out there today.
  3. Pretend to be a model and show off my inner Zoolander.
  4. and lastly, DO A GIVEAWAY!

Men’s ENDURANCE Tech Shirt (link)
Fabric: lightweight, moisture-wicking
Price: $49.95

The first thing I noticed was the feel — it felt so smooth and soft. Honestly, I’ve never felt a running shirt like this before and was excited to log some miles in it. Unlike typical running shirts, this had designs all over it. I’m a designer, so I was immediately intrigued. It has images on the front, back, side, sleeves, watermarks in the background, multiple colors, the whole shebang. The images are a part of the fabric, so there isn’t a feeling of texture or bumpiness to it that adds weight to the shirt. This is a huge plus and limits the possibility of chaffing — smooth city.

Another cool thing is that although it has images all over it, it still remains lightweight and breathable. I’m not sure if they have magical running elves in house that are able to create this, but they have managed to create a running shirt that is covered in design elements yet still breathes.

Now that I have praised the shirt, proposed and waiting to get married to it, I do have to say that the price is higher than your typical running shirt. The INKnBURN men’s shirts are just shy of $50. Although that is out of my typical budget for a shirt, the quality and design are worth the price tag. I have several solid color “junk’ shirts in my running closet that I’ve bought for around $20. I’d gladly toss away 2-3 of them for one of these. 

Side Note: The ladies collection is fabulous. They have a Peacock Camisole ($69.95) that I think will improve your finish time by 5 minutes, well at least you’ll look good crossing the finish line.

Men’s ENDURANCE Shorts (link)
Fabric: lightweight, moisture-wicking poly
Pockets: two in the front, about the size of a credit card
Wicking Poly Brief: Yes
Price: $64.95

The shorts are cool, straight and to the point. They are not your typical plain solid color running shorts that are sold in every running store. These had unique designs down the side and on the back. I’ve always been a little jealous of the ladies because they have so many options available to them for running bottoms. Men usually get a solid color and if we’re lucky, a stripe. Different from the shirt, the shorts have some texture to them almost like a woven material which adds a good feel, but keeps them lightweight and breathable. 

One concern I had was the poly brief on the inside. It’s essentially built in underwear similar to what you’d find in swimwear. When I first started running, these were the only kind of running shorts I bought. I now run in compression shorts under typical running shorts, so I was curious to see how the two interacted. I couldn’t ditch my compression shorts because *sorry* I have man thighs and friction can be an enemy. So, I wore them under the shorts and was relieved to see that it was comfortable, nonrestrictive and free of chaffing. 

And now the fun part: The GIVEAWAY

Win a pair of 4Arms

INKnBURN has generously donated a pair of 4Arms, or arm sleeves, to be given away, male or female, so everyone can play. The specific style has yet to be determined, but they are all pretty cool and they have the same great look and feel of the shirts and shorts. 

Three ways to enter:

  1. LIKE the INKnBURN Facebook page and write on their wall something to the effect of “I want to win Pavement Runner’s INKnBURN 4arms Giveaway.” — Be creative, but just be sure to mention me and 4Arms.
  2. Tweet out the contest link saying something similar, tagging @INKnBURN and @PavementRunner.
  3. Leave a comment as to why you would look kick ass in the sleeves and if you did any of the above — one comment is fine, just mention you did all 3.

That’s not all.

Win a FREE entry into the Griffith Park Half Marathon

That’s right, a FREE entry to the Griffith Park Trail Half Marathon (11/17/12) in Los Angeles, Ca. 

Three ways to enter:

  1. LIKE the INKnBURN Facebook page and write on their wall something to the effect of “I want to win a FREE entry to the Griffith Park Trail Half Marathon from INKnBurn and PavementRunner.” — Be creative, but just be sure to mention me and Griffith Park Trail Half Marathon.
  2. Tweet out the contest link saying something similar, tagging @INKnBURN and @PavementRunner.
  3. Leave a comment as to why you want to race Griffith Park Trail Half Marathon and if you did any of the above — one comment is fine, just mention you did all 3.

Good Luck. One random winner will be chosen for the 4arms AND one random winner will be chosen for the race entry. Entry deadline is Midnight (PST), April 24 and winners will be announced April 25. 

*The shirt and shorts were given to me free of charge for review, however the thoughts and opinions above are mine and 100% honest