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Swimrun Wetsuit Reviews
for Every Budget


This page
of swimrun wetsuit reviews looks at several wetsuits that we have personally used in swimrun races, as well as new suits on the market as this fascinating sport evolves and attracts the big name sports brands.

It's important that we have experience using these wetsuits; according to ÖtillÖ, your wetsuit should maximise your range of motion as well as provide protection against cold water.



CLICK HERE to jump straight down to the wetsuit review section on this page!


First,
let's take a look at the wetsuits that we started with in this electrifying new sport.

These were triathlon wetsuits, and we left the arms and legs at full length. Richard had (and still has) a Speedo wetsuit which fits like a glove, but is a little TOO tight for swimrun.

A man wearing a black wet suit with yellow detailing, and a white swim cap and goggles, handing his race tag in at the end of an Oceanman event.Richard's Speedo triathlon wetsuit


Mogsy had (and also still has) a Huub triathlon wetsuit, also left uncut. She used this at our first ever event in Hvar, Croatia. It turned out to be quite hot on the runs, and we wanted to take our wetsuit tops down.

But the triathlon wetsuits fit very tightly, and it was not easy to get our arms out of the sleeves. EVEN HARDER was trying to get our arms back into the wetsuit when we were hot and sweaty, and the noeprene was sticking to EVERYTHING!

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Then we decided that we wanted to upgrade a little to more swimrun-specific suits.

Richard went straight for the Head RACE suit, which came with long arms and legs, but is adaptable - you can cut the legs down to knee-length for better running, and keep the lower leg sections as neoprene calf guards.

Mogsy had problems getting a standard suit to fit, and elected to go with a custom made-to-measure suit from a wetsuit manufacturer in Wales, U.K. called NoLimits.




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We specified front and rear zips,  webbing loops front and rear for the swimrun towrope, and external pockets with flaps. Greg at NoLimit wetsuits put together an amazing suit exactly to our measurements. The suit looked amazing, and the quality of construction was very high. We could feel the quality of the seams and stitching.

But, for whatever reason, Mogsy didn't feel comfortable swimming in the suit!

A black wet suit with light green shouldersMogsy's custom suit from No Limit


Next, she found a wetsuit from Colting which has been very good.

The Colting wetsuit was designed by a frustrated swimrunner in Sweden who got fed up of waiting for the big companies to produce a decent swimrun wetsuit. So he designed and manufactured his own. And then went into business producing them!


Mogsy has found the Colting  SRO2+ wetsuit to be of extremely high quality - even when she fell at the Ötillö Isles of Scilly race, gashing her arm so badly that it needed stitches at the medical tent afterwards, the wetsuit still held together at the injury area, and helped to control the bleeding over the next 4 hours.

The wetsuit arm was easily repaired with Neoprene Queen adhesive when we got home - Colting suits are quality products!


Richard adapted his Head RACE suit, as seen on the swimrun wetsuit page HERE.

SwimRun wetsuit reviewsMogsy's Colting swimrun wetsuit

Swimrun Wetsuit Reviews - Men's


Looking
at other swimrun wetsuit reviews, we have checked out the BEST men's wetsuits that are specifically designed for swimrun events, and for women, available from Amazon for a good deal!

We have also researched a minimal neoprene option for those with allergies.

ORCA

Orca Aesir Flex

Aesir Flex is Orca’s premium, flexible swimrun suit and the successor to the Perform line; it is aimed at athletes who prioritize unrestricted running and swimming over maximum warmth. Its strengths are likely to be high elasticity, a race-oriented swimrun fit, durable outer fabric, and storage/tow features suited to repeated transitions; the main drawback is its high price—$659 on Orca’s US site—making it a serious investment for frequent racers rather than beginners.

Check current pricing/availability on Amazon HERE.

Aesir Thermal replaces the popular RS1 and adds a thermal lining for colder swimrun conditions while retaining the race-focused design. It should be the better choice for cold-water events and long swims, with good flexibility and durability, but thermal construction adds cost and may be unnecessarily warm for summer races or athletes who overheat on runs; it lists at $599 in the US.


