Trail Running Shorts 2016
Active Gear Review is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
When looking for running shorts that mesh with your running style in the great outdoors, us guys are starting to get more options. Similar to running shoes, regular running shorts will work just perfect for your trail runs, but they don’t always have all the features you want and they don’t always portray the runner you want to be. Below are a few of the more recent running shorts by some of the well known outdoor companies.
Patagonia Strider Shorts Pro 5″ – $59
Pros: Bluesign certified material, Polygiene treated, plenty of pockets for all your gear reduces the need for a small pack, waistband strings can go inside or outside the shorts.
Cons: Fit around the front can be a little snug on your privates
Fit: Traditional fit
Liner Material: Polyester
The Patagonia Strider Shorts Pro 5″ has the best design of all the running shorts tested. These shorts have the most features packed into the shorts and they have the lowest price. Out of the bunch, these shorts have the smallest and shortest fit. www.patagonia.com
Smartwool PhD 5″ Short – $60
Pros: zippered back pocket for key or gel storage, side pocket for gel storage
Cons: Pilling of fabric on waistband
Fit: Semi fitted liner with flowy outer material that doesn’t stick to your legs
Liner Material: Merino/Polyester Blend
The Smartwool PhD running shorts are one of the better running shorts on the market and of the bunch tested. The liner is a little boxy which feels a little off when you first put them on, but this feeling goes away once you start running. It’s been a few years since Smartwool has been making running shorts and they seem to be getting closer to the perfect fit. www.smartwool.com
La Sportiva Aulous Short 7″ – $69
Pros: Treated with Polygiene, reflective accents, boxer brief, Polygiene treated
Cons: Liner and leg cut is awkward, more of a euro style fit
Fit: Tapered fit on legs can lead to unnecessary rubbing on legs.
Liner Material: Polyamide
With a strong Italian/European influence on its products, the La Sportiva Aulous shorts have a different style than most US based running shorts. The european fit is typically a little tighter and if you like that fit, this is great. I found the fit to be okay, but if I have the choice, I prefer a running short with more flow around the legs. One nice and unique feature of these shorts in the elastic t-shirt holder. sportiva.com
Ibex Pulse Runner Short 5″ – $85
Pros: Comfortable and nice looking fit, rear zippered pocket
Cons: The material wets out quickly making you look like you peed your pants and can provide irritation on long runs.
Fit: Traditional fit
Liner Material: Merino wool
The Ibex Pulse Runner short has one of the best fits of the bunch and looks great in my opinion. While I would love to recommend this running short, the fabric not being able to dry out quickly is detrimental for running. Using this short for activities where you don’t sweat a lot should be fine. ibex.com
