The Quest for the perfect pair of running shorts...isn't going well.

[hulagirl]

I can't wear the baggy type of shorts with the liner. The baggy part ends up stuffed into my crotch about 5 minutes into the run. I'm not heavy, it's just the way I run. There is some upper thigh contact and that pulls all the fabric up. Not fun.

So I run in compression shorts. And I've had great success with Lululemon shorts in the past. But after my fav shorts died on me (took almost 2 years) the replacement pair I got died within 2 months and the rise is too low.

Now, I'm on a mission!

--I prefer an inseam of 6-8 inches and some sort of compression.
--NO low rise! NO high rise either!
--Pockets! Lululemon has great pockets in their shorts (zip in the back and little hidden ones in the waste band that hold 2 Gu's each!)
--GUSSET! Holy crap this is where Lululemon fails the most. The gusset in their tight shorts effectively digs into my girly bits and a poorly placed seem will rub until there is blood. I use chamois cream when I run because it's so bad.
--The color Black.
--Flat seems, good construction, decent fabric.
--A waistband that doesn't cut off circulation (CWX I'm talking to you!)

Am I asking too much?

I've tried a shorter inseam baggy short (3.5") with split leg from Pearl Izumi. It's a sweet short! I love it, but after a few minutes, all fabric is shoved into my crotch and I spend the run tugging it out. I have the Moving Comfort short shown here:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodMC_300379.html

Totally true the review that says the rise is soooo low. It's horrible. It falls just above the underwear line you'd have. Really poorly designed. And a bit hot/heavy.

I have a pair of Patagonia 3" shorts - that are quite nice, but a bit too low in the rise and the pocket sucks. I haven't run in them yet.

Suggestions:
Should I try a pair of super short baggy short? I prefer the longer coverage of compression though - don't have to worry about chafing with upper thigh contact.

I'm considering running in my DeSoto Tri shorts. I even asked them if they made or could make them without the chamois!

Anyone ever try the Race Ready shorts? The compression ones? I'd had to order them and find the fabric is crap or the gusset is a joke.

Suggestions? (Oh, I do not run with a race belt because it ends up under my boobs...so I prefer to haul my Gu's in pockets. Only for long runs. During races I wear a SpiBelt almost under my okole LOL!)

Denise

[OakLeaf]

I know it isn't what you asked - all my best shorts are discontinued too, and it seems like you and I prefer similar shorts.

But in terms of a belt, try this one (http://nathansports.com/our-products/runners-paks-music-carriers/runners-paks/gel-pak). It is amazing. NO bounce, no ride up, fits snug and flat in the small of my back even with my phone in it. I carry water on my longer runs, but I do all my shorter runs in this belt, and I ran my last marathon in it too with zero problems. It doesn't have number clips, but safety pins don't seem to hurt it. :)

[jessmarimba]

You and I are both in the same battle right now. I don't need compression ones quite so long - but if they're shorter, they'd better have leg grippers. My company gave me a gift card to Athleta and I bought the Contender Skort (http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=59019&vid=1&pid=916816012) and it is absolutely the only thing I will wear for long runs now. I believe there are only two pockets but the one on the butt is pretty big. I also considered the speed squad short from Lulu (it's in the We Made Too Much section now!) but I can't figure out what size I wear there and didn't go by the store to try them on yet.

Another option for you might be the Brooks 2-in-1 Epiphany. They have a long compression liner (6 inches, maybe?) and there should be at least one gu pocket on the liner short and I think two on the outside that velcro shut. I tried the shorter 2-in-1 (Glycerin, perhaps?) and I like them (good fabric, gusset, etc) except they squish the leg fat out the bottom so I chafe anyway (too short).

[Veronica]

I run in my tri shorts. I do my gym workouts in my tri shorts. I just don't notice the chamois on them. And they have pockets. I have Zoots and 2xu. I do tend to run in the 2xu and wear the zoots to the gym.

Veronica

[zoom-zoom]

The ONLY shorts that ever worked for me were Pearl Izumi compression shorts with a 6" inseam AND leg-grippers. Eventually they ditched the grippers, which makes them ride up like every other gripperless running short.

I'm back to running exclusively in running skirts. A quick roll of Sport Shield on my inner thighs and I'm good to go. No unflattering or irritating fabric between my crotch, since the ones I wear (generally SkirtSports, though I've worn RunningSkirts.com's skirts, too--their sizing is just too all over the place, so I don't buy them anymore) have liner briefs, not compression shorts.

