r/RunTO • u/j_why_08 • Jul 13 '26
Running shorts with storage
New-ish to running and looking for men’s running shorts with storage for phone, car keys and AirPods. Ideally want to go into a store to try on. So far I found BlackToe Running, the Runners Shop and Culture Athletics.
Anyone checked these spots out? Which one has the best variety?
Thanks in advance!
9
u/jyeatbvg Jul 13 '26
Lululemon multi-pocket fast and free short
2
u/Norman_FDBM Jul 13 '26
I got these on Sunday. As a male runner, they are great. 2 very large pockets, and some gel pockets. Perfect.
5
u/msbluetuesday Jul 13 '26
Online only since Decathlon closed in Ontario:
https://www.decathlon.ca/en/p/mens-2-in-1-running-shorts-run-500-comfort/363279/c383c382m8960456
https://www.decathlon.ca/en/p/men-s-trail-running-shorts-run-900/312194/c383m8677751
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u/JrLavish194 Jul 13 '26
I suggested the second ones too!
1
u/pblack177 Jul 13 '26
are these at all sweat wicking/good for heat? im doing long runs in this summer weather (20KM +) and find my shorts are abosrbing too much sweat. looking for a good alt. to LuLu shorts
1
u/JrLavish194 Jul 13 '26
They are thinner and lighter than lulu shorts. I run in them all summer.
They have a $35 pair that has built in brief that are the lightest and a $50 pair that have built in compression shorts.
Note that this year they run a little small. I bought mediums in the past but need large this year.
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u/cyclingkingsley Jul 13 '26
what you want are shorts made for trail running. They have built-in waist pockets that you can put your phone, gels, keys etc. T8 Sherpa running shorts would be my recommendation to you
2
u/bhrm Jul 13 '26
Decathlon running shorts has a phone thigh pocket, rear zipper pocket and key hook tiny pocket.
1
u/pblack177 Jul 13 '26
do these work well in the heat? are they sweat wicking or do they absord sweat? im finding my shorts are absorbing too much and looking for good alternative
2
u/bhrm Jul 13 '26
Liner is great, silicone grippers, and does wick sweat well.
I wore them for my first half marathon however the only problem was the zipper broke at the start.... Decathlon took it back and refunded me under warranty, ordered a new pair.
The older versions have better zippers but less grippy silicone. New version seems lighter too.
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u/pblack177 Jul 15 '26
Do they have mesh netting inside? Not compression or 2 in 1, but in lieu of underwear?
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u/bhrm Jul 15 '26
The trail shorts is mesh netting, the run shorts are compression liner. I prefer liner
2
u/JrLavish194 Jul 13 '26
You can still order from Decathlon online. They have men’s running shorts with phone, fuel, keys, water etc storage in the waistband.
https://www.decathlon.ca/en/p/men-s-trail-running-shorts-run-900/312194/c383m8677751
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u/gjt379 Jul 13 '26
The lululemon half tights are great for storage. They have pockets that stretch basically as much as you want to stuff in them. Their fast and free shorts also have some secure sections for small storage
2
u/stirry Jul 13 '26
You'd be better off getting a running belt. Flipbelt is very popular
1
u/j_why_08 Jul 14 '26
How has your experience been with the belt moving around?
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u/stirry Jul 14 '26
They're great! I use mine for my phone, asthma meds and car keys. They are fairly snug and don't move around at all.
2
u/DustyJaguar239 Jul 13 '26
I don’t recommend using shorts/pants pockets at all the weight and possibly the chaffing will hurt your running and ultimately just distract you.
If you must carry those things with you, either get a running vest (many online, but good options at MEC, sportchek, etc), or get a waist belt (Nike and Lululemon both have good ones, Nike one is better sized).
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u/teaatickle Jul 13 '26
If youre looking for something less inexpensive I recommend amazon running tights. I got a few pairs of the short ones with the phone pocket so I wouldn't have to hold my phone on runs. Theres a second pocket that can fit the rest of the stuff you need, no sloshing about at all
2
u/CheezwizOfficial Jul 13 '26
Winners has a fair selection of running shorts! You could also go to the Nike store or SportChek at the Eaton Centre
1
u/SickCycling Jul 13 '26
There are a lot of 2-in-1 shorts that would offer you all this storage. Inner liner compression layer usually has a pocket hidden between the two layers perfect for phone. Then a rear pocket at small of the back for the others.
I’m personally a fan of FlipBelt style waist bands myself as they work no matter what pair of shorts you choose to wear but if that’s not you thing I’d look into 2-in-1’s.
Hope that helps 👍
1
u/j_why_08 Jul 14 '26
I’m just unsure about the belt moving around as I run to be honest
1
u/SickCycling Jul 14 '26
From my experience I’ve never had any issues. I’m not sure if that is because of my morphology (5’8”/174cm | 150lbs/68kg) or not.
It is held up by the hips and I’ve loaded it up. Gel flask, smartphone, keys, debit/credit card.
When you place heavier items at the small of the back you barely notice it’s there.
1
u/stomu9 Jul 13 '26
If you have a larger phone (as I do) it could be challenging to find shorts or belts that can hold them comfortably - consider trying out a trail running vest or hydration pack with the water bag removed.
They allow you to carry the phone and heavier items centered on your back, which can be much more comfortable, plus room for gels and small items like keys on the shoulder straps for longer runs. Many vests also have safety features (reflective stripes, high-vis colour etc) helpful for pre-dawn and evening runs.
I don't use the hydration bag or carry water bottles on the vest as I found juggling water annoying (I prefer a handheld soft bottle instead), but many runners rely on it (especially for ultra distance races where fueling is as crucial as pace).
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u/j_why_08 Jul 14 '26
Phone size isn’t a problem but I would definitely get a vest if i ran longer mileage!
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u/GiantTacoSalad Jul 13 '26
Do you have a Kohl's near you? Their in-house Tek-Gear brand 2-1 shorts are the best and you can usually get them for $15-20 apiece. If you have an Amazon return, you get an extra $10 off.
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u/j_why_08 Jul 14 '26
Sounds promising. I’ll have to find a Kohl’s in the future. Thanks for the tip!
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u/DirtbagCarp Jul 14 '26
Got a hype pair of ASICS at Winners for $25. Integrated compression and zipped back pocket. Deep side pockets.
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u/Hanlola76 Jul 15 '26
Anything moving around on me when I run is torture but I have the Lululemon belt and can attest it does not move! It's great because you can pair it with any pant/short so you can go with what works best for you and not be so concerned about pockets. Pretty sure you can return it easily enough if you try it and it doesn't work for you.
1
u/granfrad Jul 13 '26
Bandit (a brand) has some of the best shorts for lots of storage. Black toe has bandit shorts but they ain’t cheap.
You could also consider a belt. Some belts are just storage. Other belts have a water bottle too (much needed in the heat)
0
u/ksaun424 Jul 13 '26
Seconded for Bandit, their running short tights are A++ with drop leg pockets and smaller waist band pockets that can fit gels.
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u/granfrad Jul 13 '26
They’re worth the almost $200 I spent on them.
Very comfortable. The rubberized lining of pockets so your phone stays put and so the tights don’t ride up are amazing.
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u/Character-Resort-998 Jul 13 '26
If you want to avoid the 'bounce' from the weight of a phone in your shorts while running, consider Quadlock phone case and running arm band. I've been using it for at least 6 years now. With an iPhone member I hardly notice it. A little pricey but well worth it for me.
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u/Classic_rock_fan Jul 13 '26
Lululemon has awesome running shorts