****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
The "Anthem Athletics Isoflex Men's 9" Cross-Training Workout Gym Shorts" are VERY NICE!First, I wasn't sure of the Iron Oxblood color I would get as these things look different on various monitors and mobile devices. Beside the obvious functionality of clothes and sports gears, "color" is very important to me and how that "color" looks on me. I wasn't crazy about Anthem Athletics' product pictures of this specific "Iron Oxblood" color, but I did want some kind of burgundy or wine colored shorts since I already have the typical and popular blue, black and gray color schemes. However, I did see another reviewer who had posted a picture of this color and I could see it was darker which is what I wanted. I have posted my own picture for this review as well.So, upon opening and inspecting this item, it was immediately a heavier weight than any of the other several shorts that I have in my collection from other brands. And while those other brands cost me anyway from 15 to 25 bucks (which I still believe is good value), this is pretty much worth the 30 bucks I paid for them.There were no holes in the pockets (as one reviewer mentioned in the pair that he received) and no loose threads or apparent defects. I have the "X-large" size which fits my 38 waist where I weigh 205 pounds and stand tall at 6'-3". I wanted a snug (NOT TIGHT) fit and that's what I got with these shorts. The crotch area is comfortable enough sitting down without pressing in and the shorts hang loose, but not baggy at all. The two metal zippers on both sides of the shorts work well. The zipper track is plastic. Hopefully, the zippers will last, but only time will time. As is customary with any of my reviews, if something in the short near future happens (like the zippers break or something out of whack happens), I will post an update to this review.There are very tiny and dual 1/2" square tags stitched into the back of the shorts: one says "XL" and the other one simply says "105". I would assume (but not sure) that means 105 centimeters in metric units which is approximately up to someone with a 41 inch waist which is probably the biggest waist this particular size can accommodate. There's no cleaning instructions, nor are the material fabric(s) listed. It's a stretchy and quick-dry material, so I would guess it's indeed a synthetic "polyester-spandex" blend material as stated on this product page.The ONLY thing that was a negative where I deduct 1 star is that the two black solid stripes that slopes down across the butt area is missing and not as pictured in the official product pictures. Please see my single picture posted, so you'll see what I mean. Instead, that enclose stitched area has the "Iron Oxblood" color filling in the shorts more. It's NOT a deal breaker at all for me personally, but still worth mentioning. The product I got just doesn't match exactly what is pictured design wise.So, upon my happiness with this short, I immediately ordered the "Iron Navy" color and should have that later today.Overall, I'm very satisfied and I HIGHLY RECOMMENED this product!UPDATE [10-27-2022]: Okay, so I received my 2nd pair of these shorts in the blue color. I opened and inspected the shorts. I put my hands in the pockets and then suddenly one of the pocket seams immediately ripped open about 1-inch. This isn't a deal breaker, but this confirms what another reviewer mentioned about a hole in his pocket upon arrival and mine just tearing from putting my hands inside the pockets (which are deep enough to hold a large phablet (6.8 inch) smartphone. So, there looks like some quality control issues here, but it is minor. I just grabbed a sewing kit and mended the 1-inch parted seam together and it's good as well. STILL VERY MUCH RECOMMENDED!
