New Balance
Essential Lightweight Short
The Essential Lightweight Short is a pair of lightweight running shorts made from recycled polyester fabric. It features a built-in breathable microfibre jersey panty, an elastic waistband with an adjustable inner drawstring, vertical slit pockets, and a reflective logo. With a 5-inch (13 cm) inseam, these shorts are designed for comfortable running and athletic activities.
- Material
- Recycled polyester and microfibre jersey
- Style
- activewear, casual, sporty
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Activewear
Color
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 reduce bulk around the waist and create a cleaner drape for a sleek silhouette.
- Reflective detailing
- Reflective detailing from the Sport Essentials line provides low-light visibility.
- Pockets
- Two slit pockets prioritize a clean drape and reduced bulk around the waist over storage capacity.
- Brief comfort
- Microfibre jersey panty feels soft like cotton and causes no chafing after 8 miles, unlike mesh.
- Inseam
- The 5-inch inseam enhances stride clearance, prevents bunching, and improves 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.
- Fast drying
- The recycled polyester fabric wicks sweat outward and dries quickly instead of becoming a heavy, clingy layer.
- Shell breathability
- The recycled polyester shell provides the same breathability as conventional virgin polyester.
Product record
- Title
- Essential Lightweight Short
- Brand
- New Balance
- Price
- 55 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Buying Guide
0 comparisons · 3 sourcesUses
Lightweight running shorts with built-in support
These New Balance running shorts are designed for runners who want a lightweight, simple option for their runs. The 5-inch inseam is intended to allow unrestricted movement, and a built-in mesh brief adds support. Note that comfort and unrestricted movement are stated design goals from the product listings rather than verified outcomes.[1,2,3]
Carrying keys, phone, and gels on runs
These lightweight shorts have four drop-in pockets plus a zippered pocket sized for small items like keys, standard sized phones, and power gels. That storage lets runners keep essentials on hand during a run instead of leaving them behind. Per the product listing, the pockets are intended to help you stay focused on your run.[2]
Image Analysis
3 images- 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 region
x 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 region
x 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 region
x 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 region
x 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 region
x 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 region
x 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 region
x 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 regions
x 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- Overall silhouetteMid-thigh length athletic shorts with a relaxed, straight-cut leg and a slightly loose fit on the model.
- 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 region
x 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 region
x 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 region
x 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 region
x 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 region
x 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 region
x 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 region
x 0.18 · y 0.02 · w 0.64 · h 0.24 (high)
Colors
steel gray blue· shorts fabric#717486white· logo print- 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.
- 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 region
x 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 region
x 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 region
x 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 regions
x 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 region
x 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 region
x 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 region
x 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 region
x 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- Overall shapeRear-facing mid-thigh shorts with a relaxed straight cut and moderate leg opening width.
Variants
8 SKUs| SKU | Title | Price | Avail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4081335 | Essential Lightweight Short - Black - Small | CA$55.00 | Yes |
| 4081336 | Essential Lightweight Short - Black - Medium | CA$55.00 | Yes |
| 4081337 | Essential Lightweight Short - Black - Large | CA$55.00 | Yes |
| 4081338 | Essential Lightweight Short - Black - X-Large | CA$55.00 | Yes |
| 4532426 | Essential Lightweight Short - Light Grey - Large | CA$55.00 | Yes |
| 4532427 | Essential Lightweight Short - Light Grey - X-Large | CA$55.00 | Yes |
| 4524957 | Essential Lightweight Short - Blue - Large | CA$55.00 | Yes |
| 4524958 | Essential Lightweight Short - Blue - X-Large | CA$55.00 | Yes |
Documents & Data
Reddit Insights
1 threads · r/NewbalanceMinimal 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.
The sole mention indicates the material quality is lacking.
Themes
Use Cases
- Running
Watch Out For
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 →