If comfort and storage are your priorities in a race short, make sure you slip on the Brooks Sherpa 3-Inch Split Short.
When you’re out running, the last thing you need to be thinking about is your outfit. You need shorts that are going to provide enough support, enough freedom to move, and hopefully somewhere to store your phone and running gels. Fortunately, I’ve gone to the trouble of compiling the best running shorts on the market for you, and the Brooks Sherpa 3-inch split short is certainly one of them. Keep reading to find out why.
Men’s Fitness verdict
If comfort and storage are your priorities in a race short, make sure you slip on the Brooks Sherpa 3-Inch Split Short- Wide waistband
- Good storage
- On the heavy side
How we test running shorts
Our reviewers tested each pair of running shorts over a wide range of distances – from 5km to half-marathon – and during treadmill and outdoor training sessions as well as competitive events, to bring you the best of the best.
This pair of classic race-fit 3-inch split shorts from Brooks feature an outer shell made from a silky, four-way stretchy material. It hangs light and loose with overlapping side splits that ramp up the flexibility and roomy race feel without making you feel too exposed.
Brooks Sherpa 3-Inch Split Short design features
The wide, soft waistband puts far less pressure on your paunch than traditional thinner bands. The Sherpa’s oversized drawcord also makes it easy to tweak the fit to accommodate any shifts in body composition (looser vs leaner days) and is easy to tie even with gloves.
Inside, the Sherpa packs soft, comfortable, sweat-wicking liner briefs with flat seams that are friendly to your delicates. No bee-sting chafing here. Hundreds of perforations also help keep things cool down there. In the event things do overheat, the briefs wick well and stop things getting excessively sweaty or heavy.
Storage is good with two identical largish drop-in mesh pockets either side of the back of the shorts just below the waistband. Both easily hold a large smartphone – though it won’t sit entirely bounce-free when you’re moving at full pelt. If you run without your phone, there’s room for four or five gels plus some other running essentials. And one of the pockets has a handy elastic loop for securing keys.
The Brooks Sherpa 3-inch split shorts come in four colors and prints – including a very bright vivid flame orange – and in five sizes from XS to XL. Fit is true so go with your regular size.
What other shorts should I consider?
I’ve generally sung the Brooks Sherpa’s praises so far in this article, but you shouldn’t be blind to what else is out there on the market. My true favorite 3-inch running short is the Satisfy Rippy Trail short. These are made from durable, breathable, comfortable fabric which no other brand can really get close too. There’s a whole array of pockets and drop-in storage options too – heck, the smartphone pocket is even sweatproof. The downside is that the price tag attached to the Rippy is truly astronomical.
Comparatively less expensive (though, that isn’t saying much), the Tracksmith Twilight 3-inch split short is also worth a shout-out. These are arguably the most stylish 3-inch running shorts you’ll come across, and they punch with the big boys when it comes comfort and storage options. Aside from these two premium shorts though, the Brooks Sherpa really is your best bet.
That is, unless you decide that you’re not really keen on the whole minimalist vibe of a 3-inch short after all. In which case, check out my round-up of the best 5-inch shorts and best 7-inch shorts instead.
| Material | Unlisted; 76% recycled materials |
| Details | 2 oversized hip pockets and bungee loop; 4-way stretch fabric |
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Color | Black; Dusk; Flame; Indigo |
