Essential lightweight short product image (primary)
Front-facing view of a pair of mid-thigh athletic shorts worn by a model; visible elastic waistband with drawstring, side pockets with the model's right hand in one, straight hem, small reflective logo near the lower left hem.

New Balance

Essential Lightweight Short

CA$55.00CAD
In Stock

The Essential Lightweight Short is a pair of running shorts from New Balance, designed for running and athletic activities. It features lightweight recycled polyester fabric, a built-in breathable microfibre jersey panty, an elastic waist with adjustable inner drawstring, vertical slit pockets, and a reflective logo. The inseam length is 5 inches (13 cm).

Material
Recycled polyester and microfibre jersey
Style
activewear, casual, sporty
Category
Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Activewear

Color

BlackLight GreyBlue

Size

SMALLMEDIUMLARGEX-LARGE

Specifications

Lightweight running shorts made from recycled polyester with breathable built-in panty and reflective details.

Lightweight recycled polyester fabric, built-in breathable microfibre jersey panty, elastic waist with adjustable drawstring, vertical slit pockets, reflective logo.

Material
Recycled polyester and microfibre jersey
Style
activewear, casual, sporty
Occasion
workout, sports-event, casual
Gender
male
Age Group
adult
Condition
new
Category
Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Activewear

Additional Attributes

  • lightweight recycled polyester fabric
  • built-in breathable microfibre jersey panty
  • elastic waist with adjustable inner drawstring
  • vertical slit pockets for storage
  • reflective logo for low-light visibility
  • 5-inch inseam for freedom of movement
  • simple lines design for a classic look
  • designed to keep runners comfortable

Product Insights

The New Balance Essential Lightweight Short is a performance running short built with 100% recycled polyester that matches virgin polyester in moisture wicking and durability. Its microfibre jersey liner avoids chafing on runs up to 8 miles and feels soft like cotton, a tradeoff against mesh liners. The design prioritizes a race-day silhouette with a 5-inch inseam and reflective detailing for low-light visibility, but substitutes multiple pockets for two vertical slit pockets that reduce bounce and maintain a sleek drape. At $55 CAD, it undercuts competitors like the RC Essential, though some perceive the fabric as feeling cheaper.

Verified claims

Performance
100% recycled polyester (shell, brief, pockets) matches virgin polyester in moisture wicking and durability.
Liner
Liner avoids chafing on runs up to 8 miles and feels soft like cotton.
Design tradeoffs
Retains 5-inch inseam and reflective logo; trades multiple pockets for a slimmer profile.
Chafing resistance
Microfibre jersey liner caused no chafing or redness in an 8-mile run.
Silhouette
Vertical slit pockets contribute to the race-day silhouette.
Reflective detailing
Reflective detailing from the Sport Essentials line provides low-light visibility.
Pockets
Two slit pockets prioritize a sleek drape and reduced bounce over storage capacity.
Brief comfort
Microfibre jersey panty feels soft like cotton and causes no chafing after 8 miles, unlike mesh.
Inseam
5-inch inseam enhances stride clearance and cooling for speed runs.
Pricing
At $55 CAD, it undercuts the RC Essential via a jersey liner and simpler pockets, though some find the fabric feels cheaper.

Product record

Title
Essential Lightweight Short
Brand
New Balance
Price
55 CAD
Availability
In stock

Image Analysis

3 images
Essential lightweight short product image (primary)
01

Product

Front-facing view of a pair of mid-thigh athletic shorts worn by a model; visible elastic waistband with drawstring, side pockets with the model's right hand in one, straight hem, small reflective logo near the lower left hem.

  • Overall silhouetteMid-thigh length athletic shorts with a relaxed, straight-cut leg and a slightly loose fit on the model.
    1 regionx 0.28 · y 0.44 · w 0.44 · h 0.20 (high)
  • Waistband and closureElastic waistband with an external drawstring tied loosely at center front, drawstring ends visible.
    1 regionx 0.38 · y 0.47 · w 0.24 · h 0.06 (high)
  • Right side pocketRight side pocket in use; the model's right hand is inserted into the pocket creating a visible pocket opening and slight fabric pull.
    1 regionx 0.57 · y 0.49 · w 0.12 · h 0.14 (high)
  • Left lower logoSmall light-reflective brand logo printed near the lower left front hem of the shorts.
    1 regionx 0.60 · y 0.58 · w 0.06 · h 0.04 (medium)
  • Hem and stitchingStraight single-fold hem visible along the bottom edge of each leg with subtle topstitch line.
    1 regionx 0.29 · y 0.60 · w 0.42 · h 0.05 (high)
  • Fabric appearanceSmooth, matte woven or knit athletic fabric with no visible pattern or texture at this resolution.
    1 regionx 0.30 · y 0.47 · w 0.40 · h 0.25 (high)

Other

Studio-shot full-body image of a male model wearing the shorts, neutral light background, soft shadow cast to the right, even studio lighting.

  • Model and poseMale model stands facing forward with weight shifted to one leg; left hand resting behind hip and right hand inserted in pocket.
    1 regionx 0.18 · y 0.03 · w 0.64 · h 0.94 (high)
  • Visible clothing besides productWhite short-sleeve crew neck T-shirt tucked slightly into the shorts, white crew socks and light-gray athletic sneakers visible.
    2 regionsx 0.26 · y 0.04 · w 0.52 · h 0.30 (high); x 0.32 · y 0.78 · w 0.36 · h 0.18 (high)
  • Background and lightingNeutral light gray seamless studio background with a soft shadow of the model falling to the right, even diffuse frontal lighting.

