Brooks Board Racer Short Review

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As the average runner has been evolving and changing before our eyes, it was only time until companies like Brooks started to change to accommodate today’s changing runner.  The Brooks Board Racer Short is a new running short that puts a spin on the traditional running short, some may like it, while some traditionalist may think it’s a little too edgy.

I’ve had the chance to test the Brooks Board Racer Short in a number of different distances and terrains including runs between 3 miles to 15 miles and terrains including road and trail.  The main difference I noticed in the board racer short is that it fits more like a board short vs your traditional running short.  The first time I tried the shorts on, I thought to myself, no way these shorts could work as running shorts.  I have come from a traditional runner background where I started out wearing 3-5″ running shorts, but as time has gone on, I have started to wear slightly longer shorts.  What’s different about these shorts is not the length though, it is the fit around the hips.  Board shorts usually are a little tighter around the lower hips which gives the Brooks Board Racer Short a different feel than a traditional short.  In a traditional running short, the fabric balloons out a little more providing a little looser feel.  After a few strides into my run with the Brooks Board Racer Short, I felt like these shorts didn’t fit better or worse than traditional running shorts, but just different and I in fact enjoyed my runs while using these shorts.

For storage, the Brooks Board Racer Short has one zippered pocket that’s located on your right hip.  This pocket is big enough to fit an iPhone 5 with a case or other items of similar size.  While the pocket has a good amount of storage, it tends to bounce a little too much for comfort while running.  Placing a house key, car key or gel is ok while running, but heavier items I feel bounce a little too much.

What I enjoy about the Brooks Board Racer Short is that pushes the limits of style in running.  While it’s not as impactful as the recent minimalist running shoe movement, bringing a little style to running is very refreshing.  And while the new styles of running shorts won’t completely take over runner’s wardrobes, they will slowly make their way into our permanent rotation of shorts.

Note: If green plaid is not your color, there are a number of tamer Racer Board shorts as well.

Overall Impression

My overall impression of the Brooks Board Shorts is that they are a refreshing option to the typical black running shorts.  These shorts aren’t for every runner, but if it’s change you are looking for, the Board Racer Short is a great option to check out.  For more information on the Board Shorts and other Brooks products, please visit www.brooksrunning.com or www.amazon.com/brooks.