Advertisement - Continue Reading Below: The Session Shorts are a Tracksmith favorite. Two new designs for men and women provide more color choices but retain the OG’s soft touch.
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- Women’s update has a new zipper pocket and high waistband
- Running hoice of 5- or 7-inch for men, 2.5- or 3.25-inch for women
Price: $64 for original shorts, $68 each for men’s 7-inch and women’s update
Inseams: CAdded weight in pocket can be distracting while running
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We love the original Tracksmith Session Shorts; both the men’s and women’s versions are woven with the brand’s Veloce Blend, an Italian material that wicks away moisture and is UV protective. There’s an interior drawcord in the waistband to adjust fit, and a back interior pocket and external back zipper pocket for storage.
Pros
- hoice of 5- or 7-inch for men, 2.5- or 3.25-inch for women
- Running hoice of 5- or 7-inch for men, 2.5- or 3.25-inch for women
Cons
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“These are a favorite short,” said Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate. “They’re supremely soft thanks to the Italian stretch-knit fabric. It’s light and feathery, and stretches when you stride out. My only gripe is that I think the liner could be a little more snug.”
Jeff prefers a 5-inch inseam in shorts when he runs—and had strong opinions on longer inseams. “I won’t wear a 7-inch inseam,” he said. “I think NBA players should go back to the bootie shorts of the 1980s, and runners should free the thigh. Five inches is plenty long.”
Two More Inches
However, not all male runners share Dengate’s mindset, and some let Tracksmith know. After listening to their feedback, the Session Shorts are now also available with a longer inseam, just in case you want a little more leg coverage.
Pros
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- Liner not as snug
- 2 hoice of 5- or 7-inch for men, 2.5- or 3.25-inch for women
Cons
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The new 7-inch inseam didn’t cause any lagging in our testers’ strides. “It clings in all the right places,” said one. The Polygiene liner also worked its odor-control magic for a couple of wears before being tossed into the wash.
Race Ready Bottoms
The women’s update of the Sessions has a slightly longer inseam—3.25 inches—than the original women’s shorts (2.5 inches). The exposed elastic waistband sits comfortably high above the hips. You can fold it over, as well, if the elastic causes irritation (though I didn’t find this to be an issue). The fit is so comfortably snug, a drawcord is neither missed nor needed.
Pros
- Elastic waistband is secure and easy to fold over
- Soft, stretchy, breathable material
Cons
- Added weight in pocket can be distracting while running
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That Polygiene liner made 10-milers no sweat in the heat (i.e., no crotch stains), and I got in a couple more runs before throwing them in the hamper. The leg openings have a nice, loose fit that won’t hinder your pace. In fact, I appreciated the airflow up my thighs.
I’ve tested the Twilight and Van Cortlandt bottoms in the past. The Session Shorts are a departure from the Tracksmith shorts I know. No internal back pocket, no ruched waistband with a drawcord. The other shorts are still in my rotation, however, and I find myself reaching for my avocado Sessions when I’m gearing up for a long run.
Amanda is a test editor at Runner’s World who has run the Boston Marathon every year since 2013; she's a former professional baker with a master’s in gastronomy and she carb-loads on snickerdoodles.
