The Best Trail Running Shorts

A good pair of running shorts is essential to increasing your efficiency and comfort while running. Poor-quality models can cause irritation, heavy sweating, and discomfort—things you want to avoid at all costs.

On the other hand, high-quality pants will keep you cool on hot days and will help enhance your performance. First, you must think about your intended use and the weather of the place where you’ll be running. Are you a city runner? A trail runner? An ultrarunner? Are you running in the summer? Or maybe in the winter?

Trail running pants come in hundreds of designs, and it’s not easy to find the right model. But don’t worry. In this article, I’m going to talk about length, liners, materials, flexibility, breathability, and other important features. In addition, I’ll review the best models of the year, so that you can find exactly what you are looking for.

Take a look at other articles to find the best running jackets, trail running backpacks, trail running shoes, trail running shirts, minimalist shoes, trail running watches, trail running headlamps, and trail running belts.

THE BEST TRAIL RUNNING SHORTS

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GORE WEAR R5 2-IN-1

The Gore Wear R5 is specially designed for committed athletes. This top-end model is ideal for running on mixed terrain, in moderate-to-warm climates. The mesh liner provides great muscle support, but it’s not too tight, which allows for great freedom of movement while maintaining a slightly loose look. It has a 9’’ inseam, which is quite popular among trail runners and long-distance runners.

It features high-quality Gore Wear fabrics that are highly breathable and wick away sweat. It has a zippered back pocket for storing small objects, and side mesh panels for greater ventilation. Extremely comfortable and lightweight, these pants prevent skin irritation (the seams are placed where they don’t cause chafing). Also, they are designed to last for years. Of course, cheaper options are available, but if you want something totally reliable, this could be your model.

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SALOMON XA TRAINING SHORT

The Salomon XA is a versatile training short that can be worn for trail running, running, hiking, and other sports. It’s lightweight enough for long runs in a warm climate. AdvancedSkin ActiveDry fabrics provide maximum comfort while protecting you from the wind and excess sweating. Also, it dries very quickly.

The Active Fit design is snug, but it allows for a good range of movement. It’s not too tight, not too loose. The shorts feature two small side pockets, an elastic front pocket, and a zippered rear pocket in which you can securely store your smartphone. Keep in mind that it doesn’t have a built-in liner, so you must wear underpants.

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BROOKS SHERPA 7

The Brook Sherpa is popular among all types of athletes, from casual runners and trail runners to professional marathoners. This model is quick-drying as well as lightweight and soft to the touch. It features a Drylayer fabric that efficiently wicks away sweat, thus preventing skin irritation.

Keep in mind that these types of fabrics are suitable for moderate to hot climates, but not for very cold weather. The shorts include a boxer-brief liner for greater support and comfort, so they should be worn without underwear. It includes two elastic side pockets for storing gels, bars, snacks, money, and the like, as well as a waterproof rear pocket in which you can store your smartphone.

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SALOMON AGILE 5

The Salomon Agile has a 5’’ inseam, which is probably the most popular length in the running world. This ultralight model provides a great range of movement, so it can be used for both long and short distances. However, keep in mind that it doesn’t feature as many pockets as the previous models. It has only a rear pocket for storing your smartphone and keys.

If you are planning a long route, you should bring along a running belt or backpack to store snacks, water, and other belongings. This model stands out for its comfort. It features a comfortable liner that offers friction-free support, an elastic waistband, and AvancedSkin fabrics that are soft to the touch. It’s so lightweight that you’ll almost forget you’re wearing it.

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SALOMON AGILE LONG TIGHT

The Salomon Agile Long is great for racing, trail running, and other sports. Due to its full-length design, this model provides greater protection against wind, cold, and sun rays. Despite its snug fit, it doesn’t feel too tight around the legs or waist.

High-quality Salomon fabrics improve breathability and are moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and flexible—key factors when choosing sportswear. It comes with a back zippered pocket for storing coins, keys, a smartphone, and other small objects. Also, it features a reflective element on one side, although it’s quite small and discreet. This model is perfect for running in moderate to cold weather.

