Endura Women's MT500 Spray Short II review

Somewhere between a baggy trail short and waterproof, the MT500 Spray Short II from Endura is ideal for riding in changeable weather and handling trail conditions in the transitional seasons.

Part of Endura’s popular MT500 waterproof range, the Spray Shorts combine a waterproof seat with durable, four-way stretch nylon panels for unrestricted pedalling. These sections are treated with Endura’s environmentally-friendly, PFC-free DWR (durable water repellent) coating, to keep trail spray and the worst of the weather at bay.

I tested a set of bright cherry red shorts in a size medium. They are noticeably long in the leg, with tailored knee panels that extend down further on the front.

The waist is secured with a zipped fly and double metal popper, and adjusted by two lateral Velcro tabs attached to a length of elastic housed at the back. There are also six external belt loops, internal poppers for adding Endura Clickfast liner shorts and two large zipped hip pockets on the front.

Endura Women's MT500 Spray Short II performance

The fit was great – comfortably close around the waist with plenty of adjustment from the Velcro tabs, but loose over the thighs – and the contoured hem at the front worked well with knee pads. The double metal popper gave a secure fastening, and the two zipped hip pockets were useful, too.

Just as claimed, these shorts really came into their own when mucky puddles were abundant, with any trail spray effortlessly beading and running off the fabric.

The seat area typically dealt with the brunt of the wet conditions, with water spraying up off the rear wheel, so it makes total sense that Endura has used a MT500 three-layer waterproof seat panel with fully-taped seams to prevent water ingress, so you can wave goodbye to that soggy chamois feeling.

The only negative was the bold and large branding. The colourway won’t be everyone’s choice, either, but there’s also a black option.

Endura Women's MT500 Spray Short II bottom line

For hotter, drier days these will be overkill, but for changeable weather and wet trails, the MT500 Spray Short II is among the very best mountain bike shorts.