Choosing the Best Summer Running Shorts
Hey folks, its getting hot here in Texas. The recent 100 degree few days we had reminded me what it was like to sweat off and on all day. I don’t know about you but I get tired of doing so much laundry! This is especially true once I have a run in the morning and then a strength class to lead during lunch time or afternoon hours. I remember when I recently got some new running shorts from Lululemon the store manager was telling me that they were antimicrobial, so that they wouldn’t hold odor. I didn’t really take much stock into that because I know that has always been a myth for my shorts. However I tried something different (not mind blowing, but a game changer) and after my run I rinsed off in the hose. I knew I was going to be working out again in a few hr for strength class, so I didn’t want to take a shower. So, after the rinse I tossed my shorts outside on a hook to dry. Came back that afternoon to use them again because they are some of the most comfortable shorts I’ve had. No chaffing, great support, and breathable. I gave a little whiff before I put them on and no stank! Caught me by surprise. They still smelled like detergent too….
Hang Dryin’
I did this for 3 days and just rinsed off outside with the house while wearing them (I take a bath with Wyatt who is 2 ½ each night, so yes I am still keeping clean). Then I let them hang on the hook all weekend and wore them again on Monday’s run. Rinsed off again and no stink…. Here is what I love about this.
1) Less laundry
2) My laundry hamper doesn’t smell like a dumpster
3) I keep wearing my most comfortable shorts
4) The shorts also have a built in phone pocket in the built in half tight liner
built in liner + pocket
I’m not here to completely sell you these lululemon shorts. Until recently I secretly (and sometimes vocally) expressed my discomfort seeing dudes in women’s apparel. I got over that and realized the company has much more than women’s tights. So, I’d recommend checking them out if you are up for comfort and less laundry. I recommend them also for guys that have issues with chaffing. The built in half tight is way better than the traditional underwear liner!
Here is a link for the mens - https://shop.lululemon.com/p/men-shorts/Surge-Short-Out-Of-Mind-Liner-4/_/prod8980443?color=37617
Now let’s talk a little bit about women’s shorts!
Find Your Pace Short
Speed Up Short
So, I also spoke with Haley, one of our Trail Roots fashion experts. She gave me some insight on what her favorite shorts are. It does appear to me that women’s shorts with half tights built in or “2-in-1” shorts aren’t as popular. However she also recently tried some Lululemon shorts out and said that the “Find Your Pace” are her #1 summer short because they're super lightweight and the split gives extra breathability. The split also means there's pretty much no coverage when moving, which she says some Lululemon buyers might not be familiar with. She also said the “Speed up shorts,” is popular among the Trail Roots runners. She says that those two options are the standard of women's higher end running shorts . While she likes the Speed up Shorts, she says they don’t make her feel fast like the Find Your Pace shorts do. Other shorts that feel good with more coverage she says, the Nike Aeroswift and the Oiselle flyout shorts are the most similar in both cut and fabric. They're both semi-split and have the upper part of the split sewn down for coverage. The flyout have the best pockets, although the newer style has changed a bit - they used to have two back pockets, then they moved down to one back pocket, and now they have two full-size front pockets and none in the back.
If you are interested in learning more about other shorts and hearing reviews on sizing and comfort check out Haley’s blog https://hamrunsfast.com/fit-files
Womens- https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-shorts/Speed-Up-Short-Reg/_/prod8610597?color=36179
(https://www.oiselle.com/collections/shorts/products/track-star-shorts)