North Idaho Blaze Shorts: Matching Half Split Length to Race Day
By BOA | Running Shorts & Apparel | Made in the USA | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: How-to Guides
Use this step-by-step guide to pick between 1.5" and 3" half split shorts, confirm custom team sizing, and decide if a V-notch short suits your race day.
Quick answer
Choose the 1.5" half split for women's race-day speed with moderate coverage, the 3" half split for men who want a bit more length, and the 3.75" V-notch if you prefer a traditional side seam over splits.
Why race distance and personal preference drive the length decision
Shorter splits reduce fabric interference during high-turnover efforts, but they also leave more leg exposed. Longer lengths add coverage and can feel more secure on cool-downs or in mixed company. The right choice depends on how much freedom you want versus how much coverage you need.
There is no single correct inseam for every runner. The 1.5" and 3" half splits share the same lightweight moisture-wicking fabric and built-in mesh liner, so the main difference is how much thigh is covered and how the side split opens as you stride. The V-notch short uses a different side-seam construction, which changes how the short hangs when you are standing but still allows a full range of motion.
When a V-notch short is the better call
If you have tried split shorts and found the open side seam distracting, the V-notch design may suit you better. It keeps a closed side seam with a small notch, so it looks and feels more like a standard running short while still offering a multi-sport fit. That makes it a practical choice for runners who split training between the track, gym, and road.
The trade-off is that the V-notch does not open as freely as a half split. For pure sprint or race efforts, many runners still prefer the half split because the side opening follows the leg through a full stride. For tempo runs, cross-training, or anyone who wants one short to do everything, the V-notch is the more versatile option.
How to match half split length to your race day
- Measure your preferred inseam on a short you already race in: Lay your current race shorts flat and measure from the crotch seam to the hem. If you land near 1.5", the women's half split is your closest match; near 3", the men's half split is the better starting point. Checkpoint: if your measurement falls between sizes, size up for the half split to keep the side seam from pulling.
- Decide whether you want open splits or a closed side seam: Pick a half split if you want maximum freedom through the stride and are comfortable with more thigh exposure. Pick the V-notch if you prefer a closed seam that feels like a standard short and works across multiple sports. Checkpoint: try a few strides in each style before race week; the right one disappears on the run.
- Confirm custom team sizing before you order: For team orders, have each runner measure their waist and compare it to the size chart rather than guessing from their usual street size. The men's 3" half split has an adjustable drawstring, which gives some margin, but the women's 1.5" half split relies on an elastic waistband alone. Checkpoint: collect sizes at least two weeks before your order deadline to allow for exchanges.
- Test the short on a race-pace workout: Do one hard interval session in your chosen short before race day. Check for liner bunching, waistband roll, and whether the side split opens smoothly. If anything rubs, try the other length or the V-notch before committing. Checkpoint: never race in a short you have not tested at goal pace.
Product facts to guide your choice
- Womens Custom North Idaho Blaze 1.5" Half Split Shorts: 1.5" inseam with half side splits and a built-in smooth mesh liner. The short length and open splits give women a race-ready feel with moderate coverage, while the liner adds comfort without extra layers.
Womens Custom North Idaho Blaze 1.5" Half Split Shorts - Mens Custom North Idaho Blaze 3" Half Split Shorts: 3" inseam with mid side splits, an elastic waistband with adjustable drawstring, and a built-in mesh liner. The extra length and drawstring make this a secure choice for men who want a bit more coverage and a customizable waist fit on race day.
Mens Custom North Idaho Blaze 3" Half Split Shorts - Mens Custom North Idaho Blaze 3.75" V-Notch Short: 3.75" inseam with a V-notch side seam, drawcord waistband, key pocket, and lightweight knit liner. The closed side seam and slightly longer length suit runners who want a traditional short that can handle both training and racing.
