The Best Running Shorts for Men of 2022
From sunny beaches to high alpine trails, our experts evaluated for fit, comfort, mobility, moisture-wicking, and more to compile a list of the best men’s running shorts available today.
Thanks to advancements in fabric technology and design, today’s running shorts are better than ever. Overall, materials are lighter, more comfortable, and offer better mobility.
All running shorts should allow you to move freely — that’s a given. The best running shorts, however, should not only provide freedom of movement, but keep moisture at a minimum to ward off chafing, and keep items like your phone, keys, and fuel secure without bouncing around.
After months of testing, even years in some cases, we’ve managed to narrow down the best of the best for whatever type of running you’re into. The shorts on this list are the ones we kept reaching for time and time again.
And while you’re at it, if it’s been more than four months since you replaced your running shoes, we suggest checking out the latest and greatest road running and trail running shoes.
If you’re interested in broadening your knowledge about running shorts, check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide and FAQ at the end of this article.
- Best Overall
- Runner Up
- Best Split Shorts
- Best Pockets
- Best For Trail Running
- Best Budget
- Best Half Tight
- Best 2-in-1
- Rest of the Best
The Best Running Shorts for Men of 2022
Best Overall Running Shorts – REI Co-Op Swiftland Running Shorts
This is the second iteration of REI branded running shorts I’ve tested, and I have to give a hats off to the design team — these are top-notch running shorts. Offered in both a 5″ and 7″ inseam, the REI Co-Op Swiftland running shorts ($54) checked all the boxes I look for in a quality pair of running shorts — comfortable, supportive, and moisture-wicking with plenty of carrying capacity.
The 73% nylon and 27% spandex shell is remarkably light and airy with excellent mobility. Not once did I feel the stretchy fabric was confining. The shorts pretty much felt unnoticeable, and the brief-style liner was comfortable, offering a good amount of support without feeling restrictive.
A wide, but comfortable, waistband securely anchors the shorts around your waist. The rear zip pocket on the waistband is capable of holding a smartphone, and two drop-in side pockets can hold snacks or keys — all bounce-free.
If I had to nitpick, one concern I have is their long-term durability. Take this with a grain of salt, as I haven’t put them through a long-term durability test yet. I only say this because the shell fabric is really thin — much thinner than most of the shorts I tested, and softened up a bit with each wash cycle.
I’d also like to see the rear zippered pocket have a slightly larger opening. It took a little force to stuff my large Samsung smartphone in the pocket, and I could certainly imagine busting a seam trying to fit it in if I wasn’t careful.
It’s clear REI put a lot of thought into these shorts. No matter what type of running you do, whether it’s road, trail, or track, everything about these is designed for comfort and functionality — you’ll put them on and forget about them. They’ll work for beginners and elite runners alike, and I’m confident you’ll appreciate having them in your drawer.
Specs:
- Length: 5” and 7”
- Shell: 73% nylon, 27% spandex (Bluesign approved)
- Liner: Brief (80% nylon, 20% spandex (Bluesign approved))
- Pockets: One rear zipper, two side drop-ins
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and airy
- Secure, bounce-free main pocket
- Next-to-nothing feeling
Cons:
- Small zippered pocket opening
Runner Up: Tracksmith Session Short
Imagine taking the most comfortable pair of sweatpants (or shorts for this matter) and infusing them with a highly technical moisture-wicking fabric. That only begins to paint the picture of how comfortable the Tracksmith Session Shorts ($68) are.
The lightweight four-way stretch nylon and elastane blend shell is freaking amazing. Beyond running, these are the type of shorts I wanted to lounge around the house in. As a bonus, they’re polygiene® anti-odor, antimicrobial treated.
While these are one of the most comfortable running shorts I tested, I wouldn’t wear them on race day or on a big mountain run. I’d want something that’s more lightweight and with better pockets. Speaking of pockets, while the rear pocket will fit a phone, it takes a little work to shove it through the small zippered opening, which I wish was a little larger.
Still, these shorts have a place in every runner’s rotation based on comfort alone. If you ever find yourself with a social event after a run or workout, these are the perfect shorts for the occasion. With eight colors to choose from, you’re bound to find a pair to match your shirt.
For comfort and functionality from the track to the pub, these are some of the best running shorts available.
