The choice of trail shorts is a crucial factor for any runner, whether training or competing. Comfort, directly linked to the quality of the fabric, is paramount. A good pair of trail shorts should be made from a fabric that is both breathable and hard-wearing, capable of wicking away moisture and withstanding the varied conditions of the outdoors. There is a wide range of shorts to suit the individual preferences of each runner. Some prefer tight-fitting shorts to avoid chafing, while others opt for looser-fitting models for maximum freedom of movement.
With the rise of trail running, the market now offers a wide range of shorts, each with its own distinct features: storage pockets, integrated linings, adjustable waistbands and other functions.
Today, the Compagnie du trail brings you a comparison of the best shorts for trail running.
Contents
- 1 Cimalp Gueret: our favourite trail shorts
- 2 Salomon S-Lab Sense: the best long- and short-distance trail shorts
- 3 Asics Core Run split shorts: Short, versatile shorts
- 4 Salomon Sense Aero 5in :
- 5 Compressport Trail Racing Short: Lightweight, practical and comfortable
- 6 Odlo Zeroweight shorts: Priority given to comfort and freedom of movement
- 7 Asics Fujitrail shorts :
- 8 How do I choose shorts for trail running?
Cimalp Gueret: our favourite trail shorts
Product presentation
Discover trail shorts designed to offer great freedom of movement thanks to CIMAFLEX® technology: extra-stretchy, lightweight and breathable. Ideal for technical terrain, they ensure flexibility and comfort during your runs.
- Freedom of movement Ultra-stretch fibres for optimum comfort.
- Thermal control Breathability: effective breathability to keep you cool and dry.
- Ergonomics A slim fit that adapts to the body without restricting movement.
Featuring an elasticated waistband, drawcord and zip pocket, these shorts combine comfort and functionality to accompany trail runners on all types of trails.
Product features
| Features | Cimalp Gueret |
|---|---|
| Cut | Ample |
| Tights | No (integrated briefs) |
| Pockets | Yes |
Advantages and disadvantages
Benefits
✅ Lightness
✅ Zipped pockets
✅ Elastic belt
✅ Freedom of movement
✅ Durability
Disadvantages
❌ Shorts may be long for some riders
The Compagnie du Trail's opinion
Excellent shorts for all types of trail running effort. The shorts have zipped pockets for carrying your supplies or your car or house keys. Cimalp products also offer excellent durability, making them excellent value for money.
Salomon S-Lab Sense: the best long- and short-distance trail shorts
Presentation of the shorts
The Salomon S-Lab Sense 15 cm shorts for men are lightweight and designed specifically for trail running. Its versatility and qualities mean you'll be comfortable and perform better.
Its advanced 37.5 technology incorporates millions of particles to regulate humidity, creating an adaptive microclimate that adjusts your body temperature according to your needs. It's a complex technology that will help trail runners avoid getting cold or overheated legs.
These particles also dry quickly, keeping you comfortably dry during exercise. So you don't get cold in winter or hot in summer.
This ultra-light garment offers great comfort, thanks to a stretch fabric that hugs your movements with great precision for total freedom of movement. The built-in briefs provide extra support and comfort for your adventures. Beware: some people don't like having built-in briefs.
Flexible inserts around the waist ensure a customised fit and reliable support. These practical shorts also feature a waistband with six mesh pockets, perfect for keeping your supplies close at hand. Essential for carrying a flask in summer (yes, that's quite important, even for a 1:00 ride) or having your food reserve for longer rides or trails lasting more than 2:00. You can also carry your car keys, an eternal problem for runners.
Finally, for your safety, the shorts are fitted with numerous reflective details, increasing your visibility in low-light conditions.
Product features
| Features | Salomon S-Lab Sense |
|---|---|
| Cut | Ample |
| Tights | No (integrated briefs) |
| Pockets | 6 mesh pockets |
Advantages and disadvantages
Benefits
✅ Thermal comfort
✅ Humidity control
✅ Presence of pockets
✅ Integrated briefs
Disadvantages
❌ Integrated briefs (may not be suitable for all riders).
