The 14 Best Men's Running Shorts, Whether You Prize Comfort, Support, or Breathability

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We love high-performance running gear, but most clothing made for running is technically optional. Running socks? Useful, but not necessary. A running shirt? Maybe in theory, but you wouldn’t skip a run over a t-shirt. Surely you must need running shoes? For distance and performance, yes, but there’s a time and place for going unshod, too.

Everybody needs running shorts, though. Everybody.

Beyond simply covering up, a great pair of running shorts minimizes added weight and maximizes airflow to keep you cool. They also prevent chafing and, often, have a helpful pocket or two. There are, of course, a ton of shorts out there to choose from. The best men’s running shorts stand out for their comfort, high performance and useful design.

The Best Men’s Running Shorts

• Best Overall: Brooks Sherpa 5-Inch 2-in-1 Men’s Running Shorts

• Best Value: Asics 7-Inch 2-in-1 Men’s Running Shorts

• Best Fully-Lined: Nike Challenger Dri-Fit 7-Inch Brief-Lined Men’s Running Shorts

• Best Basic: Adidas Own the Run Men’s Running Shorts

• Best for Large Bodies: Baleaf 5-Inch Men’s Running Shorts
  

What to Consider When Buying Men’s Running Shorts

Material Matters

One of the most important considerations with any performance running apparel is the material it’s made from, and shorts are no exception. Sure, you can log miles in your favorite cotton loungewear, but it definitely won’t be a comfortable experience. In general, it’s best to avoid cotton, which is heavy, soaks up moisture, and can cause chafing.

Instead, look for blends and technical fabrics, which are synthesized for high performance. Polyester wicks moisture to keep you cool, for example, while spandex and elastane stretch to give you greater freedom of movement.

The construction of the textile is also important. For hot-weather running, look for a mesh or open-weave synthetic fabric, which will feel more breathable on your body (though it will offer less protection from wind and chilly temps). In addition, many high-end performance garments come with antimicrobial treatments to ward off smells. It’s a nice feature to have, especially if you don’t want to wash your shorts after every run.

Features to Look For

Shorts are pretty simple. Aside from the materials, there are a few other variables to consider.

• Liners: Many running shorts come with built-in liners. The advantage here is that you get a built-in pair of underwear, which helps simplify your running outfit, and it provides a snug, supportive fit that wards off chafing and irritation. In addition, some shorts include extra support features, like lululemon’s Out of Mind liner in its Surge Lined Shorts, which keep sensitive body parts from jostling around and rubbing against your thighs as you run.

• Inseam: Inseam refers to the length of a pair of shorts. For men’s running shorts, inseams vary from around 3 inches for a pair of split shorts to 7- or even 9 inches. Shorter inseams mean less material over your legs—and more freedom of movement—whereas longer inseams provide more sun protection. Your ideal inseam is the one you feel most comfortable in, but avoid shorts that fall below your knee; the extra material will just add weight.

• Pockets: In addition to keeping you cool and comfortable, shorts have another job–carrying your stuff. If you run with just a house key, you can get by without pockets, but most of us need at least one zippered pocket to safely stash a phone or wallet.

Why Trust Us?

Runner’s World has been a helpful resource for dedicated competitive and hobbyist runners for more than 50 years. Our most important running gear recommendations, including essentials like men’s running shoes and running shorts, are based on the hard work of our test team, who put the latest and greatest running gear through their paces day in and day out. In 2024, the Runner’s World test team includes Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate, and test editors Amanda Furrer and Morgan Petruny.

For this guide, many of our recommendations were tested and selected by Dengate, who has been testing shorts and other running gear for more than a decade. Some of our picks were selected by our contributors, Nick Hilden and Michael Charboneau, who are also veteran runners.

Michael Charboneau is a freelance writer and former test editor for Runner’s World. He’s written about running gear, including shorts, for the last seven years at a number of publications, including SFGate, Men’s Journal and InsideHook.

Nick Hilden is a veteran freelance journalist who has been running for 20 years. He’s tested running gear for the last decade for publications like Runner’s World, Bicycling, Popular Mechanics, Men’s Health, and more.

How We Selected The Best Men’s Running Shorts

We, the Runner’s World test team and a pair of seasoned reviewers, picked the best men’s running shorts based on several decades of combined running experience. Many of our recommendations are based on run-testing and insights of Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate. Contributors Michael Charboneau and Nick Hilden supplemented these picks with additional options based on their own testing and research.

