What You Should Know About Running Shorts

When it comes to running, athletes are left to their own accord. With no equipment to aid in performance, shoes and sports apparel take centre stage. While the benefits of running shoes are more apparent, recreational runners often cut corners on the sports apparel front. The long and short of it however, shorts matter. 

Let's talk about moisture

Designed to absorb excess moisture, running shorts are cut from synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon to ensure a dry run. Materials used in running shorts are precisely engineered for athletic clothing. Be sure to look for moisture-wicking as a fabric feature of your next pair of shorts as they will draw sweat away from your body to the surface of the shorts for quick evaporation and keep you running in dry comfort.

Let's talk comfort

Running shorts are designed specifically to facilitate a full range of movement without chafing or pulling against your skin. Typically cut with a slight split and a loose fit to enable stride, running shorts deliver on both the comfort and performance front. Additionally, men’s running shorts typically provide a supportive liner for a secure and comfortable fit where it matters most.  

Let’s talk performance

Compression shorts are particularly designed to reduce muscle oscillation, increase blood circulation and reduce the build-up of lactic acid. Whilst the exact extent of such benefits has been disputed, many studies have proved that compression does make a difference to performance. Any step towards shaving off those crucial seconds counts. 

A study conducted by the University of Erlangen-Nürnberg in Germany on compression clothing found that athletes had a 2.1% to 6.2% increase in their aerobic and anaerobic thresholds, which is a measure of the efficiency of their muscles. Some runners also reported less soreness, which may indicate a benefit to recovery.

Compression shorts can be worn on their own or as a base layer under a pair of looser running shorts over the top.

So whether it be for performance, comfort or both - your regular weekend lounge shorts just won't do.