Is Workman the best value for money for running? A trail runner tests out all of their products in 2018

This site has been introducing Workman gear for a long time, offering excellent value for money for hiking. This year, in response to the question, "So, what about running?", I, a regular trail runner, have tried out a variety of outfits, from town to trail

The functionality of running wear from major manufacturers has improved dramatically. Many of these items are now safe for town running, even if design is a priority. However, with specialized manufacturers' products costing around 10,000 yen for a pair of tops and bottoms, running has become a sport with a fairly high initial investment. Furthermore, with competition entry fees soaring, and some reports suggesting the marathon boom has plateaued, can Workman's clothing satisfy everyone from beginners to advanced runners, and be suitable for all occasions? And can it support the boom?

The latest review was published on 2019.07.04. ↓↓↓

This year, I tried out Workman's new running wear for road and trail runs

Is it just cheap? Is it really the best value for money?

The most important feature required for spring/summer models is quick-drying. These days, it's common to stop off at a store for a break while running around town, so quick-drying items are essential for stylish runners. I'll be closely checking this feature when reviewing this model

The test period was three weeks from late April to early May. I wore them not only while running but also while sleeping, thoroughly investigating how they felt while living a life dominated by Workman clothing day and night

table of contents

1. Cool Shield NEO Cool Sleeve (Recommended: ★★★★☆)
2. Cool Shield NEO Cool Cap with Tarp (Recommended: ★★☆☆☆)
3. MOVE ACTIVE Full Leggings (Recommended: ★★★★★)
4. ICE ASSIST Cool-to-the-touch Compression Short Sleeve Mid-Neck (Recommended: ★★★☆☆)
5. ICE ASSIST Cool-to-the-touch Compression Long Sleeve Half-Zip (Recommended: ★★★☆☆)
6. ICE ARMOUR Short Sleeve Crew Neck (Recommended: ★★★★★)
7. Crosswork 3D molded short sleeve low neck (Recommended ★★★★☆)
8. Crosswork Cool-to-the-touch Camouflage Mid-Neck Shirt (Recommended: ★★★★☆)
9. ZERO DRY Short Sleeve T-Shirt (Recommended: ★☆☆☆☆)
10. MOVE FLASH STRETCH Jacket (Recommended: ★★★★☆)
11. Highly water-repellent shell jacket (Recommended: ★★★★★)
12. STRETCH Breathable Rain Suit (Recommended: ★★★★☆)
13. summary

1. Cool Shield NEO Cool Sleeves (Recommended: ★★★★☆)

9839 Cool Shield NEO Cool Sleeve

Workman

780 yen

Cool Sleeves are excellent for all seasons, with excellent sweat absorption and quick drying. The compression material provides just the right amount of tightness, allowing for extended wear without numbness or cold hands. They were comfortable enough for long distances, even a full marathon or longer. They're a one-size-fits-all design, and while they're a bit long, they're not too bulky and are comfortable, making them a great item to keep in your pouch. They're especially useful as arm covers for trail running, protecting your arms from brush and branches. They're available at less than half the price of regular manufacturer's products, so you won't have to worry about holes developing

2. Cool Shield NEO Cool Cap with Tarp (Recommended: ★★☆☆☆)

9859 Cool Shield NEO Tarp Cool Cap

Workman

580 yen

Don't underestimate the inner cap. It comes with a tarp to protect your neck from sunburn, so when combined with a regular cap, it's an item that helps prevent heatstroke. It converts sweat from your neck into evaporative heat, keeping you cool and less tired, so you can run longer

The material is easy to crumple up and can be easily carried around. This type of item prioritizes functionality over fashion, so it may not appeal to everyone, but if you limit it to midsummer use, it's definitely a recommended item. Also, if you're out on the trail, you can wear it by itself for a wild look

3. MOVE ACTIVE Full Leggings (Recommended: ★★★★★)

11967 MOVE ACTIVE Full Leggings

Workman

1,500 yen

This is my absolute favorite running gear. Its quick-drying properties make it comfortable even when worn over full leggings. The zippered hem allows for even more cooling and heat release when things get hot. The low compression allows you to choose your usual size without worrying about the length. The carefully crafted cut provides ample room in the crotch, allowing for easy leg lifting, making it ideal for trail running. Reflective material is placed in three places, making night runs safe. Workman's reflective material is highly reflective, a key factor in ensuring safety, as they understand the workplace. However, the reflector on the hip can sometimes be hidden by certain shirts. There's also a zippered hip pocket, making it a great way to carry your keys and coins when going for a light jog

