2XU XTRM 7” 2-IN-1 Short Tested + Reviewed by Adam Kwitko
The 2XU XTRM 7” 2-IN-1 short is a short with a built-in inner compression brief attached, designed for running and “endurance demands”. I tested them on short easy runs, a 32km long trail run, a 7km obstacle course race that brought us in-and-out of water multiple times and in the gym. Here is my opinion on the 2XU XTRM 7” 2-IN-1 short.
First Impressions
The XTRM 7” do not resemble a traditional pair of running shorts. With a 7 inch inseam, they are relatively long for those accustomed to running in, say 5” shorts, but are much shorter than baggy basketball-style shorts. The inner brief stops a few inches before the knee and the outer short hangs about an inch over the brief. The brief becomes exposed while in full stride. Four storage pockets are included: a rear zippered pocket, a zippered side pocket and two angled non-zippered pockets that resemble smaller versions of storage pockets you would find on the back of a cycling jersey.
Fit and Feel
The inner brief fits snug, as you would expect from a compression short featuring 105D/CK fabric. That said, they’re not too tight, adjusting to the contour of your thigh, hugging you in all directions. While in motion, these shorts move nicely. The girth of the outer short allows for an unrestricted stride with minimal “flap” which is significant, given the not-so-short length of these running shorts.
If you run with your smartphone, it is worth noting the zippered side pocket is not the most comfortable place to carry your phone, as it will bounce with your stride. The rear zippered pocket is your best bet for smartphone storage while the two angled back pockets are ideal for quick access to gels, gummies bars, etc.
Who it’s for
Due to its 7 inch inseam, the XTRM 7” 2-IN-1 short is a great choice for athletes looking for almost down-to-the-knee leg coverage with a built-in compression boxer brief. It features 3 more storage pockets than the 2XU Momentum 7″ 2-in-1 ICE-X Short and provides a visual buffer for those in the market for a premium compression short and are not comfortable showing off the outline of their entire lower body. It is also suitable for traditional gym workouts and CrosFit WODs.
By : Adam Kwitko | Is an endurance sports journalist and race operations professional. He is an avid OCR racer, trail runner and advocate for mandatory completion OCRs who gravitates to the longer distances. He also consumes large amounts of honey and maple syrup.