Whether we use it or not, running shorts are one of the most classic pieces of clothing. There are extremely short, tight to the thigh or above the knee. But why do runners prefer to go bare-legged?
Although showing your legs to improve your skin's tan can be one of the great excuses, the truth is that playing sports in shorts has other objectives.
Greater comfort
The number one reason runners wear shorts is to avoid chafing while they run More fabric means more friction. And this is amplified with increased cadence, stride length, race time, and outside temperature. So the less fabric we have, the better. Therefore, runners often prefer a short for training and racing.
Plus, running can be a constant battle between being too hot or too cold. If we are running to temperatures of more than 30 degrees, it is very likely that we will heat up. And the faster we run, the hotter we'll be. Even when it's cold, the only area that stays warm is the legs. It is common to see the runners of marathon wearing shorts with arm sleeves and/or gloves. Especially on days with earlier and colder starting conditions. It's the easy way for them to remove top layers while on the go.
Although there is also no doubt that runners love to show off their legs. With a pair of bright shorts and matching running shoes, we'll be happy to jog through the most popular streets and parks of the city.
Is it better than wearing long leggings?
Although shorts are the go-to for most runners, tights or leggings can also work for certain runners.
the meshes of compression they allow a better and more fluid movement since they adhere to your legs and allow you to run without the worry of it moving to any other part of your body during the entire route. However, this also largely depends on how comfortable we feel in the tights and whether we still insist on wearing baggy shorts during short or long runs.
Non-professional runners may also believe that tights are a better option. We may choose full-leg compression stockings as they help ease the pain on the lower leg after a particularly tough run. Sometimes the shorts can also cause chafing and ride up between the thighs, which can be a huge distraction during your run.
Therefore, it is a personal decision if we choose between short or long pants.