If you want an ultralight, breathable short for hard and fast sessions on the track, I reckon you should consider the SOAR Running Split Short.
Designed for moving at any pace when the weather warms up, SOAR’s classic split short ticks most of the boxes for the best running shorts. The outer shorts are cut close and short (just 2.5 inches in fact). That gives you an instant race-ready feel and makes you want to run fast the moment you put them on. That’s largely thanks to the ultra-lightweight, highly-breathable fabric that creates a speedy, barely-there feel.
Men’s Fitness verdict
If you can tolerate the price tag, these shorts will pay you back with great breathability for high-intensity track workouts.- Impressive sweat wicking
- Airy race cut
- Expensive
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 SOAR Running Split Short
The inner brief liner provides reliable support and security. You’re going to sweat in these, guaranteed, and a fast-wicking fabric moves moisture to the edges, away from the bits you don’t want wet and cold. That means the briefs dry pretty quickly, too.
The marginally overlapping side splits deliver extra airflow and increase your leg room and flexibility. There’s a real sense of freedom of movement with SOAR’s split running short (as is the case with most circa-3-inch shorts), which almost encourages you to extend your stride. Meanwhile the flat, wide and adjustable waistband spreads the pressure nicely without cutting in, providing a solid, stay-put fit. Not everyone enjoys such a minimalist short though, so if you’d rather have some extra coverage, be sure to check out our tips for 7-inch running shorts instead.
How practical are they?
These are designed for sessions rather than all-out races, so the storage is pretty minimal, limited to the one zippered pocket that’s big enough for the odd gel or a few other run essentials. So if you’re looking for a fast marathon short that’ll stow all your race fuels, this is probably not it. However, paired with a gel belt, it could happily cover that distance in comfort without chafing or rubbing.
The SOAR Running Split short comes in three colors – coral (as pictured), khaki, and black – and six sizes from XS to XXL which all come up true to size.
What other shorts could I consider?
If you’re intent on picking up a 3-inch pair of running shorts, rather than an extreme 2.5-inch pair like these from SOAR, you’re in luck. I’ve had the opportunity to test a very wide range of gear during my time evaluating running clothing and equipment. My top pick in this department would be the Satisfy Rippy 3-inch Trail Short, however they do come with an asterisk: the price. We’re talking a three-figure sum for running shorts. If, however, you have that sort of cash to burn, then you can’t do any better than these. They’re incredibly comfortable and come with more zipped pockets and hooded drop-ins than I’d know what to do with.
If, like me, your budget is more down to Earth though, the Brooks Sherpa could be worth a look. Like the Satisfy, it isn’t without its fair share of pockets, but unlike the its premium counterpart, this short can feel a little heavy at times, perhaps due to its unspecified (76% recycled) materials. Then there’s the Tracksmith Twilight 3-inch Split Short. These are the fashionista’s choice, but trust me, there’s substance to them as well. They’re practical, they feel good, they look – but they are on the pricier side again.
| Length | 2.5 inches |
| Size range | XS-XXL |
| Colors | Coral, Khaki, Black |
