Bimble & Bolt BIMBLE BLACK SUPER STRIDER SHORTS 8” Review
Bimble & Bolt Super Strider Shorts Deliver Where Women’s Running Shorts Usually Fail
I’ve lost count of the number of running shorts I’ve tried over the years that have let me down mid-session — riding up, falling down, or rubbing in places I’d rather not mention. So when I first pulled on the Bimble & Bolt BIMBLE BLACK SUPER STRIDER SHORTS 8” (£46.00), I did what I always do: applied cautious optimism. After testing them across short runs, gym sessions, and multi-hour endurance outings, I’m pleased to say this Bimble & Bolt BIMBLE BLACK SUPER STRIDER SHORTS 8” review ends on a genuinely positive note. These shorts are well thought-out, distraction-free, and built for women who actually run.
Inclusive Fit & Proportional Sizing
4★★★★☆
The size range of XXS through to XXL is a reasonable span, and the availability of multiple inseam lengths — from 4” right through to 10” — is a real strength here, because body proportion matters enormously when it comes to shorts. I’m a dress size 12 and the medium fitted well overall, running broadly true to size. The main watch-out is the waistband, which runs on the firmer side; if you’re between sizes or prefer a relaxed midsection fit, sizing up is worth considering. I’d love to see the range extend further into plus sizes in future, but what’s here is a solid, considered starting point.
Functional Performance in Use
4★★★★☆
This is where the Super Strider Shorts earn their keep in the real world. Across every session — including outings of four-plus hours — they didn’t ride up once, didn’t require any mid-run adjustments, and produced zero chafing. The seamless front panel is not a gimmick; it genuinely removes a common source of irritation for female runners. The rear zip pocket and two side pockets are properly sized (I tested them with a phone, nutrition, and — yes — a banana), and the secure fit even allowed me to charge my phone from a battery pack in my race vest without the handset bouncing around. The only functional note is that the drawcord adjusts the waistband tighter rather than offering a true let-out, so the initial snugness is something to factor in.
Adequate Support Standards
4★★★★☆
The high-compression construction — 62% recycled nylon and 38% spandex — translates into genuine, wearable support rather than the vague “high support” claim that so often disappears on contact with real movement. The high waist and sculpt and support construction keep everything stable without feeling restrictive once you’re moving. I’d like to see a compression rating (mmHg or equivalent) published for clarity, but in practice the shorts feel supportive across a wide range of intensities, from lifting in the gym to grinding through long trail miles. No built-in liner is mentioned or present, which is worth knowing before you buy, but the compression level compensates well for most runners.
Thermal Regulation & Material Performance
4★★★★☆
The 62% recycled nylon / 38% spandex blend performs well in practice: breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick to move sweat away even during high-intensity efforts. The OEKO-TEX® certification and Global Recycled Standard accreditation give the “eco-conscious materials” claim genuine credibility — these aren’t just marketing words. The fabric feels premium without being heavy. I haven’t yet washed them through 30+ cycles to test long-term performance, but the quality of the construction suggests durability is built in rather than an afterthought. Independent lab data on breathability and wicking rates isn’t published, which would strengthen the brand’s case further.
Genuine Female Design
5★★★★★
This is the Super Strider Shorts’ standout achievement. Everything about these shorts signals that they were designed for women, not adapted from a unisex template. The seamless front, the high waist, the multi-length options, the waistband loop, the reflective bolt detailing, and the genuinely capacious pockets all speak to an understanding of how women actually move, carry kit, and train. There’s no “pink it and shrink it” here — this is practical, female-specific engineering. The attention to ultra-running scenarios (phone charging on the move, stable pocket placement for gels) particularly impressed me.
Transparency & User Reviews
5★★★★★
Bimble & Bolt publish their fabric composition, certifications (OEKO-TEX®, Global Recycled Standard), and material sourcing (post-consumer waste including plastic bottles and discarded garments) directly in the product listing — which puts them ahead of many brands twice their size. The brand operates a verified review platform via Judge.me, providing a legitimate customer review corpus. The combination of published materials data, third-party certification, and an open review channel represents exactly the kind of transparency we want to see from women’s activewear brands.
At £46.00 and an overall WSS™ score of 4.3/5, the Bimble & Bolt BIMBLE BLACK SUPER STRIDER SHORTS 8” represent strong value for performance-focused women — explore the full Super Strider range.
