Tracksmith Twilight Running Shorts: The Most Comfortable Shorts I Tested
Four-way stretch, a cozy brief liner, and pockets for gels and a phone. Tested through 100°F heat and marathon-distance runs.
August 18, 2026
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Our verdict
The Tracksmith Twilight running shorts are an ultra-comfortable pair made of a stretchy, woven material that feels unlike most traditional running shorts. This summer, I tested 13 pairs of shorts for a running shorts guide, and these are among the most comfortable shorts I tested.
The Twilight shorts fit well, are extremely breathable, and have enough pockets to carry a phone, energy gels, a key, and more on your run.
I tested the Tracksmith Twilight shorts while running on roads and trails in Colorado and Hawaii during the summertime. I wore them in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 100°F, on hot and humid runs in the jungle on the island of Kauai, and on hotter but less humid days during June and July in Colorado. I wore them for short 3-mile runs on roads as well as longer 15-20-mile runs on a combination of paved roads, dirt roads, and rocky trails. I always carried a 6” Google Pixel smartphone in the rear phone pocket, and usually carried a few energy gels in the adjacent pockets as well.
Tracksmith Twilight Running Shorts
The Twilight shorts excel in comfort above all else. They’re made of a woven polyester material that feels more like a comfy pair of cotton shorts than those slippery running shorts you may be used to. The brief-style liner feels even more cotton-like than the outer shorts material and is oh-so-cozy to wear for long runs. They also have a very usable rear phone pocket built into the inner liner. And this pocket is large enough for the biggest smartphones out there, plus a thick case.
The biggest drawback of these shorts is that the comfortable knit material is slightly heavier than super light, thin running shorts. This doesn’t affect the breathability, and I didn’t feel like they were slowing me down during fast runs and speedwork. But I can’t deny that they are slightly heavier than other running shorts.
For an all-around comfortable pair of running shorts for everyday training with all the pockets you’d need, check out the Tracksmith Twilight Shorts. That's why they are the winner for best road running shorts in our best men's running shorts guide.
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Tracksmith Twilight running shorts specifications
Price: $75
Sizes: XS-XXL
Inseam options: 5” (a 3” split-short version is also available)
Fit: Relaxed
Fabric: 89% polyester, 11% spandex
Weight: 5.8 oz
Liner: Yes, brief
Pockets: 4
Phone pocket: Yes
Waistband: Elastic
Split: No, 3” split version available
Gusseted crotch: Yes
Quick-dry: Yes
Reflective elements: No
Comparison table
| Men's Running Shorts | MSRP | Sizes | Lengths | Pockets | Liner | Phone Pocket | Zip Pocket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tracksmith Twilight Shorts | $75 | XS-XXL | 5" | 4 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| rabbit FKT Shorts | $75 | S-XL | 3, 5, 7" | 9 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts | $89-95 | XS-XL | 5, 7" | 5 | ✓ | -- | ✓ |
| Janji AFO Middle Short | $72 | XS-XXL | 5" | 2 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Best for
Daily training
Long runs on road or trail
Minimalist runners who need a few pockets
Liner-focused runners
Long distances in hot weather
Mixed terrain
What we liked
Super comfortable knit material
Phone pocket is easy to use
Quick-drying and breathable material performs well in hot conditions
Cozy liner doesn’t chafe or cause discomfort on any run
What could be better
Heavier material
Inner liner pockets are harder to access with the drawstring tied
How we tested
I tested the men’s Tracksmith Twilight shorts in Colorado and Hawaii during the summertime, running on roads and trails in hot conditions. I wore them in temperatures ranging from 60° to 100°F, on runs ranging from 3 miles to 20 miles. I ran Hawaiian jungle trails, Colorado dirt roads, and mountain summits. For every run, I carried a 6” Google Pixel 10 in the phone pocket, and I often carried a few energy gels in the pockets as well. After running in them, I continued wearing them all day to further assess their comfort and breathability. I used them as a swimsuit, I slept in them, and I cooked dinner in them to really get a sense of how they performed all day.
On one particularly hot day, with 90-degree heat and intense humidity, I ran a 10-mile loop through wet jungle trails. Though I was absolutely drenched in sweat, these shorts remained comfortable. They didn’t get heavy, even as I continued running through the jungle air that felt thick with moisture. After the run, I jumped in the ocean, wrung out the shorts, put them back on, and kicked it on the beach.
I’ve washed the Tracksmith Twilight shorts countless times over the three-month testing period. After washing, they still perform as well. The material is still comfortable and stretchy, and there is no pilling on the fabric face.
While I did not test the women’s Tracksmith Twilight shorts, we have tested the women’s Tracksmith Twilight Short Tights for our Best Women’s Road Running Shorts guide.
Performance in the field
Fit and movement
The Tracksmith Twilight shorts are made with four-way stretch woven polyester that doesn’t restrict your movement. They don’t ride up your thighs at the beginning of your run, nor do they ride up later in the run when you’re sweating. They fit well, even for people with larger thighs, and never catch high up on your leg when you lift and bend your knee.
