Terignota Sendero Running Shorts Review
Ultralight and ultra-affordable running shorts with 360-degree pockets in the oversized waistband
August 28th, 2026
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Our verdict
The Terignota Sendero shorts are an affordable pair of running shorts with a 360-degree pocket built into the three-inch waistband. These shorts are awesome because I can use them to carry everything I would normally put in a running belt.
I tested the Sendero shorts on countless runs across Arizona, Utah, and Colorado in the winter, spring, and summer. I initially got these shorts because I heard they had great pockets, and they’re a great price. When I got my hands on a pair, they quickly became my go-to shorts for most runs, especially on 10-15 mile runs where you want to carry some fuel but don’t necessarily need to carry multiple water bottles in a running vest. I’ve worn these on desert trail runs in Arizona, canyon runs in Utah, and mountain runs in Colorado over distances ranging from 3 to 30 miles.
These shorts excel in carrying capacity and comfort in warm weather. If you normally use a running belt, you’ll love these shorts. The integrated waistband pocket wraps around your entire waist and can hold any-sized smartphones, headphones, SPF lip balm, energy gels, water, a jacket, gloves, a bandana, and more. And they’re a crazy good deal.
The biggest downside of these shorts is that they’re not always in stock. Sometimes Terignota doesn’t have all sizes available, and I’ve even seen them sold out completely. This isn’t surprising because the Senderos are high-quality running shorts being sold for a remarkably low price.
Terignota Sendero Running Shorts
If you’re looking for a great deal on a pair of running shorts with integrated storage in the entire waistband, you should check out these shorts. They’re our favorite shorts with pockets in our Best Men’s Running Shorts guide, and you’ll likely leave your running belt at home more often once you get a pair.
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Terignota Sendero Running Shorts Specifications
Price:$75
Sizes: XS-XL (men’s and women’s)
Inseam options: 5” (men’s), 3.5” (women’s)
Fit: Standard split shorts
Fabric: Outer shorts, 90% polyester / 10% elastane, Inner lining: 92% polyester / 8% elastane
Weight: 4.6 oz (men’s medium)
Liner: Yes
Pockets: 360-degree waistband pocket with openings at four points, zippered rear pocket
Phone pocket: Yes
Waistband: 3”
Split: Yes
Gusseted crotch: No
Quick-dry: Yes
Reflective elements: No
Comparison table
| Men's Running Shorts | MSRP | Sizes | Lengths | Pockets | Liner | Phone Pocket | Zip Pocket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terignota Sendero Short | $29 | XS-XL | 5" | 5 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts | $89-95 | XS-XL | 5, 7" | 5 | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| rabbit FKT Shorts | $75 | S-XL | 3, 5, 7" | 9 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tracksmith Twilight Shorts | $75 | XS-XXL | 5" | 4 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Best for
Runners who typically run with a running belt
Long runs on roads or trails
Daily training runs
Pocket-heavy runners
Hot weather running
What we liked
Waistband pockets replace a running belt or vest
Material is extremely breathable
Easy to grab items from pockets
Quick-drying, ultralight fabric
Very affordable
What could be better
Thin material may not be as durable
Not always in stock
How we tested
I tested the Terignota Sendero shorts while running roads and trails in Arizona, Utah, and Colorado during the winter, spring, and summer. My running shorts supply was severely depleted, with my best pairs fading quickly after thousands of miles. Then I saw these $29 running shorts, so I decided to give them a shot. They quickly became my go-to shorts. I wore them all winter long, from short 5-mile road runs to longer 30+ mile trail runs. I ran dirt roads in the mountains and bushwacked through desert canyons.
On every run, I carried a 6” Google Pixel 10, and often carried more in these shorts as well. I wore them with a La Sportiva Ultra Trail Vest on ultra-distance runs for extra storage, and used them to carry a 500mL soft flask of water, a smartphone, energy gels, SPF lip balm, and headphones on runs up to 15 miles. I wore them in temperatures ranging from 40 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
I wore them with the built-in liner, which never caused any discomfort or chafing, even on the hottest days. Eventually, I cut out that liner so I could wear them with mesh underwear. I’ve washed them countless times, and they haven’t lost any elasticity or started pilling.
I also tested these shorts alongside others in our Best Men’s Road Running Shorts and Best Men’s Trail Running Shorts guides.
Performance in the field
Fit and movement
The Terignota Sendero shorts are very comfortable and allow you to move in any way you need. The legs are wide enough to fit over any thighs, and the material is stretchy so it doesn’t catch on your leg or ride up as you’re climbing. The wider 2” waistband sits just on your waist and is comfortable against your skin.
They’re made of soft, 90% polyester/10% elastane material. The brief liner is made of slightly less stretchy 92% polyester/8% elastane material. I tested these in men’s size medium, and I have relatively big thighs, and they never felt too tight. The fit is billowy with a split leg opening so they leave plenty of space for you to move.
