Outdoor Research Moxie Shorts Review

by Shannon

Active Gear Review is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Outdoor Research Moxie Shorts are the perfect trail short; they combine whisper light fabric overtop wicking, comfortable, stay-in place boys-shorts. The Moxie Shorts out perform any other two layer short that I have tested in years prior, as the sizing of the two layers are spot on. The boy-short liner peaks out the bottom slightly, yet avoids getting the 1980’s look of split shorts and long cycling spandex.

Outdoor Research Moxie Short in Black

Outdoor Research Moxie Shorts Fabric

The Outdoor Research Moxie Short features two distinct fabric layers, as mentioned above. The inner short or boy-short features super soft, stretchy blend of 16% spandex and 84% polyester. The inner short features flat-lock seams along the leg openings and razor thin seams off-set from the inner thigh and outer thigh. The inner short features a gusseted crouch for seam free comfort where it matters most. The Outdoor Research Moxie Short inner lining features an inseam of 5 1/4 inches (based on my measurements) and the outer shell layer features an inseam of 3 3/4 inches. The length difference is not all that noticeable when on, as the inner short hugs your thighs and looses some length based on the size of your quads.

The Outdoor Research Moxie Short outer layer doesn’t wrinkle and dries quickly, as it is made 86% polyester and 14% spandex. The outer layer or shell features laser cut bonded hems and inner seam to help prevent rubbing or chaffing. The hem is light weight and helps the short to truly move with you rather than getting caught on your sweaty skin.

Features

The Outdoor Research Moxie Shorts feature plenty of storage as well. Along the rear of the shorts, there is a 5″ x 4″ zippered pocket is at an angle that is ideal for your car keys or other small items you want to keep secure. When using this pocket, the angle of the pocket helps to keep the items from sloshing around over your bum. There are two smaller stretch pockets that measure 2″ deep by 4″ wide; these pockets are ideal for storing energy chews or other on the run nutrition/fuel.

Rounding out the features, Outdoor Research has incorporated a “locker loop” or small bungee loop to quickly hand dry your shorts from. The waist band is also fully adjustable with an internal draw cord. There are also 2 subtle reflective accents on the front and rear of these shorts; the small OR logo on the right thigh and Outdoor Research logo over the rear zippered pocket to help keep you visible.

Fit

The Outdoor Research Moxie Short feature a trim fit. I found that they ran true to size, when ordering based on the size guide available here. The Outdoor Research Moxie short is available for women in size XS to XL and in three neutral colors, Baltic (dark blue), Black, and Pewter.

Final Impressions: Outdoor Research Moxie Shorts

The Moxie Shorts price is on the higher end for trail running shorts. Despite the price point, the Outdoor Research Moxie Shorts are an all day short that is designed to keep your mind off your running shorts and on the task at hand. I can easily say that these shorts will be my go-to for all day trail races and long training runs. For more information visit outdoorresearch.com or amazon.com/outdoorresearch.