The UA HeatGear Armour Compression Shorts (left) look very similar to my trusted UA Sonic Shorts (right), but they are NOT a worthy substitute.
For several years my go-to short for long runs and cool temperatures as been the Under Armour HeatGear Sonic Compression Short. Read my long-term review.
Unfortunately, the Sonic Short was discontinued a few years back, and leftover inventory is just about gone. I was hopeful that a similarly spec’d model, the Under Armour HeatGear Armour Compression Short — which also features a 6-inch inseam, simple design, and 84/16 polyester/spandex fabric — would be a one-to-one replacement.
It’s not. It’s not even close.
The Armour Compression Short is not worthy of the name. It offers no compression or support, and the fabric is too sheer and revealing for a standalone short. Let’s be honest about what they are: fitted underwear.
Sadly, they’re not very good underwear either. The Jockey Men’s Sport Mesh Midway Brief are $5-10 less and more supportive, and have high-airflow panels in the most sweat-prone areas. And the Saxx Mens Kinetic Boxer Briefs cost a bit more, but redefine “support.”
Bottom line: Avoid the Armour Shorts.
Oh, and avoid the Nike Hypercool Compression Short, too, for many of the same reasons. If you have a pair of beloved running tight shorts, please share — I’m getting desperate.
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Hi Andrew,
I have the UA compression shorts as well, and I wear them mostly under tights for running or xc skiing and things like that. For me, they definitely seem too much like underwear to wear alone.
Lately I have been running in these super simple Nike half tights:
http://www.runningwarehouse.com/Nike_Mens_Power_Race_Day_Half_Tight/descpage-NIMPHT.html
They are not nearly as tight and compressiony as the UA shorts, but they are very comfortable. I never think of them while I’m running in them. In inseam says 9″; however, I think they wear a bit more like a 7″ short (I’m 6’1″ and 160 lbs if that helps, and I’ve been wearing a medium).
As a bonus, they have a super sleek zip-pocket in the back of the waist band. I like it more than I thought I would.
Spoke too soon, perhaps. The pairs I have (which I got in December) have a waist pocket. This version does not appear to.
I buy bikini briefs from Aliexpress (china) – I do not like the extra material rubbing between my thighs – especially when sweating – the salty material can rub things raw. The prices are reasonable at a couple of bucks a pair rather than the banditry of Under Armour and others.
I’d suggest checking out Patagonia’s Nine Trails short-the 8″ version. It has a built in compression short/liner. I’ve had good experience with them. They run about $65 dollars. Worth a look IMO.
I also have a pair of those. The discontinued grey version. Very good shorts.
Compression shorts. “First world” problem. (Just kidding, folks. Relax)
Skins A400 for max support. Sizing, strength and compression are heads above UA, Nike or Reebok (tried them all).
https://www.skins.net/usa/men/sports/running.html
Based on the product description I am imagining a thicker fabric (warmer + more moisture retention) that squeezes so much as to be restrictive. Right or wrong?
Yes. DNA model is much lighter model. They have or used to have A200 series, which was also a lighter model. You can find really good deals on Amazon US for Skins occasionally if you want to try them on.
I’m thinking about pulling the trigger on these, https://www.skins.net/usa/dnamic-mens-shorts.html. They are the only pair in the lighter fabric you mentioned and that have a shorter inseam (I don’t like shorts that go down to my knees). Just to be clear: These will be thin enough so as to not be hot, but not so thin that they need shorts over them, right? I’m still a little nervous about how much spandex they have in them, 25 percent — that means they will hold onto a lot of moisture, and they will lose their shape over time.
I’ve no experience with Dnamics, but have a look at the Amazon reviews https://www.amazon.com/DNAmic-Compression-Shorts-Citron-Medium/dp/B01BLY4B2G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1493586556&sr=8-3&keywords=dynamic%2Bmen%27s%2Bcompression%2Bshorts&refinements=p_89%3ASkins&th=1&psc=1
They seem to say it’s ok to wear on their own. My A400s have lasted well, the only thing that wears out is the graphics, which can make the shorts look ragged. I have a split seam in my Skins leggings and they replaced it for free (in the UK), which I was impressed about, as I could still wear the old pair for awhile.
I’ve had no issues with the shape, I wash them in cold machine wash. See if you can find a bargain in Amazon if you’re concerned. I bought some A400s for 1/3 of the MSRP after Xmas.
I have bought a pair of The Armour Compression Short, and I agree that they do not offer compression. They are soft and lovely to wear, they stay up and I can hardly feel them on. Yes, they are a bit sheer, but I wear them anyway without underwear for running and hiking on the mountains. No problem actually if you are not too shy.
I wear the Brooks Greenlight 7″ short which have a similar fabric content (81%poly 19%spandex) to the UA sonic shorts. It is *not* see through, but the material is not excessively thick. Unfortunately, the men’s only comes in a 9″ length which may be too long for your requirements. However, the leg band (at least on the womens’ version) looks like it would be easy to tailor to be shorter (It’s just a rolled and serged hem, not laser-cut or anything).
Unfortunately, I’m not sure if simply wearing the womens’ shorts would fit you, as it definitely has a high-waisted fit.