4. ICE ASSIST Cool-to-the-touch Compression Short Sleeve Mid-Neck (Recommended: ★★★☆☆)

1160 Cool-touch compression short-sleeve mid-neck

Workman

980 yen

The design is very much geared towards town running, making you wonder if it's really a Workman item. The stylish look is a hit, making it a useful item for city runs. The compression is strong and tight. On long-distance runs, a slightly looser fit would be better for less fatigue. If you don't like tightness, you might want to go up one size. It's quick-drying, and my back stayed dry even when wearing a backpack on the trail. The stitching is solid, so you can be sure of its durability. One unfortunate thing is that the underarm stitching is a little thick. If your armpits touch that, it can cause the armpits to slip, so be sure to take precautions when running long distances! The underarm mesh in the front of the armpits is made of a different material, so it's not very quick-drying, which is a matter of personal preference, but it's not something to worry about. Overall, it's a reliable item to have

5. ICE ASSIST Cool-to-the-touch Compression Long Sleeve Half-Zip (Recommended: ★★★☆☆)

1165 Cool-touch Compression Long Sleeve Half Zip

Workman

1,500 yen

This is the long-sleeve version of the product mentioned above, so it feels just as comfortable. The biggest difference is the half-zip, which releases heat from the chest. Trail running, especially in the summer, often requires long sleeves to protect against injuries from falls, so the zipper is a welcome feature. I continued running with the zipper fully open. However, I often moved my head up and down when climbing, so the cushioning between my chin and the zipper was uncomfortable. I thought a chin cover (to prevent the zipper from touching my chin) would have been nice, but for 1,500 yen, it's a satisfactory item

6. ICE ARMOUR Short Sleeve Crew Neck (Recommended ★★★★★)

1192 ICE ARMOUR Short Sleeve Crew Neck

Workman

980 yen

The first thing I noticed the moment I picked it up was the surprising cooling sensation. It seemed like the perfect material for a midsummer run. It's quick-drying and stretchy. It can be used anywhere, from the city to the mountains. The low compression makes it easy to swing your arms comfortably. The durable nylon material is gentle on the skin and extremely comfortable. I recommend choosing your usual size. Even though it's short-sleeved, the short sleeves give it a sporty look and make you feel like running. Flat seams allow you to move without skin irritation, which is common in sportswear, but it's impressive that you can get both short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts for just 980 yen

7. Crosswork 3D Molded Short Sleeve Low Neck (Recommended ★★★★☆)

1026 Crosswork 3D Molded Short Sleeve Low Neck

Workman

980 yen

Despite the strong compression, the support is good, making it easy to move around in and comfortable even on long runs. The flat seams also make it extremely comfortable to wear. The one-size-fits-all design means it's long, so I recommend trying it on first. The fabric is a little thick, so it's quick-drying, but it's opaque, so I used it a lot in air-conditioned gyms. I also liked how the cross-work on the back doesn't provide much support, so it doesn't interfere with your running form. The 90% nylon fabric is gentle on the skin, making it perfect for a fatigue-reducing jog

8. Crosswork Cool-Touch Camouflage Mid-Neck Shirt (Recommended: ★★★★☆)

1178 Crosswork Cool Camouflage Mid-Neck

Workman

980 yen

This is a long-sleeved version of the product 7. above, with a cooling effect. The molding is similar, so the comfort is similar. The fabric contains a lot of polyester to match the cooling effect, and although it is a little stiff, it is not noticeable. You don't really feel the cooling effect when you touch it. This model stands out for its beautiful camouflage design and silhouette, and is perfect for wearing when jogging without getting tired

9. ZERO DRY Short Sleeve T-Shirt (Recommended: ★☆☆☆☆)

1171 Smooth Skin ZERO DRY Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Workman

980 yen

The polypropylene material minimizes sweat return. The material is 100% polyester, giving it a soft feel. While it won't completely eliminate sweat return during long runs, it was very comfortable. However, the quick-drying properties decrease over time, so this shirt is best suited for lighter aerobic activities like walking and hiking. Therefore, this is the best choice for everyday use

