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For a while, I’ve been looking for a pair of running shorts that can help me get the best performance, but also look pretty cool too. I spent ages scrolling through review sites and trying to see what runners like me found the most useful. After months of searching, I came across the Reebok 2-in-1 running shorts.
After putting them through their paces, I found that these Reebok 2-in-1 shorts are brilliant for keeping you warm and comfortable as well as helping you get the most out of your run. Equipped with inner compression-style shorts, they let you get all the benefits out of compression wear whilst also giving runners the great look of traditional running shorts.
In this article, I’m going to explain the pros and cons of these running shorts and why they could (or could not) be the ideal choice for you.
I’ve also done a quick video review of some of their main benefits and features. You can check that out below.
Key Takeaways
To test out these running shorts, I ran a 5K in December when the temperature was around 4° Celcius (39.2° Fahrenheit). I was able to complete the run in around 30 mins.
The reason behind choosing this distance to test out my new pair of running shorts was to get a general idea of how well these running shorts would perform when undergoing one of the most popular distances known to runners.
After testing them out, I found that these running shorts have the following Pros and Cons.
| Pros | Cons |
| Compression-Style Section Could Help Performance | Small Inner Pocket |
| Highly Flexible and Adjustable | Small Reflective Details |
| Perfect For Winter Running | |
| Great For Comfort | |
| Great Traditional Outer Look |
Compression-Style Layer Helps Performance
The number one reason that I chose these running shorts was that they come with a compression-style layer.
When writing this article on the benefits that compression shorts can have for runners, I found that compression gear could do brilliant things for your performance. Examples include reducing injury, increasing stabilization and even helping with overall performance. With this in mind, I couldn’t afford not to have a pair of running shorts that offer compression benefits.
It was difficult to measure the effectiveness of the compression layer of the shorts because I wasn’t in a controlled environment or able to use the running shorts when I was suffering from a running injury that they could have helped with.
That being the case, the compression-style layer of the shorts fit snugly around my legs without constricting the blood flow too much – a problem that many runners tend to suffer from when it comes to compression gear.
They also didn’t chafe around my inner thighs, which is another problem common with tight-fitting running apparel. You can learn more about chafing from running shorts in this article.
Highly Flexible and Adjustable
A big concern that I had when considering these running shorts was that if I try to adjust the inner layer, it will cause the outer layer to ride up, and vice versa.
I experimented with this the moment I put on the running shorts, I found that pulling the outer layer of the running shorts up or down will not cause the inner layer to ride up or down.
This means that you can adjust the outer layer of the running shorts in a way that you’re happy with whilst also arranging the compression layer to keep you as comfortable as possible. You can learn more about why running shorts ride up and down here.
I also found that the running shorts can be pulled from side to side without causing any big changes to the inner layer of the running shorts.
I went for a size Large when going for these shorts. I always get cautious when buying running shorts because sizes typically only fit into the small medium and large categories and it would be great if there was a little more guidance.
Luckily, these shorts fit with no issue at all. They were a little big at first, but the drawstrings are strong and can easily be used to help get your desired fit.
If you’re still stuck on what size running shorts to go for, I’ve included the men’s size guide directly from Reebok below!
| Size | Waist | Hip | Inside Leg Length |
| XS | 27 – 29″ | 32 – 34″ | 31.9″ |
| S | 30 – 32″ | 35 – 37″ | 32.1″ |
| M | 32 – 35″ | 37 – 40″ | 32.3″ |
| L | 35 – 39″ | 40 – 44″ | 32.5″ |
| XL | 39 – 43″ | 44 – 48″ | 32.7″ |
| 2XL | 43 – 47″ | 48 – 51″ | 32.5″ |
| 3XL | 48 – 53 | 51 – 56″ | 32.3″ |
Perfect For Winter Running
I’m probably slightly biased by saying this because the conditions that I tested these running shorts out in were pretty cold. But if you’re looking for a pair of running shorts that will keep you warm even during the coldest weather, these shorts are ideal.
I could notice a clear difference between the section of my legs that was covered by the shorts and the section that wasn’t. My upper legs and waist were a lot warmer than they would have been if I was wearing regular running shorts or a pair of generic sweatpants. You can learn more about the positives and negatives of running in sweatpants here.
In retrospect, it may have been better if the running shorts were long enough to cover my knees too. But given that they supplied so much warmth to the most important areas, I don’t think it’s a huge issue.
Great Comfort
These shorts are made with speedwick polyester from recycled and refurbished materials. When first trying these running shorts on, I had concerns that repurposed materials wouldn’t quite match up to brand-new materials.
Luckily, they were very comfortable. The material has a strong but soft feeling against your skin and it moves with ease as you stride from one foot to another without rubbing against the body.
When it comes to comfort I think the biggest selling point of these 2-in-1 shorts is the breathability. Not only does the compression layer of the shorts easily push sweat to the surface so that it can be evaporated, but the outer layer of the shorts also has ventilation built-in down the sides. This adds to the aesthetic of the external running shorts and also increases breathability without sacrificing warmth.
Whilst I chose to wear a pair of briefs with these running shorts, I’m sure I would have been more comfortable by running commando and allowing the built-in briefs to do their work.
Typically I find that I feel more secure when running in these compression style briefs rather than netting. You can learn more about the built-in underwear of running shorts here.
Great Traditional Outer Look
When I wrote this article on the top 3 types of running shorts I found that compression shorts were favored by 48.5% of the runners who voted.
Closely followed by this was V-Notch shorts which got 22.3% of the vote. So it only makes sense that the ideal pair of running shorts could incorporate both styles, right?
In addition to the inner compression-style shorts, these Reebok 2-in-1 running shorts have an external design that’s very similar to V-notch shorts. Meaning that the seam down the sides of the shorts fit easily into a V-shape.
So if you’re looking for a pair of shorts that can help with performance but also have a traditional style, these are the shorts for you.
Small Pocket
One of the cons that I came across when figuring out if these running shorts were right for me is that the built-in pocket is very small. In fact, it took me 5 minutes to find it! The pocket is located on the outer section of the inner short’s right leg.
The description of the item says that the pocket is big enough to hold a phone. So maybe I was optimistic in thinking it could take my keys and a small amount of drinking water too.
That being said, I was able to fit my iPhone 11 into the pocket with no problems at all. This wasn’t a huge issue for me because I generally run with this running belt. So finding the extra storage wasn’t an issue.
I guess that Reebok is aware that bigger pockets on the running shorts could potentially jeopardize the quality of the shorts and even the comfort of the runner.
Small Reflective Details
Unless you plan on running on the road or at night this shouldn’t be a problem. But I found that the reflective details on these running shorts weren’t very obvious and so if you were running in a risky area and needed to be easily seen, this may cause some issues.
My guess is that it’s the Reebok logo on the shorts that’s supposed to be reflective. Again, this didn’t ruin the running shorts for me because there are a lot more practical ways to be seen with reflective gear than simply by adding a reflective element to your running shorts. Check out my article on reflective running gear to find out more.
In Summary
These are a pair of running shorts where the benefits massively outweigh the negatives. I would urge anyone who values comfort, performance, and aesthetics to consider getting these running shorts.
