I’ve tried quite a few different running shorts over the last few months. (More than I previously had within the last 4+ years.) I’ve enjoyed trying these different types and brands, but I’m honestly shocked that I had to try so many before getting to where I am now; the proud new owner of outstanding, every day running shorts.
The Nike Stride running shorts are exactly what I thought the first pair of proper, expensive running shorts would be like; amazing quality, but imperfect.
Amazing Quality
The last couple pairs of shorts I’ve worn were futuristic and excessive in both design and build. But the Nike Strides look like every day, ordinary workout shorts. Just look at the photo on Nike’s site.
These look like basketball or soccer shorts that I grew up wearing but improved and modernized with sensational materials.
Unlike the survival-look of the Nike Trail Second Sunrise shorts I tried a few weeks ago, these have normal side pockets. (It’s nice to return to a relatively basic and normal design that gets the job done.)
The bulk of the exterior fabric is thin, loose, and flowy, so it fades into the background on runs. Just below the waist band Nike has perforated fabric that helps with overall air flow, while not being too see-through.
As for the in-brief liner, these shorts have the best ones I’ve tried yet!
To start with, the shorts never caused any discomfort or rubbing in sensitive places. But it gets ever better, I honestly prefer these to wearing compression shorts underneath a non-brief lined pair of shorts. (Now I understand why brands keep making shorts like this.)
With the soft, breathable, and stretchy brief lining, the shorts are form-fitting while not restricting movement. The only thing I would change is the length of the lining compared to the outer fabric. I would lengthen the lining making it slightly more comfortable. (I wouldn’t feel like I’m revealing so much of my upper legs when lifting or doing a core circuit next to other people.)
But that’s me nitpicking at what is otherwise a great pair of shorts.
Imperfect
I’m not trying to bag on what are now my main running shorts. These are just a couple items that left me wondering why Nike did what they did.
For example, the shape of the side pockets is this U-shape cut that works great for keys and other small items. But this design struggles with rectangular objects, such as a wallet and a phone. Things nearly all of us carry every day, everywhere we go.
Because of this shape, my phone and wallet don’t sit as deep as other shorts and feel like they could fall out when sitting down or standing up. (However, or the last few weeks this has yet to happen.) The solution to this is simple, you need to rotate your phone or wallet in the pocket so they’re secure and snug.
The back pocket is another example of a phenomenal job from Nike, with a small oversight. The zipper is strong and doesn’t feel like it’s going to give up and break any time soon. However, the size of the pocket itself is just a bit too tight. My phone, an iPhone 12 Pro, only fits if the case is off.
However, it’s just a bit too tight and the metal zipper tends to scratch the top or bottom of my phone every time I put it in and take it out. Sometimes I get it in with ease, but for anyone with a phone larger than mine, then it won’t fit. Or, if you’re someone that refuses to take their phone out of the case, then the pocket will be too snug for the back pocket.
Recap
I really like the Nike Strides. They’re my new base line for every new pair of shorts I try. From the light, soft fabric, to the relatively normal-looking design, these are great to wear all day. Whether you’re running 15 miles, going to the shops, or helping someone move, these will only make those activities easier and less burdensome.
I seriously forget about them on my runs, which is so nice after uncomfortable rubbing and having my phone fall out of other shorts like the Nike Challenger shorts. Assuming your phone is similar in size to the non “Plus”, “Max”, “Ultra”, or whatever the large variant of your phone is, then these are a substantial option for your next pair of running shorts.