The North Face Better than Naked Split shorts features the North Face’s trademarked FlashDry technology which wicks moisture away from the skin and eliminates that moisture! This keeps the runner as dry as possible during extended activity. The shorts have a flat waistband that won’t bunch up and a drawstring to create the perfect fit. The Better Than Naked shorts feature a built in liner, room in the rear zippered pouch for a gel or other small essentials, and the split sides create a great look and extra ventilation. As an added bonus, they also have reflective logos. The reflective pieces located toward the side of the shorts are just enough to be visible through the night, but not so much to be blinding. The retail price is $55 which lies firmly in the normal price range for quality and performance type running shorts.
These shorts stood up to long runs with regard to comfort and durability. The stitch-free seams kept the run going without a hint of chafe and they did their part in staying dry while running in a hot desert climate. There is a reason that they are called “Better Than Naked,” as these shorts are so light and comfortable that you feel like you are running in the buff! These shorts can take you for a quick lunch run or can be your go to long run shorts. They are versatile and comfortable during a long day on the trail. The built in liner can be a bit snug in these shorts so if you tend to wear your shorts tighter, getting a size up may be recommended or the liner may creep. With any running shorts, try to hang them dry and definitely tie the drawstrings before throwing them in the washing machine. Doing this will save you the time it will take to seek out the drawstring that gets sucked into the waist portion of the shorts during the wash cycle and it will keep your liner from wearing down.
The shorts are great for all types of running, but with a little extra length may be best for trail running. As far as durability is concerned, after testing these shorts for months, there is no visible wear!
TNF Better Than Naked shorts are airy, lose, and fit great. As they were designed to do, these short feel like you’re not wearing a thing! If we have to wear clothes, we might as well wear these shorts by TNF.
Price – $55
Inseam – 3″
Overall – 4.7
Fit- 4.5
Appearance- 4.5
Durability-5
Wicking-5
Odor Management-5
Length-5