Check current pricing/availability on Amazon HERE.

Vanir Flex is Orca’s entry-level swimrun option, descended from the Core and priced at $299 in the US. It offers the key swimrun essentials—flexibility, durability, and a lower-cost route into the sport—but it will not have the same premium materials, refinement, or cold-water performance as the Aesir models, so it is best for newer swimrunners or those on a budget.

Check current pricing/availability on Amazon HERE.


ZONE 3

Zone 3 Versa

Versa Swimrun Wetsuit is Zone3’s current accessible swimrun suit, made with a 50/50 Yulex natural-rubber and Speedflo blend and sold in men’s and women’s versions for $295. Its highlights are a sustainability-oriented material mix, swimrun-specific functionality, and a relatively approachable price; potential cons are that it is a mid-level rather than top-end race suit, and availability can be inconsistent

This Zone3 suit claims the following advantages;

  • The back and underarm panels use "Neo-Breathe" fabric, which Zone3 say is a four-way stretch neoprene. They claim it allows moisture and body heat to escape whilst protecting against cold water. Central torso 3mm buoyancy panels.
  • Shoulder and arm sleeve panels updated to 1mm high-stretch Smoothskin for improved speed and flexibility.

    New leg panel design finished above the knee and thickness reduced to 1mm.

  • Abrasion-resistant "Gator Fabric" on the legs to minimize abrasions and tears to the suit on rough terrain.
  •  A standard front zip, with a cord. This is easy to pull down or up to help control your body temperature.
  • Large zipped back pocket and inside pockets as per the Evolution wetsuit.
  • Removable arm sleeves included.


Check current pricing/availability at Amazon


Zone3 Swimrun Evolution
is the brand’s higher-performance option, described as the lightest full-neoprene swimrun suit in its latest version. It should appeal to competitive athletes seeking low weight, flexibility, buoyancy, and race functionality, but it is substantially more expensive at a regular $500, and currently appears discounted to $300, which may indicate limited sizes or a transitioning stock position.

Swimrun wetsuit reviews

Here are the main features of this suit. You can read my own personal FULL review here!

  • The shorts are designed using 2mm neoprene down the center, and 5mm neoprene down the sides. The 3mm gives flexibility when running, while the the 5mm sections give additional buoyancy and thermal insulation.
  • The shoulders and underarm panels are in thin 1.5mm neoprene for maximum flexibility when swimming.
  • The back and side panels are in 5mm material, for buoyancy and thermal insulation.
  •   Front zip only design. Comes with an emergency whistle and a compass.
  •   There are 2 internal pockets at the front, and a large zipped rear pocket.

  The suit comes with 8mm thick calf sleeves, which give a lot of buoyancy to your legs, and help limit heat loss on long swims. BUT they may be restrictive to run in for long. Overall, a great suit!


Swimrun Wetsuit Reviews - Men's

BlueSeventy

Alliance SwimRun remains blueseventy’s dedicated swimrun model for men and women, priced at $275 in the US and explicitly the only suit in its range warrantied for swimrun use.

Its pros are an extended front zip for cooling on runs, two internal torso pockets, a large rear pocket, tether loops, and seam-taped arms that can be shortened without fraying; its cons are that it is a single mid-priced model rather than a tiered range, and blueseventy advises sizing up if you are near the top of a size because the front zip can make the chest feel tight.

This suit boasts the following;

