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.
Crafted from 90% NetPlus® Recycled Nylon, 10% Spandex.
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.
Overall rating: 4.631579 / 5 from 133 reviews.
The APEX Evolution Trunk by Kelly Slater 17" is highly regarded for its exceptional quality, perfect fit, and innovative design. Customers praise its soft yet supportive material, ideal length, and the unique features like the arc-shaped back pocket and laser-cut drainage holes. Made responsibly with recycled materials, it offers a blend of performance and sustainability.
Review topics: ["size","fit","length","price","color","design","fabric","trunks","material","pockets","feel","shorts","quality","look","stretch","pair","customer service","pattern","seams","rash","durability","cut","waistband","drying","version","board","improvements","boardies","policy","update"].
"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."
"I use Freaks of Nature mineral sunblock, and it stained my trunks pretty badly. They’re great shorts, but now I have this ghost of sunblocks past lingering on them. 😂 Hopefully it’ll wash out eventually. Other than the staining, I really like the shorts."
"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…."
"Worth the money - excellent quality, materials and fit."
"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."