[Crankin]

Athleta has many styles of shorts. You might find one to your liking.
I only run in skorts. My favorite is the Brooks, but I also like Athleta. I can't wear traditional running shorts, either.

[hulagirl]

Nice to see I'm not the only one. I did some track intervals in my tri shorts tonight. I did feel the chamois seam a bit so ill need to lube that. But compression was good.
I ordered a few Race Ready shorts to try as well.
I'll also check on some of the others mentioned. Nike Women's Marathon in about 3 weeks so can't switch things up too much.
Denise

[chosen1]

I run in my tri shorts. I do my gym workouts in my tri shorts. I just don't notice the chamois on them. And they have pockets. I have Zoots and 2xu. I do tend to run in the 2xu and wear the zoots to the gym.

Veronica


+1 I run in my tri shorts. I wear de soto, zoot and craft. I tend to like the craft and zoot better on any "long" runs b/c they have pockets on them. I don't notice the chamois on either of them.

[hulagirl]

Well...I got 3 different models of Race Ready Shorts and they are HORRIBLE. The rise is above my rib cage!! And I'm not short waisted!

More coming from Road Runner Sports next week.

[Serendipity]

Like some others here, I have come to love running in skorts. Have a few and my current favourite is from Skirt Sports through TE site. Light grippers so didn't ride up, I like the back pocket (ipod and/or cell phone) and they look good, too. Not compression though.

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodSK_1021_0.html

[hulagirl]

I started running in skorts - really loved it. But they are a bit hot for Hawaii actually and I find I'm more comfortable in just the skin tight shorts. Plus the compression shorts usually have a longer inseam than the skorts and I like that as well.

[colby]

What did you end up in for NWM?

I am +1 on the tri shorts. I like 5-6" inseam. I bike to work in them, I run in them, I swim OWS in them, I race in them. Me and tri shorts are like peanut butter and jelly, until I rub the seams through, then we're like peanut butter and jelly with sandpaper. I like Zoots the best, but am mixed on the new gripper-less legs. I have some 2xus but the seam down the middle looks like it's giving me camel toe so generally they stay in the gym/bike.

I'm going to have to check out the aforementioned Brooks, though. I bought some New Balance ones that looked like they might work, but I will chicken out of wearing them until I lose a little weight in my inner thighs and belly.

[roadie gal]

Take a look at RaceReady. They have compression shorts with a choice of no pockets or all of the little pockets on the outside. The crotch is gusseted. The only problem is they might have a bit higher rise than you want. I love mine.

[OakLeaf]

Bump. I just got two new pairs of shorts that meet all the OP's criteria. Haven't run in them yet, just tried them on and threw them in the wash. Both have a non-binding waistband with a drawstring; a mid-thigh leg that, on me, ends below the belly of the adductor muscle which is why shorter shorts will ride up on me; and a rise that's perfectly fine on short-waisted me. Both have, I don't know if it's technically a gusset, but instead of a center seam up the inner thigh, they have a wide band of fabric that runs up each inner thigh and across the crotch. (About 3.5" wide on the Zoots, about 2.5" on the PIs.) I prefer a real gusset, but we'll see...

One pair is Zoot Run Biowrap (http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodZT_1304028.html). They have a compression band around the thighs, the upper part is looser fitting. There's a pocket in the small of the back, a clever design where the waistband folds over and closes the pocket.

The other pair is PI Fly Short Tights (http://www.departmentofgoods.com/pearl-izumi-fly-short-tight-womens). They have stretch pockets on the sides of each thigh. There's a silicone band around the bottom of the legs, but in the package, the leg is folded up so the silicone is on the outside, and without having run in them yet, it seems like they would work fine that way. Not compressive in terms of performance, but form fitting.

I'd recommend sizing down if you try these. I ordered both in Medium - which was my size the last time I bought PI shorts, granted it's been several years ago, but I'm still a Medium according to their size chart - and Zoot's size chart had me on the small end of Medium - but both were too big for me, I exchanged them for Smalls which fit nicely.

If anyone's interested I'll post a fuller review once I've run in them.

