The Vuori Course Run Short is designed to be a lightweight training short for tackling a variety of running workouts. As someone who enjoys Vuori shorts, I was excited to put the Course Run Short to the test.
Overall, I think the Vuori Course Run Short works well for casual running and hybrid workouts. This short’s 4-way stretch shell is mobile and the perforated construction of this short makes them a viable option for warm training days.
That being said, I do think there are a few cons to note with this short before investing in them. For example, I would not put this pair of shorts in my best workout shorts round-up for a few reasons, and more on those below.
In this Vuori Course Run Short review, I’ll cover various topics to help you decide if this short is a good fit for your needs.
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Who Should Invest In the Vuori Course Run Short?
The Vuori Course Run Short is a good running short option for those who are more recreational with their running. This short is lightweight and works well for short and mid-range runs.
I also think this short will resonate best with runners and athletes who have thinner legs, as the short will fit better for your anatomy. I’m not the biggest fan of this short for thicker quads and adductors and more on that below.
In addition, I could see this short also being a good option for the outdoor-focused athlete who likes to blend light running with bodyweight exercises and light movements in places like the park and track.
At the end of the day, I think if you like Vuori and its general brand mission, you should enjoy the Course Run Short. Outside of this, though, this short’s performance is just “okay” and I think their price is a tad high for what they offer.
Vuori Course Run Short
$78
Best For
- Recreational Runners
- Hybrid Training
- Outdoor Workouts
- Thinner Legs
Falls Short
- For Phone Security
- For Cost-Efficiency
Vuori Course Run Short Pros
Throughout my testing process with the Vuori Course Run Short, I’ve found multiple pros and things to like about this model.
- Good Casual Running Short
- Clean Aesthetic and Casual Look
- Liner Is Breathable and Lightweight
The first thing to like about the Vuori Course Run Short is that they deliver regarding performance for casual running. This short does a good job for short and mid-range runs, and can also work for longer runs in certain contexts.
The 4-way stretch woven fabric shell is built with recycled materials and feels wispy and mobile. Compared to other running-focused shorts, this model feels like it walks the middle ground of being casual and performance-focused which could be a plus for some.
On top of the shell’s performance, I also like the waistband construction on this short and how it provides a nice level of security throughout. I never found myself adjusting the waistband while running and training in these shorts.
Outside of the performance of Course Run Short, I also think they’re one of the better-looking running shorts on the market for those that want a more casual short look, which is in line with Vuori’s other shorts and apparel.
This short delivers a clean aesthetic with minimalist branding. Additionally, the colorways for this short are all pretty subtle in nature which is also a pro for athletes and runners that want shorts to look less “loud” when training in them.
The final pro that comes with the Vuori Course Run Short is their moisture-wicking boxer brief mesh. The liner in this short in addition to its perforated construction helps keep this short pretty cool and breathable even on hot days.
I’ve used this short on 90+ degree days here in Denver, Colorado, and they’ve done well with drying quickly and breathing to prevent soaking up sweat, and this also helped with odor control in these. Yes, I’ve worn them a couple of times before washing them before.
Vuori Course Run Short Cons
Before investing in the Vuori Course Run Short, there are a few cons that come with this short that I think are worth knowing and acknowledging.
- May Not Fit Well for Bigger Legs
- Pocket System Could Be Better
- Price Is a Little High for What They Are
The first drawback with the Vuori Course Run Short is their fit for more muscular legs. One of the things that I found most frustrating with these shorts is how they would ride up on faster-paced runs and sprints.
When doing hill sprints in these shorts and interval runs, I had to constantly adjust the liner due to it riding up. I think this is due to the tightness of the bottom of the brief and how it interacts with my quads and adductors.
And note, I don’t have the biggest legs in the world, which is why this was so frustrating to deal with because I sized based on Vuori’s recommendations. That being said, I think if you do air on the side of having bigger and more muscular legs, you may want to pass on this short.
I’m not sure if going up a large would be the move here either because I think the waist would then run too large. Hopefully, Vuori updates the sizing for these shorts in the next iteration and makes the liner slightly longer at the crotch and a tad looser around the thighs for bigger-legged guys.
The second drawback with the Course Run Short is its pocket system. This short comes with two hidden pockets, one being on the waistband, and the other on the liner. In theory, this should be great for running, but that’s not the reality with this short’s pockets.
The back pocket on the waistband runs a little small for modern phones with cases and it could use a slight increase in security. On the liner, the pocket also runs small and could use a rework.
Plus, if you have bigger legs, then forget about using the liner pocket. I found that my phone’s thickness made this short nearly unwearable due to the liner and shell running way too tight on the side of the short with the liner phone pocket.
The final drawback of the Vuori Course Run Short is its price point. This short comes in at a price of $78 USD, which I think is a little high for this short’s construction and performance.
This short doesn’t seem super specialized when it comes to sport-focused running, so for serious runners, I think this price will be a miss. That being said, I think if you like Vuori and you can get these for 10-20% off, then I think the price can make more sense for what these shorts offer.
Performance
To assess the performance of the Vuori Course Run Short, I’ll discuss how this short performs in a few key areas. I’ll talk about this short’s performance for sprints, short, mid-range, long runs, and hybrid workouts.
Since this short has a higher price point, you can better cross-reference this short’s performance below with your needs to make an investment that matches your context best.
Testing the Vuori Course Run Short for Sprints and Short Runs
For sprints and short runs, the Vuori Court Run Short does an okay job. In the context of sprints, this short’s lightweight build and perforation give them a light and wispy feel which is a plus.