Specs:
- Length: 5”
- Shell: 86% Nylon / 14% Elastane
- Liner: Brief (89% Polyester / 11% Spandex)
- Pockets: One rear zipper
Pros:
- Unbelievably comfortable
- Polygiene® anti-odor, antimicrobial treated
- Great for post-run outings
Cons:
- Somewhat heavyweight fabric compare to others tested
Best Split Shorts: SOAR ELITE Race Shorts 4.0
A good split short should drape over your legs with the slits down the side, allowing the shorts to open freely with no restriction or riding up as you lift your thighs while running. If you’ve never tried them, you can take my word for it — a quality pair of split shorts is pure freedom.
SOAR, a UK-based boutique running company, executes this perfectly with the Elite Race Short 4.0 ($92). Every element of these shorts was designed for performance. The perforated waist belt, aggressive-looking notched side split, and even the logo placement are honed for speed.
The 4-way stretch French fabric shell is remarkably thin and very stretchy. They felt unnoticeable and airy as I ripped 400s around my local track. Additionally, the Elite Race Short 4.0 ($92) held a surprising 5 Cliff Gel Packets in the rear vertically aligned zipper pocket — more than any other split short I tested — and was quite stable with little bounce during my run.
I’ve been running and racing in split shorts since high school (25 years) and these are by far the best I’ve worn.
Let me address the elephant in the room — the price ($92). It’s a hell of a lot of money for a pair of running shorts, especially a pair of split shorts. However, they are by far the most durable split shorts I’ve owned. I’ve had the previous version for over 5 years now and they look just as good as they did when I got them.
If you can get past the price you’ll be rewarded with one of the best pairs of split shorts you can own. If you thrive off an all-eyes-on-me attitude come race day and want to look and feel like an elite runner — these are for you.
Specs:
- Length: 3”
- Shell: 78% Polyester / 22% Elastane
- Liner: Brief (78% Polyester / 22% Elastane)
- Pockets: One rear zipper
Pros:
- 4-way stretch French fabric shell
- Notched side slits open freely
- Vertically aligned pocket is easy to open
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Pockets: Black Diamond Sprint Shorts
Let me be clear — I hate carrying stuff when I run. I feel restricted, off-balance, and slower. I’ll go out of my way to avoid wearing a hydration vest or waist belt. If you’re like me, you’ll love the Black Diamond Sprint shorts ($90). These shorts are my go-to for light and fast mountain runs.
When I don’t feel like being bogged down wearing a vest or belt, but still need to carry the typical items like water, fuel, an emergency shell, and phone, these are the shorts I grab. The thick, but well-vented waistband with drawstring provides a secure foundation for five pockets: three drop-in pockets and two rear zipper pockets.
I can easily carry a phone, 500ml soft flask, emergency wind shell, and enough fuel for over 3 hours with a dedicated pocket for trash. And I was highly impressed with how supportive and comfortable the polyester liner felt, even when the waist pockets were stuffed.
While the stretch nylon plain-weave face shell is durable as hell, it’s terrible at wicking and retaining moisture. On really hot days the DWR treated shell became absolutely drenched with sweat, retaining the moisture and feeling a bit like heavy swim trunks.
I’ll opt for shorts with better breathability on steamy runs. But on chilly, windy days, the DWR treated shell acted much like a wind shell, blocking the wind better than any other shorts I’ve tested. With exceptional storage and wind protection, the Sprint Shorts are ideal for high alpine mountain running.
Specs:
- Length: 5” and 7”
- Shell: 88% Nylon, 12% Elastane w/ DWR
- Liner: Brief (100% Polyester)
- Pockets: Two rear zippered, three drop-in
Pros:
- Well-designed pockets
- Wind-resistant shell is great for mountain running
- Comfortable waistbelt
Cons:
- Retains moisture more than most
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Best For Trail Running: Adidas Terrex Agravic Pro Trail Running Shorts
Between the airy build, easily accessible and plentiful pockets, and fast-looking aesthetics, the Adidas Terrex Agravic Pro trail running shorts ($75) took the crown for best trail and ultra running shorts.
The 73% nylon and 27% elastane plain weave shell is extremely lightweight and breathes exceptionally well — perfect for long days in the mountains. Overall, I had no issues with chafing, overheating, or having the fabric retain too much sweat.
The stretchy material provided phenomenal mobility and the large notched sides reminded me of the unrestricted, free-flowing feel of split shorts, but without the casual appearance.
