
You asked for it, and here it is a side-by-side comparison of our run shorts.
No matter which shorts you choose, each of the Run:Speed Short, Groovy Run Short and Run:Punya Short are set up with the following features:
- Flat seaming for a chafeless run
- Inner liner for a line-free bum
- Zippered pocket so you stride hands free
- Quick dry shell so your sweat wicks and doesn’t look like you…had an accident
The Differences:
The Run:Speed Short is one of our top selling run shorts because of its technical functions and universal fit. The venting along the lower back/bum seams keeps you cooled off, and the curved hem along the thigh shows off the biggest muscle in your body. It’s a favorite of many of our Carlsbad triathlete ambassadors.
If you’re a little more humble about your gams – there are options, still! A few educators and guests have been going a size up in the shorts, since there is an inner drawstring (which won’t get lost in the wash!). Just pull that sucker tight and blaze the trails! A higher rise and a mid-thigh length make the Groovy Run Short ideal for those craving a few extra inches top and bottom. Since the inseam is longer, those who are concerned about the shorts “riding up” can quell their fears.
If coverage in the waist-zone is what you’re after, the extra fabric in the mid-section of the Run:Punya Short will do wonders (it’s moisture wicking, too). The left leg houses the zippered pocket on this short, so the contents won’t get in your way during an ab-workout or car ride. The bottom hem is cut straight across on this four-way stretch short, which is again ideal for those more modest about showing off all of their legs.
Now lace up your runners and get your own, by checking out your local lululemon store or our online store.
Run:Speed Short

Meredith from the Carlsbad store wears the Run:Speed Short.
Why We Made This:
- Ultra light short for running, tri & gym
- Wicking & quick dry shell fabric with 4-way stretch
- Open venting for added breathability
- Coolmax liner with mesh for airflow
- Secure pocket for $/keys & sport snacks
- Soft wicking waistband with drawstring & elastic for support
- Chafe resistant – flat seamed
**Shell fabric made from recycled polyester!!
Colours: Snorkel Blue, Black/Neon Purple, Black/Alfalfa, Coal/Electric Orange, White/Silver Dream/Stripe/Fatbird, Turf/Caribe , Black/Frisby Sunset Floral, Bon Bon, Black or Coal
Groovy Run Short

The Groovy Run Short covers all bums.

With a longer inseam and higher rise than the Run:Speed Short, the Groovy Run Short is a tad longer than the Run:Punya Short.
Why We Made This:
- Ultra light mid-length run short
- Wicking shell fabric with 4 way stretch
- Soft coolmax liner for increased air flow
- Overlapped hem for maximum range of motion during running
- Secure pocket for $/keys & sport snacks
- Chafe resistant – flat seamed
Colours: Black /Royale Manifesto Swirl, Deep Navy / White/ Deep Navy Dream Stripe, Greys Checkmate, Black or Black/ Caribe/ Aruba, Black/ Kiss/ Multi Up or Down or Black/ Aruba/ Fatbird Dot, Crystal Pink Fatbird Floral/ Bon or Coal/ Bon Bon/ Paradise
Run:Punya Short

The rise of the Run:Punya is high like the Groovy Run. It’s in-between short and mid-length, and cut straight across the thigh.

Ooh! A side zipper pocket for your keys or GU!
Why We Made This:
- 7 minute mile?? — no problem!!!
- Wicking & quick dry shell fabric with 4-way stretch
- Coolmax liner with mesh for airflow
- Secure pocket for $/keys & sport snacks
- Soft wicking waistband with drawstring & elastic for support
- Chafe resistant – flat seamed
Colours: Grey Checkmate, Black or Deep Navy, Aruba, Kiss/Multi Up and Down

I wore the Groovy Run shorts for the first time tonight but they rode up in the middle, unlike the speed short from years ago. So sad.
Comment by C — June 24, 2009 @ 5:47 pm
Your 42k short needs to come back into the lineup! I still have mine (bought ?4? years ago) and it has the necessary leg room (split leg design) and short inseam so that there isn’t too much cloth. For the serious male runner, this is the cat’s pajamas. Definitely not the long shorts that are down almost to the knees. I have your interval shorts (almost as good), but wear my 42k’s only for races. Don’t want to wear them out!
Comment by Jo — June 24, 2009 @ 9:39 pm
I like the Speed short personally.Perfect for those longer 12-20 mile runs and especially the summer months. No chafing and doesn’t get to heavy when they are sweaty or wet.
Comment by Stephanie — June 25, 2009 @ 9:25 am
One draw back: That silly lining on the inside drives me bonkers when I run!
Lulu, ditch the lining. Its annoying and looks ridiculous when you bend over…CAN YOU SAY PANTY LINE!!!
P.S. Other that that I love them, don’t get me wrong!
Comment by Ali — June 27, 2009 @ 7:07 am
None of these shorts work well for those of us who love to run but our thighs rub together. =(
Comment by Jen — June 29, 2009 @ 8:45 am
Those of us with cellulite need WAY more length in a short, whether it be in a run short or any short for that matter! I have one *light* pair, from a few years ago, that falls closer to the knee than to the top of the thigh and I love them! Bring back the length!!!!!
Comment by Audrey — June 29, 2009 @ 8:52 am
Agreed. When I go for a long run I want something that comes mid thigh not under butt cheek. Cute shorts but not for me – nor for 75% of the women I see out running.
Comment by Jo — June 29, 2009 @ 10:51 am
Thanks for all your feedback ladies! I’ll make sure this gets to our design team
You can also submit any feedback you have about our products directly to our design team on our website http://www.lululemon.com/feedback/
- Lauren
Comment by lululemon — July 1, 2009 @ 1:31 pm
I bought the speed short last summer and am sad to say that I’ve only ever worn them once in public – on a bike. I’m pretty tall, so they’re pretty much booty shorts on me. Probably shouldn’t have bought them.
Comment by Lindz — July 2, 2009 @ 5:08 pm
I have a few pairs of the Speed shorts and one pair of the Punya shorts and love them. I live in them during the summer months at the cottage – great for kayaking. My only problem is my conservative husband who doesn’t think I should wear short-shorts in public, even though they look fabulous on. I just put them on when I get to the gym to avoid the comments.
Comment by Samantha — July 20, 2009 @ 9:10 am
Hi there!
I’m having trouble differentiating between the Ultra Short and the Speed Short? They look pretty similar, but surely there are unique elements to each. Can you help?
Also, I just watched the Crossfit games (www.crossfitgames.com) and the Speed Shorts were everywhere!
Thanks,
Katie
Comment by Katie — July 23, 2009 @ 12:22 pm