Liner performance
The Twilight shorts have an incredibly soft and comfortable liner made of 89% polyester and 11% spandex. This liner stretches with you as you move and feels a lot like a cozy pair of cotton underwear. Even though it feels soft like cotton, it’s also made of polyester, like the outer material, so it dries quickly and doesn’t chafe.
When I first put on these shorts, the thing I immediately noticed was how much I didn’t notice the liner. I often cut out the liner on running shorts so I can wear my favorite mesh underwear, but this liner feels so good I haven't cut it out yet after three months—and will probably keep it in. It feels airy and breathable and never causes heat to build up. And the liner remains comfortable for your entire run, no matter how far you go. I’ve worn these on marathon-distance runs without any issue.
Waistband behavior
The one-inch waistband is very comfortable as well. It’s made with a soft strip of elastic sewn inside the outer shorts material and a drawstring. This doesn’t feel like the stiff, sharp-edged elastic you might be thinking of. This elastic material is incredibly soft and breathes well.
The drawstring loops all the way around the waistband and secures above the rear pockets. If the drawstring is tied tightly, you can’t access the pockets inside the liner as easily, though.
Pocket usability
The Tracksmith Twilight shorts have four pockets: three sewn into the inner lining and one zippered pocket just below the waistband on the outside back. All four of these pockets are on the back of the shorts. Tracksmith claims the outside rear zippered pocket is a phone pocket, but it doesn’t fit my Google Pixel 10 with a thin silicone case.
The middle pocket built into the liner, however, fits a large smartphone like mine. This pocket, which is open at the top, holds a heavy object like a phone really well without bouncing. This larger pocket is flanked by two smaller pockets on either side. These smaller pockets are ideal for holding a few energy gels each.
One of the biggest drawbacks of these shorts is that 3 of the 4 pockets are in the liner, but if the drawstring is tied tight, you can’t access those items as easily because they’re below that waistband and that tied drawstring. I was still able to get to my phone and gels while the drawstring was tied tight during runs, but if you have the drawstring tied, which you’ll want to if you have a heavy phone in the pocket, it’s harder to access than on other shorts with pockets accessible on the outside.
This is one reason I think these shorts are better for road running than for trail running. Road runners generally aren't as reliant on their pockets for fuel as trail runners, since we sometimes do shorter runs that don't require refueling or allow us to refuel at stores along the way.
Breathability and heat management
The Twilight shorts breathe well in hot conditions. I’ve worn them in 100-degree conditions in the high desert of Colorado, and in 90-degree temperatures in the humid jungle of the Hawaiian Islands. In both of these conditions, I didn’t feel like these shorts were what was causing me to overheat. They don’t retain heat, and the fabric allows air to flow through it. On a windy ridge, you can feel the air moving through the material, which helps keep you cool in hot conditions.
Chafe prevention
The Twilight shorts haven’t caused any chafing on my legs after hundreds of miles. The outer shorts fabric is sewn with flat-locked seams, and the inner liner has soft edges and elastic to hold the edges in place while you run.
They have a gusseted crotch, which means they have two seams on the inside of each thigh. But those seams aren’t directly in the center, so they don’t rub against your thighs. And since they’re sewn with flat-locked seams, there are no sharp edges to cause chafing.
The inner brief-style liner has elastic sewn into the edges. This keeps the liner edges in place, and the liner material sewn around the elastic doesn’t abrade against your skin even if it moves.
Durability
I’ve worn the Twilight shorts for hundreds of hours over countless runs. So far, they still look like new.
The fabric doesn’t break down easily, and the knit, made of 89% polyester and 11% spandex, doesn’t lose its stretch in the wash. The outer fabric is durable enough to wear in rough conditions that you’d find while trail running or using them for gym shorts. The inner lining doesn’t break down quickly, either.
Features
Built-in liner
They have a built-in, brief-style liner made with 89% polyester and 11% spandex, featuring odor-repelling Polygiene material.
Elastic waistband with drawcord
They have a one-inch elastic waistband and a drawcord that ties inside the band.
Zip or stretch pockets
They have an exterior zipper pocket that’s large enough for smaller smartphones, a credit card, and keys. There are also stretch pockets sewn into the inner lining. The middle liner pocket is large enough for any sized smartphone, and it is flanked by two smaller pockets, each large enough for two energy gels.
Phone pocket
The center interior pocket is large enough for any sized smartphone and easy to access. The exterior zipper pocket doesn’t fit larger smartphones, such as my Google Pixel 10 with a thin silicone case, but it does fit a credit card, ID, and a house key.
Lightweight fabric
The Twilight shorts are made with lightweight 89% Polyester, 11% Spandex fabric that breathes well and stretches with you as you move.
Quick-dry material
They’re made with quick-dry material. During sweaty runs and even after using them as a swimsuit, they don’t take long to dry.
