Brooks Versatile 3.5″ Low Rise Woven Short Review

I just tested out the Brooks Versatile Low Rise woven  3.5″ short on stage 2 of the Gore Tex Trans Rockies. The Versatile shorts delivered during my long day on the trail up and over Hope Pass, just outside of Leadville. The Versatile Low Rise Woven is based on Brooks highly popular Versatile short; a few key differences are described in the name. The Low Rise woven sits nicely on the top of your hips and features a wide waist band to help keep them there. These shorts sport a shorter inseam as well, at 3.5″ as the name suggests and are semi-fitted. I felt that they ran true to size and were tight  enough in the right places without being overly constrictive. The leg openings are nice and wide to allow for easy striding.

As for style, the Versatile shorts feature contrast piping (in select colors) and outer pockets for a bit of flare. I tested the gray color with lemon color accents. The shorts are comprised of 100% polyester lining and body–the liner fits nicely and provides excellent wicking. This is easy to say as I was running in the high mountain air where things dry quite quickly, the same may not be true in higher humidity areas. I loved that these shorts had outer pockets, however there is no pocket to stash a key. A rear zip pocket within the waist band would have taken these  shorts from great to excellent. Overall, I was pleased with the Brooks Versatile Low Rise Women 3.5″ short.

These shorts retail for $30 and are available in 9 colors, 4 of which are currently on sale! Great deal!