If comfort and storage are your priorities in a race short, make sure you slip on the Brooks Sherpa 3-Inch Split Short…

For a full roundup, check out the best 3-inch shorts for fast running

Brooks Sherpa 3-Inch Split Short

BUY IT NOW:

$60 / £40, brooksrunning.com

PROS:

  • Wide waistband
  • Good storage

CONS:

  • On the heavy side

Comfort: 5/5
Support: 4/5
Sweat-wicking: 4/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

This pair of classic race-fit split shorts from Brooks feature an outer shell made from a silky, four-way stretchy material. It hangs light and loose with overlapping side splits that ramp up the flexibility and roomy race feel without making you feel too exposed. 

Brooks Sherpa 3-Inch Split Short review

The wide, soft waistband puts far less pressure on your paunch than traditional thinner bands. The Sherpa’s oversized drawcord also makes it easy to tweak the fit to accommodate any shifts in body composition (looser vs leaner days) and is easy to tie even with gloves.  

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Inside, the Sherpa packs soft, comfortable, sweat-wicking liner briefs with flat seams that are friendly to your delicates. No bee-sting chafing here. Hundreds of perforations also help keep things cool down there. In the event things do overheat, the briefs wick well and stop things getting excessively sweaty or heavy. 

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Storage is good with two identical largish drop-in mesh pockets either side of the back of the shorts just below the waistband. Both easily hold a large smartphone – though it won’t sit entirely bounce-free when you’re moving at full pelt. If you run without your phone, there’s room for four or five gels plus some other running essentials. And one of the pockets has a handy elastic loop for securing keys. 

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The Brooks Sherpa 3-inch split shorts come in four colours and prints – including a very bright vivid flame orange – and in five sizes from XS to XL. Fit is true so go with your regular size.