We evaluated each model based on its material, fit, and features, including any liner or pockets. Whether you’re a casual runner or an accomplished marathoner, there’s a pair of shorts here to fit your needs.

Sherpa 5-Inch Men’s Running Shorts

Brooks’ Sherpa shorts are extremely comfortable thanks to their soft, lightweight, breathable material and anti-chafe liner. They’re cut to allow plenty of movement without an abundance of extra loose fabric, and their high, flat drawcord waistband is secure and comfy.

What’s more, they have plenty of storage with two deep drop-in side pockets and a zipping phone pocket, one of which has a bungee clip for keys. A few more color options would be nice, but that nitpick aside, these timeless shorts are undeniably outstanding.

7-Inch 2-in-1 Men’s Running Shorts

These classic 2-in-1 shorts from Asics are about as straightforward as they come. Their poly-spandex fabric is soft, breathable, and lightweight, and the liner is effective at preventing chafing while providing a bit of extra support.

Unlike most budget shorts, these also have a pair of deep side pockets. The biggest mark against them is the fact that they’re hand-wash only. Still they meet most runner’s needs at a low price.

Challenger Dri-Fit 7-Inch Brief-Lined Men’s Running Shorts

The latest iteration of Nike’s Challenger shorts features the brand’s Dri-Fit material for breathability in high-sweat areas at the back of the waist, and a long liner cuts down on irritation and chafing.

The split hem at the sides adds flexibility and improves airflow, too. We also love that there are three pockets—two hand pockets along the seams, and a small drop-in pocket in the back.

Own the Run Men’s Running Shorts

Adidas’ Own the Run Shorts are lightweight and breathable yet durable, and offer an all-around comfortable fit. They feature three pockets–two shallow hand pockets on the side, and a small, zippable rear pocket that’s perfect for a key or card.

We love that these shorts come in three different inseams, from 5- to 9 inches, so you can choose the length that feels right to you.

Laureate 5-Inch 2-in-1 Shorts

These affordable shorts from Baleaf come in a wide range of sizes and colors, and include several features typically found on more expensive pairs. They’re made from a polyester-spandex blend for durability and good freedom of movement, and the drawcord waistband helps you dial in a snug fit.

On the back of the waistband is a zippered back pocket that’s perfect for storing a phone or keys while you run.

2-in-1 Men’s Running Shorts

Running shorts often optimize for breathability and performance, rather than storage potential, so the pockets aren’t always great. These compression-lined shorts from Pinkbomb go hard in the other direction, offering outstanding cargo capability.

With a pocket specifically designed for phones (with a hole for a headphone wire if you need it), and a pocket with a secure zipper top, they are exactly what you need if you bring a wallet, keys, and a phone along on every run.

Stride Dri-fit 5-Inch Brief-Lined Men’s Running Shorts

Hitting the track usually means working up a sweat. Nike’s Stride shorts are ideal for that thanks to the superior moisture-wicking, fast-drying capabilities of its Dri-Fit fabric. These shorts are soft, lightweight, and breathable, and stretch well to offer full mobility. Meanwhile, the liner provides good support without feeling restrictive.

“The first thing you want to look for in a pair of speedy shorts is freedom of motion,” says Runner’s World Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate. “These shorts don't restrict your stride at all and feel lightweight, even when you're late into a sweaty workout.”

Three pockets provide plenty of cargo space, one of which zippers and is located at the lower back to provide secure phone storage.

Nike makes the Stride in an amazing range of colors, but stock can be inconsistent, especially on Amazon. If you’re in a rush, you may not always have your pick. Still, these are great shorts for days when you need to go fast.

Surge 6-Inch Lined Men’s Running Shorts

Having trouble finding the right inseam length? Try lululemon’s Surge shorts, which offer an 6-inch inseam, splitting the difference between the two most common lengths. They also boast several other desirable features, including an elastic liner pocket for securely holding a phone, a loop for carrying a shirt mid-run, and a breathable mesh liner with a supportive pouch.

Distance Short

Ten Thousand’s extensively tested, top-spec running short, the Distance, is designed for an ultralight, streamlined feel. The polyester-spandex shell comes with perforations at the back to promote good airflow and save weight, and the nylon-spandex liner uses a mesh construction to wick sweat and keep you cool.

