You don’t need a lot of frills in a running short. They should be lightweight and streamlined, with straightforward features to help you log miles. The Under Armor Launch Elite 5” checked all the boxes. The 88-percent polyester/12-percent elastane material was stretchy and breathable for unrestrictive comfort. An elastic waist and drawstring hold well, and the cuff hit midway down my thigh for good coverage and freedom of movement. An integrated mesh brief added support and helped mitigate moisture but was a bit snug in my test sample. (I prefer a full shorts liner, personally.) I liked that the center-back pocket was expandable to hold my keys or phone, and was also water resistant. Reflective details for low-light runs were a nice touch. Overall, a very capable addition to my running kit. Available in eight colors and sizes small to 3XL. $50. underarmour.com

Author: Brad Kovach is the editor/publisher of Terrain Magazine.