Better Running Shorts = Better Running

Being correctly equipped for a sport will improve you enjoyment of it, this is a fact. Notice that I said improve, I’m not saying that you can’t enjoy a sport without the correct equipment, but it will definitely improve it.

I started running about two years ago, I did get myself a decent pair of trainers before I started but that was it. I didn’t want to go and spend a lot of money on equipment on a sport that I wasn’t dead set on and so for the first year I ran in shorts and jogging bottoms that already owned. I did end up getting chaffing in places that I don’t care to mention but just thought that this was part of the process of becoming a runner. At some point I though it would be a good idea to spend some cash on a pair of running specific shorts, I’d stuck at it for a while and thought I’d ‘treat’ myself, and I’m glad I did. Words cannot describe how much they improved my running. The chaffing stopped overnight and so I was able to run in less pain which meant not only were longer runs possible but faster runs to.

It took me a while to find the right pair of shorts, here’s a summary of the different types. Each short comes as mens running shorts or women’s running shorts – needless to say you’ll choose the sort specific for your gender!

• Split Shorts
  These are the really skimpy shorts that professional and enthusiasts wear. They bear a little to much for my liking, I would really prefer something a little longer than this. The inner leg seam length is approximately 1.5” , they then have a large split on the outside of the leg that in some cases almost goes up to the waist band. They are ‘brief’ shorts to say the list, but they barely restrict movement at all and cover up all necessary parts adequately, so from a functionality point of view they are excellent.
• Boxer Short
  With and inner seam of about 2.75” they are slightly longer that the split shots previously mentioned. It’s not only the extra inch that makes all the difference with these, the lack of revealing split on the outer leg makes them a little more suitable for the self consciences. I own a pair of this length shorts and they are very comfortable, but I only tend to wear them in very hot weather.
• Mid Thigh Short
  This is my favorite length of running short, the 6” inner seam means that they sit nicely half way along my thigh. Some people say that they find them a little to restricted and perhaps you would if you tried to run in them and you were used to the split shorts. Compared to what I used to run in they’re a dream.
• Lycra Shorts
  Lycra running shorts seemed to die out in the 80’s. Having said that there are quite a few of them available from stores but strangely other than athletes on the TV I have never seen anyone wearing them. They are very comfortable, but like the split shorts are somewhat revealing.
  

No matter what the type of short you are looking for you should make sure that they have the following features:

• An elasticated Waist Band
  Some shorts just have a tie, and if you’re exerted a lot of effort (on hill for example) having an elasticated waist band will make your run a little more comfortable.
• Elasticated Panels
  This doesn’t apply to the split shorts as they have the split where the elastic need to be, If you are looking at boxer or mid thigh length running shorts I would definetly try to find some with elastic panels stitched in to the outer seam. Depending upon the cut of the shorts having no elastic can be very restricting.
• Materials
  Most if not all running shorts come with an inner lining that is usually made from a crepe type material, if a running short doesn’t have an inner lining I would buy it. The idea of this inner lining is to wick away the moisture (sweat) from the skin and dissipate it throughout the short so that it evaporates quicker. It is moisture on the skin that contributes to chaffing so to get rid of it as quickly as possible is the idea. The outer material should be made from a similar type of material that is also light weight. These wicking materials come labeled with a number of brands and names, Coolmax® is probably the most known one, look for shorts that are labeled ‘fast wicking’ or Nike’s equivalent is ‘dry fit’. They all do the same thing thought so it is really down to personal preference.

Hopefully this guide has given you a overall guide as to what to look for if you want to get yourself a new pair of running shorts. If you are looking for other types of running clothing such as running shirts and socks a lot of the information on the materials holds true.