Budget vs mid-tier running shorts: Craft Advance Essence against the Salomon Sense Aero
Do you need to spend $70 on running shorts for men? Or can a cheap pair cut it?
As simple as they may sound, picking the best running shorts for men is a complicated task owing to range of prices, features and designs on offer.
To give you an idea of which end of market to shop at, we’ve compared a budget pair to a mid-tier set: the Craft Advance Essence 5″ Stretch vs the Salomon Sense Aero 7″.
Both these men’s running shorts have been reviewed by experienced run tester Rob Slade, the former 220 Triathlon content editor, who is a still a contributor.
Now we’ll compare and contrast these running shorts to help you find the best ones for your training.
Design and features
The Salomon Sense Aero 7″ shorts are designed with the trail and ultra runner in mind.
The longer seven-inch inseam provides additional coverage and protection.
The outer shell is made from a lightweight, 4-way stretch Aerotech fabric, incorporating 37.5 Technology. According to Salomon, this fabric helps regulate core body temperature by wicking away moisture efficiently, keeping you comfortable during intense efforts.
A standout feature of the Sense Aero is its storage capacity. These shorts have four easy-to-access gel pockets integrated into the waistband, alongside a secure but not zipped back pocket for valuables.
The integrated soft brief liner is designed to minimise chafing and provide support.
Overall, their design seeks to provide enough storage so you don’t need a running belt and freedom of movement, so your stride is uninhibited on changing gradients.
The Craft Training Advance Essence 5” Stretch Shorts are marketed as training shorts but their designers clearly targeted runners too.
The 5-inch inseam provides a great range of motion and a more minimalist feel.
Plus, the outer fabric is a durable and stretchy woven material, while the integrated brief liner is intended to offer support and modesty while training.
In terms of storage, the Advance Essence shorts have a rear pocket with an overlapping cover to secure valuables.
While not as good at carrying multiple gels as the Salomon shorts, this setup is practical for shorter runs.
In summary, Craft had designed the Advance Essence to double as effective shorts for gym and run training.
Salomon Sense Aero 7″ vs Craft Advance Essence 5″ Stretch specs
The main differences between the Sense Aero and Advance Essence are price, length and storage.
The inseam of the Sense Aero is two inches longer and the waistband acts like a running belt by including four pouches.
But they cost $25 / £35 more.
| Salomon Sense Aero 7″ Shorts | Craft Adv Essence 5” Stretch Shorts | |
| Price | $70 / £65 | $54.99 / £30 |
| Inseam length | 7 inches | 5 inches |
| Sizing | XS – 2XL | XS – 2XL |
| Intended use | Trail and ultra running | Multisport training and running |
| Outer fabric | Lightweight, 4-way stretch Aerotech fabric with 37.5® Technology (100% Polyester) | Woven stretch fabric (90% recycled polyester, 10% elastane) |
| Inner liner | Soft, integrated brief (90% Nylon / 10% Elastane) | Integrated brief |
| Pockets | Multiple gel pockets, 1 zipped back pocket | Overlapping rear pocket |
Performance and fit
Despite extending further down your thigh than most men’s running shorts, the Salomon Aero Sense’s extra fabric is barely noticeable. It’s very light and stretchy, maintaining exceptionally free movement.
I experienced no chafing thanks to the soft brief liner, the flatlocked seams and sparse stitching on the waistband.
The four elasticated waistband pouches can easily hold items such as energy gels, a key, a bank card and a possibly a phone. Bear in mind this spot can get damp from sweat.
The Craft Advance Essence 5″ Stretch are comfortable shorts too, with a supportive brief liner that is on the short side.
If your thighs regularly chafe, a pair of running shorts with a longer liner or outer shell could suit you better.
Price and value
While occcupying different price points, these shorts both offer good value.
The carrying capacity, comfort and technical fabric of the Salomon Aero Sense are impressive for mid-market running shorts. You can spend $50 to $70 more on premium Soar and Ryzon products.
If you regularly make the most of the Aero Sense’s clever design on trail runs, for example, they could turn out to be a wise investment.
For entry-level running shorts, the Craft Essence Advanced 5″ Stretch perform very well.
Yes, they lack features other than a rear pocket, but for everyday running and training, this might be all you need.
Verdict
Out of a close contest, the Salomon Aero Sense 7″ are the winner, having scored a whooping 92% in testing.
Rob found few faults and concluded their “comfort, style and practicality is up there with the very best”.
Their key advantages over the cheaper challenger are their superior fit, stitching quality and functionality.
Nonetheless, the Craft Advance Essence still gained an 82% score and it’s hard to find a better pair for $54.99 / £30.
How we tested these men’s running shorts
The running shorts we’ve compared here were tested by 220 Triathlon running expert Rob Slade.
He looked out for comfort, moisture wicking, storage, fit, features, value for money and style while training in them on runs of differing intensity and duration, in different weather conditions.
For more details, see how we rate and test products.
And for more running kit reviews, head to our selection of the best triathlon running shoes.
Rob Slade
