#10 on this list
Session Shorts
Tracksmith
The Tracksmith Session Shorts are built for the runner who wants one versatile pair of shorts that looks sharp, feels comfortable, and handles daily training without fuss. Made from a lightweight, UV-protective Italian stretch knit fabric, the Session has a soft, heathered aesthetic that sets it apart from the shiny, loud synthetic fabrics typical of traditional athletic gear. Outside Magazine and other reviewers highlight the Session as one of the most versatile shorts on the market because it easily pulls double duty for gym sessions, warm-up strides, and post-run downtime. The antimicrobial liner provides soft, chafe-free support, and the poly-elastane shell offers plenty of give for deep stretching or high knee lifts. A single zippered pocket at the hip keeps essentials secured out of the way. At roughly $85, the Session is an expensive option for an everyday short. Furthermore, its pocket layout is decidedly minimalist—you cannot carry substantial nutrition or modern smartphones comfortably while moving at pace. It is best suited for road runners and fitness enthusiasts who value premium hand feel, understated styling, and everyday comfort over technical trail utility. **Highlights** - Premium Italian stretch-knit fabric with built-in UV protection - Versatile styling that works for daily training, gym work, and casual wear - Soft antimicrobial liner designed to prevent odor and friction - Secure zippered hip pocket for card, cash, or key storage - Tailored fit with an internal drawcord for adjustable waist tension **Watch-outs** - Premium $85 price point for an everyday training short - Insufficient pocket capacity for long, unsupported endurance runs
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#1 on this list
Strider Pro
Patagonia
The Patagonia Strider Pro is widely viewed by independent reviewers as the standard-bearer for dedicated trail running shorts. Built for big mountain miles and self-supported training days, it solves the challenge of carrying nutrition and light gear without the need for a separate waist belt. The fabric blends 90% recycled polyester with 10% spandex, creating a shell that moves naturally, sheds light moisture, and dries fast when soaked with sweat. What earns the Strider Pro top marks across gear labs is its waist storage system. The integrated envelope pockets wrap around the hips, distributing gels, trash, or a soft flask securely against the pelvis. A zippered center-back pocket provides secure storage for keys or a credit card. Reviewers note that when loaded reasonably, the waistband locks in place with minimal vertical bounce, making it practical for everything from marathon pace work to ultramarathon trail days. Trade-offs center on liner preference and price. The brief liner is snug and supportive for many runners, but those who lean toward compression liners or suffer from severe inner-thigh friction will miss the added thigh coverage. At roughly $89, it sits at the premium end of the market, but its durability and pocket execution justify the expense for serious endurance runners. **Highlights** - 90% recycled polyester shell with 10% spandex for natural mobility - Low-profile 3.8 oz weight that stays airy in hot conditions - Multi-pocket waistband design that carries nutrition with minimal bounce - Center-back zippered security pocket for keys or cards - Soft, lightweight brief liner designed for rapid drying **Watch-outs** - High price point compared to standard road running shorts - Traditional brief liner does not offer inner-thigh chafe protection
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Session Shorts | Strider Pro |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | Around $85 | — |
| Shell Material | Polyester-elastane Italian stretch knit | 90% recycled polyester, 10% spandex |
| Liner Type | Antimicrobial brief liner | — |
| Pockets | Single zippered hip pocket | — |
| Sizing Range | XS to XL | — |
| Key Feature | Matte finish with built-in UV protection | — |
| Weight | — | 3.8 oz |
| Liner Style | — | Internal brief |
| Pocket Layout | — | 4 envelope hip pockets, 1 zippered rear |
| Approximate Price | — | $89 |
| Primary Use | — | Trail and endurance running |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Session Shorts
- Exceptionally soft Italian stretch-knit shell provides quiet motion
- Clean, understated aesthetic transitions easily off the running path
- Flat-locked antimicrobial liner prevents friction during daily miles
- Comfortable waistband holds tension without pinching or rolling
- Single hip pocket will not carry modern smartphones securely
- Knit fabric holds more moisture than ultralight woven racing shells
- High $85 price point for a minimalist, non-specialized training short
Strider Pro
- Stable waistband storage carries nutrition and small flasks with minimal bounce
- Airy 3.8-ounce shell dries quickly and offers unrestricted leg movement
- Durable construction retains pocket stretch over sustained mountain miles
- Secure zippered center-back pocket keeps essential cards or keys safe
- Traditional brief liner provides zero inner-thigh chafe protection
- Premium $89 price point is high compared to standard road running shorts
- Overloading hip pockets can drag the waistband down on technical descents
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.