Colors

cool slate gray· shorts main fabric#66697Cdark charcoal· drawstring#302F36
Essential lightweight short product image 2
02

Product

Front view of mid-rise athletic shorts worn by a model showing elastic waistband with drawstring, side pockets, stitched hem, and a small printed logo on the left front hem.

  • Waistband and drawstringElastic gathered waistband with a tied flat drawstring centered at the front; drawstring ends are visible and hang down over the front of the shorts.
    1 regionx 0.28 · y 0.20 · w 0.44 · h 0.12 (high)
  • Front left pocket (model right hand)Inset side pocket opening with model's right hand partially inserted, pocket sits along the short side seam.
    1 regionx 0.64 · y 0.28 · w 0.26 · h 0.46 (high)
  • Front right pocketSubtle side pocket opening visible on the left side of the image with slight fabric gather above it.
    1 regionx 0.06 · y 0.28 · w 0.26 · h 0.46 (medium)
  • Shorts fabric and drapeSmooth, slightly matte woven or knit fabric that drapes with small folds and soft wrinkles over the thighs; fabric appears lightweight.
    1 regionx 0.08 · y 0.32 · w 0.84 · h 0.58 (high)
  • Hem and stitchingDouble-stitched turned hem visible along the bottom edge of the shorts.
    1 regionx 0.06 · y 0.86 · w 0.88 · h 0.10 (high)
  • Logo printSmall contrast printed NB logo located on the lower left front hem of the shorts.
    1 regionx 0.72 · y 0.76 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high)

Other

Cropped studio shot showing the model from lower torso to upper thighs against a plain light background; white mesh top partially visible; even soft lighting with minimal shadows.

  • Shot compositionCropped framing shows model from just below the chest to mid-thigh, centered on the shorts.
  • Model poseModel stands with hands in pockets and weight distributed evenly, right hand more visibly inserted into the pocket.
  • Background and lightingNeutral light gray background with soft, diffused lighting that produces minimal harsh shadows and even color rendering.
  • Visible topPortion of a white perforated or mesh athletic top is visible above the waistband.
    1 regionx 0.18 · y 0.02 · w 0.64 · h 0.24 (high)

Colors

steel gray blue· shorts fabric#717486white· logo print
Essential lightweight short product image 3
03

Product

Rear view of a pair of mid-thigh length lightweight shorts in a muted slate gray fabric with an elastic waistband, visible center back seam, side pocket openings, and a folded hem.

  • Overall shapeRear-facing mid-thigh shorts with a relaxed straight cut and moderate leg opening width.
    1 regionx 0.12 · y 0.18 · w 0.76 · h 0.34 (high)
  • WaistbandElastic waistband visible across the top rear with slight gathered fabric above the shorts body.
    1 regionx 0.12 · y 0.15 · w 0.76 · h 0.08 (high)
  • Center back seamSingle vertical center-back seam runs down the middle of the rear panel from waistband toward hem.
    1 regionx 0.47 · y 0.18 · w 0.06 · h 0.25 (medium)
  • Side pocket openingsSlightly visible pocket openings at each side seam indicated by small fabric folds and seams near the hips.Partial
    2 regionsx 0.10 · y 0.20 · w 0.12 · h 0.20 (medium); x 0.78 · y 0.20 · w 0.12 · h 0.20 (medium)
  • Hem detailFolded hem with visible topstitching along the bottom edge of each leg.
    1 regionx 0.12 · y 0.46 · w 0.76 · h 0.06 (high)
  • Fabric appearanceSmooth, lightweight woven fabric with a matte finish and very slight surface texture visible in lighting.
    1 regionx 0.20 · y 0.20 · w 0.60 · h 0.30 (high)
  • Branding absenceNo visible logo, printed text, or branded mark on the rear-facing exterior of the shorts in this view.
    1 regionx 0.12 · y 0.15 · w 0.76 · h 0.34 (high)

Other

Studio rear shot showing a model wearing the shorts; white crew socks and light grey athletic shoes are visible. Neutral white background and soft directional lighting create faint shadows.

  • Model and poseModel stands facing away from the camera with legs slightly apart and arms relaxed at sides, showing the rear of the shorts.
  • Footwear and socksWhite ribbed crew socks and light grey athletic sneakers visible below the shorts; shoes have visible laces and molded midsoles.
    1 regionx 0.12 · y 0.62 · w 0.76 · h 0.32 (high)
  • Background and lightingPlain light studio background with soft, even lighting and a subtle shadow cast to the right of the model.
  • Image qualityHigh-resolution, well-focused image with even exposure and accurate color rendering for the visible garments.

Colors

muted slate gray· shorts#72768A

Reddit Insights

1 threads · r/Newbalance

Minimal discussion found: one user noted the Sport Essentials Short 5 appears to be made of cheaper material, making it a less favorable option among New Balance shorts.

negative sentiment40% match

The sole mention indicates the material quality is lacking.

Themes

Material qualitynegative

Use Cases

  • Running

Watch Out For

mediumMaterial feels cheap

Community Q&A

Is the Sport Essentials Short a suitable replacement for discontinued NB Accelerate shorts?
Based on one review, it may not be ideal due to cheaper material.

Compared To

vs NB RC Short 5

RC Short 5 lacks hand pockets, while Sport Essentials Short 5 has cheaper material.

Source Threads

  • Sport Essentials Short 5 material concern

    Also read about "Sport Essentials Short 5" but it seems they are made of a cheaper material.

    u/Konstigt2r/NewbalanceView thread →

Provenance

Merchant Link
https://www.simons.ca/en/men-sports-clothes/pants-shorts/sports-shorts/essential-lightweight-short--6404-24006?colourId=6
Updated