Gear Review: Brooks Women's Shorts

Finding the right running shorts can make your transition to warm-weather training all the more exciting. Brooks updated their signature, semi-fitted Chaser women’s shorts collection to feature performance materials and a lightweight feel.

Brooks integrates functionality and fit with the updated Chaser collection. Featuring their signature DriLayer fabric to provide high performance moisture control, the updated Chaser shorts include pockets galore for you to store your essentials on the go and a variety of liners to keep you comfortable and provide the coverage you need while you move.

Fleet Feet runners tested out some of the pieces from the updated Brooks Chaser collection to see how they fit and performed. Here’s what they thought of the new gear:

The Chaser 3” short is a breezy update to your warm weather running kit. Redesigned with recycled polyester and Brooks’ DriLayer technology, the 3” short is built to keep you dry and comfortable on the run. This lightweight fabric is smooth and comfortable against the skin, which means no chafing during long, hard runs.

“I definitely forgot I was wearing them.” says one reviewer, “I would wear these for any kind of workout, from an easy day up to a long run or speed workout.”

With a semi-fitted cut, the Chaser 3” short is easy to move in and flattering to any body type. A new feature is the exposed elastic waistband that provides no-slip structure to your workout.

“I love the waistband, it doesn’t slide around and doesn’t get in the way when I transition from running to activities like lifting or core workouts.” one reviewer says. “I ran in these in winter and cross trained in them afterward and even with all the sweat from my run before, these shorts felt comfortable and kept me chafe-free for hours.”

Two drop pockets at the front of the brief liner and a zipper pocket in the back give you plenty of room to store your essentials and remain comfortable on the run. The all-new jersey fabric brief liner shows off Brook’s new Smooth Cloud seaming for ultimate comfort and coverage while you run.

What’s New: The redesigned waistband features exposed elastic for an adjustable fit; the short incorporates a recycled polyester blend into the fabric; an all-new jersey brief liner provides moisture control and coverage.

If you are looking for more length and coverage, the Chaser 5” short is perfect for you. This short is similarly made from recycled polyester and boasts the lightweight moisture control of Brooks’ DriLayer technology, but gives more length and coverage than its 3” companion.

The performance fabric is smooth and lightweight, and the semi-fitted cut allows for a natural range of motion and a flattering fit. A new, wider waistband features an internal drawcord for extra adjustability.

As one Fleet Feet reviewer put it, “The wide, flat waistband gives the whole short a smooth appearance. It’s also filled with pockets, which I love. The back pocket is large and stretchy enough to fit a standard-sized smartphone against my lower back. The front two drop pockets are perfect for a car key or energy gel.”

But the updated waistband isn’t the only thing that gives the new Chaser 5” short a sleeker look. A jersey fabric brief liner provides seamless coverage and comfort on the run without chafing or added bulk.

The longer, 5” inseam makes these shorts versatile; whether you wear them on a long run, a track workout or a hike, the soft, performance fabric will help you feel and look your best.

One reviewer glows, “The fabric is so soft and comfortable you’ll forget they’re there. Plus, the new colorways get me excited about running in the spring and summer!”

What’s New: A broader waistband lays flat and smooth against the waist and features an internal drawstring for a customizable fit; brand-new colorways let you upgrade your look; an all-new jersey brief liner provides comfortable moisture control and coverage.

With a super-sleek look and feel, the Brooks Method 8” tights boast a new fit and performance fabric. The Method 8” tight sits high on the natural waist and features an internal drawstring to ensure a no-slip feel. The minimalist design of the waistband provides storage options with a back and two front pockets, and supports your body while you move without limiting motion.

The DriLayer fabric provides lightweight moisture control and breathability, though the fabric is also thick enough to provide a compressive feel and prevent chafing while you run or bike. Reviewers raved about the compression fit throughout the leg.

One reviewer says, “They stay in place without anything sticky on the interior to keep them there! I’ve worn plenty of long shorts that ride up, and these don’t do that.”

In addition to unbeatable comfort, the Method 8” shorts sport a wide variety of pockets (five to be exact). With a back zipper pocket, two side leg pockets large enough to store a phone and two waistband pockets, there is no shortage of places to hold your belongings in the Method shorts.

Reviewers loved the security of the pockets, ensured by the overall compressive fit of the shorts.

“I love the deep side pockets. They hold my phone securely so I can keep it with me while I work out and not worry about it falling out,” one reviewer says, “I kept my car keys in the back zipper pocket and it handled the bulk really well and didn’t compromise the overall comfort and feel of the shorts.”

What’s New: A sleek design focused on breathability and compression; the waistband is broad and lays flat against the waist to keep your shorts in place; minimalist seaming helps to keep the shorts compressive and prevent riding up while you move.

With new fits and stylish colorways, the updated Brooks shorts collection provides perfect pieces to start off spring training or spruce up your summer run kit. Brooks’ focus on incorporating recycled materials into their updated models delivers performance you can feel good about.