PADDLER 14
Zhik Unisex Microfleece Paddle Pant www . zhik . com By Jessica Ashley
Zhik Superthin Bootie www . zhik . com By Sancha Myall
PADDLER 14
REVIEWS
Zhik Unisex Microfleece Paddle Pant www . zhik . com By Jessica Ashley
Zhik is an Australian-based apparel brand , and their Zhik Unisex Microfleece Paddle Pant isn ’ t just great for paddling in but for various water sports , as is their ethos . It has been made for paddling and board water sports , but I have worn them to paddle , wingfoil and sail in , and they have been so comfortable worn in all activities . As they are only 1mm , they would probably only suit during the warmer months , but as they ’ re so thin , they could be used as an additional layer over the winter months .
I found the design so smart and sleek ; I like the way they look and feel . As they are unisex , I was worried about the sizing as I am pretty petite . I thought the legs might be too long or not fit my shape , but they fit like a glove . I suggest checking the sizing chart before ordering as they felt tight getting on , but once on it , they were fine and felt as if they moulded to my body .
The addition of the inner fleece made it extra soft and comfortable . It has been made to be quick drying , which is a treat when you wear water sports gear daily ; there ’ s nothing worse than putting on a pair of wet neoprene leggings or a wet wetsuit !
The design has a high back and low front for seated water sports . I have worn mine sailing , and with all the movement of going out on the trapeze , I thought throughout how comfortable I was and didn ’ t notice any rubbing or a waistband digging in . The neoprene in the seat area provides comfort for extended
Zhik Superthin Bootie www . zhik . com By Sancha Myall
I live on the Jurassic coast , where the beaches are pebbly and extremely uncomfortable to walk on . I ’ ve always been a grin-and-bear-it person when it comes to the pebbles ., I pump up and get to the water as quickly as my pain threshold allows . Since wearing the Zhik booties , I now enjoy walking to the water ; they ’ ve become one of the first things I pack to take with me , whether paddling or just swimming . periods , which would be perfect for those long kayak sessions or even those days when you just fancy sitting on a paddleboard . These pants also have friction-free seams , which enhances performance and comfort .
Overall , Zhik once again has created a very sleek and beautiful product . Not only does it look nice , but it is super comfortable and has all aspects thought out so that it can be a versatile product for various water sports . For someone like me who enjoys various water sports , I don ’ t have to buy multiple items for all the water sports I do .
The only con I would say is the price ; these paddle pants may not be ideal for those on a budget . However , having had cheaper neoprene pants , I can definitely say the comfort level of these beat the cheaper ones by a long shot .
Available in Black Unisex S – XXL RRP : £ 119.95
when walking on the ground , they still feel cushioned . Every aspect has been thought about in the design process . They even have a removable inner sole , making it easy to keep them clean . The fabric they ’ re made of is highly breathable , which speeds up the drying process . I could come home , rinse them , and they ’ d be ready the next day .
As a barefoot paddler , I wasn ’ t sure how much I ’ d like them , but I honestly don ’ t think I ’ d return to paddling without them . I have all the benefits of wearing booties without feeling like I ’ m wearing them when moving around my board . Price : £ 84.95
I went from wearing booties only in winter or for events which require you to for health and safety reasons , and now wear them on every paddle , river , sea , lake or canal . Zhik states that they have been designed to enhance the barefoot feeling and have certainly achieved this .
Calling the Zhik bootie Lightweight is an understatement . They easily slip on your feet , and no fighting is necessary . The water expels so quickly that you don ’ t get wrinkly feet . The thin sole allows you to still move around your board freely , but somehow ,