Pros & Cons
- Zero chafing and zero mid-run adjustment — across sessions of four-plus hours
- Seamless front panel that actually delivers on its comfort promise
- Pockets that work for real kit: phone, gels, keys, and then some
- Rear zip pocket is a practical addition for race-day essentials
- Multi-length options (4" to 10") respect the fact that women's bodies differ
- OEKO-TEX® and Global Recycled Standard certifications back up the sustainability claims
- Stays exactly where you put it, even during high-intensity efforts
- Waistband runs firm — if you're between sizes, consider sizing up
- Drawcord adjusts tighter only, so there's no let-out for a more relaxed fit
- No built-in liner — worth knowing if that's a preference for you
- Published compression rating (mmHg) would be a welcome addition
Shop the Super Strider Shorts →
Who It’s For / Who It’s Not For
These shorts are for you if: you run regularly, train across disciplines, or are preparing for longer events where kit reliability is non-negotiable. If you’re prone to chafing, tired of adjusting your shorts mid-run, or need proper on-body storage without relying entirely on a vest, the Super Strider Shorts are worth the investment. They’re particularly well suited to endurance athletes and ultra runners who need their kit to just work — including practical details like stable phone pockets for charging on the move.
They may not be for you if: you prefer a relaxed or looser waistband fit, need a built-in liner, or are looking for extended plus-size options above XXL. Runners who prefer a very minimal, barely-there short might also find the 8” length more coverage than they want — though the 4” option in the range may suit.
Size & Fit
I’m a UK dress size 12 and took a medium — which fits true to size in the leg and seat. The waistband is the one area where the fit skews firm; it does ease once you’re moving, but if you’re between sizes, or you tend to run with nutrition on board (gels, food, anything that adds volume around the midsection), I’d size up. The drawcord is useful for security but doesn’t add volume, so it won’t help if the waistband feels snug from the outset. The multi-length options across the range (4”, 6”, 8”, 10”) make these an unusually good fit for different heights and coverage preferences.
How It Compares
| Product | Price | Size Range | Key Strength | Our Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bimble & Bolt Super Strider Shorts 8” | £46.00 | XXS–XXL | Pockets, multi-length, certified eco materials | Best-in-class for endurance use |
| Sweaty Betty Power Shorts | £65.00 | XS–XL | Premium compression, brand reputation | Strong but pricier, smaller size range |
| Gymshark Speed Shorts | £35.00 | XS–2XL | Accessible price, wide availability | Good basics, pockets less functional |
| On Running Shorts (Women’s) | £75.00 | XS–XL | Lightweight, technical build | Race-day specialist, limited pockets |
The Verdict
The Bimble & Bolt BIMBLE BLACK SUPER STRIDER SHORTS 8” do something deceptively simple and surprisingly rare: they stay out of your way. No riding, no rubbing, no fussing — just a well-made, female-specific short with pockets that actually hold your kit and certifications that back up the sustainability claims. The firmer waistband is worth noting, but the payoff is a secure, stable fit that holds up over long efforts. At £46.00, these are a smart buy for any woman who trains seriously.
FAQ
Are the Bimble & Bolt Super Strider Shorts 8” true to size?
Generally yes — I’m a UK size 12 and the medium fitted well in the leg and seat. The waistband runs firm, so if you prefer a relaxed fit around your midsection or are between sizes, consider sizing up.
Do the Bimble & Bolt Super Strider Shorts have pockets?
Yes — they feature two side pockets large enough for a phone and nutrition, plus a rear zip pocket for keys, cards, or extra fuel. Pocket capacity is genuinely generous for a running short.
Are the Bimble & Bolt Super Strider Shorts good for long-distance running?
In my testing, including sessions of four-plus hours, they produced zero chafing and required no mid-run adjustment. The stable pockets also support ultra-race setups such as charging a phone on the move.
What are the Bimble & Bolt Super Strider Shorts made from?
They’re constructed from a 62% recycled nylon and 38% spandex blend, certified to both OEKO-TEX® and Global Recycled Standard. Materials are sourced from post-consumer waste including plastic bottles and discarded garments.
Do the Bimble & Bolt Super Strider Shorts come in other lengths?
Yes — the Super Strider range is available in multiple inseam lengths from 4” to 10”, making it easier to find a fit that works for your height, build, and personal coverage preference.
Holly is a long-time advocate for women in sport. An endurance athlete and self-confessed kit geek, she tests gear in real training conditions and cuts through the hype to find what actually works for women's bodies and lives. Holly built the Women's Sports Standard™ framework and oversees every review published on the site.
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