[hulagirl]

Bump. I just got two new pairs of shorts that meet all the OP's criteria. Haven't run in them yet, just tried them on and threw them in the wash. Both have a non-binding waistband with a drawstring; a mid-thigh leg that, on me, ends below the belly of the adductor muscle which is why shorter shorts will ride up on me; and a rise that's perfectly fine on short-waisted me. Both have, I don't know if it's technically a gusset, but instead of a center seam up the inner thigh, they have a wide band of fabric that runs up each inner thigh and across the crotch. (About 3.5" wide on the Zoots, about 2.5" on the PIs.) I prefer a real gusset, but we'll see...

One pair is Zoot Run Biowrap (http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodZT_1304028.html). They have a compression band around the thighs, the upper part is looser fitting. There's a pocket in the small of the back, a clever design where the waistband folds over and closes the pocket.

The other pair is PI Fly Short Tights (http://www.departmentofgoods.com/pearl-izumi-fly-short-tight-womens). They have stretch pockets on the sides of each thigh. There's a silicone band around the bottom of the legs, but in the package, the leg is folded up so the silicone is on the outside, and without having run in them yet, it seems like they would work fine that way. Not compressive in terms of performance, but form fitting.

I'd recommend sizing down if you try these. I ordered both in Medium - which was my size the last time I bought PI shorts, granted it's been several years ago, but I'm still a Medium according to their size chart - and Zoot's size chart had me on the small end of Medium - but both were too big for me, I exchanged them for Smalls which fit nicely.

If anyone's interested I'll post a fuller review once I've run in them.

thanks OakLeaf! I'm very interested in a full review!

I have a question on the gusset on the PI shorts - is there one? And I'm curious on how each one stacks up in hot and humid running weather? Let me know what you think!

In about a month I'm going to start ramping up my running for my Ironman training. So I'll be ready to get into a good pair of running shorts - plus looking for a pair for the race that will keep me sane and not piss me off! Thanks for posting!

Denise

[hulagirl]

Well I just re-read your post and see that the gusset is the same on both pairs. Sorry to be a dork with that question.

On the Zoots - does the pocket function if you DON'T roll down the waistband? (Rolled waist bands never stay put for me)

[OakLeaf]

On the Zoots - does the pocket function if you DON'T roll down the waistband? (Rolled waist bands never stay put for me)

Yes. The waistband doesn't actually roll, but the pocket opening is sort of underneath the waistband in the back. Like the old plastic sandwich bags, pre-ziploc, if you're old enough to remember those. :rolleyes:

Might be a few days before I get them washed, I'd just done a load of workout gear before they came. :p Will post as soon as I've had a chance to run in them!

[OakLeaf]

Okay, I did 8.5 in the Zoots today, pretty hot day for as much as I'm acclimated this early in the year - 86°F, 67% humidity.

They didn't ride up, didn't bunch up in the crotch or give me any discomfort there. I would say the rise is a little bit higher than I'd like, but they come just below my natural waist where my belt rides that I carry my phone etc. in, so as long as they aren't above that line I'm okay with it.

They breathe reasonably well. They didn't get sloshy-sweaty the way some shorts can get (yuk). I didn't notice them being super hot in the sun.

As far as the thigh compression ... I'm skeptical about the benefits of compression for shorter runs, but I will say that I noticed the muscle support on steeper hills. I'm not sure that's a good thing, really, since it kind of encouraged me to keep on overusing my quads. I'm pretty sure the tighter band is what kept the shorts from riding up, but when I really want compression for the benefits of compression, I'll stick with my CW-X shorts that have support for the lower abs and glutes too.

I didn't use the pocket, very rarely do, so I can't comment on that.

Overall - I like them. They'll go at or near the top of the stack, at least when I'm planning to run under three hours. :)


As far as the PI shorts with their Coldblack fabric, I haven't worn them yet, but I figured an objective temperature test is the best. While they were on the clothesline this morning in full sun I stuck a probe thermometer inside the shorts, up against the fabric, on these and several other pairs of shorts. Short answer - don't spend extra for Coldblack fabric. :p The overstock price at DepartmentofGoods.com isn't too far out of line for "regular" shorts, so if they work well otherwise I won't be disappointed, but both these pairs were within a couple of degrees, and the main difference seemed to be between shiny black shorts (hotter in the sun) and looser matte finish knits (5-10° cooler in the sun, though possibly not as good for wicking sweat).