Liner performance
I typically cut the liner out of my running shorts so I can wear mesh boxer briefs. Before I did that with the Sendero shorts, I wore them with the liner for several runs. In that time, I found the liner to be comfortable. It never shifts over the course of a long run, and feels just as comfortable at mile 3 as at mile 20. The liner is made of breathable polyester mesh that feels soft and cotton-like. It doesn’t cause heat buildup, breathes well, and dries quickly when it gets wet. If it gets wet from your sweat, it doesn’t chafe, either.
Waistband behavior
The waistband is very comfortable during runs if you’re used to wearing a running belt. If you’re not used to the feel of a running belt, these shorts might take some time to get used to. However, once you see how much you can fit into the waistband, you’ll be on board with the way it feels.
The waistband is slightly taller than a typical running-short waistband. It’s not overly tight, nor is it too loose, so it is still comfortable despite being larger than average. There is also a drawstring, which I only ever use if I have water in the waistband. Otherwise, the elastic waistband is tight enough without tying the drawcord.
Pocket usability
The Terignota Sendero shorts have very usable pockets integrated throughout the entire 3” waistband, which functions like a running belt.
There is a zippered pocket in the back of the waistband to securely store your phone, and four separate segments with an opening along the top to store everything else you want to carry on a run. I’ve carried a 500mL soft flask with a filter, a windbreaker jacket, gloves, a buff, enough fuel for over three hours of running, lip balm, headphones, and my phone with these shorts. I have a Google Pixel 10 with a thin silicone case, and the phone easily fits in the zippered pocket, but it also fits anywhere else in the waistband you want to stash it.
These pockets are the most usable of any running shorts I tested. Since they’re integrated into the waistband, the items in the pockets don’t bounce as they do with some pockets on other running shorts. And every pocket has a large opening at the top, which makes it easy to access anything in the pocket, even with gloves on.
Breathability and heat management
The stretch mesh polyester fabric on the Sendero shorts is incredibly breathable. I’ve worn these shorts in 100-degree heat, and they’ve kept me comfortable. In hot temperatures, they don’t magically keep you cool, but they aren’t ever the thing that makes me feel like I’m going to overheat, either. These shorts don’t hold heat at all.
They’re very breathable. Whenever there is a breeze, I can feel the wind blowing through the material. The integrated 360-degree waistband pocket lets you carry more stuff without wearing a running vest. And not wearing a running vest keeps you cooler in hot weather.
Chafe prevention
After hundreds of hot, sweaty miles, the Sendero shorts haven’t caused any chafing. They have flatlock interior seams, a gusseted crotch, and a bonded hem rather than a sewn one. All of these details help prevent chafing. Even though the crotch gusset creates two seams along the inside of each thigh, those seams have never caused me any chafing.
The integrated liner edges are soft and don’t cause uncomfortable rubbing. Before I cut the liner out of these shorts, I ran about 100 miles with no issues using the built-in liner. I only cut the liner out because I prefer to bring my own breathable, boxer-brief-style liner to my running shorts.
Durability
The 90% polyester/10% elastane shell material used on the outside of the Sendero shorts is very durable. After heavy use over six months, these shorts are still going strong.
I’ve worn these shorts for scrambling off-trail in the desert, and am quite shocked they aren’t ripped by now, honestly. They’ve been dragged over granite ledges, though cacti hiding in tall grass (ouch!), and slid along sandstone walls in canyons. The material looks thin, almost see-through, but it’s surprisingly durable. There are some snags in the fabric, but I’m not surprised; these shorts have been through a lot.
Over half a year of use, I’ve washed them in a washing machine countless times, in sketchy laundromats with old machines and newer home washing machines. I typically wash them on a delicate cycle and dry them on low heat. They also hang dry very quickly. After washing and drying them, they don’t degrade. They’re still as stretchy as ever, and I haven’t noticed any pilling.
Features
Built-in liner
The Terignota Sendero shorts have a built-in 92% polyester-8% elastane liner. This material is very soft and stretchy. It also has soft edges that don’t abrade or chafe your skin.
Elastic waistband with drawcord
The Sendero shorts have an elastic waistband and drawcord. The waistband is about 3” wide, which is much larger than the typical 1” waistband on most running shorts. This larger waistband has pockets integrated into it, which allows you to carry a lot while you run. The drawcord sits between the elastic waistband face fabric and the outer stretch material, so the knot doesn’t rub on your belly if you have it tied.
Zippered phone pocket
The Sendero shorts have a zippered rear phone pocket. This pocket is large enough to easily fit a 6” Google Pixel 10 with a thick silicone case. You can also fit a phone anywhere in the 3”-thick waistband with 360-degree pockets.
Stretch pockets
The Sendero shorts have stretch pockets that wrap around the entire waistband. These pockets are open on top, making it easy to grab a snack, your phone, water, or an extra layer while you run.
Lightweight fabric
The Sendero shorts are made of lightweight fabric made with 90% polyester and 10% elastane. This fabric is very stretchy, durable, and breathable.
