The New Balance Accelerate 3-Inch Split Short is an ultralight option for racers who prefer that barely-there feel. Here’s what our reviewer, Kieran Alger, had to say about it.
The best running shorts don’t come much more minimal than the New Balance Accelerate. With a 3-inch inseam, a 1-inch side split and an athletic cut, they’re extremely lightweight and built for total race-friendly freedom. If you want to run unrestricted with a barely-there feel that sometimes makes you question if you even put shorts on, these are for you.
With a straight-forward and fuss-free design, the main outer short is made from a light, recycled woven fabric for a featherweight feel. Sweat-wicking and moisture management is solid – these will stay light even in the wettest conditions.
Men’s Fitness verdict
Designed for runners who champion freedom to move above all else, these shorts are the definition of minimal. They also offer impressive sweat-wicking tech and even a pocket.- Quick drying
- One small pocket
- Not the most supportive brief
How we test running shorts
Our reviewer Kieran Alger is a highly experienced fitness product reviewer, especially when it comes to running gear and clothing. A seasoned runner himself, Kieran knows exactly what to look for from a running short, including comfort and sweat wicking ability. He has also taken into account factors like cost, but we’ll allow you to make your own conclusions on aesthetics.
Features of the New Balance Accelerate 3-inch Split Short
The mid-rise style of the shorts means they sit just below the waist with a classic drawstring. That mid-waist fit helped prevent any rolling and cutting from the waistband. Plus, I didn’t find that there was any irritating pressure points or riding up either.
The internal crepe-briefs offer decent enough support, reducing the risk of discomfort even when you’re moving at your fastest. You’re not locked-down secure like you might be in a running brief but they will ensure your bits stay well-housed. That said, if you’d rather have a bit more leg coverage, it’s worth considering 5-inch, or even 7-inch running shorts instead.
Practicality and design
As you’d expect, storage is minimal, though they have one internal hooded drop-in pocket at the waist, on the right hand side. It’s about the size of a bank card so will fit one of those, a car key or house keys or maybe a stubby GU-style gel. You’ll have to pick your essentials carefully, though, as I found that the lightweight pocket fabric will bounce around annoyingly if you put too much in it.
The New Balance Accelerate shorts come in two very opposing colors: black, or “thirty watt” luminescent green. As far as sizing goes, these shorts cater for anyone who measures between XS to XXL. There’s a reflective logo on the left thigh but it’s not large enough to rely on for visibility on dark nights. You won’t have that issue with the green pair though.
What other 3-inch running shorts are worth considering?
If you’re not quite sold on the New Balance Accelerate 3-Inch Split Short, fear not – there are many alternatives out there. My personal favorite 3-inch running short is the Satisfy Rippy 3-inch Trail Short. Between its design, its comfortable fit, and its seemingly endless supply of pockets, it’s hard to find a fault with them. Mind you, if you’re paying over $200 for a pair of shorts, that better be the case.
Back on planet Earth, the Brooks Sherpa is a great choice too. It has a forgiving, wide waistband which makes wearing them very comfortable, no matter your build. These too come with a solid array of storage options, but where they fall down (hopefully not literally) is in their material make-up. Brooks don’t openly say what these shorts are mode of, other than its made up of 76% recycled materials. Whatever goes into them though, I felt that they ended up weighing slightly heavier on my legs than other shorts in this segment.
Beyond those, the Tracksmith Twilight Split Short is the choice for fashion-conscious folks, meanwhile the SOAR Running Split Short is top of the tree for sweat wicking.
| Length | 3 inches |
| Size range | XS-XXL |
| Color | Black, Luminescent Green |
