Saw the discussin on shorts and I was going to bring shorts to keep up the jogging. Is it OK to run in shorts in most areas of Germany and Austria? I just assumed they were all healthier minded than most North Americans and I hate running in long athletic pants.

I think everyone in Europe runs with shorts..unless it is winter time and the temperature is below zero

I have gone jogging in rural Bavaria and metro Paris, and I can reassure you that running shorts are fine. I find its a great way to get away on my own for a while and get a chance to preview the local area. What you will also see is some bemused expressions on the face of the folks you pass by who will know immediately that you are an American. The Germans and Austrians are more liberal and generally healthier (except for the meat and smoking) than us, but you just don't see a lot of joggers like you do in the states. Enjoy your trip and keep on runnin'.

Shorts for sport has never been a problem anywhere. What's more, the Germans and Austrians are far more badly dressed as tourists than most nations and wouldn't bat an eyelid at shortwearing anyway.

That is so true Kate. And Germans would never worry what other people thought of their clothes. The English on holiday usually don't look too good either. If you see a male tourist walking around town in just speedos, flip flops, and a bright red skin (as you can see in some places in Spain), it's never an American!

I am a runner and travel extensively. I wear shorts to run in Italy, although I do pack my longer ones. IME, it is unusual to see the shorter running shorts on either men or women.

Ditto for Germany, Austria, France, Swwitzerland, England.

One thing you will also see in Europe: men wearing spandex and NOT putting on the pair of baggy "modesty" shorts over them to hide what most people could care less about, much less be in awe of, anyway.

In Switzerland and France, I can see people jogging in short running shorts everyday. One reason Kfusto found it unusual may have to do with his itinerary being different that those of local joggers.

Intrepid: in Europe, we aren't shocked by such view, in fact we usually just don't notice it.

If your running around the parks in Munich in shorts then you'll find yourself wearing a lot more than the majority of people your running past!


Geordie

I'm still laughing at the remark above that suggests if you jog in shorts everyone will you know you're an American. Obviously that person has never strolled through any major European park or other local jogging site.

My best friend wears shorts not only for jogging in Valencia. In fact, most men do in summer, it's too hot !!
He asked me the other day if his way of dressing would be suitable in London during our trip, and I told him "wear what you feel comfortable, don't tell me later your feet ache" )

Runners in England seem to look for the shortest shorts possible. They ALWAYS wear shorts. When it's cold, they'll put on a hat, jacket and gloves, but never cover up those pasty white legs.