REASONS TO BUY
Ultra-comfortable
Stylish design
REASONS TO AVOID
Lacks versatility
Slower to dry
Not a true running short
Vuori Halo Performance Shorts 2.0 Review
These shorts are designed for maximum softness and comfort, making them feel and perform more like loungewear than traditional running gear
For soft, pajama-like comfort, the Vuori shorts are a real hit.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
By Ally Arcuri ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ July 1, 2026
RELATED: The Best Running Shorts for Women
Our Verdict
The Vuori Halo Performance Shorts 2.0 are built around an ultra-soft performance knit that blurs the line between activewear and loungewear, making them some of the most comfortable shorts you'll reach for on easy days. With a drapey, relaxed fit and no built-in liner, they prioritize a breezy, barely-there feel over structure or compression. At their best, they're designed for low-stress movement, like yoga, walking, travel, or simply living comfortably throughout the day. The pockets are good for stashing items as you walk, but they aren't secure enough to prevent items from bouncing out during serious outputs. While we find these shorts to be the pinnacle of comfort, they fall short of being a true running short.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Vuori Halo Performance Shorts 2.0 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Running Short | Best Workhorse Running Short |  Best Biker Style Running Short |  Best Bang for Your Buck | |
| Price | $78 List Check Price at REI | $70 List Check REI (on sale!) | $65 List Check REI (on sale!) | $78 List Check REI (on sale!) | $34 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | These shorts are designed for maximum softness and comfort, making them feel and perform more like loungewear than traditional running gear | This hybrid design combines the freedom of a running short with the added security of a biker short liner for ultimate support, storage, and coverage | From their breathable, quick-drying construction that handles sweat and heat exceptionally to their thought storage solutions, this pair of shorts is an easy recommendation for runners of all kinds | These running shorts are designed as a versatile, lightweight option that performs well across speed workouts, long runs, and everyday training without overcomplicating anything | This beginner-friendly staple that makes the transition from basic athletic wear to real running gear affordable |
| Rating Categories | Vuori Halo Performan... | REI Swiftland 2-in-1 | REI Swiftland | Janji Pace | Nike Tempo |
| Overall Comfort (50%) | |||||
| Pockets (30%) | |||||
| Breathability & Moisture Control (20%) | |||||
| Specifications | Vuori Halo Performan... | REI Swiftland 2-in-1 | REI Swiftland | Janji Pace | Nike Tempo |
| Best for | Lifestyle | Versatile running | Running | Distance running | Beginner |
| Liner Type | None | Biker short | Brief | Biker short | Brief |
| Pockets | 2 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| Fits a Phone | No | Yes - two! | Yes | Yes | No |
| Dry Time - Clothesline | 35 | 22 | 21 | 25 | 32 |
| Dry Time - Blow Dryer | 18 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 12 |
| Body Material | 89% Recycled Polyester, 11% Elastane | 73% recycled nylon/27% spandex | 73% recycled nylon/27% spandex Liner: 86% polyester/14% spandex |
68% nylon, 32% spandex Liner: 100% polyester |
Polyester |
| Waistband Drawstring Placement | Exterior | interior | interior | interior | interior |
| Alternate Styles | No | traditional version: 5", 3" inseam length, high or mid rise available | 5", 3" inseam length, high or mid rise available, 2-in-1 | 7", 5" inseam lengths available | 2.5", 3" inseam length available, plus sizes available |
Our Analysis and Test Results
If you are looking for a running short to simply pull on and go, the comfortable Vuori Halo is an okay bet. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Likes
The Vuori Halo Performance Shorts 2.0 shorts are built around Vuori's signature buttery-soft performance knit, which feels more like loungewear than traditional running gear. They're the kind of shorts you forget you're wearing, especially during easy days, recovery runs, or travel. Time and time again, we found ourselves reaching for the epic comfort that these shorts provide.
The Halo 2.0 brings loungewear into running. While not a technical ace, they are a comfort slam dunk. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The Halo shorts transition seamlessly from workouts to errands to lounging without ever feeling out of place. That versatility is a big reason they've become a go-to for runners who prioritize comfort over pure performance. The cut is designed to drape rather than compress, giving a natural, easy silhouette. The Halo shorts do not have a built-in liner, which adds to their breezy feel.
The comfortable waistband of the Halo shorts allows them to feel comfortable long after the run ends. Credit: Ally Arcuri
This pair of running shorts by Vuori feels less restrictive than traditional running shorts, which makes them especially appealing for low-stress movement days. For walking, yoga, strength training, and short, easy runs, the Halo shorts perform comfortably without friction or tightness. They shine when the goal is movement without pressure.
Dislikes
While the Halo Performance Shorts 2.0 can handle short runs, they lack the technical design features of true distance running shorts. The ultra-soft fabric is part of the appeal, but it doesn't manage heavy sweat as efficiently as more performance-driven materials. On hot or long runs, they can feel damp for longer than ideal.
While we can't stop singing praises of the Halo's comfort, they are not a proper running short for runners who want to get sweaty and work Credit: Ally Arcuri
There's minimal ventilation zoning, insecure and lateral hand pockets, and no race-focused engineering. They prioritize comfort over innovation, which is great for lifestyle use but limiting for training. During tempo runs, intervals, or longer trail efforts, the looser, softer structure can feel less supportive than more secure running shorts. They don't provide that locked-in, ready-to-race sensation. Ultimately, we aren't planning on wearing the Halo shorts for serious running. But for days spent running errands and relaxing, you'll find us outfitted in this comfortable pair of shorts by Vuori.
Comfortable and easy to throw on, the Halo shorts have become our summer uniform for errands and long walks alike. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Should You Buy the Vuori Halo Performance Shorts 2.0?
If you are looking for a true running short for long runs and fitness endeavors, the Vuori Halo Performance Short 2.0 likely won't be it. If your training days include yoga, a coffee run, a dog walk, and maybe a jog if the weather is nice and your motivation politely agrees, then yes, these shorts are basically your uniform. They're oh-so-soft and a little indulgent in the best way, like sweatpants that decided to become productive. Runners chasing long miles, hot climbs, or workouts where everything is bouncing, sweating, and negotiating with gravity, the Halo starts to show its true identity: the shorts you reach for when you're ready to chill after a long run.
If your needs center around comfort, the Halo shorts are an awesome choice. If technical performance is what you need, we recommend seeking out shorts that are a bit more sports-oriented. Credit: Ally Arcuri
What Other Running Shorts Should You Consider?
The Oiselle Roga is an ultra-comfortable running short that offers more technical performance than the Halo shorts. The Roga has a built-in liner, smooth, moisture-wicking fabric, and a large rear pocket. The Roga's waistband is soft and comfortable, giving the impression of a relaxed-fit short while performing at a higher level. For true running prowess, the Janji Pace is a high-octane running short with bilateral pockets, a snug, secure fit, and the moisture-removing capabilities to go the distance with you. For something a bit breezier with high-performing technical materials, the REI Swiftland 2-in-1 is a long-distance superstar available in multiple waistband styles and inseam lengths.
—Ally Arcuri
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