A thin, mesh waistband features one rear-zip pocket capable of holding a phone, three very large drop-in pockets that span the circumference, and two elastic loops along the back to carry trekking poles (which I found to be a great place to stash your shirt or jacket). Thanks to small pull tabs added to the openings of the drop-in pockets, I was able to easily and quickly access items without a struggle.
While the thin, mesh waistbelt is extremely comfortable when the drawcord isn’t tied, some may find that the narrow drawcord digs into your waist if tightly tied. I think a thicker, flat drawcord would have provided better comfort and holding power.
Other than that, we acknowledge they are certainly pricey for a pair of running shorts, and something like the REI Swiftland may be a better value. But if you can stomach the slightly higher cost, you’re getting more (and better) pockets and a sharper-looking pair of running shorts.
Specs:
- Length: 5”
- Shell: 73% nylon, 27% elastane
- Liner: Brief
- Pockets: One rear zippered, three drop-in
Pros:
- Well-designed pockets
- Lightweight
- Comfortable waistbelt
Cons:
- Thin material
- Expensive
Best Budget: Baleaf 5″ Running Athletic Shorts
If you’re looking for well-priced running shorts for basic running and gym sessions, Baleaf’s 5″ Running Athletic Shorts ($21) will provide the most bang for your buck. I’ll be blunt, there’s nothing particularly special about them. They just work.
The shell is extremely lightweight with a moderate amount of stretch, and the liner provides a moderate amount of support and adequate comfort for short outings. The rear-zip pocket was one of the largest tested, easily fitting a super large smartphone, but did bounce a bit more than other shorts.
I could go down a long list of features I’d like to see, but for under 20 bucks, I wouldn’t expect them anyway. The biggest knock is fit. They size extremely large and baggy, nearly two sizes too big. I’d say if you’re typically a large go at least to a medium, maybe even a small. If you struggle finding running shorts with enough volume, these should work really well for you.
If you’re doing any amount of volume, I’d steer towards other shorts listed here. But if you’re not picky on the finer details and just need a pair of treadmill shorts, or shorts for quick, hassle-free runs, these are for you.
Specs:
- Length: 5” and 7”
- Shell: 89.7% Polyester / 10.3% Spandex
- Liner: Brief (91.7% Polyester / 8.3% Spandex)
- Pockets: One rear zippered
Pros:
- Well priced
- Stretchy
Cons:
- Baggy
- Cheap feeling
Best Half Tight: Nike Dri-FIT ADV AeroSwift
For complete mobility and freedom, there is no better type of running shorts than half tights. I usually find most tights either really tight and restrictive or somewhat loose-fitting that ride up. The Dri-FIT ADV AeroSwift ($85) falls perfectly in the middle — almost like you’re not wearing anything.
Nike describes them as “buttery smooth” and I’d have to agree. The 89% polyester and 11% spandex shell is soft and supple, and they have a built-in brief liner for added support. Four drop-in pockets around the waist are perfect for fuel, car keys, or a credit card, while a zippered rear pocket fits most modern smartphones.
If you’re looking for compression tights, these are not it. The material is way too light and thin to provide any type of compression, and the ribbed face is quite unique. Initially, I wasn’t a huge fan, but the supple feel grew on me after further testing.
Running tights are somewhat of an acquired taste, but in the right application, they are far better than running shorts. The best use is when it’s cold and rainy. Wet shorts can get heavy in a downpour, and start to feel cumbersome. Tights, on the other hand, stay put when wet and won’t feel as heavy. They also keep your quads and hamstrings warmer on chilly days.
If you’re an avid runner who doesn’t let the weather hold you back, give these a try.
Specs:
- Length: Above the knee
- Shell: 89% polyester/11% spandex
- Liner: Brief (89% polyester/11% spandex)
- Pockets: One rear zippered, four drop-in
Pros:
- Built-in liner
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Ribbed material takes getting used to
Best 2-in-1: Saxx Hightail
If you’re not familiar with SAXX underwear, boy, are you missing out. Their claim to fame is something called the Ballpark Pouch, a built-in soft, supportive pouch for your boys. This unique design keeps your parts securely and comfortably tucked away and free from rubbing.
The Hightail 2-in-1 ($68) basically takes their award-winning underwear and wraps a moisture-wicking polyester stretch running shell on top. I have to say, the Ballpark Pouch design works especially well when running. It’s more supportive than any other brief or liner and layers in extra prevention around your male parts.
