Janji W’s 5″ Pace Short
Review by Erin Trail
The Janji W’s 5″ Pace Short might be my new favorite running short, delivering on my very personal, high expectations.
Specifications
- Breathable, moisture-wicking fabric with light compression
- Silicone gripper dots on the bottom hem
- Yoga waistband with an infinity drawstring
- Two VERY generous pockets on each side
- Secure clip located inside the right side pocket
- Rear waistband pocket
- Reflective logo accents
Detailed Review
I typically prefer to wear triathlon style shorts when I run. Partially because I’m a triathlete and I have a lot of these kinds of shorts. But also because I prefer snug shorts when I run. Baggy style shorts, and even some tight style of shorts, have an irritating tendency to ride up on the inseam as I run. Also, some tight style running shorts are pretty tight at the lower hem (to prevent upwards migration), resulting in the dreaded “sausage leg” effect.
I am a size medium on the Janjii size guide and found that they fit true to size. I also super appreciate how they have photos of the shorts on real women’s bodies across the size spectrum, so you can see how they look on a real person.
The Janji W’s 5″ Pace Short manages to deliver on eliminating all of my pain points. They are that good.
The fabric is very light and very breathable. I have the black color (to hide sweat), and was pleased to see that the fabric, while being light, is not remotely see through.
The side pockets are enormous and well designed. They have a rear angled entry, which has a natural feel, and also helps to secure your precious cargo, like a phone or snacks. The pockets are plenty big enough to hold a cell phone and are compressive enough where your phone won’t bounce. The shorts also won’t migrate downward from the weight of your phone.
The waistband drawcord has solved a problem that is annoying. The Janji W’s 5″ Pace Short is an “infinity” drawcord, so there is zero chance that an end will eventually work its way out of the short.
The silicone leg grips are a dot style and are effective. I sometimes get a skin reaction to silicone leg grippers, especially when it’s hot. I’ve had a few 80+ degree runs in the Janji W’s 5″ Pace Short and so far, my skin hasn’t become irritated from them. They also work, keeping the bottom of the legs in place without the sausage leg effect.
I’ve been wearing the Janji W’s 5″ Pace Short on a variety of runs, ranging from 45 minute easy bike path jaunts to a 7.5 mile leg of the Ragnar Relay Trail race in Zion. I was so impressed with the Pace Short during my testing and training that I saved them for my final Ragnar Relay run, which also happened to be the longest and hottest loop for my race.
The shorts have been great, never getting in the way. I haven’t had any chafing issues or had to yank the waistline or bottom leg hem around as I ran. The shorts simply do their job, allowing me to essentially forget about them and focus on running.
It can’t get any better than that.
I am now a big Janji fan and am recommending the Pace Short as an alternative to triathlon shorts to all of my women triathlon friends.
Closing Thoughts
The Janji W’s Pace Short is available in 5″ and 7″ inseam lengths. Women’ sizing ranges from XXS to XXXL (love!) and they come in colors ranging from basic to fun.
Erin Trail
Trail Boss of Stoke
Erin is a former Montana park ranger with a degree in environmental engineering. She loves getting into technical details while putting her gear (and herself) through the paces. She shares her home in Colorado with her husband, Will, and her 3 cats (Zipper, Brewtus, and Simcoe).
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