The Running Shorts That Finally Stay Put
For years, I searched for one very specific thing in a pair of running shorts:
I wanted them to stay exactly where I put them.
There is nothing more annoying than heading out for a run and having to constantly reach down and pull your shorts back into place because the legs keep rolling or riding up.
When I was training for Iron-distance triathlons, my tri suits and cycling bib shorts had small silicone grippers around the hems. Those tiny rubbery details kept the fabric securely in place, even during long training sessions.
They didn’t move an inch.
I kept wondering: why wasn’t anyone doing the same thing with running shorts?
After years of searching, I finally found the Janji Women’s 7-Inch Pace Short.
I have now worn these shorts for approximately a year, bought them in multiple colours and tested them across hundreds—possibly more than a thousand—kilometres of running and hiking.
I have worn them in everyday training, in all kinds of weather and during ultra-distance races of 50 miles and beyond.
Most importantly?
They still stay put.
Janji Women’s 7-Inch Pace Shorts in the test
Quick Verdict
The Janji Women’s 7-Inch Pace Shorts are the first running shorts I have found that genuinely do not roll or ride up while I run.
The silicone grippers inside the hems keep the legs securely in place without making them feel restrictive. Even after a year of regular use and countless washes, the grippers remain effective.
The lightly compressive fabric feels supportive and comfortable, while the deep side pockets provide practical storage for a phone, nutrition and other essentials.
At £60, they are more expensive than many running shorts. However, after years of buying cheaper pairs that ultimately didn’t work for me, I believe they are absolutely worth the investment.
Best for: Long-distance running, ultras, hiking, everyday training, and anyone tired of shorts riding up.
Would I buy them again? I already have — in several colours.
The Trails with Tamara Test
The Trails with Tamara Test looks beyond first impressions and marketing claims. I assess gear according to how it performs during genuine training, races and outdoor adventures.
Stay-Put Performance: 5/5
The silicone hem grippers do exactly what I hoped they would do.
The legs stay in place while running and hiking, even over long distances. I do not need to repeatedly stop, adjust them or pull them back down.
Long-Distance Comfort: 5/5
I have worn these shorts throughout everyday training, long hikes and ultra-distance races of 50 miles and more.
They remain comfortable over many hours and allow me to concentrate on moving rather than thinking about my clothing.
Practicality: 5/5
The side pockets are generous and useful, while the additional waistband and rear storage options make the shorts versatile for both training and longer adventures.
Overall Trails with Tamara Score: 5/5
Verdict: Highly recommended.
In This Review
Janji Women’s 7-Inch Pace Short specifications
Why I spent years looking for shorts like these
Do the Janji Pace Shorts ride up?
Fit and compression
Long-distance and ultra-running performance
Pockets and storage
Fabric, sweat and washing
Design and reflective details
Durability after one year
What I would improve
Are they worth £60?
Final verdict
Janji Women’s 7-Inch Pace Short: Technical Overview
Style: Form-fitting running short
Inseam: 7 inches
Fabric: 68% nylon and 32% spandex
Lining: 100% polyester power mesh
Weight: Approximately 141 g in a women’s size Small
Fit: Lightly compressive and designed to sit close to the body
Hem: Janji SiliDot silicone grippers
Storage: Two deep side pockets, one internal waistband pocket and one rear StashPass pocket
Waist: Ergonomic waistband with power-mesh support and an internal Infinity drawcord
Reflective details: Reflective front logo and rear markings
Current UK price: £60
Janji describes the Groundwork Knit fabric as breathable, moisture-wicking and lightly compressive. The silicone grippers around the hems are specifically designed to prevent the shorts from riding up during movement.
The two side pockets are designed to accommodate larger phones while reducing movement and bounce. The rear StashPass pocket can be used for nutrition or as a pass-through for securing a top or lightweight layer.
Why I Spent Years Looking for Shorts Like These
My search for a pair of running shorts that didn’t ride up began long before I discovered Janji.