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UNDER ARMOR SPEEDPOCKET 8

The Under Armor Speedpocket has a comfortable length—not too short, not too long, which makes it ideal for different types of running. It has a slim design, but it’s not too snug. It includes an elastic front pocket that will securely hold your smartphone, so it doesn’t bounce while you run. (The pocket is waterproof, by the way.)

It features ultralight, stretchy fabrics that allow for total freedom of movement. These quick-drying fabrics feature an anti-odor technology that helps to prevent the formation of bacteria. This model includes side mesh vents to improve airflow, two side hand pockets, and a small rear pocket for your keys and small belongings.

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ADIDAS MARATHON

The Adidas Marathon is a popular women’s short with retro style and upgraded performance. This model is built with ultralight, breathable, quick-drying fabrics, which will keep you cool.

The 3’’ short design makes it perfect for short, explosive sprinting, as well as for long races in which you’ll need to battle the heat. It includes 360º of reflectivity, so you can safely run at night. This model is ideal for track running, city running, and running on nearby trails, but I don’t recommend it for long-distance trail running.

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BALEAF

The Baleaf is a multi-sport short that has a surprisingly good performance at a reasonable price. It features lightweight, comfortable fabrics that wick away sweat to keep you dry and cool.

These fabrics stretch in four directions, so you can practice your favorite sport or martial art without movement restriction. It includes a mesh liner for greater protection, comfort, and support. Also, it has two side pockets and a zippered rear pocket.

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LIXADA 2-IN-1

The Lixada 2-in-1 is one of the best budget running shorts in the market. This model includes a built-in boxer-brief liner for added protection and support. The liner wicks away sweat very quickly, which prevents skin irritation and chafing, while the outer polyester fabric is ultralight and cool.

In addition, it features double reinforced stitches that improve the garment’s resistance and durability. It includes two mesh vents that increase breathability in hot weather and during intense activity. Like most models, it also has a zippered rear pocket and reflective elements, so you can run at night.

THINGS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT BEFORE CHOOSING YOUR RUNNING SHORTS

MATERIALS

Most running and trail running pants are made of synthetic fibers, especially nylon, polyester, and elastane (spandex). These fibers are often mixed to improve the fabric’s performance.

Generally, these synthetic materials strike a good balance between comfort, moisture-wicking, and thermal protection. In addition, synthetic materials are abrasion-resistant, so they are very durable.

COMFORT AND TEMPERATURE

As a runner, you must ensure that all your sports clothes are comfortable to wear. There is nothing worse than uncomfortable garments that don’t allow you to focus on your activity. Poorly placed seams, faulty designs, and poor-quality fabrics can ruin your experience. On top of that, uncomfortable pants can cause irritation and chafing—something you obviously want to avoid, especially if you are preparing for a competition.

Also, your garment must protect you from extreme temperatures (both cold and heat). As you have seen, there are shorts, mid-length pants, long pants, 2-in-1 pants, lightweight models, thick models, leggings, etc. Each model is designed for a specific climate.

For instance, short pants are perfect for warm weather, while long leggings are designed for winter running as well as trail running in high mountains (where cold winds are common). The right model will depend on each runner’s preferences and the weather conditions of the place.

LINER

Most models include an inner liner, which is like a built-in underwear garment. In fact, most runners don’t wear underwear with these types of shorts, as these inner liners provide enough support and protection.

Liners efficiently wick away sweat, so your legs stay dry and cool during your activity, which reduces the risk of chafing. To provide firm, comfortable support, most liners are made with extra-soft synthetic materials or breathable mesh. There are two types of liners:

Short liners: These look like short underpants, and are typically made from soft, fresh, highly breathable fabrics.

Long liners: These look like boxer briefs, and prevent irritation and chafing on your thighs while providing thermal protection when the wind blows. This type of liner is commonly used in 2-in-1 models.

FLEXIBILITY

Sometimes, runners can make wide movements while running—for example, when they’re jumping obstacles, climbing uneven slopes, etc. That’s why flexibility is a key factor when choosing trail running shorts.

