Dont worry - we can help you with that.
Three years in the making, this is the second generation of Kelly's APEX Trunk. We took the most high-performance trunk ever made and made it even better.
We delivered on Kelly's precise design requests: better no-slip braided drawcords, an enhanced waistband that cinches without bunching, and reinforced ultrasonic-welded seams where it matters most.
We teamed up with our friends at Bureo for their matchless NetPlus® material made from recycled fishing nets. This yielded a truly responsibly made trunk with a little more substance than the first APEX without compromising any performance qualities.
Part of Kelly Slater's Signature Collection, this style features the iconic OK KS Portal logo in Ocean Blue at the back pocket and Ocean Blue OK Dot and Wordmark branding detail.
Performance centered design details throughout:
- Pitched forward side seams with vents for easier fit on the board.
- Unique arc and tangent shaped back pocket featuring a key loop and eleven laser cut drainage holes, one for each of Kelly's world titles.
- Engineered side seam taping.
- Soft touch interior waistband.
- Gusseted fly.
- Soft touch triangles at inner thigh touch points.
- Unique rubberized drawstring with Ocean Blue tips.
Overall rating: 4.6384616 / 5 from 130 reviews.
The Apex Evolution Trunk by Kelly Slater 17" is praised for its exceptional quality, modern design, and perfect fit. Customers highlight its high-performance features, including no-slip drawcords, reinforced seams, and a soft, supportive material made from recycled fishing nets. The unique design elements and comfortable feel make it a top choice for performance-centered needs.
Review topics: ["size","fit","length","price","color","design","fabric","shorts","material","pockets","feel","trunks","quality","look","stretch","pair","customer service","pattern","seams","rash","cut","durability","drying","version","waistband","board","update","boardies","improvements","policy"].
"I really liked the dotted pattern, reminds me of the native Australian paintings. The fabric is soft, feels good on the skin and is a bit thicker than previous APEX trunks without any compromise to its stretch. The only thing I didn’t like much is the zipper pull on the back pocket, on this APEX Evolution version OK went with a little cord instead of keeping the regular metal zipper pull. Apart for that I totally love these trunks!"
"Only reason for 4 stars is I like the originals better. The fabric was much softer and the fit a little more true. The Evolutions are still great. They feel more durable but not as soft or flexible as their predecessor. The initial fit was a bit snug but after a few sessions they seem to have “broken in”"
"Only reason for 4 stars is I like the originals better. The fabric was much softer and the fit a little more true. The Evolutions are still great. They feel more durable but not as soft or flexible as their predecessor. The initial fit was a bit snug but after a few sessions they seem to have “broken in”"
"These fit awkward and are honestly uncomfortable. The cut is “slim” I. e. made for scrawny dudes that wear girl jeans and have no package. The material is part sand paper. It’s shocking that one of the world’s greatest surfers would create a mediocre board short that costs a second mortgage. Nothing against KS or the brand, love their clothes, I’m just sorely disappointed in their board shorts which should be a core piece of their lineup in my opinion."
"Overall a great pair of shorts. I love the way they are cut, super stylish, but also minimalist. They are lightweight and comfortable, perfect for why I bought them (for surfing). My only negative feedback, which is not major, I’d remove the velcro at the front tie down location. I think removing the velcro connection would make it even more comfortable, and a little easier to put on. I feel the velcro will eventually wear out due to daily laying on my stomach from surfing and I’ll need to replace the whole item sometime. I give these shorts 5 stars and highly recommend them."
"They feel fantastic and love them. Unfortunately I’ve had 2 pairs. First pair seem separated in under 1 month. They were great, sent pictures in and they replaced with gift card. Bought a 2nd pair with new design and unfortunately butt seem separated in 3 weeks. Can’t ware those. Very sad because they are amazing, very hesitant to try again."
"I happen to know that it takes a minute for these shorts to soften up. First few uses you can tell it was fishing nets. But A few washes after use, they are as good as any board short out there…."
"Hands down best surf trunks I’ve ever had. I like them way more than the 1st gen apex, the fit is even better and the material feels like it’s going to last. Also knowing that my money is going towards cleaning up and recycling fish nets, I’ll pay the extra for that alone; but the fact that they are also performance wise the best I’ve ever had, these are no brainer."
"The glue that holds the zipper to the short seperated after a few surfs. The OK team sent a replacement and after a few surfs the same malfunction. Liked the quick try and very comfortable but these quality issues are unacceptable for a short that cost double a normal surf trunk. Very disappointing there QA is shipping defective shorts out."
"This is already my fifth pair of your boardshorts, and I’m still as impressed as ever. With every new version, you add small details that improve the quality, comfort, and performance. Great job on continuously making an already excellent product even better!"
