THE RETURN OF THE ATHLETIC SHORTS

Charlotte Broekaert
Jul 21
2 min read

"And from now on... it's gonna be nothing but short, short shorts around the house". Just when you thought gym shorts were reserved for, well, the gym, fashion’s favorite muses have flipped the script. This summer, athletic shorts aren’t just part of your lazy Sunday fit—they’re getting the heel treatment. And yes, it works and looks like Carrie Bradshaw.

From Zoë Kravitz stepping out in tiny black shorts and Manolo mules to Hailey Bieber pairing hers with open-toe heels and a leather jacket, the message is clear: sneakers are out, stilettos (or at least kitten heels) are in. It’s a pairing that shouldn’t work—and yet, it absolutely does.

The appeal? A perfect balance of effortlessness and edge. The gym short offers comfort and cool; the heel brings the polish. It’s the kind of high-low mix that defines summer 2025: bold, unexpected, and just a little bit chaotic—in the best way.

This trend also taps into something deeper. It says, “Yes, I’m sweating through July—but I still have taste.” It's a way of dressing down while looking dressed up, a way to say you care just enough. And if you add a structured bag or statement top to the mix? You’re suddenly the main character of the sidewalk.

So swap your bike shorts and save the jorts for next year. This summer, gym shorts are getting their glow-up—one heel at a time. And here are our favorite picks: