These Nike Dri-FIT Heritage shorts give an extra inch of coverage and will appeal to fans of retro racing style…

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

Nike Dri-FIT Heritage 10cm Short

BUY IT NOW:

£27.95, nike.com (not currently available in the US)

PROS:

  • Cool retro race styling
  • Silky liner briefs

CONS:

  • Daringly high side splits
  • No storage

Comfort: 3/5
Support: 4/5
Sweat-wicking: 4/5
OVERALL: 4/5

These Nike Dri-FIT Heritage shorts are listed with ‘approximately 10cm’ inseams – that’s just under 4 inches in old money. So they actually pack an extra inch in the leg against the other 3-inch shorts on test. But, sitting half way between those and the next standard size – 5 inches – we think they sit in the former category due to their old-school racing styling. 

Nike Dri-FIT Heritage 10cm Short features

That retro design riffs off the original Nike International Running Club gear that dates back to the 1970s, reflecting the golden age of track racing. Thankfully the fabrics have been updated. That includes a lightweight outer made from Nike’s fast-wicking and rapid-drying Dri-FIT Technology and 75% recycled polyester.

The main shorts material isn’t the lightest or the stretchiest fabric you’ll find on split race shorts but the added structure gives them a nice cut and helps them keep their shape. It’s also still pretty effective at moving sweat away from the skin and staying fairly dry and light on runs. 

Looking for gym shorts? These are the best shorts for men

The overlapping side splits are particularly high and while they give you plenty of flex without fear of exposure, these shorts are not recommended for particularly gusty runs. There are also no pockets here so if you’re looking for shorts that’ll stow your mid-run fuel, you’ll need to jog on. 

Want more support? These are the best 7-inch inseam shorts

There’s a classic drawstring waistband that’s a touch narrower than some. Helpfully, the drawcord can be worn internally or externally. The built-in liner briefs are roomy and supportive and feel silky against the skin. They’re a tad narrow in the gusset so mind you don’t get your inner knickers in a twist. 

Need more insulation? Check out the best gym sweatpants and joggers

If you’re looking for a more dialled-in fit, these shorts also come in the widest range of sizes on test, with eight options all the way from XS to 4XL. We ran in the medium and found the fit came up true to size.