PUBLISHED 03/27/2007
While some of us just feel faster in short shorts, today's long shorts don't hinder strides or even PRs-just ask Ethiopian runner Kenenisa Bekele, who, after forgetting his racing shorts, won the 2007 Great Cross-Country 9.2-K in Scotland wearing baggies that hit him midthigh. But not matter the length, performance features abound. Longer shorts now feature lighter weight materials and smarter designs that keep you from looking like you're headed to basketball practice. And new short shorts kick it up in style and function, with pockets and cuts that don't necessarily bare all. From traditional splits to longer, fuller cuts, we tested eight great running shorts to find out how coverage affects your run.
Shorter Shorts
Men's Nike Pinnacle Split Shorts
Not for the faint of heart, these are among the shortest men's shorts out there. The barely-there length combines with a split cut and breathable mesh stretch paneling at the hips to create total freedom. While short, the overlap of the split cut jointed with the slightly weightier mesh material to keep flapping fabric at bay. Testers raved about the uninhibited movement allowed by these shorts, the DriFit brief, and the rear pocket that provides easy access to gels or a key, while keeping them put.
Price: $40
Contact: www.nikerunning.com
Men's Hind Omega Shorts
For a short that's on the skimpier side (with a four-inch inseam), the Omega's roomier cut and overall stretchiness, both in the woven material and in the mesh panels, allow full range of motion, whether you've got string beans or sausages for legs. Testers liked the breathability provided by the mesh paneling in the crotch. The inseam and side seams were shifted in this short's construction to reduce chafing, and the liner wicks moisture and breathes sufficiently. A small interior pocket holds a key, money, and a gel if you cram it in there.
Price: $38
Contact: www.hind.com
Women's Adidas Adistar Shorts
The inseam on these shorts may be a scant 1.5 inches, but the overlapping side split and slightly dropped back side kept most of our testers from being too, ahem, cheeky. The ClimaCool material breathes easy and dries fast, and stretchy mesh panels on the front sides and lower back improve air circulation, while the silver-infused liner kept testers cool and comfortable. They also liked how the smooth elastic waistband and lightweight drawcord didn't constrict their stomachs during hard efforts. An external zippered pocket on the lower left side holds a key without bouncing, but anything larger, like a gel packet, tends to flop a little too much.
Price: $45
Contact: www.adidas.com
Women's Moving Comfort Endurance Shorts
The Endurance are ideal for women who like the look and feel of a short short but want more coverage. A roomy, more forgiving fit and side notch (in lieu of a traditional split) help keep things modest, as does the same-color CoolMax liner. Testers liked the polyester/Lycra shell material, which is soft, lightweight, and quick drying. The elastic waistband sits just below the waist and, combined with a flat-woven drawstring, proved quite comfortable. An internal key pocket on the front left hip is deep enough for a credit card, hotel key, or gel, and its fold-over design keeps things safely inside.
Price: $32
Contact: www.movingcomfort.com
