La Sportiva Supernova Short Review
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La Sportiva Supernova Short Design & Features
La Sportiva Supernova Short Design & FeaturesLa Sportiva Supernova Short is designed for all day trail adventures. The Supernova shorts feature body-mapped ventilation, which in layman’s terms means that high heat producing areas have light mesh paneling for quicker drying and heat evaporation. The mesh is super stretchy, soft, and moves this you. In the photos, it may look like the Supernova short has a split design, but it does not. The full range of motion and comfort is due to the fabrics composition: the mesh is made from Polyamide (aka nylon) 86% and Spandex 14%, same goes for the outer fabric. The outer or “shell” is soft, breathable, and doesn’t stick to you when you are sweaty.
The photos below show the mesh paneling and the boy-short liner flipped inside out. The Supernova liner is really comfortable and stays put on my thighs. The liner and short feature a gusseted design, meaning there are no pesky seams.
La Sportiva states that their are T-shirt retention loops. I must be pretty silly, but I can’t seem to find them. Perhaps, they are referring the the way in which the waistband with the included draw string, bubbles slightly to offer a greater surface area for a t-shirt to hold onto? Just a speculation. No big deal that I couldn’t spot them as I don’t tuck in my running shirts, ever.
The design of the La Sportiva Supernova Short is pretty simple. There aren’t any fancy stash pockets in the liner or along the front or side of the waistband. That’s ok with me as I rarely use these sort of pockets. I run with a vest, pack, or handheld most days to carry my nutrition. The rear zippered pocket can carry a few gels if needed, but I typically stashed my car key in the pocket and that’s all. Rounding out the details, La Sportiva has added reflective detailing, aka decorations to both sides of the rear thigh.
La Sportiva Supernova Short Fit & Comfort
The La Sportiva Supernova Short is available in XS to XL. Based on the size guide I should wear a size S; but I tested out a size M and still felt insecure about the sizing and feeling like the shorts were a bit tight. I’m about 5’9″ and 135 lbs with an athletic build with some quads and glutes. Maybe it is the European sizing, but I would say that rather than a Regular fit, they have a slim fit. If you don’t like tighter fitting shorts, then either size up or think about looking at a different pair of shorts.
As mentioned above, the Supernova’s boy short brief liner is super comfortable and easy to wear for all day adventures. The outer layer of the shorts isn’t much bigger than they liner, which is maybe why they feel so small.
La Sportiva Supernova Short Specs
- Available in size XS to XL
- Available in 4 colors: Blue Moon, Black, Berry or Nugget
- MSRP $69
Final thoughts: I really wanted to love these shorts, they have all the features that I love in a pair of running shorts. They are lightweight, breathable, don’t stick to you while you run, and are a simple design. Unfortunately, the fit just wasn’t for me. Don’t let me deter you, but I would recommend finding a local retailer or purchase from one in which you may try a few sizes to ensure you get the best fitting product for you. For more information visit sportiva.com or amazon.com/lasportiva.
