Welcome to Talking Points, a series that looks at what makes some products worth talking about, brought to you by Gear Patrol Studios.
A basic fact for the amateur athlete: Whether running is the essential basis of your cardio training or your favorite way of exploring your neighborhood, your running short is paramount to the experience. Don’t believe us? Try running in a bad pair. Those old shorts from high school track practice that have shrunk in the dryer might be bad enough to drive you out of the sport entirely.
Sometimes, the best motivation for getting onto the track, trail, or sidewalk is having a pair of running shorts you love putting on. New England running experts Tracksmith has created a running short that is sure to get you out the door and feeling that runner’s high.
The Backstory
Celebrate the Running Class
Tracksmith launched in 2014 in Wellesley, MA, along the route of the Boston Marathon. In 2017, they set up their brick-and-mortar Boston running hub, the Trackhouse, on Newbury Street in Boston’s Back Bay.
The company is all about celebrating the Amateur Spirit of competitive runners, who they affectionately call “the Running Class.” Tracksmith believes that competition is the spice of a runner’s life. Their clothing and gear are designed to support amateur runners’ pursuit of excellence. That doesn’t just mean the time on the stopwatch. It’s about enjoying the journey.
The Gist
Breathable, Comfortable, and Functional
Tracksmith offers more than a dozen different running shorts for men, all built for different types of runs, terrain and weather. Our favorite do-it-all pair is the Session Short. To create the holy grail of breathable running shorts, Tracksmith teamed up with leading Italian fabric manufacturer Jersey Lomellina. The four-way stretch Veloce Blend is buttery soft, with a handsomely heathered finish. It has a purpose: to disappear. Lightweight and breathable, it’s designed to go unnoticed, so you can focus on running. It’s also UV protective, moisture-wicking, and boasts a Polygiene® anti-odor and antimicrobial liner. When compared to top performer Nike Challenger Men's Brief-Lined Running Shorts, we found the Veloce outperformed the Nike fabric in stretchiness. And while both had hidden back pockets, we felt more secure putting a phone in the Session Shorts’ zipper pocket over Nike’s pocket with its snap enclosure.
Our POV
Versatility for Every Run and Every Runner
The Session Short is really an ideal running short for everyone. It’s available in both 5” and 7” inseams, covering you exactly as much as you want. There’s a women’s version, too, for any running buddies who might prefer the 2.5” inseam. They come in eight colors, and the price tag is reasonable enough that you might treat yourself to a few pairs. We really can’t think of a feature that these shorts don’t have: The Veloce's wicking ability means hot runs are no sweat; the secure phone pocket means longer, more remote runs aren’t off-limits; they have a classic look that moves easily between the track and the gym; they’re so soft that you won’t want to take them off. All together, friends, that makes for the ideal running short.
Price: $68