  •  The relatively thick 4mm neoprene panels throughout the suit help to keep you slightly higher in the water while swimming.  There are thinner panels around your hips and legs, to give you better flexibility and movement when on the run.
  •  An extended front zip allows you to unzip the suit on the run, helping to  keep your body temperature down.
  • The Alliance swimrun suit has internal seam taping on the arms, which lets you cut the arms to the ideal length for you, without the seams shredding. Most folk will reduce the arm length to help get the top off quickly and back on quickly when going "cab down" on hot runs. The question is - how much to cut? That's up to you? But the arms are not detachable like the Orca suit. Once you cut the Alliance arms, they stay cut!
  • There are 2 internal pockets, one on each side of your stomach.  These are good for small items such as a compass and energy gels. An oversized back pocket is accessible from the outside and sits in the small of the back making it comfortable during the swim and the run.
  • There are small webbing loops situated on either side of the rear, for clipping things into such as cords and karabiners. These loops are oddly positioned, because they are not useful for attaching a swimrun tow rope.
  •  BlueSeventy use a durable neoprene material for the Alliance suit, to help stand up to the rough nature of swimrun. But again, like the Orca suit, this will not prevent puncture cuts on sharp rocks.

Overall, I am not so keen on the Alliance suit. It does not have the useful features of the Orca suit, and seems a little less flexible. But it does have good buoyancy for swimming, and that longer than standard front zip. Definitely worth a look!



Swimrun Wetsuit Reviews - Men's




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Holoswim 3 pro real time data image

Holoswim 3 Pro are the ONLY smart swim goggles with built-in GPS. With compass and open water navigation, you'll never zig-zag across an open water swim again! Perfect for swimrun.

Read our review for details, OR order direct at the HoloSport website, and use our discount code - HOLOSWIM10 - to get 10% off.

(As HoloSport affiliates, we may earn a small commission on any purchases)




Swimrun Wetsuit Reviews - Men's

ARK Sports

ARK Sports

ARK Utö 2026 is ARK’s current flagship race suit, developed with leading swimrun athletes and sold in men’s and women’s versions for $485. It is exceptionally light—485 g in a men’s size M—and uses less insulation plus flexible “Running++” bottoms, making it excellent for warm-to-cool conditions and athletes who prioritize fast running; the trade-off is that its minimal insulation makes it less suitable for genuinely cold water, and it is a premium direct-only purchase rather than a widely discounted retail option.

Swimrun wetsuit reviewsARK Utö men's suit

At a list price of around $500, this needs to be something special - and the claims seem to indicate that ARK may have produced a suit that is a step up from previous suits. Here are some of the claimed features;

  • Low dry weight - from 460 grams to 485 grams for the Men's medium size, for example. That is quite light. Of course, the weight of the suit increases due to the water that accumulates on a swim leg. 
  • Anti-leak design and construction, to limit the amount of water that gets into the suit (although this may have the reverse effect of reducing drainage after exiting the water)
  • The woven stretch fabrics are coated with a water repellent material, to reduce drag when swimming, and to shed water like a duck when you transition to a run leg!  What else?
  • A built-in buoyancy foam belt around your waist and kidneys, 4mm thick, that gives more buoyancy than the equivalent thickness of neoprene. This keeps you higher in the water.
  • Removable arm sleeves in 1mm neoprene, so you can adjust your level of insulation depending on water temperature.
  • Built-in rear pocket with external access and a flap entry, as we designed with Mogsy's custom suit 2 years ago - looks like some industrial espionage going on there!
  • Last but by no means least, the whole suit is constructed using Yamamoto's latest material - get this - LIMESTONE neoprene. This is derived from limestone rather than oil-based traditional neoprene, and has several advantages;
  1. Lighter weight
  2. Warmer, as it has 30% more air bubbles in the material for a given thickness.
  3. Tougher - less likely to rip or tear.
  4.  More flexible - better for both running and swimming, and results in one single front zip being enough, as opposed to traditional front plus rear zips.
  5.  More environmentally friendly as it is not oil-based.

Swimrun Wetsuit Reviews - Men's


Synergy

Synergy Swimrun Wetsuit is still listed for men and women, but only as final-sale clearance at $99.97, down from $249, so it is effectively an end-of-line bargain rather than an up-to-date product line. Its advantages are a long front zip, three accessible pockets, and variable neoprene thickness balancing flexibility, buoyancy, and warmth; the major cons are very limited or sold-out sizing, no indication of an active successor model, and the risk that replacement stock or support may not be available.