Both pairs dried super fast. In fact, I was planning on running in a different pair of shorts this morning, but when these two were already dry by the time I got my act together, I figured I'd try the Zoot shorts, and leave the PI's on the line so I could do a temperature test after my other shorts dried.

[OakLeaf]

So, 9.5 in the PIs today.

No riding up, no bunching, no complaints on fit or comfort. The gusset, if that's even what you'd call it, works fine. The rise is just slightly lower than the Zoots, but still on the high side as shorts go - right at my navel, slightly below the narrowest part of my waist. The waistband is on the firm side, so if that bothers you, it might be an issue. Not as unyielding as CW-X, by any means.

The silicone hem weld didn't want to stay turned up all the way around, once they'd been washed and especially when I put them on. The fold was just ironed in, NOT woven in. The front part stayed turned okay, but the back wanted to roll back down. It didn't give me a rash, but since I started out with them turned up, I didn't run that long and it's a relatively cool day, I can't say the gripper/hem weld wouldn't bother me. But if silicone grippers don't irritate your skin, I wouldn't worry about it.

There's no compression. I definitely couldn't wear a smaller size - these are already a size smaller than PI's size chart says I should wear, they're completely form fitting with no slack fabric anywhere, and the waistband of a smaller size wouldn't go over my hips. They're obviously form fitting enough that they didn't ride up even with the silicone grippers turned up. But they're probably one of the least compressive pairs of short tights I own.

I noticed that the website describes these shorts as having an internal brief. There isn't any, not that I'd want one in short tights anyway.

Temperature regulation - it was a cooler, cloudy day, but VERY humid - rain came through overnight - and although I'd already found out on the clothesline that these shorts do not defy the laws of physics in terms of their black color converting infrared light into heat, they do wick sweat and allow it to evaporate VERY efficiently. I wouldn't hesitate to wear these on a very hot day.

I realized that in my original description I got the pockets backwards. The PIs have the pocket in the small of the back (which again, I don't use pockets, but I did test the accessibility today and it was plenty easy to get into while I was running) - the Zoots have the pockets on the sides of the legs.

Bottom line, I like them well enough, but I'm not sure they're worth $70, and definitely not the $100 MSRP. Still, if it's in your budget and you haven't found anything else you like, I don't think they're *so* overpriced that they're not worth a try.

[colby]

thanks OakLeaf! I'm very interested in a full review!

I have a question on the gusset on the PI shorts - is there one? And I'm curious on how each one stacks up in hot and humid running weather? Let me know what you think!

In about a month I'm going to start ramping up my running for my Ironman training. So I'll be ready to get into a good pair of running shorts - plus looking for a pair for the race that will keep me sane and not piss me off! Thanks for posting!

Denise

I have the Zoot Ultra shorts (http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodZT_1306002.html) which appear to have a very similar leg hem. I have worn them for 2 Ironmans now. They roll/fold a little on the bike, but stay put pretty well on the run, interestingly. I don't have any interior girl zone chafing from them (though I bodyglide excessively) from either the bike or run, and thigh chafing is pretty minimal though I bodyglide there too. I feel like they are better in the heat than my 2xus, but those are discount shorts that I just bought for getting me to work. I don't wear the Zoots very much for daily training, though, they were too spendy to wear every day.

I have some Zoots with the side of leg pockets which I am kind of 'meh' on. They work well for gels in packets, but not as well for other stuff. I definitely can't put a flask in them. I have some Brooks shorts with the small-of-back pocket that works pretty well, though in those shorts the seams got eaten surprisingly quickly from rubbing.

Thanks for the reviews, Oak. Very helpful.

[OakLeaf]

Bump.

Perfect shorts (http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/RRL990/womens-rgear-highspeed-compression-6-short/), or as near as likely, found. Cheap, too.

Side zipper pocket for them as require a pocket. (I don't, so haven't tested it, but it's there.)

Supportive but not compressive fabric.

Not overly hot on hot days, not so light as to make me choose something else when it's cooler.

No gripper, no sausage leg, no ride up.

Rise on the high-ish side, but not too high for my nonexistent waist ("waist" high mom jeans fit around my lower ribs).

Completely functional gusset.

Drawstring for them as like one, decent waistband elastic plus drawstring not in the way for them as don't use it.

Runs true to size.

