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Roark has consistently impressed me with their gear, so I was excited to try out the Roark Alta 5” Shorts from their Run Amok Collection. I’d had positive experiences with previous items like their Backwoods Flannel Jacket and last year’s Layover Trail Shorts, and I expected these to maintain the same quality. Right off the bat, the design and look of the Alta shorts stood out. They come in several colors and patterns, but the Black Fjord colorway I chose really won me over. It’s subtle yet unique, giving it an eye-catching look without being overly flashy.
First Impressions & Design
The shorts have a 5-inch inseam, which feels just right for me. This length strikes a good balance. They provide enough coverage while still giving my legs plenty of freedom. The shorts also feature a split hem that adds to the flexibility, which I noticed when running trails or stretching out before and after workouts. One small detail I appreciated was the “Run Amok” logo, a fun nod to the adventurous ethos Roark promotes. The materials Roark uses continue to feel top-notch, from the stretchy nylon fabric to the water-resistant finish.
Key Features & Functionality
One of the main reasons I look for running shorts with specific features is because I tend to carry a few essentials on every run. The Roark Alta 5” shorts have a well-thought-out pocket system. There’s a water-resistant zippered pocket in the back, perfect for a phone or small items like keys. I found this pocket handy, especially when I tested the shorts on a local Turkey Trot 5K race. I used it to stow my truck key fob securely, and it didn’t bounce around or shift at all, which is a big plus.
Additionally, the shorts have two small gel stash pockets on either side of the zippered pocket. While these were designed with distance runners in mind, they’re versatile and could hold other small items as well. The internal brief liner is another strong feature here; it’s breathable, anti-microbial, and feels light against the skin. I didn’t experience any discomfort or chafing, even on longer runs, which was a relief since liners can sometimes be hit or miss.
Performance Testing
To really see how the Alta shorts perform, I took them through various types of runs. I wore them on both solo runs and group sessions, trying them out on roads, trails, and with my dogs on the trails. I also ran that Turkey Trot 5K in them. Not only did they hold up well, but I managed to finish with my best time yet, placing 14th out of 215 runners and grabbing second place in my age group, which earned me a pie from Grand Traverse Pie Company. Safe to say, the shorts didn’t hold me back one bit!
The zip pocket was great, allowing me to keep my key fob safely stowed without worry. After the race, I even managed to fit a granola bar in there. The fabric’s stretch felt great for most movements, although I did notice a slight issue on inclines or steep terrain where my legs needed more range. The 5-inch inseam combined with the moderate side cut caused the fabric to bunch slightly at 90-degree leg lifts. It wasn’t a major issue, but it’s something to consider if you run on trails with frequent elevation changes.
Comfort and Fit
Roark designed these shorts with a comfortable, single-ply elastic waistband, and they included an option to route the drawstring internally or externally. This flexibility was great; I usually wear my drawstring internally, but having the choice makes these shorts more versatile for people with different preferences. The waistband, while comfortable, was a little looser than on some other running shorts I own. However, I didn’t notice it during runs, and it held up without slipping or needing adjustments.
Another feature I liked was the inner liner, which was snug but not restrictive. It felt breathable, which was essential during humid runs. The liner’s anti-microbial fabric also seemed to help reduce odor, which I appreciated when I packed the shorts into my bag post-run and didn’t get hit with an unpleasant surprise later.
Downsides and Considerations
Although I enjoyed these shorts overall, I think a few tweaks could improve them. The 5-inch length is great, but I would have preferred a slightly deeper side cut to eliminate that bunching feeling on steeper climbs. Also, the lack of standard side pockets limited the shorts’ versatility. Without them, I couldn’t comfortably wear the shorts as casual gear or stash my phone quickly during a cooldown or walk around town.
Another area I’m watching closely is durability. After about five washes, I noticed slight signs of fading on the Black Fjord pattern, especially in areas exposed to sweat or friction. Roark’s designs are some of my favorites, but I worry that regular use might lead to premature wear and tear on the print.
Conclusion: Value, Color Options, and Where to Buy
At $85, the Roark Alta 5” shorts are priced on the higher end of the running shorts market. They deliver solid quality and innovative features, from the water-resistant zip pocket to the breathable liner, making them a worthwhile investment for runners who appreciate a unique style with high functionality. If you’re interested, they come in several colors: Camo, Black Fjord, Black, Hillside, and Kaffa, allowing you to pick one that best fits your taste.
You can learn more about these shorts or make a purchase directly on Roark’s website at roark.com, or rei.com and amazon.com. If you’re a fan of stylish yet high-performance gear and don’t mind investing in quality, the Alta shorts are worth checking out. I’ll definitely keep my eye on Roark for future releases and color options, as they continue to produce quality, adventure-ready gear.