The suit has the following features:

  • Thickness - 3mm Syprene neoprene on the front and back for buoyancy and warmth, while the 2mm neoprene on the underarms and crotch panels offer maximum flexibility when swimming and running.
  • Materials - The front is constructed using Syprene neoprene which has a tough surface treatment that protects the suit surface from minor abrasions caused by rocks, sand or gravel during transitions. The back, underarms and crotch panels are made out of extra-stretch double-sided nylon for flexibility and water speed.
  • Closure - Long front single-zip to help get the suit on and off. You can also leave the upper part of the zipper open during the run to improve cooling and ventilation. Comes with an emergency whistle built into the zipper pull.
  • Storage - This suit has a lot of pockets so you have room to store everything you need. It has two large inner chest pockets where you can store your emergency kit, map and nutrition and one large back pocket with a zipper.
  • Lining - This inner lining is smooth and comfortable against your skin and helps store body heat.

The diagram below shows all the features of this wetsuit.

Synergy Mens Wetsuit Features

 Check current pricing/availability at Amazon here.

Reviews do say that you should size up with this brand.


Sumarpro

The Sumarpro Thermal Titanium is a cold-water open-water and triathlon wetsuit built around warmth without sacrificing swim mobility. It combines Yamamoto #39 limestone-based neoprene with titanium particles and a fleece thermal lining to trap body heat, while 1.5 mm high-stretch panels through the shoulders, sleeves, and armpits allow up to 580% elongation for a freer stroke.

For swimrun, you would need to consider cutting the legs to just above the knees.

Mens Sumarpro Titanium wetsuitSumarpro thermal titanium

Its swim-focused features include low-drag SCS coating, leg-elevation buoyancy to improve body position, a stable center-line support system, and a hidden anti-corrosion YKK internal zipper; Ti-α-Seal neck and cuff treatments add insulation and reduce abrasion. At $549.95, it is a premium, eco-conscious option for swimmers and triathletes who regularly train or race in cooler water, though its thermal construction may be warmer than needed for summer events.

Check current pricing/availability at Amazon here.


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Swimrun Wetsuit Reviews - Women's

The top wetsuits for women, at great prices from Amazon!

Synergy

Synergy Women's Swimrun Wetsuit

Synergy is a leading provider of triathlon wetsuits, apparel and accessories, and are now producing swimrun specific wetsuits. Note that reviews say you should size up for this brand.

The Synergy Women's Swimrun wetsuit has the following features:

  • THICKNESS - The body is designed using 3mm Syprene neoprene on the front and back for buoyancy and thermal insulation. While the 2mm neoprene on the underarms and crotch panels offer maximum flexibility when swimming and running.
  • MATERIALS - The front is constructed using Syprene neoprene which has a tough surface treatment that protects the suit surface from minor abrasions caused by rocks, sand or gravel during transitions. The back, underarms and crotch panels are made out of extra-stretch double-sided nylon for flexibility and water speed.
  • CLOSURE - Long front single-zip to help get the suit on and off. You can also leave the upper part of the zipper open during the run to improve cooling and ventilation. Comes with an emergency whistle built into the zipper pull.
  • STORAGE - This suit has a lot of pockets so you have room to store everything you need. It has two large inner chest pockets where you can store your emergency kit, map and nutrition and one large back pocket with a zipper.
  • LINING - This inner lining is smooth and comfortable against your skin and helps store body heat.

Below is a summary of the features of this wetsuit:


Check current pricing/availability on Amazon.


Orca

Orca Women's Aesir Thermal SwimRun Wetsuit

The Orca Aesir Wetsuit has great thermal comfort, featuring a lightweight thermal lining to retain heat well.  It has a front zip and neoprene sleeves for comfort while running and swimming. Using 40+ technology, it offers more elasticity without compromising durability thanks to the outer fabric of the legs.

