What does the discerning runner about town want to be seen in? Well, the Lululemon Fast and Free Lined Running Short will be pretty high up on his list. These running shorts are so well thought out: they have more features than you can shake a stick at and the fit is sublime. I would need to be wrestled out of them if someone was going to force me into an alternative.
Men’s Fitness verdict
Absolutely the Rolls Royce of running shorts. Supremely comfortable, with an excellent fit, these Lululemon shorts have more pockets and features than you’ll know what to do with.- Excellent fit
- Supremely comfortable
- Plenty of pockets and features
- Price tag is steep
- Availability (it’s proved very popular)
Why you can trust Men’s Fitness
We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Our team of bike reviewers included experienced product testers, journalists and fitness writers – as well as the core MF team – who know exactly what sets the best products apart from the rest. These running shorts were reviewed and rated by MF editor David Castle. Find out more about how we test.
Lululemon Fast and Free Lined 5in Running Short design
These shorts are so well thought out, you can imagine a team of designers sitting round a table and saying: so, we want to make an amazing short – what do we need? Turns out, there’s really nothing missing. Made from sweat-wicking recycled polyester, these shorts make moisture management their middle name: quick drying, with a four-way stretch they are both extremely comfortable and keep your nethers cool when you need it. The streamlined fit gives glutes and thighs breathing room when you need to push the pace.
As for the features, is there nothing the brains at Lululemon haven’t thought of? Turns out the answer to that is no! Let’s start with the pockets: side drop-in pockets on the liner are accessible from the outer shell; hidden gel pockets sit on the back inner waistband; meanwhile the liner has a supportive built-in pouch and a pocket for drawcord strings. On the waistband at the back of the shorts, there are two loops that you can stash a jacket or outer layer in when you run. To cap it all, reflective detailing on the hem means you’ll be visible to cars at night.
Lululemon Fast and Free Lined 5in Running Short verdict
Everything about this short is designed with performance in mind, from the lightweight, quick-drying material to the fit and feel of the liner. The side pockets will definitely fit a phone, although I would have preferred a pocket on the liner as this tends to keep bounce to a minimum. As someone who likes to layer up in the winter, the loops on the back of the waistband are genius and I found myself using them on my first run as I’d misjudged the temperature in the winter drizzle.
Overall, if you can afford the $88 (£78) price tag, you won’t be disappointed. This short really does have everything: they will keep you comfortable on your long runs but are also excellent when you want to push the pace. They come in three colours (Black, Vapor and Silver Drop) and sizes from XS to XXL.
Specifications
| Materials | 100% recycled polyester |
| Details | Side drop-in pockets; hidden gel pockets; waistband loops |
| Sizes | XS – XXL |
| Colors | Black / Vapor / Silver Drop |
How we test the best running shorts
All our reviewers test 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. I wore these Lululemon shorts for six weeks straight, taking them for a spin both indoors and outdoors, the latter being in some seriously inclement weather. Distances were between 5-10km and the terrain was mostly road, with a little bit of trail thrown in for good measure. I tested them for fit and feel, doing technical drills to make sure they provided plenty of room to move, and watched out for chafing at the seams – of which there was none. I wore them for a number of high-intensity sessions, too, to assess their ability to breathe and shed moisture.