In addition, this short’s waistband does a fairly good job with overall security, so you shouldn’t have to adjust the waistband too much if you’re wanting to use these for sprint workouts.
My only gripe for sprints with this short is the brief and how it can ride up when doing hill sprints and other ballistic warm-ups for your sprint session. I think the more aggressive hip flexion caused the brief to ride up to my leg anatomy.
For short runs, the Course Run Short is a good option, especially if you’re doing low-intensity long-duration running. This short’s breathability is a big perk for this running context and the quick-dry tech is also nice for hot days.
Testing the Vuori Course Run Short for Mid-Range and Long Runs
For mid-range runs, I’ve enjoyed the Vuori Course Run Short for the most part. Similar to short runs above, the big perks of this short’s performance for running are its 4-way stretch shell, liner breathability, and waistband security.
I think if you run more recreationally and you do bout that range between 3-6 miles at any given time, then you should enjoy this short’s performance. If you run without a phone, this short will also be better suited for these distances, in my opinion.
Author’s Note: If you run without a phone, please be careful and keep an eye on your surroundings
For long runs, this short is okay, but it hasn’t been my favorite running short to date. What turned me off with this short’s performance for long runs are the pockets and how they hold your phone.
I think if you’re running 6+ miles with this short and your phone is too snug in the pocket, you may experience some chafing which isn’t great. I also wish the drawstring on the front could be better tucked for long-distance runs.
Testing the Vuori Course Run Short for Hybrid Workouts
In the context of hybrid workouts where you’re doing some light lifting and running, this short is also a decent option to explore. I like them best for hybrid workouts that involve lighter exercises like kettlebell swings, core work, and med ball movements.
Since the movements above don’t always entail a ton of deep hip and knee flexion, these shorts didn’t ride up a ton during these workouts and I enjoyed their brief’s security in this training context.
For hybrid workouts that are more dynamic in nature, I wasn’t super thrilled with this short’s performance. Similar to sprints, I found my shorts riding up a bunch during explosive air squats and pistol squats.
I think if you’re wanting something for more casual hybrid workouts and you want a short that also looks decent, then the Vuori Course Run Short makes sense.
Vuori Course Run Short Sizing
For the Vuori Course Run Short, I think the sizing could use a little update to be more inclusive for different anatomies. That being said, I think for leaner and skinnier guys, these shorts should fit true to size.
If you carry more mass and muscle in your legs, then you may want to explore different running shorts. I’m typically a medium in Vuori gear and shorts and that size is usually on the money for me.
I think with this short and because its crotch runs up pretty high and the brief is tighter, I have some pretty bad issues with them riding up and causing some chafing due to my leg muscles and lanky femurs.
In this review, I’m wearing a size medium and I’m going to provide my sizing dimensions below so you can cross-reference the fit and hopefully make the best sizing call for your needs.
- Height: 6′ 0″
- Weight: 180 lbs
- Waist: 32-33″
- Inseam: 32″
- Hip (circumference around butt): 40″
- Mid-Thigh: 23.5″-24″
In theory, my sizing should align perfectly with a medium in the Vuori Course Run Short. They recommend medium for 32-35″ waist and 37-41″ hip circumference. But again, I think the sizing is off in these shorts and it stems from the boxer brief.
Not featured in this review is also how revealing these shorts are for my anatomy. Trust me when I say this, I had to retake some of the images in this review to limit the visibility of the boys.
If you have additional questions about the sizing and fit of the Vuori Course Run Short, drop a comment below.
Price Breakdown
For the Vuori Course Run Short, you can expect to pay $78 USD. Honestly, I find this price point to be a little hit or miss and I’m trying not to blanket my sizing issue and bias into my pricing thoughts.
I think if you’re wanting this short for more casual use and your anatomy aligns with this short’s fit, then I do think you’ll enjoy this model’s overall performance.
That being said, I’m not super impressed with this short for it cost nearly $80 USD. I think if Vuori updated some of the construction features in this short, then it would warrant a more premium price point.
Vuori Course Run Short
$78
Best For
- Recreational Runners
- Hybrid Training
- Outdoor Workouts
- Thinner Legs
Falls Short
- For Phone Security
- For Cost-Efficiency
Construction Details
Below, I’ll cover some of the key construction details to note about the Vuori Course Run Short. I like this model’s construction for the most part, but it would be nice to see an update to the brief and pocket construction.
- Waist Size Options: XS (27-29″), S (29-32″), M (32-35″), L (35-38″), XL (38-43″), XXL (43-47″)
- Inseam Options: 5″
- 4-Way Stretch Shell Made With Recycled Materials
- Anti-Odor Tech
- Quick-Drying Materials
- 2 Hidden Pockets (1 in the liner, 1 on the back waistband)
- Moisture-Wicking Boxer Brief
- Perforated Construction
If you have additional construction questions on the Vuori Course Run Short, drop a comment below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q:Do the Vuori Course Run Short fit true to size?
Q:How do you clean the Vuori Course Run Short?
Q:Can you lift in the Vuori Course Run Short?
Takeaway Thoughts
The Vuori Course Run Short is an “okay” running short and I think it will work with certain anatomies in specific training contexts. For example, if you have thinner legs and like the casual look of these shorts, I think you’ll enjoy them.
This running short has potential, but there are issues that need a rework, in my opinion, like this short’s sizing and pocket system. I’m excited to see how Vuori updates this short in the future.
If you have additional thoughts on the Vuori Course Run Short, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).
I buy and test the products featured on That Fit Friend using a regimen of training tests that I’ve developed over years of testing training shoes and gear. I may earn commissions on sales made through the links on my site.
