REASONS TO BUY
Excellent flat-knit waistband
Lightweight
Perforated airflow panels
Side notches for mobility
REASONS TO AVOID
No secure phone pocket
Open hand pockets
Basic brief liner
Limited overall storage
Brooks Dash Shorts Review
A lightweight daily runner with one of the best waistbands, ideal for runners who carry little on the road
Credit: Matthew Richardson
By Matthew Richardson ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ July 1, 2026
RELATED: The Best Running Shorts for Men
Our Verdict
The Brooks Dash Shorts do a few things very well, and waistband comfort is at the top of the list. The flat soft-knit waistband lies smooth, stays in place, and never folds or digs during long runs. At 3.60 ounces with perforated side panels and side notches, the Dash feels light and moves freely. The trade-off is pocket storage: open-top hand pockets and a tiny liner key pocket mean there is no secure way to carry a phone. For runners who head out with just a key or nothing at all, the Dash is a comfortable, affordable, no-fuss option.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Brooks Dash Shorts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Budget Shorts | ||||
| Price | $45 List Check Price at REI | $55 List Check Price at REI | $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 | Minimal and lightweight with a waistband that stays put through every effort, built for runners who leave the phone at home | A 4-inch boxer brief liner that stays put through every mile with a bounce-free thigh phone pocket built right in | Stretchy and unlined with snap-closure pockets and an internal zipper for runners who want one short that handles everything | Surprisingly capable pocket security and sun protection at an entry-level price for runners just getting started | Three zipper pockets and UPF protection at an entry-level price for runners who prefer to choose their own liner |
| Rating Categories | Brooks Dash | Brooks Dash 2-in-1 | REI Active Pursuits | Baleaf Athletic | NorthYard Workout |
| Overall Comfort (50%) | |||||
| Breathability & Moisture Control (30%) | |||||
| Pockets (20%) | |||||
| Specifications | Brooks Dash | Brooks Dash 2-in-1 | REI Active Pursuits | Baleaf Athletic | NorthYard Workout |
| Best for | Versatility | Versatility | Versatility | Beginner | Beginner |
| Liner Type | Brief | Boxer brief (4" inseam) | None | Brief (mesh) | None |
| Pockets | 2 hand + 1 key pocket on liner | 2 hand + 1 key pocket + 1 thigh phone pocket on liner | 2 hand + 1 internal zipper | 2 hand + 1 back zipper | 2 side zipper + 1 back zipper |
| Fits a Phone | No | Yes (liner thigh pocket) | Yes (internal zipper pocket) | Yes | Yes |
| Measured Weight (Size Small) | 3.60 oz | 4.30 oz | 4.70 0z | 4.80 oz | 6.20 0z |
| Measured Waistband Width | 14.00 in | 14.50 in | 13.50 in | 13.25 in | 13.50 in |
| Measured Leg Opening (Diameter) | 10.75 in | 11.50 in | 12.00 in | 11.50 in | 12.00 in |
| Dry Time - Blow Dryer | 10 min | 15 min | 20 min | 15 min | 15 min |
| Waistband Drawstring Placement | Internal | Internal | Internal | Internal | Internal |
| Body Material | Woven polyester with perforated side panels | Woven polyester with perforated side panels | 86% recycled polyester, 14% spandex | 100% polyester | 90% polyester, 10% spandex |
| Alternate Styles | Printed version; 3" Dash Speed Short | None | 6" unisex version; 9" inseam | 5" and 7" inseams; multiple colors | 5" and 9" inseams; 2-in-1 lined version |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Brooks Dash Shorts on a wooded trail. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Likes
At 3.60 ounces, the Brooks Dash Shorts feel light and airy from the first stride, and the details back that up. Perforated side panels add ventilation, and side notches at the hem allow a full range of motion during faster efforts. The flat soft-knit waistband is the standout, though: it lies flush against the skin, has good power and recovery, and stays in place whether we are running three miles or ten. The internal drawcord integrates seamlessly into the knit, and we never had to retie it mid-run. The woven polyester shell is smooth and comfortable, and the overall construction feels a step above what the price might suggest.
The flat soft-knit waistband of the Brooks Dash Shorts. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Dislikes
Pockets are the Dash's weak point. The two open-top hand pockets hold small items but have no closure, and the tiny key pocket on the liner is, well, a key pocket. There is no way to securely carry a phone while running. The brief liner is adequate but basic, providing minimal thigh coverage and lacking the soft, supportive feel of the premium liners in the lineup. For runners who carry a phone, gels, or anything beyond a single key, the Dash simply does not have the storage.
The open hand pocket on the Brooks Dash Shorts has no closure. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Should You Buy the Brooks Dash Shorts?
If you are a minimalist runner who heads out with a key in the pocket and nothing else, the Dash delivers an excellent waistband, light weight, and good breathability at a fair price. If you carry a phone or any essentials, the pocket limitations will frustrate you, and the Dash 2-in-1 or another option with secure storage would serve you better.
What Other Running Shorts Should You Consider?
The Brooks Dash 2-in-1 Shorts share the same excellent waistband and add a superior boxer brief liner with a thigh phone pocket. The Baleaf Running Athletic Shorts offer three pockets (two hand and one back zip) at a lower price. The REI Swiftland Shorts offer better pockets, improved breathability, and a boxer brief liner for a modest price increase.
—Matthew Richardson
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