REASONS TO BUY
Best liner coverage
Thigh pocket eliminates bounce
Comfortable flat-knit waistband
Perforated panels for airflow
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavier
Longer drying
Open hand pockets
Brooks Dash 2-in-1 Shorts Review
The best liner in our testing paired with a unique thigh phone pocket for runners who want chafe-free coverage and secure carry
The REI Active Pursuits T-Shirt on a trail run.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
By Matthew Richardson ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ July 1, 2026
RELATED: The Best Running Shorts for Men
Our Verdict
The Brooks Dash 2-in-1 Shorts earned the highest liner score in our testing and it is easy to see why. The 4-inch boxer brief liner stays flush through long efforts, and the thigh phone pocket built directly into the liner holds a phone against the leg where bounce is virtually eliminated. The flat soft-knit waistband and perforated side panels keep the ride comfortable and ventilated. For runners who have struggled with liners that ride up, bunch, or chafe, the Dash 2-in-1 delivers peace of mind.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Brooks Dash 2-in-1 Shorts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best for Running in Hot Weather |  Best Budget Shorts | |||
| Price | $55 List Check Price at REI | $65 List Check REI (on sale!) | $45 List Check Price at REI | $32 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $27 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | The best liner in our testing paired with a unique thigh phone pocket for runners who want chafe-free coverage and secure carry | The most breathable short we tested pairs a runner-specific pocket system with a supportive mesh boxer brief liner for hot-weather performance | A lightweight daily runner with one of the best waistbands, ideal for runners who carry little on the road | A budget-friendly short with three zippered pockets that keep essentials secure without breaking the bank | A budget unlined option with solid pocket security for gym and casual running at the lowest price in the lineup |
| Rating Categories | Brooks Dash 2-in-1 | REI Swiftland | Brooks Dash | Baleaf Athletic | NorthYard Workout |
| Overall Comfort (50%) | |||||
| Breathability & Moisture Control (30%) | |||||
| Pockets (20%) | |||||
| Specifications | Brooks Dash 2-in-1 | REI Swiftland | Brooks Dash | Baleaf Athletic | NorthYard Workout |
| Best for | Versatility | Long distance | Versatility | Beginner | Beginner |
| Liner Type | Boxer brief (4" inseam) | Boxer brief (mesh) | Brief | Brief (mesh) | None |
| Pockets | 2 hand + 1 key pocket + 1 thigh phone pocket on liner | 1 back zipper (phone) + 2 waistband stash + 1 key loop | 2 hand + 1 key pocket on liner | 2 side zipper + 1 back zipper | 2 side zipper + 1 back zipper |
| Fits a Phone | Yes (liner thigh pocket) | Yes (back zipper pocket) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Measured Weight (Size Small) | 4.30 oz | 3.60 oz | 3.60 oz | 4.80 oz | 6.20 0z |
| Measured Waistband Width | 14.50 in | 14.00 in | 14.00 in | 13.25 in | 13.50 in |
| Measured Leg Opening (Diameter) | 11.50 in | 12.25 in | 10.75 in | 11.50 in | 12.00 in |
| Dry Time - Blow Dryer | 15 min | 15 min | 10 min | 15 min | 15 min |
| Waistband Drawstring Placement | Internal | Internal | Internal | Internal | Internal |
| Body Material | Woven polyester with perforated side panels | Recycled nylon/spandex (O2Grid) | Woven polyester with perforated side panels | 100% polyester | 90% polyester, 10% spandex |
| Alternate Styles | None | 5" inseam (brief liner); unlined 7" version | Printed version; 3" Dash Speed Short | 5" and 7" inseams; multiple colors | 5" and 9" inseams; 2-in-1 lined version |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Brooks Dash 2-in-1 Shorts on a flat dirt trail. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Likes
We ran 7-to-10-mile efforts in the Brooks Dash 2-in-1 Shorts specifically to test for ride-up and chafing, and the liner never moved. The 4-inch boxer brief provides more thigh coverage than any other option in our lineup, and the four-way stretch jersey stays flush against the skin through every stride. The thigh phone pocket is a clever touch: it holds a phone directly against the leg where bounce is virtually eliminated, which is a meaningfully different experience from stashing a phone in a back waistband pocket. The flat soft-knit waistband carries over from the standard Dash and performs beautifully, lying smooth and staying put without folding or digging. Perforated side panels and a back yoke add ventilation where it counts.
The 4-inch boxer brief liner of the Brooks Dash 2-in-1, laid flat. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Dislikes
The 2-in-1 construction adds weight and dry time compared to the standard Dash. The 4-inch boxer brief liner has more fabric, and after a heavy sweat or a run in the rain, it takes noticeably longer to dry than the brief-lined shorts in our lineup. The two external hand pockets are open-topped, which is convenient for post-run use but not secure enough for carrying items during faster efforts. If you do not carry a phone on your runs, the thigh pocket advantage is less relevant, and the standard Dash delivers a lighter, faster-drying package at a lower price.
The open hand pocket on the Dash 2-in-1 has no closure for faster efforts. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Should You Buy the Brooks Dash 2-in-1 Shorts?
If you have ever been frustrated by a liner that rides up, bunches, or chafes on longer runs, the Dash 2-in-1 is the answer. The boxer brief liner is the best we tested, and the thigh phone pocket is a smart solution for runners who want their device locked down without bounce. Runners who prefer brief-style liners or need faster drying times may prefer the Patagonia or Janji options, but for liner comfort and phone carry, the Dash 2-in-1 is our top pick.
What Other Running Shorts Should You Consider?
The standard Brooks Dash Shorts share the same excellent waistband in a lighter, faster-drying package if you do not need the boxer brief liner or phone pocket. The REI Swiftland Shorts feature a boxer brief mesh liner for improved breathability and a more running-specific pocket system. If ultralight weight and fast drying matter more than liner coverage, the Janji AFO Middle delivers both at a lower weight.
—Matthew Richardson
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