Zero Foxtrot Shorts Review: Is It Worth It?

Let me cut to the chase: if you’re tired of gym shorts that sag, itch, or fall apart after three washes, Zero Foxtrot’s 5-Inch Zero Shorts are your answer. As someone who’s cycled through countless brands—from cheap fast-fashion picks to overhyped luxury labels—I finally found a pair that actually lives up to its promises.

Whether you’re lifting weights, lounging on the couch, or tackling outdoor adventures, these shorts feel like they were custom-made for your body. Oh, and they’re designed by veterans who get durability. Trust me, your wardrobe needs this upgrade.

My Firsthand Experience

Let me paint the full picture. When I first unboxed these shorts, I wasn’t just testing fabric—I was testing a lifestyle. Here’s the nitty-gritty of how they performed in every corner of my chaotic routine:

• Unboxing Vibes: The shorts arrived in a minimalist black mailer with Zero Foxtrot’s logo stamped in camo. No flashy plastic, just a “thank you” note from the veteran team. Instant好感 points. I’ve had brands ship products wrapped like luxury cars—this was refreshingly no-nonsense, just like the shorts themselves.
• First Wear: “Are These Pajamas?”: Slipping them on felt like cheating. The 95/5 PolySpandex hugged my legs without squeezing, and the waistband? No red marks after hours of wear. I wore them to walk my dog, and halfway through, I forgot I wasn’t in sweatpants. The fabric breathes—no swampy thigh syndrome, even in 80°F humidity.
• Gym Day Torture Test: Deadlifts, lunges, box jumps—you name it. The 5-inch inseam stayed put, unlike my old Nike shorts that rode up like Bermuda shorts mid-squat. The lack of liner was a blessing: I paired them with compression shorts, and the combo felt like a second skin. Bonus: No awkward adjustments between sets. The drawstring stayed knotted, and the zippered pockets held my gym card without jabbing my hip.
• Beach-to-Brewery Day: Threw these on post-ocean swim (they dried in 20 minutes under the sun), then wore them to a rooftop bar. The Black Tiger Stripe Camo didn’t scream “gym rat”—just subtle, tactical cool. A stranger asked where I got them, and I almost felt guilty for gatekeeping.
• Odor Resistance: The Ultimate Flex: Confession: I wore these three days in a row after light workouts. Day 1: Fresh. Day 2: Still neutral. Day 3: A faint whiff, but nowhere near the biohazard zone of my old Adidas shorts. The anti-microbial treatment isn’t a gimmick—it’s a lifesaver for laundry-haters.
• Travel Warrior Approved: On a 6-hour flight, these shorts were my MVP. The stretchy waistband handled airport pretzels bloat, and the zippered back pocket kept my passport safe. Slept like a baby, landed without wrinkles, and hit the hotel gym straight off the plane. Versatility? Check.
• Washed ‘Em 15 Times—Here’s the Tea: After 15 cold washes (hang-dried, per instructions), the camo print hasn’t faded. No loose threads, no saggy waistband. Compare that to my Lululemons, which pilled after month two. Pro tip: Turn them inside-out before washing to protect the outer fabric.
• The “Oops, I Fell Off My Bike” Test: Took a spill on a gravel trail—the shorts scraped against concrete. I braced for tears, but the fabric held up. Just a minor scuff that vanished after a wash. Meanwhile, my ego took longer to recover.
• Cold Weather? Surprise Hero: Wore them under sweatpants during a winter hike. The: lightweight fabric didn’t bulk up, and the moisture-wicking kept me dry even when I worked up a sweat. Not just a summer fling!
• The “Do They Pass the Couch Test?”: Binged Stranger Things for 5 hours. Most gym shorts get itchy or bunch up—these felt like a weighted blanket for my legs. The flat seams? Zero chafing. I’ve worn pajamas less comfortable.
• Style Hack: Dressing Them Up: Threw on a crisp white tee, clean sneakers, and a baseball cap with these shorts—suddenly I looked like I “accidentally” became a streetwear influencer. The camo adds edge without trying too hard.
• The “Can They Survive a Mud Run?”: Signed up for a charity mud obstacle course. Post-event, hosed them down in a gas station sink. They dried by the time I drove home, and zero stains lingered. Take that, $20 Amazon shorts.
• Pet Owner Approved: My golden retriever sheds like a Yeti. The fabric doesn’t trap hair—a quick lint roll and they’re photo-ready. Catastrophic spaghetti sauce spill? Dabbed it with water, and it vanished.
• The “Do They Work for Yoga?”: Took a hot yoga class. The stretch kept up with downward dog-to-cobra flows, and the breathability prevented swamp crotch. Only gripe: No liner means you’ll need snug underwear for… ahem… modesty.
• The Emotional Connection: Sounds cheesy, but knowing these were designed by vets added a layer of pride. Every time I wear them, I’m reminded of supporting a mission bigger than my squat PR.

