Gym+Coffee Pace Shorts review: versatile shorts for indoor work-outs and outdoor challenges

Gym+Coffee Pace Shorts: first impressions

Designed in Ireland, there’s a clue in the name Gym+Coffee Pace Shorts that these shorts are designed  as much for gym monkeys as they are for trail bunnies. But as a crossover, crossfit garment for people who like to lift weights, do planks and leg it along singletrack paths, these are a great option, certainly up there among the best trail running shorts we tested, and a great option if you’re a gym regular thinking about getting into trail running.

They’re extremely comfortable, have two zipped pockets for keeping things secure, are made from super stretchy material and feature a split leg to facilitate plenty of movement while running. 

There is no inner, but you can either wear performance underwear or go commando – the cut and length is sufficient to protect most men’s modesty. The waistband is particularly substantial, but there is a tie cord as well. 

Gym+Coffee Pace Shorts: on the trails

Generally speaking, I do prefer a running short that comes with an integrated inner – there are arguments for and against this, but I find having to pair running shorts with technical underwear a bit of a hassle. Having said that, it does mean you can get many more runs out of your shorts in between laundering them, so they should last longer. 

You can, of course, opt to wear nothing under the Pace shorts – they are made from material with a high degree of next-to-skin comfort, and are long enough to cover most people’s credentials without shocking or offending any other runners out on the trail. However, the dread of chafing can be an issue over longer distances for some people, so if you do choose to go commando, lube first or repent later. 

I ran in these short sans underlayer for short distances, and then paired them with some technical underwear from X-Bionic and Falke for longer runs. In both scenarios, the shorts were comfortable and performed well. There is a good percentage of elastane in the Pace shorts, which is great for freedom of movement when running on technical trails (and when doing squats, stretches and lifts, whether as a warm-up before a run, or as part of a gym routine).

The pockets are on the sides, which is alright for carrying gels, but not great for carrying anything heavier, such as car keys or a phone, during running, as the contents will move around a lot more than in a centrally located rear pocket. Both pockets do have zips, however, so that’s good for stashing things you do not want to lose on the trail.

The waist band is really substantial, but very comfortable, and the draw cord provides extra security. I like the length of these shorts, which I find ideal for running. They’re lightweight and quick drying, but feel reasonably robust. If you’re going to use them more on trails than in gyms, opt for the darker colorways.