The Compagnie du Trail's opinion
These top-of-the-range trail shorts are unquestionably one of the best for long-distance runners. Thanks to the technical fabric and the cut, they offer excellent thermal regulation for runners. As well as the fabric's ability to wick away moisture and regulate temperature, it also comes with several pockets. These allow you to slip in your various supplies or any other object that needs to be within easy reach.
Asics Core Run split shorts: Short, versatile shorts
Presentation of the shorts
With these shorts, Asics has come up with a product that offers excellent value for money. The interesting thing about these shorts is their cut.
Relatively short and with a slit on each side, it offers excellent freedom of movement and won't cause any discomfort to the runner. It also has an integrated brief, making it even more comfortable to wear.
The second aspect is the technical nature of the fabric, which also allows moisture to be wicked away, helping to regulate temperature.
Another important aspect is the pocket. This allows you to carry a few personal items. Car keys come to mind! Very practical when you're not planning to take a bag on your outing.
Product features
| Features | Asics Core Run |
|---|---|
| Cut | Short and wide |
| Tights | No (integrated briefs) |
| Pockets | Yes |
Advantages and disadvantages
Benefits
✅ Excellent value for money
✅ Freedom of movement
✅ Comfort
✅ Fabric quality
✅ Presence of a pocket
Disadvantages
❌ Short cut (may not suit all riders).
The Compagnie du Trail's opinion
For the Compagnie du Trail, these are certainly one of the best shorts for trail running and running in general. They're very comfortable to wear and offer great freedom of movement. You can also store small personal items in the inside pocket. So you don't have to worry about carrying your car keys, for example.
Salomon Sense Aero 5in :
Presentation of the shorts
The Salomon Sense Aero shorts, designed for outdoor sports activities and trail running in particular, offer excellent comfort. Thanks to Salomon's 37.5 technology, they regulate moisture and maintain body temperature, providing the thermal comfort that is essential for outdoor activities. This technology uses natural active particles and recycled fibres for rapid drying, guaranteeing durability and efficiency.
Its Aerotech fabric also ensures excellent breathability and remarkable lightness. What's more, the shorts' stretch fabric and Active Fit cut give you plenty of freedom of movement. The integrated briefs reduce chafing, improving your comfort, while the elastic waistband adapts perfectly to your body.
Product features
| Features | Salomon Sense Aero 5in |
|---|---|
| Cut | Ample |
| Tights | No (integrated briefs) |
| Pockets | Mesh pocket |
Advantages and disadvantages
Benefits
✅ Humidity control
✅ Temperature control
✅ Integrated briefs
✅ Presence of pocket
Disadvantages
❌ Lack of pocket for certain long-distance trailers
The Compagnie du Trail's opinion
These shorts are an interesting product. Technical, comfortable and above all practical, they combine a number of qualities that are essential for running, whether for training or even competitions.
Compressport Trail Racing Short: Lightweight, practical and comfortable
Presentation of the shorts
One of our editorial favourites is the Compressport Trail Racing Short. Its seamless design and stretch fabric guarantee great freedom of movement while minimising the risk of chafing and irritation. The mid-length cut means you'll be relatively comfortable when you're out and about.
Built-in thermoregulation also promotes air circulation, keeping you comfortably cool during exercise.
The shorts also feature an adjustable drawstring waist, ensuring a perfect fit for your body. For added convenience, there are four practical pockets for carrying your personal items during your outings. Quickly becoming a must-have, these shorts combine functionality and comfort for your trail sessions, whether for training or even race days.
Product features
| Features | Compressport Trail Racing Short |
|---|---|
| Cut | Ample |
| Tights | No (integrated briefs) |
| Pockets | 4 integrated pockets |
Advantages and disadvantages
Benefits
✅ Thermoregulation
✅ Comfort
✅ Pockets
✅ Freedom of movement
Disadvantages
❌ Price
The Compagnie du Trail's opinion
The only drawback to this product is its price. In terms of comfort and practicality, these shorts are particularly interesting. They have all the features you need for trail running.
