R.A.D Superweave Training Short Review: Sturdy Shorts for Tough Workouts

Shoe company R.A.D (Rally Against Destruction) is breaking into the fitness apparel market with shirts, tights, and shorts. Standing out in an already crowded market isn’t easy, but R.A.D has already done so with its excellent ONE V1 and ONE V2 training shoes (check out my review of the R.A.D ONE V2 training shoe), and it looks like the company’s Superweave Training Short ($68) is poised to do the same. 

Gym shorts aren’t complicated. If they’re comfortable, stretchy enough to move with you, and fairly durable, they’ll work in a gym. So, when it comes to a piece of apparel as simple as gym shorts, it’s the details that make a particular pair of shorts stand out. And R.A.D nailed a lot of those details with these shorts. 

In short: R.A.D’s Superweave Training Shorts are a strong first entry into the fitness apparel market. The shorts are extremely durable, provide plenty of stretch, and are comfortable enough to forget that you’re wearing them. Plus, details like reflective detailing and zippered pockets are thoughtful touches. 

For more gym shorts, check out our Best Gym Shorts Buyer’s Guide.

R.A.D Superweave Training Short Review

Brand Background

R.A.D broke into the crowded CrossFit shoe field with splashy styles and limited-release drops. The R.A.D ONE V1 and V2 shoes are showcases of design and function, which has made them common sights in CrossFit boxes around the world. The company’s new entry into the apparel market, the Superweave Training Short, may not have the loud designs of R.A.D’s footwear, but its functionality lives up to the brand’s standard.

How I Tested the R.A.D Superweave Training Short

I wore the R.A.D Supwerweave Training Short through 3 months of CrossFit and powerlifting training, five to six days a week. These workouts included squats with weights of up to 500 pounds, deadlifts exceeding 600 pounds, burpees, jumping lunges, kettlebell work, and every other movement that can appear in a CrossFit workout. Workouts also included running, ranging from shuttle runs to 400m sprints and runs of up to a mile in length.

Good Lift

The challenging aspect of making gym shorts is that there isn’t much to them. The trick to making a pair of shorts stand out is to nail the basics and add a few nice touches. Which is exactly what R.A.D did with the Superweave Training shorts. After a few months of training in these, I can confidently say that they’ve made it into my weekly rotation.  

The first thing I noticed when I put the shorts on was the texture. The material is slightly rougher than the Vuori Banks, one of our favorite shorts. The Superweave material isn’t rough enough to be uncomfortable, but it made the shorts seem more durable right out the gate. And after 3 months of dragging a barbell up those shorts, climbing ropes, dropping to the floor for burpees, and hundreds of abmat situps, that material still looks brand new.  

None of that would matter, however, if these shorts weren’t comfortable to move around in. Luckily, these shorts are not only durable, but they also feel great. The polyester/elastane blend feels smooth against the skin despite being slightly rougher than other shorts.

The four-way stretch also adds to the comfort of these shorts. Most of the gym shorts I’ve tested excel in vertical stretch (from the waistband to the hem). This is a basic necessity, since squats, lunges, and running all require mobility in that area. Many shorts, however, lack horizontal (side-to-side) stretch, which can restrict movement in sumo movements, side lunges, and other lateral movements.  

For instance, the Vuori Banks shorts have excellent vertical stretch, but minimal horizontal stretch. It’s not a big hindrance, but I tend to squat with a wider stance, and there have been times when I was certain that I was going to split my pants. That’s never the case with the Superweave Training Short.

The same goes for side lunges, cossack squats, and sumo deadlifts. They truly move with me, and I love not having to worry about busting them open during a one-rep max attempt. 

Finally, there are some nice details that make these shorts an excellent all-around fitness short. They’re tough and stretchy enough to accommodate functional fitness, but they’re also designed to work for runners as well. 

Zippered pockets are a rare feature in gym shorts, but they’re a necessity in running shorts. The Superweave Training Short has two zippered hip pockets to stash your necessities on a run, and it even has a smaller pocket for keys in the right hip pocket, so my Outback fob didn’t fall out when I forgot to zip up my shorts during a run. Plus, the quarter-sized logos on the front left leg and back right leg of the shorts are reflective for better visibility at night. 

No Reps

While I don’t have any complaints with these shorts, there are a few things that some people should note. The first is that these shorts don’t have a lining, and there are no lined versions available. I prefer unlined shorts, so these are great for me, but I know that there are plenty of athletes who prefer lined shorts. If you’re one of them, these may not be the shorts for you. 

Also, there’s only one length option — 7 inches. I’m 5’8”, and the shorts fall slightly above my knee, which is perfect for me. However, if you prefer a shorter or longer inseam, you’re out of luck. 

Finally, there are currently only three color options. There may be more options to come, but so far, the only available colors are black, mauve, and taupe. The mauve and taupe options are a nice change of pace from the standard gray, blue, or brown, but considering the wild array of styles available for R.A.D’s footwear, I would have expected a wider range of options. 

R.A.D Superweave Training Short: Final Thoughts

Based on how much I enjoy R.A.D’s shoes, I had high hopes for the company’s Superweave Training Short. I’m pleased to report that they met my expectations in terms of fit, comfort, and durability. 

As of right now, the options are limited to three color options, one hem length, and one unlined option, but if that’s your cup of tea (and it’s definitely my cup of tea), these shorts deliver. If you’re looking for a comfortable, flexible, and tough gym short with solid running features, the R.A.D Superweave Training Short is a great option.