10. MOVE FLASH STRETCH Jacket (Recommended: ★★★★☆)

MOVE FLASH STRETCH JACKET

Workman

1,900 yen

Check in store only

The reflectivity of the retroreflective print is not that high, so a flashlight or headlamp is essential for night runs. While it's not water-repellent or windproof, the jacket's exquisite molding and tight fit mean it won't get in the way of your run. It's also highly stretchable and easy to move in, so I was able to wear it a lot as long as it wasn't raining. The material is 100% polyester, which is highly breathable, so the quick-drying rating is average, but not enough to be a concern. It can be worn not only at night runs but also at rest points, so it's definitely a piece I'd like to have with me when running around town

11. Highly Water-Repellent Shell Jacket (Recommended: ★★★★★)

S-001A Highly Water-Repellent Shell Jacket

Workman

1,900 yen

At just 220 grams, this jacket is extremely portable and can be rolled up and carried around. It's great for city runs, but it's also the number one jacket I'd like to take with me for low-mountain trail runs from spring to autumn. And best of all, it's an incredible deal at just 1,900 yen. The Teflon's water-repellent and stain-resistant properties are so strong that I could run in the rain without worrying

However, it doesn't allow sweat to escape easily, so although it has ventilation in the pockets, it's not enough when running, so you end up putting it on and taking it off more often. However, considering the cost performance, I was very satisfied with it. It's the best value jacket for the money, and if you have one, you won't mind wearing it to the max

12. Breathable Rain Suit STRETCH (Recommended: ★★★★☆)

R006 Breathable Rain Suit STRETCH

Workman

4,900 yen

The top and bottom are too heavy for running, but that doesn't mean they're unusable. They're perfectly satisfactory for activities like camping and fishing. I was impressed that I could buy a stretchy rain suit for just ¥4,980. The waterproof and breathable performance is unbeatable in terms of value for money. It outperformed a certain sports manufacturer's rain jacket set that cost around ¥18,000, without being any heavier. The stretch allows for smooth leg lifts, and I was impressed by how light the pants are. The pants sold separately for ¥1,900 make this a great value. While many trail running competitions require participants to carry rain jackets and tops, well-known brands charge around ¥20,000 for just the pants. Furthermore, in actual races, you often only need the jacket, which seems like a waste. However, these are incredibly cheap. The seams are taped, and the pants are surprisingly lightweight, so they're definitely worth it. These pants are perfect for trail running, because you won't have to worry about holes in them if you fall on the mountain

summary

Above, I've evaluated every item that could be used for running. Looking back, if I had to choose three, the best value for money would be the MOVE ACTIVE leggings. Second place would be the ICE ARMOUR short-sleeved crew neck. Third place would be the MOVE FLASH STRETCH jacket. For trail running, a highly water-repellent shell jacket would be great. Honorable mention goes to the breathable STRETCH rainsuit pants. Many of my fellow runners also use Workman products, and some even wore them at a recent 100-mile trail run. Workman's clothing, which supports working people, is highly functional and often truly valuable as running wear. Finding items at low prices is like a treasure hunt, and it's thrilling when you find something you can use. Many of the products are updated every year, so it's definitely something to keep an eye on

Click here for Workman product information, online site, and store information

Workman official website (store information)

Workman Online Store

Workman Digital Product Catalog

Kazuya Tojo

He grew up in Ibaraki Prefecture and focused on swimming during his student days. He made his triathlon debut as a working adult. In his first year as a working adult, he completed the first Japan Mountain Endurance Race (Hasetsune). He became fascinated with the sense of accomplishment that comes with mountain sports. In his 30s, he moved to Saitama Prefecture and became independent. After being shown around Oku-Musashi by Mr. T, he became fascinated with trail running and ultramarathons. He currently focuses on domestic trail races. He has completed consecutive long races in the Shinetsu Gogaku, Joshu Hotaka, and KOUMI100. He also provides race support for the NPO Koedo Oedo Trenic World and the NPO Sainokuni Ultra Project (SUP). He is also dedicated to educating people on how to maximize the performance of their gear and ensure safety in trail running

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