Overall, I would have liked to see better pockets in these shorts. There’s one rear drop-in pocket that’s large enough to hold a few gels and a key, but not a phone. One really smart feature is the built-in key string to prevent your key from accidentally falling out when accessing items. I wish more companies would do this.
If you struggle with any kind of chafing, whether it be between the legs or around your male anatomy, or if you’re simply looking for a more supportive hold, the Hightail is by far one of the best fitting running shorts I’ve tested.
Specs:
- Length: 5”
- Shell: 100% polyester
- Liner: Compression Mesh Liner: (85% Nylon / 15% Elastane)
- Pockets: One rear drop-in
Pros:
- Extremely supportive liner
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Heavy
- Can’t carry a phone
Best of the Rest
Ten Thousand Far Short
Ten Thousand is one of many fitness-oriented apparel brands that has recently branched out to the running category. I have to admit, I’ve been skeptical about gym-oriented fitness brands making running apparel, but Ten Thousand nailed it with the Far Shorts ($78).
Designed in collaboration with ultra-endurance athlete Rich Roll, the Far Short holds its own against some of the best running shorts I’ve tested. The shell fabric is thin, stretchy, and does a fantastic job of not only wicking moisture but also fast drying.
Of all the waistbands I tested, these were the most comfortable. The rear pocket is built closer to the waistline, which not only easily fit my phone, but did a great job of assuring it didn’t bounce.
The downside is that boutique brands typically cost more, and the Ten Thousand Far Shorts are no exception. If it’s any consolation, I can confirm the quality is on par with the price. If longevity and functionality are your primary concerns, these running shorts are certainly worth the money.
Specs:
- Length: 5”
- Shell: 88% Recycled Polyester / 12% Spandex
- Liner: Brief (90% Recycled Nylon / 10% Elastane)
- Pockets: One rear zippered, one drop-in
Pros:
- Breathable shell
- Comfortable waistband
Cons:
- Expensive
Hoka Glide Short
I have to give Hoka credit. Despite being relatively new to running apparel, they make a damn good running short. Their Glide shorts ($60-64) are light, airy, and have a very nice flow to them when running. The 89% recycled polyester and 11% elastane shell have a good amount of stretch, allowing for excellent mobility.
I found the waistband to be well-made and comfortable. The internal brief liner was one of the more supportive ones tested. While I typically wear a small, I opted for a medium and I’m glad I did. A small probably would have worked, the medium gave me a more relaxed fit.
My one gripe is the pocket design. It comes with a small side zippered pocket and one rear elastic pocket. The rear pocket has a unique design where it’s doubled layered (folded over itself) — I guess to prevent items from falling out — which it certainly does well.
The issue I had with this design is two-fold. First, it’s impossible to fit a phone, and second, it makes it harder to grab items out. That said, these shorts performed exceptionally well otherwise.
Specs:
- Length: 5” and 7”
- Shell: 89% recycled polyester, 11% elastane
- Liner: Brief
- Pockets: One rear folded-over drop-in, one side zippered
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight shell
- Comfortable
- Wicks moisture well
Cons:
- Odd designed pocket is tough to use
- Can’t fit phone
Smartwool Merino Sport Lined 5″ Short
I’m a huge fan of wool as a performance fabric. I feel there’s no other material that wicks and dissipates sweat better. Now, I know what you’re probably thinking — and no, these shorts ($65) aren’t entirely made of wool — just the internal brief.
Smartwool uses a Merino 150 sport for the brief, including lining the inside of the waistband as well. These shorts fit great, are supportive, and I can attest to the odor resistance. The shell is made with a recycled polyester and elastane blend that moves freely. The only downside is that they’re thicker than most of the other shorts tested.
Much to the surprise of most people, wool is a great summertime fabric because it has natural temperature regulation properties. That being said, it’s certainly not as cool as other fabrics. Overall, these are a great pair of shorts for mild summer days or a run/gym hybrid workout.
Specs:
- Length: 5” and 7”
- Shell: 86% Recycled Polyester, 14% Elastane
- Liner: Brief (54% Merino Wool, 46% Polyester)
- Pockets: One side zippered, one drop-in
Pros:
- Extremely supportive liner
- Wool liner wards off odor well
Cons:
- Heavy shell is not ideal for really hot days
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Patagonia Pro Strider
It’s impossible to highlight the best running shorts without mentioning the Patagonia Pro Strider ($69). It’s one of the most time-tested trail running shorts on the market.
