Adidas Terrex Multi Trail Running Shorts: first impressions
I’ve been testing the short (5-inch leg) version of these trail-running shorts from Terrex (the outdoor-orientated wing of German sporting behemoth brand Adidas), and I did find them almost alarmingly minimalist at first glance.
They’re ultra-light to hold, not least because there’s no inner. This does give you options: it means you can wear them over the top of running leggings, outdoor-active tights and base-layer bottoms. And some runners do definitely prefer to choose their own running underwear – while others opt to go commando and not wear anything under running shorts and leggings.
It’s quite rare, though, to come across trail-running shorts with no inner layer these days. There’s an argument for this, and I would prefer to have no undershort than an uncomfortable mesh inner. But – certainly for the 5-inch versions of these shorts – it does mean you need to combine them with something (sport underwear or leggings) or risk a very unkind form of frostbite/potential arrest for indecency, and these additional layers inevitably affect the performance of the shorts, in terms of weight, breathability and comfort. It’s also something else to launder.
Adidas Terrex Multi Trail Running Shorts: design and materials
• List price: $50 (US) / £45 (UK)
• Unisex: Men’s / Women’s
• Sizes: XS-XL
• Inseam options: 5in, 7in, 9in / 12.5cm, 18cm, 23cm
• Materials: 100% recycled polyester
• Weight: 100g / 3.6oz
• Colors: Black / Olive Strata / Charcoal (men’s); Black / Burgundy (women’s)
• Compatibility: Trail and mixed-terrain running
I was, however, impressed and pleased to see that these shorts are made almost entirely (at least 70%) from recycled material. The polyester used is tough and durable, and the panelled design gives the garment a good shape. There’s a split on the legs to facilitate maximum freedom of movement and the waist is elasticated, with a tie-cord for backup. There are two pockets on these shorts: one on the right side and one on the rear, both with zips.
There’s a bright white Terrex logo on the front of the left leg, but no reflective elements on the rear, which would have been a good addition for safety when running on roads and lanes at night. As mentioned, there is no inner in these shorts, and the panelled design does mean there are lots of seams on the inside, which might irritate some people (though they haven’t caused me any problems).
Meet the reviewer
Adidas Terrex Multi Trail Running Shorts: on the trails
I have been using these shorts while running on local trails and lanes, as well as through woodlands, along the coast and on some craggy hilltops. They’re a perfectly practical all-terrain option. The split leg and lightweight construction of the shorts means you enjoy full range of movement, which makes jumping over logs, rocks and other obstacles much easier.
I have appreciated having two zipped pockets for keeping things (keys, credit card, cash) safe and secure. Initially I thought it a bit odd that there isn’t a third pocket on the left side, but actually, there’s no real need for one – it’s not like you run around with your hands in your pockets.
That said, the rear pocket could be a bit bigger – you can’t fit a phone in it for example, and running with a phone in a side pocket is very irritating (I’m usually very happy to leave my phone at home while running, but not everyone is). There are no mesh pouches for energy gels either. All up, I think these shorts are better for quicker, shorter runs, rather than anything over 10 miles (to go much further you’d need to be wearing a running vest to take advantage of the extra storage space).
These shorts are very lightweight, and they remain so even if you get caught out in the rain and get a drenching – the polyester material is hydrophobic and doesn’t take on much water, and it dries out super quick. However, you won’t reap the benefits of this if your underwear doesn’t have the same properties, which is one of the downsides of not having a light inner.
