Best In Test: Shorts

PRODUCT

INOV8 AT/C 5″ TRAIL SHORT

MARKS OUT OF 10

COMFORT: 9 / LIGHT WEIGHT: 8 / CHAFE CONTROL: 9

Everything you’d expect from an inov8 product: unbeatable quality and no stone left unturned in pursuit of the best possible running experience. Built with off-road durability in mind, they’re equipped with a water-repellant finish and, technicalities aside, they’re as comfortable as any shorts your tester has worn.

£50, inov-8.com

PRODUCT

ASICS RACE 5IN SHORT

MARKS OUT OF 10

COMFORT: 8 / LIGHT WEIGHT: 9 / CHAFE CONTROL: 8

As the name suggests, these shorts are made for racing: they’re light and fast, with no unnecessary baggage to weight them down. A zipped pocket does allow for a bit of storage, but in the main these are simple but highly effective – made with four-way stretch fabric for range of motion and mesh inset panels for ventilation.

£30, asics.com/gb

PRODUCT

SALOMON INTENSITY TW SHORT

MARKS OUT OF 10

COMFORT: 9 / LIGHT WEIGHT: 5 / CHAFE CONTROL: 10

These include a lightweight and breathable inner liner which is seam- free on the inside thigh. The likelihood of chafing is further reduced with an innovative outer short that blends into the inner liner. Three rear pockets, including a zipped pocket, are perfect for carrying your mid-run pick-me-ups.

£52.50, salomon.com/uk

PRODUCT

UNDER ARMOUR SPEEDPOCKET

MARKS OUT OF 10

COMFORT: 7 / LIGHT WEIGHT: 6 / CHAFE CONTROL: 6

This offering from Under Armour attempts to combine a baggy short with the more modern, tighter t. The woven fabric is stretchier than most shorts, allowing good movement, and the side pockets are handy but, unusually for a men’s short, the deep waistband means they take some getting used to when on the run.