I had tried so many different lengths, materials and brands. Some would seem comfortable when I first put them on, only to start rolling upwards as soon as I began running.
Once they started moving, I would spend the entire run pulling them back down.
It sounds like a relatively small issue, but it becomes incredibly distracting—particularly during a long run or race. Clothing should help you move comfortably, not give you another thing to manage.
My frustration increased when I started training for Iron-distance triathlons.
Tri suits and cycling bib shorts commonly use silicone or rubberised grippers inside the hems. These help keep the fabric securely against the legs during swimming, cycling and running.
They worked brilliantly.
I couldn’t understand why it was so difficult to find the same feature in dedicated running shorts.
Then Janji introduced the Pace Shorts with its SiliDot grippers, and they offered exactly what I had been searching for.
Do the Janji Pace Shorts Ride Up?
No — not in my experience.
The silicone grippers sit around the inside of the leg openings and help anchor the fabric gently against the skin.
The shorts stay in place while I run, hike, climb and move across uneven terrain. I don’t find myself reaching down to pull them back into position, even during longer sessions.
That is the single biggest reason I love them.
The grippers are effective without feeling like a tight or aggressive rubber band around my thighs. Once I start moving, I barely notice they are there.
I have also been impressed by how well the silicone has lasted.
After approximately a year of regular use and repeated washing, the grippers remain sticky and continue to do their job. They have not lost the feature that made me buy the shorts in the first place.
Fit and Compression
The Janji Pace Shorts have a close, form-fitting shape with light compression.
For me, they feel supportive rather than restrictive.
The fabric follows the body and moves with me without feeling excessively thick or stiff. The seven-inch length also gives me enough coverage across the thighs, which helps reduce rubbing and makes them suitable for longer training sessions.
The waistband feels secure without digging in, and the internal drawcord allows the fit to be adjusted.
As with any close-fitting short, choosing the right size matters. You want the shorts to sit securely against the skin so that the grippers can work properly, but they should not feel uncomfortably tight through the waist, hips or thighs.
I would recommend using Janji’s size guide and considering how much compression you personally enjoy.
Long-Distance and Ultra-Running Performance
These have not only been tested during quick local runs.
I have worn the Janji 7-Inch Pace Shorts across hundreds—possibly more than a thousand—kilometres over the past year.
They have been used for:
Everyday running
Long training sessions
Trail running
Hiking
Wet-weather adventures
Warm-weather runs
Ultra-distance events
Races of 50 miles and beyond
Long-distance races are where seemingly small clothing problems can become major ones.
A waistband that rubs slightly during a 30-minute run may become unbearable after ten hours. Shorts that move a little during a 5 km can become an enormous source of frustration during an ultra.
The Janji Pace Shorts have remained comfortable and secure during my longer adventures.
I can put them on, start moving and largely forget about them—which is one of the best things I can say about any piece of endurance clothing.
Pockets and Storage
The shorts include two deep pockets positioned along the sides of the legs.
They provide useful storage for items such as:
A phone
Running nutrition
Tissues
Gloves
Small essentials
Because the fabric is close-fitting, the contents remain relatively secure against the body rather than bouncing around excessively.
There is also a small internal waistband pocket that Janji suggests can be used for a card, cash or a key.
Personally, I would not choose to carry a loose key there while running or hiking. I would rather secure it somewhere where I know it cannot move or fall out.
However, the pocket may be useful for everyday wear, gym sessions or carrying a small flat item.
The rear StashPass pocket can hold nutrition or be used as a pass-through for a top or lightweight layer.
That flexibility is useful when you want to carry a few essentials without automatically reaching for a running vest or belt.
Fabric, Sweat and Washing
The fabric feels smooth, lightly compressive and comfortable against the skin.
Janji uses its Groundwork Knit material, made from 68% nylon and 32% spandex. The company describes it as breathable and moisture-wicking.
I have worn the shorts in different weather conditions and across a variety of activities. They manage moisture well and have remained comfortable during both running and hiking.
They have also been through the wash countless times.