The spandex in both fabrics gives these shorts plenty of stretch, and three small pockets along the waist store essentials like keys and a credit card. Need to store your phone? Check out the company’s Session Short.

Source 9-Inch Short Tights

Some runners prefer the skin-tight support and enhanced range of motion you get from compression shorts. This pair from Brooks Compression hugs snugly in all the right places, with a pair of slim pockets capable of holding a phone and little else, which is kind of the point. Though they’re made to grip, they still have a drawcord at the waist so you can adjust the fit.

Van Cortlandt Men's Running Shorts

Competitive runners don’t want bells and whistles on race day. Looking slick doesn’t hurt, either. Tracksmith’s Van Cortlandt shorts deliver on both promises with a classic tailored cut that’s lightweight and breathable.

Bare-bones by design, these shorts get out of your way so you can perform your best. That said, they also have a small hidden pocket for keys and cards for when you aren’t racing.

Alta 5-inch Men's Running Shorts

These shorts offer everything you could want on the trail. Made from 85 percent Nylon and 15 percent Spandex, the fabric is comfortable yet durable. Plus, it has a water-resistant coating to help keep you dry through showers or dew. The liner is supportive and stretchy, too, ensuring plenty of secure mobility.

“They come in a variety of fun, trail-ready patterns—Roark has even rolled out a Motorhead collaboration in the past,” says Dengate, “but what we love most is the water-resistant back pocket that's big enough to hold a phone and two drop-in pockets on the hips that hold a day's worth of gels.”

Acceleration 3-Inch Split Men’s Running Shorts

Split shorts provide more freedom of movement. A shorter inseam also keeps your shorts from getting in your way on a run. If you’re looking to optimize for an unrestricted stride, it makes perfect sense to go with a short split short, such as the New Balance Accelerate.

Its polyester material is feather-light, and New Balance’s “NB Dry” weave results in outstanding moisture wicking. That simplicity does mean that there’s no pocket for a phone, but there is a tiny drop-in pocket sized to carry a key.

Hightail 2-in-1 Men’s Running Shorts

These are the ideal shorts for chafe-inclined runners. Flat seams make for smooth surfaces, and the light-compression liner is equipped with the proprietary “BallPark Pouch” for reducing friction and keeping everything in place. The material is soft and breathable. The cut is relaxed to fit muscular thighs, but also nicely tailored to eliminate loose fabric. You have to wash them by hand, but that’s a small price to pay for such skin-friendly shorts.

“Say goodbye to raw skin after a sweaty summer run,” Dengate says.

What Every Great Pair of Men’s Running Shorts Must Have, According to Our Expert Michael Charboneau

What do you consider to be “shorts weather”?

I start to think about maybe wearing pants once the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. That said, the most important thing when running in the cold is to keep your core warm, so I usually add a long-sleeve baselayer and/or a jacket before putting on pants when it’s a little chilly.

What’s your preferred inseam length and why?

I hated wearing split shorts when I ran track, so I’ve always stayed away from really short shorts, such as those with a 7-inch inseam. They offer good coverage—long enough to create some sun protection and so I don’t feel awkward wearing them—but they stay out of my way and don’t weigh me down when I run.

What’s the one feature you must have when shopping for running shorts?

A drawcord waistband. To me, there’s nothing worse than poorly fitting shorts that slip down as you run. Elastic waistbands can fit well, but nothing beats the locked-in fit of a drawcord.

I think it’s even more essential if you plan on carrying anything in your pockets. Without a drawcord, the added weight will just make your shorts slip down even faster.

We all like a deal, but when is it worth it to invest in a pair of shorts over $50?

One of my favorite aspects of running is that it doesn’t require much gear—so don’t over-complicate it by buying a bunch of stuff. Start with the gym shorts that are already in your drawer, and pay attention to how they perform as you run. If they work for you, great. If not, take note of what you need—maybe a drawcord, maybe more (or fewer) pockets—and use that to guide your shopping.

In the end, you might find that a less expensive pair of shorts gives you exactly what you need, or you might opt for a more expensive pair because it has better materials or other key features. The important thing is to be smart about what you buy: Invest in quality gear that meets your needs, and you can focus on running instead of getting distracted by uncomfortable clothing.

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