How did you decide on your running shorts?

Mrs.Handy

So with spring and warmer temperatures on the way, I'm starting to think about warmer weather running gear. When I ran previously in warm weather, I just ran in some cotton loose fitting shorts from college, but I think I want some real running shorts. I was looking at shorts on running warehouse and there are a ton of choices as far as length and fit.

I was just curious how people decide on what kind of shorts they want. I'm 5'2", 130. I wouldn't mind a tight fit, but I'm just curious what the benefits are.

How did you decide on your running shorts? Do you have a variety of fits for different conditions?

andkatiesays

I had to try a bunch on before I found some I liked. I have wide hips and a large behind so I like shorts that fit looser in the hip/thigh area. I have several favorites- Nike Pacer, Brooks Epiphany, Saucony PE, and New Balance NP. They're all around 3-3.5 inch inseam and wider legs which fit my behind well lol

StingShark425

I have a few pairs from Target. I always roll the waist band when I wear them. the shorter the better (for me).

I have a few pair of nike tempos..which I hate. they are way long and way baggy on me. I also have 3 pairs of lululemon shorts which I don't like & never wear.

I bought a pair of short spandex shorts from target and I love them. I rarely wear anything else. They get washed a lot. I also have 2 pair of spandex shorts from sports authority that are nike.

I haven't had any chaffing problems (knock on wood) so i prefer shorts that are tight on my legs..

taratru

When I was a bit heavier, I preferred shorts with short spandex inside them as the "liner" because it prevented chafing and ride up.  Now that I'm a bit thinner, I just buy whatever is on sale.  My favorites are my lululemon ones, but I also have a pair of Nikes (not Tempos...they fit me horribly) that I love to run in. 

Trial and error, which means you'll need to go to the store and try on. 

Starryfish

Its really trial and error. What works for some doesnt work for others. I think the ones that work best for all types of body sizes are the spandex/tight fitting shorts since they dont ride up and dont chafe.

I have a whole bunch of different loose fitting shorts, but they always ride up and chafe (unless I use body glide). I hate the riding up thou bc when I am running its hard to see im wearing shorts since they ride up to my crotch. 

Spandex/tight fitting shorts work better for me, they arent as cute and colorful, but they work much better for long runs!

GRKaters

Trial and error.

I started with a few pairs I found on clearance at Target. Then people were raving about the Nike Tempo shorts, and they were on sale online, so I got a few pair. And THEN I got sucked into the Lululemon vortex and never looked back. I could run forever in the All Sport Shorts or Turbo Run shorts. Pure bliss.

ebeth_msn

trial and error. 

my advice to you: get the tight shorts.  you are marathon training through a DC summer.  you'll probably want tighter/compression shorts for your long runs.

I've done summer long runs in more traditional running shorts and they are totally soaked by the time I'm finished. compression shorts will get soaked too but you don't have to worry about the chafe factor as much. 

the nike tempo shorts are popular around here.  they're alright. not my favorites.  I vastly prefer the nike pacer shorts.  more pockets and more flattering fit IMO. for compression I like the underarmor heat gear shorts and nike filament shorts.  

BlueLikeJazz

I just bought some with the panty liner from target for $10.  I love them.  I doubt I will ever look for expensive running shorts.  (I look at TJMaxx and Ross for the on-sale ones though.  I won't pay more than $15 though. I'm cheap.)

Breezy8407

A lot of people love Nike Tempos...I am in the hate camp. My thighs rub at the top when I run, so the Tempos just get swallowed up and then I chafe. Not cool.

My solution for longer runs is wearing Nike Pro compression shorts under looser fitting Puma shorts. Or I will just rock the compression shorts or capris with nothing over them. What I like about the Nike Pro's is that they are pretty light.

For me, they have to be long enough to cover the thigh rub zone, but not too loose that they ride up. It's a very delicate balance.

shorty20

You just have to try some to see which ones you like, it's really a personal thing.

I'm 5'2" and 125, so about your size, and I love my Nike Tempos.  I have never, ever had them ride up on me.  They are kind of bulky and not the most flattering, but honestly I don't really care how they look, as long as they're comfortable and stay put. 

ETA: my thighs rub together too and would chafe as well, but I just put some Body Glide on and it's no problem.

thom2022

I bought my 1st pair of Nike Tempos & never looked back. :-) Honestly, I ran in a lot of cheap cotton shorts for awhile and then finally went shopping & got true running shorts. I'm lucky I found a pair right away that worked. I still have yet to get any tight fitting or compression shorts. Maybe someday.

kat&kevin

My favorite running shorts are from Old Navy because they are a little bit longer on me.  I still use Body Glide so I don't get chafing, but those are my favorite.  Sometimes I run in tri shorts, which are spandex and I like those too.  It is all a matter of personal preference.

Mrs.Handy

ebeth_msn:

trial and error. 

my advice to you: get the tight shorts.  you are marathon training through a DC summer.  you'll probably want tighter/compression shorts for your long runs.

Thanks everyone for the insight! I'll probably start with some tight ones and see where I end up.

Where can you find body glide at?

ebeth_msn

you can get body glide at any of the local running stores.  they probably also have it at the big box sports stores too. 

Cinco

Trial and error here, too. My favorite are Under Armour. 

GnomeSweetGnome

ebeth_msn:

you can get body glide at any of the local running stores.  they probably also have it at the big box sports stores too. 

The Sports Authority stores near me carry it, and I'm almost positive I've seen it at Academy as well.