After approximately one year, the main fabric remains in good condition and, crucially, the silicone grippers still work.
That longevity matters because the stay-put design is the main reason to invest in these shorts.
Design and Reflective Details
The Pace Shorts have a simple, functional design.
Small reflective details appear around the lower rear section and are intended to provide some additional visibility in low light. Janji currently describes the shorts as having a reflective front logo and a reflective rear “watermark.”
On one of my pairs, part of the reflective detailing has begun to come away slightly after extended wear and repeated washing.
It has not affected the performance or comfort of the shorts, but it is one detail I would like to see improved—particularly on a premium product designed for regular, long-term use.
I own the shorts in multiple colours, although I would love Janji to introduce a few more playful or bolder options.
The existing shades are attractive and wearable, but these shorts are good enough to become a genuine wardrobe favourite. It would be fun to see more distinctive prints and brighter colour combinations.
Durability After One Year
This is where the shorts really justify their price for me.
After a year of use, hundreds of kilometres, ultra races, hikes and countless washes:
The silicone grippers still work.
The shorts still stay in position.
The fabric remains comfortable.
The pockets remain functional.
The shape has held up well.
The only visible issue is that some of the reflective detailing on one pair has started to lift slightly.
Apart from that, they have performed exceptionally well.
A product’s value is not simply determined by how much it costs on the day you buy it. It also depends on how often you use it and how long it continues to do its job.
These shorts have earned their place in my running wardrobe.
What I Would Improve
There are two main things I would change.
More Durable Reflective Details
The reflective strip on one of my pairs has begun to come away slightly.
It is a relatively small cosmetic issue, but I would expect all the finishing details to withstand regular washing and heavy use.
More Adventurous Colours
I would love to see a wider selection of brighter, funkier and more distinctive colourways.
The current options are practical, but the design could have a little more fun.
Neither issue changes how highly I rate the shorts overall.
Are the Janji 7-Inch Pace Shorts Worth £60?
Yes — for me, they absolutely are.
£60 is not cheap for a pair of running shorts.
However, before finding these, I bought multiple pairs from other brands while trying to solve the same problem. Some were more affordable, but they rolled up, became uncomfortable or were rarely worn again.
Collectively, those unsuccessful purchases cost me much more than one pair of shorts that genuinely worked.
That is why I no longer think only in terms of the initial price.
I think about:
How frequently will I wear them?
Do they solve a genuine problem?
Can I rely on them during long-distance events?
Will they last?
Would I buy another pair?
For the Janji Pace Shorts, the answer to all of those questions is yes.
I now own them in multiple colours, and they are among the first shorts I reach for when running or hiking.
Who Are the Janji Pace Shorts Best For?
Based on my experience, these shorts may suit someone who:
Is tired of running shorts rolling or riding up
Experiences thigh rubbing or chafing
Prefers close-fitting shorts with light compression
Wants practical phone and nutrition pockets
Runs long distances or ultras
Enjoys hiking as well as running
Wants shorts that stay secure during high-output movement
Would rather invest in one reliable pair than repeatedly replace cheaper options
They may be less suitable for someone who dislikes close-fitting clothing or strongly prefers loose, split-style running shorts.
Final Verdict
For years, I wondered why running shorts didn’t use the same silicone grippers I had relied on in tri suits and cycling bib shorts.
The Janji Women’s 7-Inch Pace Shorts finally gave me exactly what I had been looking for.
They stay where I put them.
They don’t roll up.
They remain comfortable across everyday runs, hikes, long training days and ultra-distance races of 50 miles and beyond.
After approximately a year of frequent use and repeated washing, the silicone grippers still work and the shorts remain one of the most dependable pieces of clothing in my running wardrobe.
I would like the reflective details to be more durable and would happily welcome some funkier colour options.
But those are small criticisms of a product I genuinely love.
Stay-Put Performance: 5/5
Long-Distance Comfort: 5/5
Practicality: 5/5
Overall Trails with Tamara Score: 5/5
Would I spend my own money on them again?
I already have :)
