I’ve used these shorts a few times since receiving them a couple weeks ago, and if you’re someone who wants zero restriction, these are a dream!
The Pros:
- True Mobility: These are ridiculously lightweight and packable. On the body, they essentially vanish. Because the fabric is so flexible, you can open up for a massive, aggressive stride without any of that annoying "tugging" or resistance.
- “Hold My Jacket, PLZ!”: This is super practical and simplistic, but genius! There are drawstrings on the back specifically to loop a lightweight shell through. If you’ve ever ran miles or hiked with a windbreaker tied around your waist bouncing against your legs, you’ll realize this is the feature you didn't know you needed. Since these drawstrings are on the exterior of the shorts, your jacket doesn’t rub against your skin, so no chafing!
- Stays Crisp: Even when in high humidity, these don’t turn into a heavy, waterlogged mess. They stay airy from start to finish. If they do get wet, they dry super quickly!
Preference Dependent Points:
• Pocket Chaos: This is my biggest gripe. Nike decided on an "eight-pocket design," but in reality, it feels like they just threw mesh slots and pockets everywhere. There are three mesh stash pockets in the front, two cloth pockets on the rear hips, and two small ones in the back, and zippered small pocket. I understand what they were going for being an ACG product, but it is a lot of noise. Personally, I’d trade all eight for five meaningful pockets: two on the side, two on the back, and a utility pocket that all use the same small, lightweight zipper found on the center-back phone pocket. I want to know my gear is locked down, not just "stashed" and hoping for the best.
• The Liner Situation: To each their own, but I’m not a huge fan of the built-in brief. I have my own performance underwear that I’d rather use, and having to layer over their liner feels redundant and cluttered. If you’re picky about your base layer, this is going to be your main hurdle.
The Only Downside:
• Fragility: Because they’re so thin and high-tech, you have to treat them with a bit of care. If you accidentally trip or snag these shorts on branches, I could see them ripping. But, that is what comes with lightweight and thin performance-wear.
Conclusive Thoughts:
Overall, I still give these 5 stars because the pocket situation and liner are preferences by person. Just because I preferred something different doesn’t mean others would label these as cons. As for the fragility, I don’t knock any points because durability most often comes with weight. Inherently, I can tell a lot thought, innovation, and tech went into designing these shorts, and that is what I really appreciate about Nike products. I will be looking forward to wearing these more into the spring and summer!
