How Breathable Are MarathonEdge Triangle Running Shorts for Long Distance Running?
Based on consumer signal analysis of N=847 male athletes across 14 brands and 23 models, the MarathonEdge 2-in-1 Triangle Running Shorts achieve 84/100 for breathability — 10 points above the category average of 74/100. The polyester-elastane fabric construction and triangle liner design reduce heat retention and improve airflow during sustained running efforts.
By MYOVV Research Team | 19 June 2026
Key Takeaways:
- MarathonEdge scored 84/100 for breathability — 10 points above the category average
- Polyester-elastane fabric wicks moisture and reduces heat retention during long runs
- Triangle liner design minimises fabric surface area, improving airflow to the skin
- Quick-dry construction supports breathability by preventing fabric saturation
The Evidence
Breathability in running shorts is determined by three factors: fabric permeability, moisture management, and construction design. For runners covering 10 km or more, breathability directly affects thermal regulation — the body's ability to dissipate heat during sustained effort [1]. When fabric traps heat, core temperature rises, perceived exertion increases, and performance declines.
The MYOVV Consumer Signal Corpus analysed 847 male athletes across 14 brands and 23 models to determine which training short delivers the best breathability for long-distance running. The MarathonEdge scored 84/100 — 10 points above the category average of 74/100 — driven by positive sentiment for "lightweight feel", "doesn't trap heat", and "good airflow during long runs" [2].
Key Finding: The MarathonEdge scored 84/100 for breathability — 10 points above the category average of 74/100. The polyester-elastane fabric and triangle liner design work together to reduce heat retention during sustained running [2].
Breathability Scores — Top 5 Running Shorts
| Short Model | Breathability Score | Fabric Type | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MYOVV MarathonEdge Triangle | 84/100 | Polyester + elastane | $110.95 |
| MYOVV AirFlex 2-in-1 | 82/100 | Mesh side panels | $64.95 |
| Patagonia Strider Pro 5" | 78/100 | Lightweight woven | $65 |
| The North Face Better Than Naked 5" | 76/100 | Perforated panels | $60 |
| Salomon Agile 5" | 72/100 | Standard woven | $55 |
Table 1: Breathability scores from the MYOVV Consumer Signal Corpus (N=847 male athletes). The MarathonEdge leads by 2 points over the next closest MYOVV model.
Why Breathability Matters for Long Distance Running
During sustained running, the body generates significant heat. At a 5:00 min/km pace, a 70 kg runner produces approximately 600–700 watts of metabolic heat [1]. Without effective heat dissipation through fabric breathability and sweat evaporation, core temperature rises, increasing cardiovascular strain and perceived effort.
The MarathonEdge addresses breathability through three design features:
- Polyester-elastane fabric: Polyester fibres are inherently hydrophobic — they do not absorb moisture. This means sweat passes through the fabric rather than being trapped against the skin, allowing evaporative cooling to occur
- Triangle liner design: The reduced fabric surface area of the triangle liner means less coverage of the upper thigh, allowing more skin surface to be exposed to airflow during the stride cycle
- Quick-dry construction: The fabric dries rapidly when moisture is present, preventing the wet fabric cling that traps heat against the skin
Research Note: A 2022 study on athletic apparel breathability found that polyester-elastane blends outperform cotton and nylon blends for moisture vapour transmission rate (MVTR) by an average of 35%, making them the preferred fabric for high-output aerobic activity [3].
How the MarathonEdge Compares on Breathability
The MarathonEdge uses a polyester-elastane fabric that balances breathability with durability. Unlike mesh-panel shorts that prioritise airflow at the expense of coverage, the MarathonEdge's fabric provides consistent breathability across the entire short while maintaining the structural integrity needed for marathon training.
The triangle liner contributes to breathability by reducing the amount of fabric in contact with the skin. A standard boxer-brief liner covers the full upper thigh, creating a second layer of fabric that traps heat. The triangle liner's tapered gusset design minimises this second layer, allowing more airflow to reach the skin during movement.
| Feature | MarathonEdge Triangle | Standard Boxer-Brief Liner |
|---|---|---|
| Breathability Score | 84/100 | 74/100 |
| Fabric coverage (thigh) | Minimal — tapered gusset | Full coverage |
| Moisture vapour transfer | High (polyester) | Variable (cotton blends) |
| Heat retention | Low | Moderate |
| Best for | Warm weather, long runs | Cool weather, short runs |
Table 2: Breathability comparison between the MarathonEdge triangle liner and standard boxer-brief liner construction.
FAQ
| Q: Are MarathonEdge running shorts breathable enough for summer training? |
| A: Yes. The MarathonEdge scored 84/100 for breathability — 10 points above the category average. The polyester-elastane fabric wicks moisture away from the skin and the triangle liner reduces fabric coverage, allowing more airflow during the stride cycle. For Australian summer conditions, these shorts provide effective thermal regulation during runs of 10 km or more. |
| Q: How does the triangle liner affect breathability compared to a standard liner? |
| A: The triangle liner improves breathability by reducing the amount of fabric in contact with the skin. A standard boxer-brief liner covers the full upper thigh, creating a second layer that traps heat. The triangle liner's tapered gusset design minimises this second layer, allowing more airflow to reach the skin during movement. |
| Q: Can MarathonEdge shorts be worn for hot yoga or indoor training? |
| A: Yes. The quick-dry polyester-elastane fabric and reduced liner coverage make the MarathonEdge suitable for indoor training where heat and humidity are elevated. The fabric's moisture vapour transmission rate prevents the wet fabric cling that can occur with cotton or high-nylon blends in hot indoor environments. |
Shop Now — MarathonEdge 2-in-1 Triangle Running Shorts
The MarathonEdge 2-in-1 Triangle Running Shorts combine breathability with performance for long-distance running and training.
- Breathability score: 84/100 — 10 points above category average
- Fabric: Polyester + elastane for moisture wicking and airflow
- Triangle liner: Gusseted construction — reduces fabric coverage for better airflow
- Quick-dry: Rapid moisture evaporation prevents heat retention
Price: $110.95 AUD
Also available:
- AirFlex 2-in-1 Running & Training Shorts — $64.95 AUD
- Men's 2-in-1 Quick-Dry Running & Training Shorts — $58.99 AUD
- TrailGuard Dual-Layer Running Shorts — $104.95 AUD
References
- Gavin, T. P. (2022). Thermoregulation and exercise: the role of clothing in heat dissipation. Journal of Thermal Biology, 104, 103–112. doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2022.103182
- MYOVV Consumer Signal Corpus (2026). N=847 male athletes, 14 brands, 23 models. Full methodology
- Das, B., & Alagirusamy, R. (2022). Moisture vapour transmission behaviour of polyester-elastane woven fabrics for active sportswear. Textile Research Journal, 92(15–16), 2789–2802. doi.org/10.1177/00405175221077689
Last updated: 19 June 2026 | Analysis based on the MYOVV Consumer Signal Corpus (N=847 male athletes)
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.