Before trying the Nathan Front Runner 3.0 shorts, I had never spent more than $15 on a pair of shorts. (I usually just buy a pair of shorts at Walmart or Ross every couple years.)
However, when I started training for my first marathon, I wanted a nicer pair of shorts. Hoping that those might make the 26.2 miles a little bit easier, while still not spending too much. With those basic criteria, I dove into REI’s “Deals” page.
You wouldn’t believe how many decent options there seemed to be. Except for some crazy shorts that were originally priced at $90+. No thanks!
Eventually I narrowed it down to shorts from Nathan, Janji, and REI Co-op, and I decided to give the Nathan Front Runners a go. (They were the cheapest between the three at the time.) Three months later, I can honestly say that I now understand why people spend $30+ on a pair of running shorts. These Nathan shorts are…
- Incredibly Light
- Multifaceted
- In Need of a Slight Revision
Incredibly Light
I grew up in Canada and Wisconsin playing sports in pretty frigid climates, and needed clothes that would help me stay warm, but not overheat. Similar to when I first tried different compression shirts, these shorts are astounding the first few times you wear them. The fabrics are light weight and allow air to pass through easily, ensuring that you stay cool as your body works.
So much so that it feels like you’re running without shorts sometimes.
The inner lining material is soft, stretchy, and fits really well around your legs and hips. These fit so well, that I didn’t have to do what I typically do with shorts with inner linings/briefs; cut them out.
The outer material of the shorts feels buttery and as thin as paper. Adding both of these linings together, the shorts really become something special. It would’ve been nice to have a side pocket or two, but Nathan clearly wanted them to be as light as humanly possible.
One last note on the overall design; the drawstrings have this thin rubber lettering that really helps when tying them up. Unlike other shorts where it’s just regular fabric, these stick to the inseam and make it a breeze to tie.
Multifaceted
I usually go for runs in the morning, that way it’s done, and I don’t have it in the back of my head all day. Because of this, I typically stay in my running shorts all day. A practice you can easily do in these shorts. With how exceptionally comfortable the Front Runners are, activities like grocery shopping, DIY projects, cleaning, etc. can be done in them.
Going back to my previous note on the lack of side pockets, these would be nice to have when you’re out and about. Thankfully though the back zipper pocket suffices in these moments. This leads me to my new favorite, must-have feature in running shorts; a back pocket.
I’ve never had shorts with a back pocket until this year. Add in that I’m not a fan of running with phone arm bands, belts, packs, etc., and a back pocket instantly becomes the best feature. For reference, most of my runs over the last 10+ years has been done with a phone arm band. Every year. Until now.
I am determined to only get running shorts that have a back pocket now, because it’s a perfect solution to the “where do I put my phone while running” dilemma. Your arm doesn’t get sore, lose circulation, or have an annoying band that constantly needs to be readjusted.
It’s magical!
And if you’re worried that your phone might fall out of the back pocket, then just make sure you get shorts where the pocket closes with a zipper.
In Need of a Slight Revision
Similar to a high-end, expensive pair of running shoes, like the Altra Vanish Carbon 2s, you have higher expectations and standards. The Nathan Front Runners have an original price of $70, so they bring the higher level of expectations. (Even though I paid about half that.)
Because of that, there are some low points to consider. With how great the inner and outer materials are, the back pocket doesn’t keep up with that level of quality. The zipper is thinner than I would prefer, making me wonder how long these will hold up over time. Plus, the zipper frequently snagged when closing it; it had to be zipped just right for it to close seamlessly.
The rubber lettering on the draw strings started to fall off too. The shorts would still be great after it rubs off completely, but for how pricey these shorts are, it should either be more durable or not have it at all.
The biggest problem I had though, came from something exceptionally painful… The shorts rubbed my groin raw. To the point that I bled. Twice.
The first time this happened I just thought it was a one-time error on my part, but it wasn’t. Because a few weeks later it happened again.
It turns out the thread that Nathan uses on the inner lining is just a little to coarse, at least for me. Because of this, the rubbing was constant during those two runs; no matter how many times I readjusted down there. Either the pattern and lines they stitch needs to be revised, or Nathan should change to a softer thread that doesn’t rub like that.
The Recap
I really like the Front Runner shorts. The materials Nathan uses are remarkably smooth and silk-like. I love running long distances in these, but because of the placement of the rough seams and/or thread, I longer can. I end up bleeding in the last place I want to bleed. (This doesn’t always happen, only 5-10% of the time.)
Because of this, I sent them back.
These shorts might be perfect for you, whether you’re a man or a woman. Give them a shot. Run in them for 30 days or so and see if they rub you the wrong way. Because if they don’t, then you end up with an extremely nice pair of running shorts.