W's 5" Pace Short

I wanted so badly to give these 4 stars. I've been going back and forth about this review since these arrived, but I just can't give anything but five stars to something I keep digging out of the laundry basket every time I run. They even beat out my previous AFOs that I thought were the best running shorts I'd ever tried. This is despite the fact that the reflective decal has already come off after less than a month and they aren't nearly as compressive as I thought, which leads me to worry they might ride up if the gel dots wear off over time.

I am 5'4 W28, H38 and I ordered an S. I could have easily sized down to an XS, so they run a bit large, especially if you are looking for something compressive. However, I do think this is a blessing in disguise since they don't dig into the stomach area at all.

I have three major concerns:
1. There is a bit of shimmy you have to do to get your phone not to bounce (Iphone SE), likely due to the fact these are not compressive.
2. The inner waist tie is not plastic-tipped and has already disappeared into the shorts.
3. They run larger/are looser than expected. I worry that if the gel dots wear off they may ride up.

However, none of this matters when they are the most comfortable shorts I've ever run in, AND I don't need a running bag. I carry my phone, wallet, keys, and a self defense item easily. I don't find them any hotter or less breathable than the AFOs, or transparent when sweaty for that matter.

I wore a single pair of these shorts every day for a pilgrimage from Switzerland to Rome after already using them for running for at least a year, maybe two. I realized part way through that I maybe should have brought a second pair to rotate for such a long trip and starting with already used shorts, but these shorts proved me wrong. They survived multiple times being washed/dried on hot (goodbye, bed bugs), all sorts of terrain, and being worn every day for 15-25 miles for 6 weeks straight. They never rode up and I never had chafing issues. Aside from looking a little worn on the logo, you couldn't tell how much use they had had. One seam of the leg busted after 600 miles (about 1/2 inch), which was easily repaired by hand on the road and lasted the rest of the trip. The bottom of one pocket also wore through eventually, perhaps from when I toasted the shorts, but I just put my phone in the other pocket for the rest of the trip. I'm really happy about the durability and reliability of these shorts and intend to keep using them in their patched up, but still very functional state.

They’re magical. I need more. I can’t believe how much more enjoyable they make summer running!

These are so comfortable and they stay in place while running.

These shorts are a DREAM. The sticky circles at the base keep the shorts in place, even on >20 mile trail runs. Even after several washes, they've remained just as great. I'll just keep buying more!

These are honestly my ride-or-die shorts. I have so many sizes, colors, prints, and iterations because nothing else beats them...deep, angled pockets, plenty of storage, legs stay put.

I’m not usually a fan of compression shorts, but these are excellent. They don’t ride up and are a flattering length.

new favorite running shorts, no chaffing, so many pockets.

Wore these for an end of July 50 miler and loved them! Stayed comfortable through two thunderstorms and wild humidity. I’m a size 6 in jeans, with a booty, and the medium fits perfect!

My 3rd one. Perfect fit!