So, the Aesir wetsuit has;

Thermal comfortHigh elasticityDurabilityStorage

  • A combination of 4 mm-thick Yamamoto neoprene and Light Thermal inner lining help you to enjoy even the coldest swimrun races! These technologies keep the elasticity of the suit.
  • The DuraSkin 2 outer fabric in the lower torso protects the wetsuit from any abrasions that my be caused during your swimrun races, so the durability of your wetsuit is increased.
  • There is a 15x12 cm back pocket for storage.
  • A higher priced wetsuit but Orca is a very popular make and worth a look!

Check current pricing/availability at Amazon.

Swimrun Wetsuit Reviews - Women's

BlueSeventy

BlueSeventy Women's Alliance

Respected wetsuit maker BlueSeventy have this dedicated women's suit; It comes with bright orange panels for the arms and rear of the legs, for high visibility when swimming.

SwimRun wetsuit reviews

This suit is the same as the men's version, in a women's cut, and boasts the following;

  •  The relatively thick 4mm neoprene panels throughout the suit help to keep you slightly higher in the water while swimming.  There are thinner panels around your hips and legs, to give you better flexibility and movement when on the run.
  •  An extended front zip allows you to unzip the suit on the run, helping to  keep your body temperature down.

  • The Alliance swimrun suit has internal seam taping on the arms, which lets you cut the arms to the ideal length for you, without the seams shredding. Most folk will reduce the arm length to help get the top off quickly and back on quickly when going "cab down" on hot runs. The question is - how much to cut? That's up to you? But the arms are not detachable like the Orca suit. Once you cut the Alliance arms, they stay cut!
  • There are 2 internal pockets, one on each side of your stomach.  These are good for small items such as a compass and energy gels. An oversized back pocket is accessible from the outside and sits in the small of the back making it comfortable during the swim and the run.
  • There are small webbing loops situated on either side of the rear, for clipping things into such as cords and karabiners. These loops are oddly positioned, because they are not useful for attaching a swimrun tow rope.

  •  BlueSeventy use a durable neoprene material for the Alliance suit, to help stand up to the rough nature of swimrun. But again, like the Orca suit, this will not prevent puncture cuts on sharp rocks.

Check current pricing/availability at Amazon.


Swimrun Wetsuit Reviews - Women's

Zone3

Zone3 Women's Advance

The Zone3 Advance SwimRun suit is one of the best entry level wetsuits on the market. A great all-rounder at a good price.


  • Features the world's high performing YAMAMOTO neoprene rubber, to increase flexibility and comfort.
  • 16% weight reduction from the previous model, but has same level of warmth and buoyancy.
  • AQUA-X coatings minimise drag and increase speed through the water.
  • 4mm buoyancy panels on the upper legs.
  • Slimline Pro-Speed cuffs help with speed of removal when going cab-down.
  • Laser Precision collar provides a comfortable, non-chafing fit.
  • Suitable for beginner or intermediate swimrunners for racing or general outdoor swimming enjoyment.

Check current pricing/availability at Amazon.


Swimrun Wetsuit Reviews

In our review of available swimrun wetsuit options, we hope you find something suitable! AND remember - don't despair if the first wetsuit you order turns out to be a poor fit, OR doesn't work as well as you'd hoped. It can take a few attempts to get the ideal fit and performance.

If you ordered your swimrun wetsuit online, and it's plain when you try it on that the size is wrong, you can normally send it back, either to change the size, or else to get a full refund (minus postage costs).


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SollaWave smart swim goggle by HoloSport underwater shot

The SollaWave combines racing-style swim goggles, integrated underwater headphones, waterproof earplugs, an AI-powered swim tracker, and built-in anti-fog protection into one compact package. Read our review for details, OR order direct from the HoloSport website, and remember to use our discount code - HOLOSWIM10 - to get your 10% off!

(As HoloSport affiliates we may earn a small commission on purchases)






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Hvar14 before the start

Richard Mitchell, BDS, and Mogsy Ford are swimrun competitors and endurance athletes who write from direct racing experience. We have competed in swimrun since 2016, and bring added perspective from competitive running (5K to marathon) and open-water swim racing. This website has been mentioned by The Guardian newspaper. As married teammates, we train together, and build holidays around races. Read more at the 'About Us' page.