SOAR RUNNING VEST
| Product | SOAR Running Race Vest |
| Category | Premium Race Day Apparel |
| Material | Italian SPACE3D Mesh (93% Recycled Polyester / 7% Elastane) |
| Construction | Chafe free bonded seams with an ergonomic cutaway back |
| Fit | Close and streamlined (True to size) |
| Price | £95.00 |
Enjoy a 1-month return policy—even if you've already run in it!
PLEASE NOTE: I paid for the SOAR Running vest myself and was not gifted these vest or paid by SOAR Running to give a honest review. This page contains affiliate links. Making a purchase via our affiliate link means I may receive a small share of the sale.
The SOAR women’s race vest is said to be a performance vest stripped back to essentials.
SOAR advertise it as ultra lightweight and breathable. Crafted from Italian made SPACE3D mesh, it wicks sweat, regulates temperature and allows full freedom of movement, while bonded seams eliminate chafing.
Essentially designed to make you feel fast and free from start to finish.
SOAR Running Vest at a Glance
- Who it is for: Serious runners who frequently suffer from nipple chafing or under arm rubbing during sweaty summer runs and are willing to pay for premium, "invisible" feeling fabrics.
- The Fit: Exceptionally streamlined. Despite some online rumours about needing to size up, our tester found their usual size to fit perfectly—snug enough to prevent wind drag without feeling restrictive.
- The Verdict: It is expensive, but it genuinely feels like slipping on a pair of carbon plated super shoes for your torso. The bonded seams and 3D mesh make it completely chafe free, even when drenched in rain or sweat. Highly recommended for marathon blocks and race days.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Straight out of the packaging, I was impressed with this quality feel of this vest. The fabric feels silky, soft and premium, yet so light. It’s almost feels invisible when you put it on.
It’s breathable and streamlined. In my opinion, it’s the kind of vest that makes you want to run fast. The first time I tried it on, I genuinely noticed a difference in how freeing it felt compared to other vests in my running wardrobe.
It didn’t hang to my body, instead sat nicely on my torso throughout the run which I appreciated.
SIZE AND FIT
I’d heard mixed feedback suggesting SOAR pieces sometimes require sizing up, but the online size guide was spot on for me. I’m a UK 8 / size small in all my running clothes, which is what the size guide recommended, and the fit was perfect.
I’m 5’2.5 and the vest sits just below my waist with no gaping under the arms (where I usually experience rubbing) and offers a streamlined and supportive fit.
It’s snug enough to minimise drag but not restrictive. If you prefer a slightly looser feel, sizing up is a simple solution.
FABRIC AND COMFORT
As someone with sensitive skin, I’m always hyper aware to any rubbing or fabric that might cause me issues.
However, I experienced zero irritation or chafing, even on longer, sweat heavy runs. The 3D space fabric wicks moisture fast, stays light and dries quickly, so it never feels heavy or sticky, even in longer sessions and after getting soaked in the rain.
In my opinion, this vest is ideal for summer races, tempo runs and marathon training blocks, which suits me perfectly as I am about to start training for my next marathon. It keeps you cool, light and comfortable across all paces.
PERFORMANCE
I’ve tried this vest on a variety of runs including VO2 max runs, threshold sessions and marathon long training runs and through every run it hasn’t felt heavy, restrictive, or uncomfortable.
Even in the rain and wind, it didn’t soak up water or let the wind underneath, which I think is quite impressive.
I found the cutaway design freeing on my shoulders and back which helps with more natural movement, without feeling constrained.
At the same time, the close, ergonomic fit hugs in all the right places, keeping drag to a minimum and giving that subtle, almost psychological boost you need.
For me, it’s the kind of vest that makes you feel fast, while staying reliably comfortable and functional. A bit like putting on a carbon pair of trainers, for the extra edge.
FEATURES
- Ultra lightweight Italian SPACE3D mesh: Feels featherlight on the body while keeping you cool, even on long runs. I think this will be perfect in hot summer runs too.
- Ergonomic cutaway design: Frees shoulders and back for full range of motion.
- Close, performance focused fit: Minimises drag without feeling restrictive.
- Bonded seams: Smooth, chafe free construction that stays comfortable even on long, sweaty runs.
- Quick drying and breathable: Keeps you light and dry, even in rain or high intensity sessions.
- Recycled fabric: 93% recycled polyester and 7% elastane, combining sustainability with premium technical performance.
- Streamlined race ready design: Minimalist and aerodynamic.
PRICE
Like other SOAR pieces, this vest sits at the higher end of the price scale, but you get what you pay for.
Between the quality of materials and construction and thoughtful performance features, it feels like a product designed to last and deliver on every run. For me, it’s worth the investment.
WOULD I RECOMMEND?
Yes, definitely. If you’re looking for a premium, race ready vest that lasts, keeps you cool and supports your performance this is perfect.
WHERE TO BUY?
Available directly from SOAR running with:
- Same day dispatch on orders placed before 12pm
- Free UK returns
- One month return policy, even after running in it
OTHER VESTS SOAR OFFER
- Race Vest for Men
- Race Vest 2.0 for Men
- Race Vest for Women
- Advanced Race Vest for Men
- Advanced Race Vest for Women
- Graphene Vest
- Crop Race Vest
PROS & CONS
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Zero Chafing: The bonded seams entirely eliminate friction points, even for runners with highly sensitive skin. | Premium Price: At £95, it is a significant investment for a single running vest. |
| Featherlight Material: The Italian SPACE3D mesh feels nearly invisible when worn and doesn't hold onto water during rain. | Race Fit Only: The snug, aerodynamic cut isn't ideal for runners who prefer baggy, relaxed-fitting gear. |
| Stand Out Design: Aesthetically striking and unique, making it very easy for supporters to spot you during races. |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Should I size up in SOAR Running gear? While some runners suggest sizing up for a looser fit, our tester found the SOAR Race Vest to be perfectly true to size. If you order your usual size, expect a streamlined, snug fit designed to eliminate wind drag without feeling restrictive.
Will the SOAR Running Vest cause chafing? No. One of the biggest selling points of this £95 vest is its construction. It uses entirely bonded seams rather than stitched seams, eliminating the bulky threads that usually cause under-arm or nipple chafing during long, sweaty marathon blocks.
Is the fabric breathable in summer? Incredibly so. The vest is crafted from an ultra lightweight Italian SPACE3D mesh (made from 93% recycled materials). It wicks moisture incredibly fast and does not hold onto water, meaning it stays light and breathable whether you are sweating in a summer heatwave or caught in the rain.
CONCLUSION
If I’m honest, I didn’t expect to like this vest as much as I do. From the moment it’s on, it feels light and freeing, sitting comfortably against the skin while remaining breathable even on sweaty long runs. It offers the right level of support without feeling restrictive.
It’s quickly become my go to for everything from short threshold sessions to marathon training and I know it’ll be in even heavier rotation as the weather warms up.
The vest feels premium, purposeful and enjoyable to wear. I’ve also had quite a few compliments on the design, its unique style stands out, making it easy to spot at events.
More SOAR Running Gear Reviews
QUESTIONS
If you have any questions you would like to ask about the SOAR running vests, please get in touch.
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