Soar Dual Run Shorts

Price: £86
Leg Length: 12 cm (shell), 25 cm (liner)
Key attributes: stretchy, ventilating fabric

Soar is an interesting fast-growing brand from London. We actually included them in our guide to the best new running brands to watch out for. If you were to select one pair of shorts to smash your next ultra-distance run, then these would be the ones to reach for. They’re extremely lightweight and wicking, while the inner offers improved comfort thanks to the use of a fabric that’s been designed to support your quads.

We found these shorts to be extremely comfortable, even over longer distances. The outer is built from an extremely lightweight, stretchy fabric that has holes laser cut into it to promote ventilation and the woven inner provides a great balance between protection and breathability for year-round use.

Although they come with an eye-watering price tag, we were sold by their all-day comfort of and their impressive ability to remain ventilated while providing decent upper leg protection. We did just have one gripe with these shorts: we’d have loved to see a laser bonded hem (similar to that found on the Rab Talus and On Lightweight Shorts) at the ends of the outer, as we could see them at the seams fraying over time.

Get the latest price at:
soarrunning.com

Best Running Shorts for Ultras

Patagonia Endless Run Shorts

Price: £55
Weight: 119g
Leg Length: 11.5 cm
Key attributes: big pockets and very comfortable, good value too

While these may look like just a pair of simple tight shorts, the Patagonia Endless Run Shorts offer more than meets the eye, with two full length large pockets on each thigh that will both easily swallow up a running head torch, mobile, or even a compact Harvey Map. There’s also a third gel pocket on the rear.

As we’ve now come to expect from Patagonia, the Endless Run Shorts boast decent eco credentials. For example, they’re made from 80% recycled polyester (which has been treated with ‘HeiQ’ odor control), and they’re Fair Trade certified as well.

The Outdoors Magic team praised the comfort of these shorts: the tight fitting design meant they never got in the way, yet remained unrestrictive when running hard. Patagonia also makes a men’s version of the Endless Run Shorts, which features a slightly looser cut, but all the same features and low weight as the women’s version.

Get the latest price at:
eu.patagonia.com

Dynafit Vertical Shorts

Price: £60
Weight 88g
Leg Length: NA
Key attributes: simple, comfortable, light

The Dynafit Vertical Shorts are a throwback to traditional running shorts: minimal and verging into ‘hot pants’ territory. However, this traditional design has been paired with a modern looking camouflage print to keep them in the twenty-first century. We’ve been big fans of the streamlined design Dynafit have gone for. This no-thrills approach means there’s little risk of anything malfunctioning over time.

Although Dynafit have kept the design pretty subtle, they’re still packing a gel pocket, a comfortable waistband and an internal mesh brief. Just a quick note about fit: although Dynafit describe it as ‘loose’, we’d recommend that you size up if you tend to sit between sizes. We found the medium was quite snug.

On Lightweight Shorts

Price: £70
Weight: 105g
Key attributes: very light, good ventilation

Swiss-based On are one of the fastest running companies out there, with their highly-cushioned ‘cloud’ footwear seemingly becoming extremely popular. They also make some great trail running kit as well though and these shorts being a great example of that.

The Lightweight Shorts feature a dual design, with a lightweight stretchy fabric on the front, and a perforated polyester fabric on the back, which gives the shorts the ability to easily dump heat – perfect for warm weather days on the hills. One thing to note with these shorts is the lack of wind protection that this perforated section offers. You’d probably want to choose a slightly more wind protected pair if you don’t want so much airflow.

Aside from the materials used, these shorts have a rather simple design. A small (but stretchy) gel pocket at the rear which has a key loop, is basically the only notable feature. There’s also a comfortable elastic waistband.

Get the latest price at:
on-running.com

CimAlp Twin Running Shorts

Price: £65
Weight: 215g
Key attributes: built-in compression, loads of pockets

These look somewhat unusual but the performance makes up for the quirkiness. Combining a stretchy outer short with inner compression, we’ve found them to be practical shorts built with high performance in mind.

The compression parts of the shorts are made with a 3D-Flex fabric, offering muscle support and a contour hugging fit. The intention is to help to prevent cramping and more general muscle pain, whilst also adding an extra layer of warmth if it gets a bit nippy outside.

The loose, outer shorts are made from a stretchy, lightweight fabric that’s designed to transfer moisture from the interior to the exterior so that it can be absorbed into the atmosphere as quickly as possible. All in all, this ensures good breathability throughout the Twin Trail shorts, whilst not compromising on support.

Its pockets are located on the outer shorts and include a rear zipped pocket for your keys, a left-hand pocket on the thigh (without a zip), and a right-hand pocket near the hip (zipped).

Other features include: reflective detailing, an elasticated waistband with a drawstring for abdominal support, and flatlock stitching throughout to reduce any skin irritation on the move. A great pair of shorts and decent value.

Read our full CimAlp Twin Shorts review.

Available at:
cimalp.co.uk

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