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Combining a lightweight race feel and plenty of storage options, the Salomon Cross 5-inch short is an impressive mid-price mile-muncher…
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Salomon Cross 5-Inch Short
BUY IT NOW:
$45 / £35, salomon.com
PROS:
- Lightweight race feel
- Good storage
CONS:
- Narrow waistband
Comfort: 3/5
Support: 3/5
Sweat-wicking: 4/5
OVERALL: 3.5/5
Despite being pitched as an training short, at just 96g Salomon’s slim-fitting Cross 5 is impressively light for a 5-inch short. You still get that stripped-back, racy feel, which makes it a good choice as a longer – and cheaper – alternative to the Salomon Sense Aero 3-inch.
Salomon Cross 5-Inch Short features
The outer shorts use a high breathability and rapid drying AdvancedSkin ActiveDry fabric, made from recycled polyester. That helps The Cross 5 retain its race-friendly feel. The cut is also minimal yet roomy with small side splits that add a touch more freedom to move – without risking any unwanted exposure.
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The integrated mesh brief liners are supportive if not the most comfortable. If you prefer something soft and silky next to your delicates, we’d recommend looking elsewhere. However, it does have flat seams to help prevent unwanted friction. Built-in pants with narrow gussets like these are never 100% chafe-free but that really helps with the overall comfort.
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Storage is good for such a minimal short. There’s one big zippered rear pocket with room for a larger smartphone and a gel or two, although the more you load in, the more bounce you get. The zipper also has a longish cord to make it easy to open on the move. If you’re ever likely to be reaching for a gel while hammering out a fast mile, that’s a small but important detail.
The waistband is made from half liner-brief mesh, half soft elastic and isn’t as wide as some of the most comfortable on test. It has a tendency to dig a little and occasionally roll up. A classic drawstrings helps tweak the fit though.
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The Salomon Cross 5-inch short comes in six sizes from XS to XXL, with eight colours to chose from, including red, blue, green and orange. The fit is quite snug so you might want to consider sizing up.