5 Reasons These Premium Women’s Running Shorts Are Worth Every Penny | Soar X-Altra Trail Race Shorts Review
Holly Woodford - WomensSportsStore.com Editor
We put these pricy shorts to the test and…
By The Gritty Gear Geek — Geek Tested. Girl Approved.
Let’s not sugar coat this review! The Soar X-Altra Trail Race Shorts are not your average pair of women’s running shorts. They’re expensive — eye-wateringly so — but also utterly brilliant. I’ve worn a lot of shorts over the years, from budget basics to high-end compression tights, and these are in a league of their own. They combine clever engineering, luxury comfort, and that rare kind of performance gear that actually feels like it was designed for your body.
Comfort & Fit
From the moment I pulled them on, I could tell these women’s running shorts were special. The first surprise? No waistband. Seriously. The Soar X-Altra Trail Race Shorts use a zero-waistband bonded construction. That mean’s no bulky elastic, no digging, no “I can’t breathe” moments. Instead, they’re finished with silicone grippers that hold everything exactly where it should be, even on steep climbs or long, sweaty descents.
The fabric feels sculpted, not strangling. It’s a French-woven mix of 60% PES (polyester) and 40% elastane, smooth, stretchy, and soft against the skin. You know that moment when you find a pair of shorts that move with you rather than against you? That’s these. They hug your body in all the right places without pinching or rolling. I’ve worn them for both trail runs and interval sessions, and they’ve never once shifted, sagged, or rubbed. The only downside is the lack of side pockets however this is worth the compromise for the superior fabric and compression.
Then there’s the secret weapon: RHEON™ technology. This isn’t marketing fluff. RHEON™ is a reactive polymer that firms up when you move fast and flexes when you don’t. In other words, the fabric literally adapts to your motion, providing extra support when you need it, and relaxing when you don’t. It’s like having smart compression that knows what your legs are doing. The result is a feeling of strength and control that’s dreamy!
Sizing
These shorts come in XS (UK Size 6) to XL (UK Size 14) so not a massive size curve. I’m usually somewhere between a UK Size 10 and 12 and I opted for the large. The compression is snug but not restrictive, and because there’s no waistband (inspired as I hate high or cumbersome waistbands), you don’t get that uncomfortable dig-in effect. Hallelujah also for a length that isn’t a hot pant! They are perfectly cut just above the knee, offering full quad coverage without restricting stride length. Whether you’re climbing, cornering, or power-hiking a brutal incline, they stay in place beautifully.
Functionality
This is where the Soar X-Altra Trail Race Shorts absolutely shine. The 360° storage system is pure genius. These women’s running shorts have a zipped pocket at the back, darted side pouches, a front stuff pocket, and even an external pole loop with a cord-lock closure. Translation: gels, phone, poles, snacks, car key and all fit securely without bounce.
Unlike so many women’s running shorts that give you one sad little pocket that barely fits a gel, these feel engineered with actual thought. You can run a marathon without a vest or belt or add extra storage capacity for a long trail adventure or race and have guaranteed extra space. Everything sits flat, streamlined, and accessible. I love that I can carry my poles on my waist as I often get lower back chaffing when they are attached to my race vest.
The bonded seams mean no chafing, even when soaked with sweat or rain. I’ve tested these women’s running shorts on wet, muddy runs and come home with exactly zero skin irritation, which is rare enough to deserve applause. Add in reflective Soar and Altra logos for low-light visibility, and you’ve got shorts that can handle early mornings, dusk training runs or race finishes, and everything in between.
Value
Let’s not sugarcoat it, these women’s running shorts are pricey at £230. Like, “do I really need groceries this week?” pricey. But when it comes to women’s running shorts that deliver genuine performance and durability, these are an investment piece. The quality of construction, the feel of the materials, and the thoughtful design easily justify the spend. You’re not buying another pair of shorts you’re buying miles of comfort, confidence, additional storage and zero distractions. If you are serious about going the distance then the pence per mile is more than worth it!
Recommend
Would I recommend the Soar X-Altra Trail Race Shorts? Without hesitation. They’re the perfect fusion of performance science and focused design. They don’t ride up, they don’t chafe, and they make you feel like a stronger version of yourself every time you pull them on.
Final Verdict
The Soar X-Altra Trail Race Shorts are hands-down the best women’s running shorts I’ve ever worn. They combine cutting-edge materials, thoughtful engineering, and real-world functionality that makes them worth every penny. Whether you’re chasing PBs, conquering mountain trails, or just demanding gear that keeps up with you, these deliver.
Yes, they’re expensive. Yes, you’ll wince at checkout. But you’ll also thank yourself on every run after that. Cry once. Run fierce forever!!
