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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
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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
Best uses
- Daily Road Training
- Track and Tempo Workouts
- Gym and Mobility Sessions
- Warm-Weather Walking
Specifications
- MSRP
- Around $85
- Shell Material
- Polyester-elastane Italian stretch knit
- Liner Type
- Antimicrobial brief liner
- Pockets
- Single zippered hip pocket
- Sizing Range
- XS to XL
- Key Feature
- Matte finish with built-in UV protection
Pricing
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Best for
Daily Road Training, Track and Tempo Workouts, Gym and Mobility Sessions, Warm-Weather Walking
Where to buy the Session Shorts
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The Tracksmith Session Shorts cater to runners who value refined styling and everyday comfort over technical, gear-heavy utility. Best known for an understated aesthetic, the Session sidesteps the slick, rustling synthetics typical of modern running gear in favor of a soft, matte finish that functions equally well during a morning tempo run or an afternoon mobility routine. It holds a distinct position for athletes who want a singular, dependable training short rather than a race-day split short or a utility-laden trail piece. Constructed around a lightweight Italian stretch-knit shell, the Session focuses on freedom of motion and next-to-skin softness. The fabric provides four-way stretch without feeling excessively elastic, while a built-in antimicrobial liner handles basic support and moisture regulation. Independent assessments, including recognition from Outside Magazine, consistently praise the garment for its cross-disciplinary appeal, transitioning seamlessly from pavement miles to indoor strength sessions and recovery hours. Securing the tenth spot on this list reflects its specific design brief: comfort and versatility over absolute technical performance. At approximately $85, it is an investment for a standard training short, particularly given its minimalist storage layout. Runners seeking deep pockets for hydration flasks or modern smartphones will find it lacking, but those prioritizing low-friction daily miles will appreciate its execution.
Target Runner and Intended Use
The Tracksmith Session Shorts are built specifically for road runners, track athletes, and general fitness enthusiasts who focus on daily training sessions under ten miles. If your typical workout involves an hour on pavement, a series of strides, or strength work in the gym, the Session delivers exactly what is required without superfluous hardware. It is not intended for ultra-endurance trail runners or self-supported backcountry outings where gear, food, and electronics need to be carried on the body. Instead, the design targets the runner who leaves the house with little more than a house key and a watch, prioritizing a distraction-free experience and an understated aesthetic that does not scream race day.
Materials and Construction Details
The core of the Session is its Italian stretch-knit blend, composed of polyester and elastane. Unlike standard woven shells that can feel stiff or crinkly in cool air, this knit possesses a soft, heathered hand feel with built-in UV protection. It offers four-way stretch that moves fluidly with deep lunges and steep turnover without pulling at the waistband. Internally, Tracksmith pairs the shell with an antimicrobial brief liner cut from a lightweight poly-blend mesh. The liner seams are flat-locked to minimize hot spots during repetitive motion, and the elastic waistband is paired with a flat internal drawcord that holds tension without digging into the abdomen during forward flexion.
Real-World Performance and Moisture
On the road, the Session excels in moderate temperatures and standard training weather. The knit shell breathes well and allows consistent airflow, while the brief liner manages light-to-moderate sweat without clinging. However, because it is a knit rather than an ultralight woven nylon, it can retain slightly more water weight in heavy downpours or high-humidity summer runs. It dries quickly enough under average conditions, but sweat-heavy efforts in intense heat will test its saturation threshold faster than specialized racing bottoms. The primary advantage remains mechanical comfort: the shell remains exceptionally quiet through the stride, producing zero fabric friction or distracting rustle.
Storage and Practical Trade-Offs
Storage is where the Session reveals its traditionalist philosophy. The shorts feature only a single, concealed zippered pocket integrated into the right rear hip seam. This pocket is sized appropriately for a key, a credit card, or a couple of energy gels. It will not comfortably or securely accommodate standard modern smartphones, which will cause the pocket to sag and bounce awkwardly during high-cadence running. For runners accustomed to drop-in phone sleeves, pass-through waistband tunnels, or dual hand pockets, this minimalist approach may prove restrictive. It forces reliance on an external waist pack, handheld bottle, or arm sleeve if carrying a mobile device is mandatory.
Fit, Durability, and Care
Tracksmith cuts the Session with a tailored, athletic silhouette that avoids excess fabric through the leg openings without restricting muscular quads. Sizing runs standard from XS through XL, though runners between sizes who prefer a looser, roomier cut generally favor sizing up. The knit fabric demonstrates solid abrasion resistance against repeated laundering, showing minimal pilling when washed on gentle cycles and hung to dry. The liner retains its elasticity over prolonged use, resisting premature bagging out around the leg openings. Heat drying should be avoided to preserve the integrity of the elastane fibers and maintain the crispness of the waist elastic.
Price and Comparative Value
At an MSRP hovering around $85, the Session occupies the upper tier of daily training shorts. Competing models like the Patagonia Strider Pro or the Brooks Sherpa cost similar amounts but provide significantly more technical storage, including integrated waistband pockets that carry phones and fuel. Alternatively, standard road shorts from major athletic brands offer comparable breathability at lower price points, albeit without the refined knit texture or classic styling. The premium on the Session is primarily justified by its textile quality, versatile crossover appeal outside of running, and the quiet comfort of its shell fabric, rather than raw technical feature volume.
How we picked
We started with a long list of running shorts that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Chafe-free fit on the move
- Seams, waistbands and fabric texture after miles of repeated motion.
- Breathability and drying
- How fast sweat moves out and how the fabric dries between runs.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
Session Shorts — frequently asked questions
- Is the Session Shorts worth it?
- We rank it #10 in Running shorts. 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,…
- What is the Session Shorts best for?
- Best for daily road training, track and tempo workouts, gym and mobility sessions and warm-weather walking. Standouts: exceptionally soft italian stretch-knit shell provides quiet motion and clean, understated aesthetic transitions easily off the running path.
- What are the downsides of the Session Shorts?
- Single hip pocket will not carry modern smartphones securely, Knit fabric holds more moisture than ultralight woven racing shells and High $85 price point for a minimalist, non-specialized training short.
- What are the key specs of the Session Shorts?
- MSRP: Around $85 · Shell Material: Polyester-elastane Italian stretch knit · Liner Type: Antimicrobial brief liner · Pockets: Single zippered hip pocket · Sizing Range: XS to XL
- Target Runner and Intended Use — what should I know about the Session Shorts?
- The Tracksmith Session Shorts are built specifically for road runners, track athletes, and general fitness enthusiasts who focus on daily training sessions under ten miles. If your typical workout involves an hour on pavement, a series of strides, or strength work in the gym, the Session delivers exactly what is…
- Materials and Construction Details — what should I know about the Session Shorts?
- The core of the Session is its Italian stretch-knit blend, composed of polyester and elastane. Unlike standard woven shells that can feel stiff or crinkly in cool air, this knit possesses a soft, heathered hand feel with built-in UV protection.
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