New Balance Impact Short Sleeve Review

by Shannon · Published June 6, 2014 , 1:10 pm · Updated August 13, 2023 , 4:31 am

Active Gear Review is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Summer is here and that means that runners everywhere are happily ditching their running tights, jackets, and headlamps. If you are looking for some new running apparel to spice up your spring/summer running wardrobe and that is interesting, fun, AND trendy, check out the New Balance Impact Short Sleeve!

Features and Performance of the New Balance Impact Short Sleeve

The New Balance Impact Short Sleeve is 100% polyester and recycled mesh. It features “NB ICE” technology designed to wick away moisture allowing your body to cool itself, all while you stay dry and comfortable. Living in Colorado we don’t get the high heat and humidity of other areas; however, being at altitude we do experience a different kind of heat being 1-2 miles closer to the sun. I took the New Balance Impact Short Sleeve out onto fully exposed trails with enough climbing to ensure I would really work up a sweat. I was very pleased with the New Balance Impact Short Sleeve’s ability to keep me dry and cool. I tested the amethyst (dark purple) color and was very please to find no offensive sweat stains or marks even after moderate to difficult runs. Sometimes fabrics such as those featured in the New Balance Impact Short Sleeve absorb so much of your sweat that they can easily start to smell. I did not find this with the New Balance Impact Short Sleeve top at all. I appreciate a running top that I can easily wear to grab a latte with my running partner afterwards without looking too much like I just went for a run. Additionally the top features some reflective elements (logos on front and back) if you do find yourself running in the dark this summer.

Fit and Look of the New Balance Impact Short Sleeve

The New Balance Impact Short Sleeve is semi-fitted, yet true to size. It is available on the New Balance website in sizes XS to 2XL. In keeping with current trends, the length of the New Balance Impact Short Sleeve is just a few inches past the hip. As stated above, I tested the amethyst with contrast ruby stitching – the colors were bright and the contrast stitching made the top a little more interesting. My favorite feature of New Balance Impact Short Sleeve in regard to appearance is the back. While difficult to describe (pictured below) it does add a bit of femininity and jazzes up the top. It is available in six different colors.

The New Balance Impact Short Sleeve is the perfect running top to wake up any runner girl’s sleepy running wardrobe. The most exciting trend in running apparel is not a new technology or fabric, but the fact that companies are spicing up clothes to follow common trends in non-running apparel. New Balance nails it with the Impact Short Sleeve!