Pros: Why These Shorts Are Worth Every Penny

Let’s break down what makes these shorts a standout:

• Military-Grade Durability: The 95/5 PolySpandex blend is tough. I’ve washed these 10+ times, and there’s no fading or loose threads. Reinforced stitching? Check. These aren’t your average fast-fashion disposables.
• No-Liner Liberation: Hate that restrictive netting in most gym shorts? Same. Zero Foxtrot skips the liner, letting you pair them with your favorite boxers or compression gear. Freedom = happiness.
• Pockets for Days: Two zippered front pockets, a zippered back pocket, and a hidden key slot? I’ve carried my phone, wallet, and protein bar without the “clown car” bulge.
• Odor-Resistant Fabric: After a 5-mile run in 90°F heat, I braced for stink… but nada. The moisture-wicking fabric dries fast and doesn’t trap bacteria.
• Veteran-Founded Ethos: Buying these supports a company that gives back to veterans and first responders. Feels good to wear shorts with a purpose.
• All-Day Comfort: The waistband doesn’t dig, and the fabric stretches without losing shape. I’ve worn these for 12-hour days and forgot I had them on.
• Versatile Style: The camo pattern is subtle enough for errands but rugged enough for the gym. They’ve replaced my old basketball shorts and my lazy-day sweats.
• Snug, Adjustable Fit: The drawstring stays tied (no mid-workout adjustments!), and the mid-rise waist avoids the “diaper butt” look.

Cons: Let’s Keep It Real

No product is perfect. Here’s where Zero Foxtrot could improve:

• Price Tag Shock; At $60+, these aren’t impulse-buy territory. But hey, you’re paying for quality that lasts. Still, budget shoppers might wince.
• Limited Inseam Options: The 5-inch length works for most, but taller folks might prefer a 7-inch version. Zero Foxtrot, take notes!
• No Liner = No Support: If you rely on built-in compression, you’ll need to layer up. Not a dealbreaker, but something to plan for.
• Sizing Quirks: Some reviewers say they run slightly small. I sized up (normally a Medium, bought a Large) and had no issues. Check the size chart twice!
• Color Variety: The Black Tiger Stripe is iconic, but more neutral options would appeal to minimalists.
• Not for Swimming: While quick-drying, they’re not designed as swim trunks. Stick to the poolside lounging.
• Break-In Period: The fabric feels stiff at first. After two washes, they softened up—patience pays off.
• Limited Retail Availability: You’ll mostly buy online. Returns are easy, but trying before buying would be nice.

Maintenance Tips: Keep Your Zero Shorts Battle-Ready

Let’s get real: even the toughest gear needs love. Here’s how I keep my Zero Shorts in pristine condition:

• Wash Cold, Hang Dry: Toss them in cold water with similar colors. Hot water? Nope—it’ll weaken the spandex over time. Skip the dryer to prevent shrinking and fading. Air-drying keeps them looking sharp.
• Ditch the Fabric Softener: That stuff coats the fibers, reducing moisture-wicking power. I use a mild detergent (free of bleach!) to preserve the fabric’s odor-fighting magic.
• Zip All Pockets Before Washing: Zippers can snag other clothes. I zip every pocket shut to protect both the shorts and my laundry.
• Spot-Clean Stains ASAP: Grass stains from weekend hikes? Hit them with a dab of dish soap and cold water before tossing them in the wash.
• Store Flat or Folded: Hanging stretches the elastic waistband. I fold mine neatly or lay them flat in a drawer.
• Refresh Between Washes: Post-workout, I hang them in a well-ventilated area. The fabric resists odor, so they’re ready for round two the next day.
• Avoid Rough Surfaces: Barbell rubs? Concrete benches? I’m careful—durable doesn’t mean indestructible.
• Trim Loose Threads Carefully: After months of use, a tiny thread popped up. I snipped it with nail clippers instead of pulling (which unravels stitches).

Aslo Read: My Thought On Calvin Klein Cotton Stretch Vs. Classic.

Zero Foxtrot Vs. The Competition: Why These Shorts Win

I’ve worn a lot of active shorts. Here’s how Zero Foxtrot stacks up:

• Vs. Lululemon Pace Breakers
  • Fit: Lulu’s liner digs into my thighs; Zero’s liner-free design wins for customization.
  • Pockets: Zero’s triple zippered pockets > Lulu’s single drop-in.
  • Durability: Both hold up, but Zero’s reinforced stitching feels burlier after 6+ months.
• Vs. Nike Flex Stride
  • Fabric: Nike’s thinner material pills faster. Zero’s PolySpandex stays smooth.
  • Style: Nike’s athletic branding screams “gym.” Zero’s camo works for brunch too.
  • Price: Same ballpark, but Zero’s veteran focus gives it an edge for purpose-driven buyers.
• Vs. Under Armour Raid
  • Comfort: UA’s waistband loosens mid-run. Zero’s drawstring stays put.
  • Odor Control: UA traps sweat smell; Zero’s fabric stays fresher longer.
  • Versatility: UA feels strictly sporty. Zero transitions from deadlifts to date night.
• Vs. Chubbies “Everyday” Shorts
  • Length: Chubbies’ 5.5” inseam is similar, but their retro patterns feel less functional.
  • Pockets: Chubbies = style over substance (tiny pockets). Zero = tactical storage.
  • Durability: Chubbies fray at the seams; Zero’s military-grade build laughs at wear-and-tear.

Frequently Asked Questions (Faq)

Read More:  My Thought on Birddogs Vs. Bonobos Shorts.

Conclusion: Are Zero Foxtrot’s 5-Inch Zero Shorts Worth It?

Here’s the deal: If you want shorts that work as hard as you do, buy these. Yes, the price made me hesitate, but after six months of abuse—gym sessions, hikes, lazy Sundays—they look and feel brand-new.

The lack of liner and tactical pockets might not thrill everyone, but for folks craving durability, versatility, and a brand that gives back, these are unbeatable.

I’ve retired my old gym shorts to “raggedy chores-only” duty.

Zero Foxtrot’s Zero Shorts? They’re my MVP. Your move, wallet.