Moving Comfort Momentum Short Review

by Shannon · Published May 15, 2012 , 2:50 pm · Updated December 20, 2024 , 5:22 am

Active Gear Review is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Momentum Short in Bahama Blue

Moving Comfort is known for their stellar sports bras (reviews to come on a few of their newer models). However, they also make some pretty great products to go over or with their sports bras, such as the Momentum Short.

The Momentum Short is composed of DriLayer® Eco Stretch 86% recycled polyester and 14% spandex. This combination allows for excellent movement in the short, which is much needed because the short does not utilize a split short design. Rather, these shorts employ a semi-fitted design and have a low rise, sitting on the hips. The fabrics’ stretchability allows the shorts move freely with each stride, without flapping up in the wind as they are slightly heavier than your typical nylon short material. I did find that when sweating heavily, the Momentum short did cling a bit to my quads–I think this is most likely due to the wide band over the outside hip area, which pulls the fabric to your thighs.

The Momentum Short runs a tad large; as I had areas of bagginess (mostly in the backside) and these shorts are designed to be semi-fitted. Of note, I ordered based on the outlined size guide on Moving Comforts website. I liked the wide waistband and found that the shorts stayed put on the hips while running. There is a hidden drawstring within the waistband to cinch these shorts down. The drawstring itself is quite long and a bit too stretchy; once tied it didn’t loosen up, I just found that I had to pull quite a bit to get any tightening and would worry that it may not hold up over time. I would be concerned that if the drawstring broke, I wouldn’t be able to run in these shorts anymore due to slipping down. With that said, the drawstring is working now and I will bear these features in mind when I put the shorts on!

These shorts offer a nice rear zip pocket that can fit most gels, your car key, or an iPod. I typically place a key in the pocket provided and stash my gels in a hand-held bottle or in a hydration pack because I don’t like to feel the item bouncing around. I do think that the pocket could be placed a bit higher on these shorts, perhaps integrated into the waistband even. Its’ current placement sits a little low and I could feel my car key poking the top of my sacrum (tailbone), which could get annoying on a long run. There are also 2 internal stash pockets to keep other smaller items at bay, which I liked.

Front View: Colorful Waist Band!

The Momentum Short is available in sizes XS to XL. Every size offers a 4″ inseam, which I felt wasn’t too long or too short. I am 5’9″ and that is me above with the shorts on, plenty of coverage in the front and the rear. The liner is pretty standard and offers adequate coverage without cutting in anywhere.

These shorts are available in Bahama Blue, my personal favorite thanks to the tie-dyed looking waistband, your basic Black, Grape Soda, and Ebony/Sunset (photos below). Their price may seem a bit steep, however, keep in mind that their is significant quality in the construction of these shorts and that they are composed of a stretch polyester/spandex combo vs. nylon. Not to mention, they feature nice stylish details such as contrasting piping, waistband, and stitching. The Momentum’s are a great short that I highly recommend. For more info on the Moving Comfort Momentum Short, visit www.backcountry.com or www.amazon.com/movingcomfort.