Quick-dry material
The exterior fabric dries very quickly. After jumping a river to cool off, they’re dry within an hour in hot and dry climates.
Gusseted crotch
They have a gusseted crotch, which adds durability and extra material. This crotch gusset, combined with the stretchy material, allows you to move in any way without feeling restricted.
Split shorts design
They have a split on the outside of each leg. This further allows for freedom of movement and creates more ventilation.
Reflective elements
They don’t have reflective elements, but you can easily carry a headlamp in the waistband pockets.
Sustainability
Terignota does not share sustainability information on their website. However, you can read about their financial report on their website.
Should you buy the Terignota Sendero running shorts?
Buy if:
You run long distances
You prefer a split short with stretch material to a wide, billowy fit
You need a lot of pocket capacity in your shorts
You prioritize comfort and performance but don’t want to pay a lot for it
Skip if:
You prefer a different inseam length than the 5” inseam available
You don’t want a liner (unless you’re OK with getting out the scissors)
You don’t care about pocket capacity
You need more inclusive sizing
Where to buy the Terignota Sendero running shorts
Terignota
You can sometimes find more options when purchasing directly from the manufacturer. Sometimes, purchasing directly from the retailer can make it easier if you need to make a warranty return due to a defect.
Advice on where to buy
In general for apparel, we recommend purchasing from a place with easy or free returns. If your funds allow, you can buy two sizes and easily return one. Additionally, check reviews to see whether other users recommend sizing up or down.
Similar running shorts
Terignota Sendero Shorts vs. Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts
Price: $89-95
Sizes: XS-XL
Inseam options:
Fit: Regular
Liner: Yes
Pockets: 5
Phone pocket: No
Waistband: 1”
Reflective elements: Reflective logo
The Patagonia Strider Pro shorts are my long-time favorite trail running and backpacking shorts. They’re also the overall winner in our Best Men’sTrail Running shorts guide. The Strider Pro shorts have two stretch pockets on each hip that are large enough for a few energy gels in each one. The Strider Pro’s rear zippered pocket isn’t large enough for a smartphone, though. The Strider Pro also costs about $65 more than the Sendero shorts, though they come with Patagonia’s lifetime warranty and are made with recycled polyester made from plastic ocean waste.
The Sendero shorts are a better option if you want a built-in running belt and don’t want to spend a lot on running shorts, but the Strider Pro shorts are a more sustainable option with great pockets.
Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts
Men's
Women's
Terignota Sendero vs. rabbit FKT Shorts
Price: $75
Sizes: S-XL
Inseam options:
Fit: Regular
Liner: Yes
Pockets: 9
Phone pocket: Yes
Waistband: 1.5”
Reflective elements: No
The rabbit FKT Shorts are another pair of running shorts with excellent pockets. The FKT shorts are made with a thicker, stretchier material than the Sendero shorts. The FKT shorts take a different approach to carrying gear. They have two stretch pockets on each hip; the front-most of these pockets is large enough for a 500mL soft flask. They also have a rear zippered pocket big enough for any smartphone, and four more pockets on the interior lining.
If you prefer your pockets scattered throughout the shorts, and not integrated into the waistband as they are on the Sendero shorts, we think the FKT shorts are worth considering. Learn more in our in-depth review of the rabbit FKT running shorts.
rabbit FKT Shorts
Terignota Sendero vs. Tracksmith Twilight Shorts
Price:
Sizes:
Inseam options:
Fit: Regular
Liner: Yes
Pockets:
Phone pocket:
Waistband: 1”
Reflective elements: No
The Tracksmith Twilight Shorts are made with a stretchy knit polyester that’s incredibly comfortable. The Twilight shorts don’t have as many pockets as the Sendero shorts, though they do have a usable rear phone pocket. Unlike the Sendero shorts, the Twilight shorts’ phone pocket is built into the inner liner. This makes it more difficult to access your phone mid-run, especially if the drawstring is tied tight, which you’ll want to do if you have a heavy phone in the pocket. But the phone feels super secure in the built-in liner pocket, and doesn’t bounce at all. Like most running shorts, the Twilight shorts cost significantly more than the Sendero shorts, too.
Tracksmith Twilight Shorts
Men's
Women's
Why you should trust us / About the author
Sam Schild is a thru-hiker, runner, cyclist, and mountain athlete based in a converted van across the American Southwest. He’s been a runner since childhood, when he ran five days a week as cross-training for soccer. As he grew older, he stopped playing team sports and focused on running and cycling. Sam wrote our Men’s Road Running Shorts guide and has tested loads of other running gear for Treeline Review.
Sam regularly runs five days or more per week. He has completed countless ultra-distance, self-supported trail runs across the American Southwest. He has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Appalachian Trail, Arizona Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, Hayduke Trail, and the Colorado Trail twice, always in running shorts.
You can read more about Sam on his author page, website, or Instagram.