Odlo Zeroweight shorts: Priority given to comfort and freedom of movement
Presentation of the shorts
Another brand much appreciated by the Compagnie du Trail is Odlo and its ZeroWeight model. It guarantees total comfort during your running sessions. Thanks to its slit cut, it offers excellent mobility and lasting comfort during physical activity. These shorts also manage moisture efficiently, keeping you dry throughout your effort.
It has a built-in brief for extra support, and its stretch fabric makes it easy to move around in. The drawstring waistband ensures a perfect fit. It also has a small zipped pocket for a personal item such as car or house keys.
To increase your safety when racing in low-light conditions, the shorts feature a reflective logo, making you more visible.
Product features
| Features | Odlo ZeroWeight |
|---|---|
| Cut | Full, short and split |
| Tights | No (integrated briefs) |
| Pockets | 1 zipped pocket |
Advantages and disadvantages
Benefits
✅ Value for money
✅ Zipped pocket
✅ Breathable
✅ Freedom of movement
Disadvantages
❌ The cup may not please every rider
The Compagnie du Trail's opinion
An excellent product, Odlo has come up with some very interesting shorts. With its breathable, thermoregulating fabric, seamless system and fairly short cut, the shorts offer excellent freedom of movement and comfort during your sessions.
It's also great value for money, so trail runners will be able to treat themselves to quality equipment.
Asics Fujitrail shorts :
Presentation of the shorts
The Asics Fujitrail 16 cm shorts, specially designed for trail running, are ideal for outdoor activities. They feature Actibreeze technology for breathability, essential for maintaining comfort throughout your efforts.
This model features integrated mesh briefs that promote air circulation, keeping you feeling fresh. The soft fabric, combined with side slits, gives you plenty of freedom of movement.
The shorts also feature an adjustable waistband with drawcord for a customised fit. What's more, they have a number of practical pockets for carrying your essentials.
Like its counterparts, the shorts have a back pocket for your personal belongings.
Product features
| Features | Asics FujiTrail |
|---|---|
| Cut | Ample |
| Tights | No (integrated mesh briefs) |
| Pockets | 1 back pocket |
Advantages and disadvantages
Benefits
✅ Comfort
✅ Breathability
✅ Practicality
Disadvantages
❌ Price
The Compagnie du Trail's opinion
Ideal for your trail outings, the Asics Fujitrail shorts also have a number of interesting features for trail running. With its technical fabric and cut, the shorts are extremely comfortable. There's also a pocket so you can leave the house without wondering: where am I going to put my keys?
How do I choose shorts for trail running?
Choosing the right trail shorts is essential to guarantee comfort and performance on the trails. Here are a few criteria to consider when making the right choice:
Type of shorts
- Shorts with integrated briefs The new, easy-to-wear design offers good support and rapid wicking of perspiration.
- Shorts without integrated briefs Can be combined with a technical undergarment of your choice for more customisation.
Material
- Lightweight and breathable Choose lightweight fabrics such as polyester or nylon, which help to wick away perspiration.
- Elasticity Materials with a certain degree of elasticity (often a mix with elastane) allow greater freedom of movement.
Length
- Short shorts (5-10 cm inseam) Ideal for short distances and competitions thanks to their light weight.
- Mid-length shorts (10-20 cm inseam) : Offers a good compromise between protection and freedom of movement.
- Long shorts (20 cm or more) These provide extra protection against scratches and are often preferred for mountain trails.
Pockets and storage
- Zipped pockets Secure valuables such as keys or energy gels.
- Mesh pockets Easy access for soft drinks or energy bars.
Belt and fit
- Elastic waistband with drawcord Provides good support without compressing too much.
- Wide, flat belt Evenly distributes pressure for greater comfort over long distances.
Ventilation and airing
- Mesh panels Strategically placed to improve air circulation.
- Side openings : Facilitates movement and ventilation.
Technology and treatments
- Anti-odour treatment Keeps shorts fresher for longer.
- Water-repellent treatment Useful for wet or muddy trails, allowing the shorts to dry quickly.
English 
French 
Spanish 
Portuguese 
Italian 
Dutch 
German