Running is one of the most accessible sports that you can do.
There are no rules to learn, no schedules to adhere to and no costly memberships required – it’s a simple case of putting one foot in front of the other.
It’s not easy though - far from it - and often without a timetable and the threat of a no-show fee or a monthly outlay wasted, it can be challenging to get the motivation to take to the pavements.
One way we have found to encourage us to lace up our running kicks is by treating ourselves to kit. No case of all the gear and no idea, the right apparel will rev you up to go further and faster. Whether that’s layering up in the winter or finding breathable solutions in the summer.
In the case of the latter, the British weather can never guarantee sunshine but as you rack up the mileage, you’ll be pleased for lightweight materials to prevent dehydration or at worst sunstroke.
Your summer running kit should begin with a pair of well-fitting shoes that won’t leave your precious feet covered in blisters and include technical socks that cushion in all the right places. As far as apparel is concerned, you’ll want to steer clear of heat-trapping fabrics like cotton and look to moisture-wicking, lightweight alternatives, especially when it comes to your bottom halves.
If the idea of wearing shorts is immediately synonymous with chafing, there is a solution that offers the same freedom of movement and comfort that we’ve come to know and love of cut-offs yet won’t leave you sore or redraw.
The invention of the two-in-one short was a game-changer for warm-weather runners. The double-layer design is made up of a free-flowing exterior that protects your modesty and a seamless inner to avoid rubbing. It’s a best of both worlds’ situation so it’s not surprising that they’re extremely popular with everyone from casual park runners to determined marathoners.
Look out for hidden pockets that are helpful for stashing the essentials and performance fabrics that will wick away sweat, dry quickly and keep you cool.
Shop the best 2 in 1 running shorts for men and women below
Best 2 in 1 running shorts for women
Nike Tempo Luxe Women's 2-In-1 Running Shorts
You can always rely on the sportswear giant for every detail considered. These Nike shorts are the best of both worlds with a loosely fitted exterior but cycling-esque inner lining. But, and what makes them stand out from the crowd is the storage options. Women’s clothing is so often lacking pockets but not these shorts which have a side pocket that is sizeable enough to stash your phone inside - should you need it for music or maps mid-run. There is also an inner drop pocket for petite possessions like keys and cards.
These shorts are kitted out with Nike’s signature Dri-FIT technology to stay comfortable during elevated mileage and are made from at least 50 per cent recycled polyester.
Buy now £39.95, Nike
Tala FormTech Double Layer Adjuster Running Short
One glance at the loose-fitting exterior and you wouldn’t suspect there is a secret protective interior that lines these shorts. Tala has thought of the finest details to ensure you are secure throughout your run, namely multiple pocket options for all your valuables. This includes a secret phone-size one on the cycling short inside and a zipped option. The shorts are constructed from a hydrophobic polyester blend material so they will stay dry no matter how hard you push yourself to achieve your PB.
Buy now £44.00, Tala
Adidas Ultimate Two-in-One Shorts
We like short shorts, especially when they come with anti-chafe solutions as is the case with Adidas’ Two-in-One. Double the layers, double the protection, the running staple comes complete with a cooling interior short as well as the logo-embellished exterior featuring pops of reflective detailing to up visibility when the sun goes down. They are also made from at least 70 per cent recycled materials.
Buy now £50.00, Adidas
Gymshark Running 2 in 1 Shorts
Complete with a modesty-securing inner short, Gymshark designed these bottom halves with running in mind. The long-distance-ready style comes complete with a technical construction that keeps you cool, dry and collected as you rack up the miles and an internal drawcord to tailor the fit. There’s even subtle reflective detailing that you won’t notice when it’s light out but comes into its own when the sun goes down.
Buy now, Gymshark
Reebok Running Two-in-One Shorts
Whether your training plan consists of laps around a track or you’re exploring your local area and racking up the miles while doing so, you want hard-working activewear and these shorts from Reebok are exactly that. They may be micro in appearance but the interior shorts provide a good level of coverage so as not to distract you while you’re running. The fabric is lightweight and sweat-wicking.
Buy now £28.00, Reebok
Under Armour IsoChill 2in1 Shorts Womens
Not only do these shorts provide a welcomed pop of colour among the sea of neutral-toned activewear but they are made from Under Armour’s specialised IsoChill material to keep you cool, calm and collected while you achieve your running goals. Uphill sprints or time trials will be no match for the built-in inner lining that gives comfortable coverage and prevents chafing. The latter is also ensured by flatlock seams. There is also a secret mini pocket to stash small essentials like keys.
Buy now £13.01, Sports Direct
Best 2 in 1 running shorts for men
The North Face Sunriser 4" 2-in-1 Shorts
Much like everything that The North Face products, the Sunriser shorts were made to enhance your performance. To achieve that, the brand has constructed a two-layer design in which the inner cycling compression shorts have ample stretch for a free range of movement. They are also made from a trademarked quick-drying, moisture-wicking FlashDry fabric to see you through the most intensive of training sessions, enhanced by a breathable mesh. On the right leg, a phone pocket adds to their immense wearability.
Buy now £42.00, The North Face
Alo 5” Revival 2-in-1 Short
Feel focused and comfortable when you’re grinding on the trails or the streets with these shorts that provide a second-skin-like feel. The outer shell is made from a woven fabric that is lightweight and run-ready - but it’s the interior lining where this design shines. The inner shorts are made from a compression fabric that locks in place without riding up but still gives ample stretch.
Buy now £90.00, Alo
Hoka Glide 7" Short
Have your workout wear work harder for you by opting for kit that is packed with handy features. The Hoka Glide are not your everyday shorts. While they have a relaxed fit at the outer layer, they are lined with an inner that acts much like built-in underwear to keep you protected and comfortable. Best of all, they are fitted with a phone pocket so there’s no fear of glass-shattering mishaps as you power through your strides.
Buy now £34.99, Hoka
Castore Men’s Flow 2-in-1 Shorts - Gunmetal
Sleek, sophisticated designs run through Castore’s collection and extend to these shorts that come in the attractive gunmetal colourway pictured. With performance in mind, the brand has paid attention to the finer details, from the use of sweat-wicking Aertek fabric to the water-resistant outer Protek technology. These are shorts that won’t stand in your way as you push yourself to the next level of your fitness goals.
Buy now £50.00, Castore
TCA Ultra 2-In-1 Running Short For Men With Side Zip Pockets & Internal Compression Lining
Combining quality and performance, TCA has layered up a ‘Quick Dry’ exterior with a compression inner for pounding the pavements with premium apparel. High-intensity intervals are no match for these shorts that are crafted from the brand’s own Elite fabric and adorned with drawstrings to optimise the fit.
Buy now £23.00, TCA
2XU Men's Aero 2-in-1 5" Shorts Shorts
If you have been known to throw on any old cotton shorts lying around the house for your previous park runs, upgrading to these shorts from 2XU will be a transformational experience. The power pair is made from lightweight materials and ventilated in all the right places so they won’t stand in your way in the sweat-inducing sessions. The inner has a compression fit and a phone pocket. There is an additional zipped pocket on the exterior too.
Buy now £35.24, Amazon
Under Armour Men's UA Launch 5'' 2-in-1 Shorts
Designed with built-in compression shorts, Under Armour is offering two for the price of one. Ultra-light, with mesh side panels and a sweat-wicking fabric, they’ll make sure you stay cool and dry, whilst offering maximum support thanks to the added layer.
With two external pockets that provide more than enough space for the running essentials as well as a nifty mesh lining to safely stash a smartphone, they’re a streamlined option that will allow you to run like the wind.
Buy now £35.97, Under Armour
