If you're someone who regularly asks friends and colleagues for workout gear referrals, you've definitely heard someone recommend Old Navy at some point. The retailer's massive offering of sports bras for all types of workouts [1], leggings, and everything in between has made it a go-to shopping destination for fitness enthusiasts. Last year I had the chance to review the brand's workout leggings and found my absolute favourite pair of leggings with pockets [2].
But since it's just way too hot to run in long tights right now (back-of-the-knee sweat can get itchy quickly in leggings), I researched Old Navy's running shorts, focusing first on length and fit. The Old Navy Dolphin-Hem Run Shorts [3] ($15, originally $20) had a 3-inch inseam. I own a few 2-inch inseam shorts from various brands that I stopped running in because the fabric gets caught in my crotch and my inner-thighs start to rub and get red. Three-inches sounded like a perfect length.
When they arrived I immediately put them on for a 20-minute HIIT run (read: lots of sprints). If there's one surefire way to test whether or not shorts are going to bunch in your crotch it's by opening up your stride and sprinting. During the run I didn't fiddle with the shorts once. The waistband remained snug without digging into my skin. I loved them — the shorts felt more like silk pajama shorts than workout gear, and the inner lining was lightweight.
These are my absolute favourite pair and lucky me, they come in 11 other colours, including tie-dye.
Old Navy Dolphin-Hem Run Shorts
The Dolphin-Hem Run Shorts [5] ($15, originally $20) fit true to size, and are nice and roomy.
I ordered the Dolphin-Hem Run Shorts [6] ($15, originally $20) in the black leopard print.
Dolphin-Hem Run Shorts
We love these bright Dolphin-Hem Run Shorts [7] ($15, originally $20) for early evening runs.
Dolphin-Hem Run Shorts
The Dolphin-Hem Run Shorts [8] ($15, originally $20) even come in a fun tropical print! There's a matching sports bra, too.
Dolphin-Hem Run Shorts
We'll take these Dolphin-Hem Run Shorts [9] ($15, originally $20) in tie-dye and show them off.