The 5 Best Shorts For Spartan Races

If you want to perform like a Spartan and scale Spartan Race obstacles like Ryan Atkins or Hunter McIntyre, you’ll want to look the part. Having the right Spartan Race apparel will give you the confidence to get out there and compete, and the right technical fabrics in your clothes will keep you light and dry. While there are plenty of choices you need to make from shoes and socks, to gloves and sleeves, one of the most overlooked pieces of clothing are shorts. Below, we review some of our top picks for best shorts for Spartan Race. We’ve field tested each of these and have given them all the OCR Insight stamp of approval to get you ready for your upcoming obstacle course races.

Remember, the number one rule for any and all Spartan Race apparel is to avoid cotton. The best shorts for Spartan Race will be made with nylon, spandex, polyester, or some combination thereof. It should go without saying, but anything with cargo pockets should be avoided. Any pockets in general should be mesh lined to allow water to pass through.

What Are the Best Shorts for Spartan Races?

Best Value for Men: Champion Men’s Performax Marathon Running Short

There is nothing flashy about these shorts, but when you are dragging yourself through mud, you don’t need a whole lot of bells and whistles. The fabric is light and won’t hold water, and they dry quickly. If you’re looking for a cheap option, this is the short for you.

Best Value for Women: Under Armour Women’s Perfect Pace Short

These shorts are lightweight and breathable, and have a built in liner so you don’t have to worry about what everyone else is seeing out there during a race. Elastic waistband does a great job at keeping the shorts in place on all body types. At less than $15, you won’t find a better pair of women’s shorts for race day.

Mid Range for Men: Nike Men’s Dri-Fit 7″ Wilder Freedom Running Shorts

As you get to that next level price-wise, you will see an uptick in quality as well. These shorts are more durable than the Champion Performax shorts, and you can actually trust the mesh-lined pockets if you need to carry any gels or keys. The shorts still sit above the knee, and the elastic waistband with inside drawstring does a great job keeping them in place.

Overall Best Spartan Race Shorts for Women: Reebok Women’s Crossfit Knit Shorts

Again, a higher price point, but these shorts are perfect mud run gear for any OCR race. They are moisture wicking and lightweight. They also come in a slim, but not quite spandex-tight fit that will ensure they won’t snag when get over or through any obstacle.

Overall Best Spartan Race Shorts for Men: WarriorXGear Spartan Performance Cross-Training Shorts

There is no better way to look the part than by having the Spartan emblem on the leg of one of the most function pair of shorts you can wear during race day. The four way stretch allows for maximum mobility, and while they cost a bit much, they will last from one season to the next. All around, one of the best pair of shorts you can buy for Spartan Race training and competition.

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