Rundefeated

Running is a beautiful, pure sport. All you need is a pair of shoes and a will to suffer. But somewhere along the way, we runners got complicated. We started timing ourselves, tracking our heart rates, and — worst of all — debating what to wear on our legs. Enter the great running bottoms debate: shorts, leggings (compression tights if you wanna sound serious), or both? I’ve tried them all, and let me tell you, each has its quirks.

First, let’s talk about shorts. The classic, the OG, the no-nonsense fabric rectangle that covers just enough to keep your dignity intact while allowing your legs to feel the wind like a majestic gazelle. Shorts are breezy, lightweight, and make you feel faster than you probably are. The downside? If you pick the wrong pair, you might end up battling inner-thigh chafing so severe it’ll feel like you ran through a sandpaper storm.

Then there’s compression leggings. Oh yes — the slick, skin-tight superhero costume that makes you feel like you’re about to save the city… or at least jog a 5K. The science says they improve blood flow, reduce muscle fatigue, and might even boost performance. What the science doesn’t mention is the delicate wrestling match you’ll perform in the locker room trying to put them on or take them off. Also, if you’re a guy, there’s the visibility factor you’ll need to navigate carefully.

And now for the bold, audacious hybrid: shorts over leggings. The outfit choice of runners who couldn’t decide, and said, “Why not both?” It’s the fashion statement equivalent of ordering a burger and pizza because you’re an adult and no one can stop you. This combo gives you the muscle support of leggings and the modesty of shorts. Also, you look like a Marvel sidekick on his day off. The downside? You might be mistaken for someone who got lost on the way to a CrossFit gym.

From a performance perspective, leggings win in cold weather. They keep your legs warm and compressed, making those frosty morning runs less of an ordeal. Shorts, on the other hand, are unbeatable for tropical climates or when you want maximum airflow. Running in shorts in winter? Bold. Running in leggings in summer? You, my friend, are a sauna enthusiast in denial.

Comfort-wise, shorts still reign supreme. No one ever sighed in relief peeling off a pair of shorts after a run. Leggings, though? Taking those off after a long, sweaty run is like trying to remove a wet snake from your legs. It’s a whole event. If your housemate walks in while you’re doing it, expect questions.

Aesthetically, if you care about how you look when running (which you pretend you don’t but secretly you do), shorts over leggings give off an “urban warrior meets cardio king” vibe. Pure shorts say, “I’m here to race.” Pure leggings scream, “I own a foam roller and talk about recovery nutrition at parties.”

Then there’s the pocket problem. Shorts usually have at least one tiny pocket where you can squeeze a key, a gel, or the shattered remnants of your hopes at the 30th minute mark. Leggings are hit or miss — some come with nifty back pockets, while others leave you frantically stuffing your phone in your waistband like a fugitive on the run.

When it comes to practicality, mixing both might just be the Swiss Army knife solution. Warm enough for early starts, cool enough when the sun rises, pockets for days (if you choose wisely), and compression to make you feel like you’re taking your training too seriously. Downsides? People might ask if you’re auditioning for a new season of The Flash.

In conclusion, the real answer is: wear whatever makes you feel fast, confident, and not at risk of public indecency. Shorts, leggings, or both — none of them will actually shave minutes off your time if you stop every five minutes to take a selfie. But hey, if you look good doing it, isn’t that what really matters?