A good model, whether it is loose or snug, must be stretchy enough to allow you great freedom of movement. Make sure your model doesn’t restrict movement.

BREATHABILITY

When you practice sports such as running, trail running, hiking, cycling, etc., you know that you will sweat. Therefore, you must find sportswear with high breathability. Quick-drying fabrics enhance your comfort, as they make you feel cool and dry. As you know, you must always stay cool when running outdoors. This way, you’ll avoid heatstroke, dehydration, and other problems.

Also, breathable garments reduce the risk of chafing. Often, they also reduce undesirable odors. Some models include mesh vents to improve breathability and airflow.

You should avoid cotton fabrics because they are not very breathable. Most cotton garments take a long time to dry. If you finish your run and your garment is totally wet, you’re more likely to catch a cold. In that case, don’t forget to bring a spare pair of pants and a shirt, so you can change clothes as soon as you finish your activity.

WAISTBAND

Most models include an elastic waistband that holds up your pants. Waistbands can vary from model to model, but they should always feel comfortable. They shouldn’t be too tight or too loose.

Generally, thin waistbands are more comfortable than wide bands, which can sometimes cause irritation or excess heat. In addition to waistbands, most models feature internal drawcords for a perfect fit.

LENGTH

Looking for short pants? Maybe mid-length pants? Long leggings? First, you must understand how pants are measured. For example, when a model is 5 inches long, that actually means that the inner seam or inseam is 5 inches long. That’s the distance between the crotch and the bottom of the pant’s leg.

What length do you need? Unfortunately, there is no secret formula to determine your ideal length. It will depend on your preferences as well as the weather conditions.

Five-inch pants are probably the most popular choice for running, as they are comfortable, perform well in moderate weather, and provide a great range of movement. Some runners wear 3-inch pants in hot weather because they keep you cooler, while other runners stick with 5-inch pants because they cover a bigger part of the leg.

Many trail runners wear shorts that are 7 inches or longer, as they need to protect their legs from the cold mountain air. Obviously, finding the right length will also depend on the mountains in which you are going to run, the weather conditions, the altitude, and other factors. Additionally, longer models usually have more pockets. Otherwise, you can bring a running belt or backpack to store your belongings.

Most long-distance runners prefer longer shorts, which usually have more pockets and provide better weather protection. Short-distance runners prefer shorter shorts (typically, 3 inches and 5 inches), as they are lighter and allow for a greater range of motion—something important for sprinting.

POCKETS

In the past, most running shorts were designed without pockets. Manufacturers wanted to build comfortable and efficient sports garments, and they knew that a pocket full of objects could affect the athlete’s performance. Of course, a no-pocket design is ideal for competition. However, it’s not practical for everyday training.

Today, most people want to carry their keys, ID cards, smartphones, or snacks when they go for a run. Pockets should be placed high on the pant, near the waistband, where there is less bouncing. Most models include two side pockets and a rear pocket, which is typically centered in the middle.

Pockets can have different closures such as elastic bands, Velcro fasteners, or zippers. The rear pocket is typically used for storing a smartphone, and therefore it always has a zip closure for added security. Pocket designs should be tight, ensuring that their contents don’t bounce around.

REFLECTIVE ELEMENTS

Most trail runners won’t need a model featuring reflective elements. If you are going to run in the mountains, this feature won’t be very helpful. However, city runners, especially those who prefer to run at night, will appreciate a model with reflective designs.

This way, car drivers will easily see you when you’re running in low-light conditions. Often, these reflective elements are simply one or two small stripes that make you more visible.

HOW TO REDUCE CHAFFING WHEN RUNNING

I recommend that you wear pants with a built-in liner. This liner must be soft while providing good support and protection. Don’t wear underpants under your shorts. This way, you’ll reduce the number of fabrics in contact with your skin. Look for a seamless model. Poor-quality seams can easily cause chafing.

Your model should be suitable for the weather conditions and temperature of the place where you are going to run. Your pants should be cool and highly breathable. Excess sweat is one of the main reasons why runners suffer from blisters and irritation.