Gusseted crotch
They have a gusseted crotch that gives you more leg room and moves the inner thigh seams away from the edge of your thigh, thus reducing chafe risk.
Reflective elements
The Tracksmith logo on the left thigh reflects light, but there are no other reflective elements on these shorts. If wearing these on early morning or evening runs, we recommend pairing them with accessories from our best reflective running gear guide for added safety and visibility.
Sustainability
Tracksmith uses fabrics that meet bluesign or OEKO-TEX environmental standards. They don’t have a “sustainability” page, and you kind of have to dig into their How We Work page to find their Tracksmith Supplier Code of Conduct. The code of conduct is pretty vague and only a PDF, but considering it’s not even a page on their website, it seems genuine.
They work closely with the team at Schoeller in Switzerland, utilizing their Bluesign-certified fabrics throughout their linen (Schoeller contributed to the founding of Bluesign-certified fabrics).
They partner with suppliers in Italy and Taiwan to source OEKO-TEX certified fabrics used in their garments. They also use mulesing-free Merino wool sourced primarily from Australia and New Zealand.
Should you buy the Tracksmith Twilight running shorts?
Buy if:
You run shorter distances on road, track, or varied terrain
You prefer a 5” inseam
You want shorts with a comfortable liner
You need a highly breathable pair of shorts
You prioritize comfort
Skip if:
You prefer a different inseam length
You don’t want a liner
You need more pocket capacity
Where to buy the Tracksmith Twilight Running Shorts
Tracksmith
The Tracksmith Twilight running shorts are available on Tracksmith’s website.
Advice on where to buy
In general for apparel, we recommend purchasing from a place with easy or free returns. If your funds allow, many people find it is faster to order two sizes and return whichever one didn't fit as well. Additionally, check reviews to see whether other users recommend sizing up or down.
Similar running shorts
Tracksmith Twilight Shorts vs. rabbit FKT Shorts
Price: $75
Sizes: S-XL
Inseam options: 3”, 5”, 7”
Fit: Regular
Liner: Yes
Phone pocket: Yes
Zip pocket: Yes
Waistband: 2”
Reflective elements: No
The rabbit FKT shorts are a super comfortable pair of running shorts with a very different pocket layout compared to the Tracksmith Twilight. I think the outer shorts material on the Tracksmith Twilight and the rabbit FKT shorts feels similar, and that’s a really good thing. These two short models have the most comfortable material of any running shorts I tested.
The FKT shorts have two stretch pockets on the outside of each hip and a rear zippered pocket that’s large enough for a 6” smartphone. I can easily carry a phone in the FKT's rear zippered pocket, whereas the Twilight’s rear zippered pocket fits only smaller smartphones. I like the pocket layout on the Twilight shorts, with 3 of the 4 pockets built into the shorts liner, but if you prefer pockets on the outside of the shorts, you might like the FKT shorts more. The FKT shorts cost about the same as the Twilight shorts, too. For more, read my in-depth review of the rabbit FKT running shorts.
rabbit FKT Shorts
Tracksmith Twilight Shorts vs. Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts
Price: $89-95
Sizes: XS-XL
Inseam options: 5”, 7”
Fit: Regular
Liner: Yes
Phone pocket: No
Zip pocket: Yes
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 Treeline’s Trail Running shorts guide. The Strider Pro shorts have two stretch pockets on each hip, each large enough to hold several energy gels. The Strider Pro’s rear zippered pocket isn’t large enough for a smartphone, though.
The Strider Pro also costs $15 more than the Twilight shorts, though they come with Patagonia’s lifetime warranty. If you want stretchy shorts with pockets built into the liner, you should go with the Tracksmith Twilight. If you want shorts with exterior pockets and don’t care about having a large smartphone pocket, the Strider Pro shorts may be a good option for you.
Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts
Tracksmith Twilight Shorts vs. Janji AFO Middle Short
Price: $72
Sizes: XS-XXL
Inseam options: 5”
Fit: Regular
Liner: Yes
Phone pocket: Yes
Zip pocket: Yes
Waistband: 1”
Reflective elements: No
The Janji AFO Middle Shorts are another pair of incredibly comfortable shorts made from a very light, breathable material. The thin, lightweight, and smooth material never feels hot, wet, or slippery, no matter how far you run in these shorts. They also have a very comfortable elastic waistband with mesh holes for breathability.
The AFO Middle Shorts don’t have as many pockets as the Twilight shorts, though. The rear zippered pocket on the AFO Middle Shorts isn’t big enough for a 6-inch smartphone with a case, while the center liner pocket on the Twilight shorts is large enough for practically any-sized smartphone. The AFO Middle Shorts do have an internal drop-down brief pocket for a key and credit card, with a clip to hold your key securely. The AFO Middle shorts cost about the same as the Twilight shorts.
Janji AFO Middle Short
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 he was a child, 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.
