Compressport already appears in the RunMorph catalog with a pack, a trail T-shirt and a waterproof jacket, but no shorts. The Racing Split Short fills that gap with a redesigned product: the French brand presents it as an evolution of its previous model, now a true "split short" that's shorter and more deeply split for maximum freedom of movement in marathons and road races. At RunMorph, we cross-checked the official spec sheet against the manufacturer's verified customer reviews to see whether these 62-gram shorts deliver on their promises.
© Compressport, official photo used for editorial purposes
Compressport Racing Split Short: the French brand's first shorts in our catalog
Compressport is a French brand known for its compression apparel and socks. RunMorph already covers the UltRun S-Pack Evo 10 on the pack side, the Trail Racing SS Tshirt for technical tops and the Thunderstorm Waterproof 25/75 for jackets. The Racing Split Short fills an obvious gap: we hadn't reviewed a single pair of the brand's shorts, even though the range runs from 2-in-1 compression models to pure racing split shorts. The version reviewed here is the recent redesign, which the brand describes as "evolving into a true split short": a shorter cut than the previous generation and deeper side splits for more freedom of movement at fast paces.
Compressport Racing Split Short specs
| Feature | Value |
|---|
| Brand | Compressport (France) |
| Model reviewed | Racing Split Short, black (ASHM3759000L) |
| Weight | 62 g (official manufacturer figure) |
| Composition | 93% polyamide, 7% elastane |
| Fabric | Formosa, water-repellent (hydrophobic), non-clingy |
| Closure | Elastic waistband with drawcord |
| Storage | Hidden back pocket for gels or keys |
| Built-in brief | Microfiber, anti-chafe |
| Made in | Cambodia |
| Recommended use | Road running, racing, marathon |
| Official price | €70 |
On paper, these shorts clearly target road racing and the marathon rather than technical trail. The brand pitches them "from the local race to the big-city marathon," with a Formosa fabric it calls one of the lightest on the market. The hidden woven-mesh back pocket is designed for gels or keys, but its capacity is limited compared with the flask belts on 2-in-1 ultra-trail shorts. Keep that segment difference in mind before you buy.
The built-in microfiber brief: putting the anti-chafe promise to the test
The key technical feature of the Racing Split Short is its built-in microfiber brief, designed to deliver support and comfort without chafing or irritation. Compressport has real expertise here: the brand outfits elite runners at events like UTMB, the Marathon des Sables and the Berlin Marathon, and that know-how runs through its entire apparel range.
On the brand's 2-in-1 shorts, reviewed separately by a runner who has documented several Compressport models over extended use, the feedback matches that promise: "the built-in short does its job perfectly. The shorts stay in place and give you support and comfort on both the climbs and the descents." The same tester notes that on this type of construction with inner compression, "I didn't notice any extra fabric or weird bunching" around the groin, a common trouble spot on racing shorts. This observation concerns a different 2-in-1 model, not the Racing Split Short reviewed here. It does document the brand's consistent approach to flat seams and microfiber interiors, a point that carries over and is flagged as such rather than passed off as a direct test of this product.
© Compressport, official photo used for editorial purposes
RunMorph tip: shorts with such minimal storage suit a road race with aid stations along the course. For an ultra or a trail race where you carry several hours of supplies, go for a 2-in-1 design with a flask belt, or pair these shorts with a dedicated running belt.
Field testing: an acknowledged sourcing gap, offset by verified customer reviews
Cross-checked reviews and transparency disclosure: for this article, RunMorph found no independent editorial field test dedicated to the Racing Split Short, despite several targeted searches. The French and English-language specialist press we consulted mostly tests the brand's more technical 2-in-1 designs (trail shorts with built-in tights) rather than these simpler road split shorts, which make for a less spectacular review. We flag this gap openly instead of papering over it with an off-topic test.
To compensate, RunMorph turned to the verified customer reviews published on the official product page at compressport.com, certified by Trusted Shops (a third-party verification system, where the brand's overall rating is 4.6/5): the Racing Split Short holds a 4.5/5 rating from 4 reviews at the time of writing, 75% of them 5-star. That's a small sample, and we say so. Still, the score and its consistency with the brand's general reputation for comfort and chafe prevention send a positive signal, without replacing a real journalistic field test.
© Compressport, official photo used for editorial purposes
Compressport Racing Split Short vs Salomon S/Lab Ultra 2in1 vs On Race Singlet 2: comparison
| Product | Weight | Storage | Target use | Price |
|---|
| Compressport Racing Split Short | 62 g | 1 hidden back pocket | Road, marathon, racing | €70 |
| Salomon S/Lab Ultra 2in1 | Heavier (2-in-1) | Flask belt | Ultra-trail, long distance | Premium |
| On Race Singlet 2 | Light (singlet) | None | Road/track racing | Mid-range |
Against the Salomon S/Lab Ultra 2in1, our catalog's benchmark for ultra-trail, the segment gap is clear. The S/Lab Ultra 2in1 relies on a 360° flask belt and hexagonal compression for long-distance self-sufficiency, while the Racing Split Short goes all-in on minimalism built for pure speed on the road. Against the On Race Singlet 2, a singlet we've already reviewed, both products share the same lightweight racing philosophy, but they cover different parts of the body and complement each other rather than compete.
Pros
- Featherweight (62 g), among the lightest road racing shorts on the market
- Water-repellent Formosa fabric stays light even in the rain
- Built-in microfiber brief backed by the brand's solid anti-chafe reputation
- Flat seams, with no bunching or rubbing seams according to available feedback
- Clean split-short design, shorter cut for maximum freedom of movement
Cons
- Minimal storage: a single hidden pocket, poorly suited to carrying ultra supplies
- No independent editorial field test found for this specific model
- Few customer reviews so far (4 reviews) at the time of writing
- Made offshore (Cambodia), worth weighing against the €70 price
- Deliberately short cut: try it on before buying if you prefer more coverage
Our verdict in practice: who is the Racing Split Short for?
The marathoner chasing a time who wants the lightest shorts possible
This is the brand's stated target. The featherweight build and the lack of unnecessary storage are a perfect match for pure performance on the road, with aid stations along the course.
The trail runner who needs to carry several hours of supplies
Avoid as your main pair. The single hidden pocket can't replace a flask belt or a 2-in-1 design like the S/Lab Ultra 2in1 for self-supported long runs.
The modest runner who dislikes very short, split shorts
Try before you buy. The deliberate "split short" cut, shorter than the previous generation, won't suit every body type or every style preference.
For your training: only race in shorts this minimal after wearing them in training over a distance close to your goal, to make sure they don't chafe over time. Structure your marathon build with a plan matched to your goal: explore the RunMorph training plans.
RunMorph verdict
The Compressport Racing Split Short fills a real gap in the French brand's catalog presence and checks the boxes you expect from minimalist racing shorts: featherweight, water-repellent fabric, a built-in brief with a reputation for comfort. Two things hold the score back. We found no independent editorial field test for this specific model, a gap we acknowledge and flag rather than hide. And its storage clearly confines it to road use rather than ultra-trail. A safe bet if you want pure lightness for the marathon, but try it before a big time goal. 7.3/10.