Offering plenty of support from their 2-in-1 design, the Brooks Sherpa 5-inch short is a comfortable choice for longer miles.
A longer, 5-inch version of Brooks classic race-fit 3-inch Sherpa split running shorts, these 2-in-1 shorts pair the same silky, lightweight four-way stretchy shell outer with a perforated inner short that drops lower down the leg. They’re one of our best running shorts.
Men’s Fitness verdict
The Sherpa 5-inch version is a versatile 2-in-1 running short. It’s loose and breathable and with decent coverage and comfort too. Ideal for longer training miles and post-run cafe stops.- Wide, flat waistband
- Decent storage
- Hybrid design adds to versatility
- Heavier than some
- Items can bounce around in drop-in pockets
How we test the best 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.
Brooks Sherpa 5-inch 2-in-1 Short design
A bit more like a twin trail short, these soft, comfortable, sweat-wicking liners have flat seams that are friendly to your delicates. Hundreds of perforations also help keep things airy and cool down there.
The hybrid design really ramps up the versatility, too. You get the best of both worlds in shorts that hang light, loose and racy but offer a bit more coverage and comfort, ideal for longer training miles and post-run cafe stops.
Brooks Sherpa 5-inch 2-in-1 Short features
If you like a wider waistband that puts far less pressure on your paunch, these have the biggest on test. It also has a pleasantly soft lining and oversized drawcords make it easy to tweak the fit or to tie even with gloves.
Storage is good with two identical large drop-in rear mesh pockets just below the waistband. Both will hold a large smartphone, or if you run without your phone there’s room for four or five gels plus some other small running essentials.
However, stashed items don’t sit entirely bounce-free when you’re moving at full pelt, and because they’re open pockets, there’s a risk that things can spill out. One does have a handy elastic loop for securing keys, though, and there’s another smartphone-size zippered pocket more security.
The Brooks Sherpa 5-inch shorts come in eight colours and prints and six sizes from XS to XXL.
Specifications
| Details: | Integrated boxer liner, flat waistband, 4-way stretch fabric, 3 pockets with key loop |
| Sizes: | XS – 2XL |
| Colours: | 10 colours available |
