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
Credit: Matthew Richardson
By Matthew Richardson ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ July 1, 2026
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.
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.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Brooks Dash 2-in-1 Shorts versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $55 List Check Price at REI |
Overall Score  |
|
| 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 |
| Pros | Best liner coverage, thigh pocket eliminates bounce, comfortable flat-knit waistband, perforated panels for airflow |
| Cons | Heavier, longer drying, open hand pockets |
| Rating Categories | Brooks Dash 2-in-1 |
| Overall Comfort (50%) | |
| Breathability & Moisture Control (30%) | |
| Pockets (20%) | |
| Specifications | Brooks Dash 2-in-1 |
| Best for | Versatility |
| Liner Type | Boxer brief (4" inseam) |
| Pockets | 2 hand + 1 key pocket + 1 thigh phone pocket on liner |
| Fits a Phone | Yes (liner thigh pocket) |
| Measured Weight (Size Small) | 4.30 oz |
| Measured Waistband Width | 14.50 in |
| Measured Leg Opening (Diameter) | 11.50 in |
| Dry Time - Blow Dryer | 15 min |
| Waistband Drawstring Placement | Internal |
| Body Material | Woven polyester with perforated side panels |
| Alternate Styles | None |
—Matthew Richardson
You Might Also Like
