It’s a classic runner’s dilemma, as familiar as a pre-dawn alarm or the final push up a tough hill. You open your drawer, ready to gear up, and face the question: running pants or shorts? The answer depends on comfort, performance, and picking the right gear for the job.

From the chilly bite of a Johannesburg winter morning to the humid heat of Durban, what you wear can make or break your run. Let’s break down the differences between running pants and shorts, plus their pros and cons to help you decide.

Get Freedom and Flow with Running Shorts

Running shorts are the go-to for a reason. They represent freedom, speed, and a minimalist approach to running.

Running Shorts Pros

• Maximum Breathability: When the sun is beating down, nothing beats the airflow of a good pair of shorts. They are essential for staying cool and preventing overheating during intense workouts or on hot days.

• Unrestricted Movement: The design of running shorts offers a complete range of motion, making them perfect for speedwork, track sessions, and race day when you don’t want anything holding you back.

• Lightweight: The benefits of running shorts truly shine when it comes to weight. They are the lightest option available, helping you feel fast and unencumbered, whether you're tackling a quick 5k or a marathon.

Running Shorts Cons

• No Protection: Shorts offer little defence against the elements. A sudden cold front, whipping wind, or even just a chilly morning can leave your muscles feeling stiff and cold. They also don't protect your skin from scrapes on trails or sunburn on a long road run.

• Chafing Can Be an Issue: For some runners, skin-on-skin friction can be a problem over longer distances. While many modern shorts have built-in liners to help, it’s a factor to consider.

Best For

Hot weather runs, race day, speedwork, treadmill sessions, and runners who prioritise maximum freedom of movement.  Buy running shorts online here.

Get Protection and Performance with Running Pants

Running pants have evolved far beyond the baggy sweatpants of the past. Today’s technical running pants are engineered for performance, offering a unique set of advantages.

Running Pants Pros

• Muscle Support & Compression: Many modern running pants, especially tights, offer a compressive fit. This can help improve blood flow, reduce muscle oscillation (vibration), and even aid in recovery by keeping muscles warm and supported.

• Weather Protection: This is when to wear running pants. They are your first line of defence against the cold, wind, and light rain, keeping your muscles warm and functional. For those truly icy conditions, a pair ofBest Cold Weather Running Pants That’ll Keep You Running All Winter is non-negotiable.

• Physical Protection: If you’re a trail runner, pants provide a crucial barrier against scratches from branches, ticks, and scrapes from falls. They also offer an extra layer of sun protection.

Running Pants Cons

• Can Cause Overheating: Even the most breathable pants can feel too warm on a mild or hot day, leading to discomfort and excessive sweating.

• Can Feel Restrictive: While modern fabrics are incredibly flexible, some runners simply prefer the completely unrestricted feeling that only shorts can provide.

Best For

Cold weather, windy days, trail running, morning warm-ups, and runners who prefer the feel of compression and muscle support.Get your running pants online here.

Making the Right Choice for Your Workout

So, running pants vs. shorts? The best answer often depends on where and when you're running.

• A summer run in Durban or Cape Town: Shorts are the undisputed champion here. The humidity and heat demand maximum ventilation.

• A winter morning in the Highveld: Running pants are essential. They’ll keep your muscles warm and protected from that sharp, dry cold, helping to prevent injury.

• Trail running in the Drakensberg: Pants are the smarter choice for protection against the elements and terrain.

• A HIIT session at the gym: This is where it comes down to preference. Shorts offer freedom for box jumps, while pants can provide support for squats and lunges.

Get The Best of Both Worlds

Sometimes, the answer isn’t one or the other. For those in-between days or runs that start cold and end warm, mastering the art of layering is key. As we discuss in our guide to  layering with running pants between seasons, you can wear a pair of shorts over your running tights for extra warmth that can be adjusted mid-run.

Ultimately, the perfect running wardrobe contains both high-quality pants and shorts. By understanding the strengths of each, you can make the best choice for any workout, in any condition.

Ready to find your perfect pair? Check out our complete  Ultimate Guide to Choosing Running Pants to explore materials, fits, and styles.