Welcome to the second issue of Qatch Run Club 🏃
Our goal is simple: help you spend less time scrolling and more time running. Every week we’ll share products and tips we think are actually worth your attention.
We spend a LOT of time testing running gear so you don’t have to, and today we’re tackling one of the most surprisingly hard things to get right: running shorts.
This week's run club is brought to you by Thrive Market
One thing nobody warns you about when you start running more? You start eating more. And suddenly the grocery bill is looking a lot like the running shoe budget 😅
That’s one of the reasons we love Thrive Market. It’s an easy way to stock up on the things we’re constantly restocking anyway: snacks, bars, nut butter, coffee, pantry staples, while getting member-only prices and deals.
And when running already has us spending money on shoes, race entries + tons of gear...we’ll happily save on the groceries.
the running shorts report →
We’ve tested 20+ pairs of running shorts across easy runs, speed workouts + long-run days. These are the 6 pairs we keep reaching for.
BEST FOR: serious mileage
These shorts mean BUSINESS. You get a supportive 5" compression fit, anti-chafe construction + grip tape at the hem designed to prevent them from riding up. And the storage is elite: two phone-sized side pockets plus a zippered back pocket. If we were picking a pair specifically for long runs or race day, these would be high on the list.
BEST FOR: hot + sweaty runs
The fabric is ultra-lightweight + quick-drying, with huge side splits for airflow and freedom of movement. There's also a built-in liner + hidden back pocket for a key or gel. One note: if your thighs tend to rub, the super-flowy 3" cut may not give you enough coverage for your longest runs.
BEST FOR: the budget buy
Proof you absolutely do NOT need to spend $80 on running shorts. These are lightweight, quick-drying + breathable with a built-in brief and a small zip pocket. Great for short + mid-distance runs. At around $30, they're the pair we'd recommend for stocking up without destroying your running budget.
BEST FOR: run → everything else
For the biker-short girlies. The longer, fitted silhouette gives you more coverage than a traditional running short and is SO easy to wear beyond your workout. We'd reach for this style when you want one pair that can take you from a run to errands, coffee + whatever else is happening that day.
BEST FOR: looking cute while you run
The running short for anyone who doesn't love the super-technical running short look. They're lightweight + flowy with a built-in liner and a waistband designed to stay put, but the layered silhouette makes them cute enough that we'd happily wear them long after the run is over.
BEST FOR: pockets on pockets
If you like a shorter compression short but still need somewhere to put ALL your stuff, these are hard to beat. They’re lightweight + supportive with a thigh pocket for your phone, a secure zip pocket in the back AND another mesh pocket. Basically, leave the running belt at home.
looking for more options?
Six favorites barely scratches the surface. We keep our master list updated with more of the shorts, shoes + running gear we love. See what’s new on the Running Gear Master List →
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Running recs, honest reviews + the gear we’d buy again.
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