Comes in three lengths (the 6" in the link are the ones I have, and I'm not interested in either longer or shorter).

I'm doing most of my longer runs in these now. Wish I hadn't turned up my nose at RRS brand (or generally at buying clothes online, untried), before.



ETA - going through their website it looks like they're on sale because they've been discontinued. The replacement model looks similar but not identical, most particularly with the wider waistband, so I can't vouch for them. Sigh. One can hope.

[rocknrollgirl]

I just checked out the pair you linked to and the newer version. Saw the wider waistband. I can tell you, that PI has a line of cycling shorts with the wide waistband like that and I LOVE them. So it could well be pretty comfy. If I spring for a pair of the running shorts I will post my thoughts.

[Crankin]

For some reason, I get emails from RRS, including me in their VIP customer program. I may have ordered once from them, but for the life of me, I am trying to figure out how I got on this list. The only thing I can think of, is that DS may have ordered a bunch of crap with my credit card when he was in HS and used my email address (over 10 years ago). Maybe I will look closer at their stuff, which I might wear while walking or hiking.

[OakLeaf]

They do spam heavy. But thank goodness, I haven't got a print catalog from them in ages, maybe they've quit doing that.

[Catrin]

Another vote for Athleta, I love them. We have a local store and I had to forget where they were located as my bank account has a fit when I walk into the door!

I bought THESE (http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1025882&vid=1&pid=438837012) last year - mine are a very different color scheme but that is the only difference here. Nice mesh pockets, nice fit, no riding up, some compression. I bought them for trail running but they have become one of my favorite all-round knickers for any weather. They were fine for trail running last summer.

[Crankin]

I am also a huge Athleta fan, especailly for their running/hiking/yoga bottoms. I can't wear tradtional jogging shorts (never, not even when I weighed 95), as they just don't flatter me. I bought a pair of Athleta running shorts that have the lycra short under the jogging shorts (attached) and i love them. I also have quite a few of their exercise tanks and dresses!
However, I do't do so well when I go to the store. It feels overwhelming and they don't have petite sizes there. That was my original purpose for buying from them. I wish they had petite sized tops/sweaters. I've bought a few of their casual/city type tops and even the xx smalls are too big in the arms. I can wear the tanks, though.

[OakLeaf]

I got a bunch of Athleta stuff for Christmas last year, wound up exchanging most of it, but I do like the fit of their tights for yoga. As far as running shorts though, it looks like they make short tights in 5" length only, and that's too short for me - if it's shorter than 6" it's going to ride up.

[Sydneycl]

When selecting any fitness gear, you should think about both performance and short and long term wellness. You can’t go wrong with an Athleta Agile short that is ultra flexible, seamless is such a way that it maps your body texture. The women’s workout innerwear (https://sweetskinliners.com/underpants/best-womens-underwear-for-working-out/) is also moisture wicking and its odor controlling tech ensures that it doesn’t stink. The only disadvantage is that it seems to ride up in high intensity workout.
I also love boyshorts such as New Balance which keep off sweat and stains on the hottest day due to its polyester and spandex combo. Epic weaving is also coupled with an enlarged knit based waistband to ensure that it feels free as you sprint. You don’t have to worry about where you left your keys or credit cards as this short features zip pockets where you can slip your keys and cards as your run.

[Trek420]

I got a bunch of Athleta stuff for Christmas last year, wound up exchanging most of it, but I do like the fit of their tights for yoga. As far as running shorts though, it looks like they make short tights in 5" length only, and that's too short for me - if it's shorter than 6" it's going to ride up.

I don’t run so can’t speak to that. But these have become my faves for walks. The fabric feels luxuriously soft, they’re warm enough for our Northwestern weather but not over warm. Best of all there are pockets pockets pockets! Not a lot of them but room for my iPhone SE (small smart phone) and keys.

And most important, they make my butt look great. And that’s what’s most important, that I look good.

https://www.duluthtrading.com/womens-noga-stretch-leggings-33746.html?cgid=womens-bottoms-active-pants&dwvar_33746_color=ELH#start=12&cgid=womens-bottoms-active-pants

There’s a leggings version, regular pants and capris. The capris would probably be great for running. I can’t wear capris ... ever. At 5’0” they look like weird floods on me. So if I want capris, board shorts will sometimes do the trick.

That’s life in the short lane.