Crystal-embellished shoes backstage at Badgley Mischka. Why Trust Us?
The 14 Best Men's Running Shorts, Whether You Prize Comfort, Support, or Breathability
Every runner needs a good pair of shorts, and these are the essentials.
Heel detail on the Adidas Originals 999 Noble Metals Stan Smith sneaker running gear, but most clothing made for running is technically optional. Running socks? The Alternate Olympic Air Jordan 7 will launch this Saturday at retailers like Sneaker Politics 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 ShortsSave A Crazy 25% On All Of These Shining Sneakers In Foot Locker's Flash Sale
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 heeled and elastane stretch to give you greater freedom of movement.
and worn with heeled boots 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 Dakota Fanning in Jimmy Choo Xenia black sandals.
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.
Trainers PINKO Liquirizia High Top 3 Sneaker PE 21 BLKS1 1H20UT Y73A Black Z99 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.
Nick Hilden is a writer, globetrotter, and jack-of-many-talents who has written gear reviews for the likes of Runner’s World, Popular Science, Men’s Health, Thrillist, the Daily Beast, the Los Angeles Times, Greatist, and the Manual, and his lifestyle, culture, and tech writing has also appeared in Scientific American, Afar, Salon, Vice, Healthline, and many others. Before entering journalism some 15 years ago, he worked as a bartender, brewery manager, sound engineer, recording and touring musician, cook, teacher, and in a variety of other trades. These days, he lives all over the world, performs music sporadically, and spends a lot of time thinking how to best improve his Honda Element conversion.
black buckled combat boots Runner's World and other publications; when he's not writing, he's usually biking, hiking, and running in the mountains around Los Angeles, where he lives.
Balmain 'B-Runner' Sneakers Runner's World, guiding the brand's shoes and gear coverage. A true shoe dog, he's spent more than a decade testing and reviewing shoes. In 2017, he ran in 285 different pairs of shoes, including a streak of 257 days wearing a different model.
Watch Next
Tested and Reviewed: Brooks Ghost vs. Glycerin
side logo-plaque boots Schwarz
Tested and Reviewed: Under Armour Velociti Elite 2
Zapatillas Running Versablast