I’ve had mine for over 5 years and they’re still going strong. The shell is extremely lightweight and the four drop-in pockets are huge. Patagonia nailed the waistbelt. It’s not too thin, not too thick, and maintains comfort when the drawcord is tight. While there’s no stretch to the shorts, they offer great mobility thanks to large splits on the sides of the legs.
They do have a few flaws. For starters, the rear zip pocket won’t fit a smartphone. That’s never a deal-breaker for me, but it seems like an easy fix that would make a lot of people happy. I’m also not a huge fan of DWR-treated shorts.
While these are lightweight (much more so than the Black Diamond Sprint), I find they don’t breathe as well as non-DWR treated shorts and tend to retain moisture longer once soaked through. I found them to run a little small and opted for a size up. If you like a more free-flowing short I suggest you do the same.
Specs:
- Length: 5” and 7”
- Shell: 100% recycled polyester w/ DWR
- Liner: Brief (100% Polyester)
- Pockets: One side zippered, four drop-in
Pros:
- Lightweight shell is airy
- Great pockets
Cons:
- Doesn’t stretch
Why You Should Trust Us
Cory Smith has been a runner since 1992. He’s a full-time running coach who has been reviewing running gear since 2014. In addition to running shorts, he covers road running shoes, and GPS watches and writes training articles for GearJunkie.
To find the best running shorts we start with hours of online research. We attend trade shows such as The Running Event and Outdoor Retailer for newly released shorts, such as the SAXX Hightail, and keep our eye out for up-and-coming brands like Ten Thousand.
For this test, our research resulted in over 20 pairs of running shorts tested. We then conducted a thorough field test to evaluate each short on fit, comfort, mobility, moisture-wicking, and carrying capacity. Testing locations included up and down the coast of California as well as trails in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., Moab, Utah, and Seattle.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Running Shorts
It can be hard to sort through what’s really important when finding a pair of running shorts. To help, here are the key things you need to know about running shorts.
Material
Running shorts follow the same rules as every other technical sports apparel — moisture-wicking fabric is a must. The two most predominant are polyester and nylon blends. I prefer shorts that have a blend of stretch fabrics such as spandex or elastane in them. This gives the shorts greater flexibility and mobility, ultimately limiting restriction.
Higher percentages of these flexible fabrics do have a downside — they tend to absorb and retain more moisture. Moisture-ridden fabric and poor fit are the number one causes of chafing. If chaffing is an issue for you, pay attention to the fabric and look for a pair of shorts that has a slightly different makeup. 2-in-1’s and half tights are great options for between-the-leg chafing protection.
Inseam Length
Inseam indicates how far down the leg the short sits. It measures the length from the crotch to the end of the shorts and usually comes in 3”, 5”, and 7” options.
Most of the shorts tested, with the exception of the 3”, come in both a 5” and 7” option. The ideal inseam length is as much a matter of personal preference as whether you enjoy running road, track, or trail. However, 5-inch seems to be the most popular.
Short shorts, such as a 3” inseam (my personal favorite), are often known as split shorts and tend to be the coolest and least restrictive. Longer shorts such as a 5” or 7” are my go-to when traveling because of their all-purpose versatility, easily doubling as gym shorts, hiking shorts, or even swimming shorts.
Liners & Shells
Most running shorts have two layers: an outer shell and an inner liner. The inner liner’s primary focus is built-in support and is either a mesh brief or spandex-type compression tight, called a 2-in-1. If you’re someone that struggles with between-the-legs chafing I recommend looking at a 2-in-1 short such as the SAXX Hightail or a half tight like the Nike. Having a built-in quarter-length compression liner will protect your legs from rubbing together.
The outer shell is always made with some sort of moisture-wicking material such as polyester, nylon, or wool. Some are treated with DWR to help repel water. I find DWR-treated shorts great for wind protection, but they can absorb and hold moisture longer than non-DWR-treated shorts.
Most shorts these days will blend in a stretchy fabric such as spandex or elastane to give the shorts extra mobility. If you struggle with finding shorts that fit properly or experience shorts riding up, I recommend you look for shorts with spandex and/or elastane.
Pockets
If you want to carry items such as your phone, keys, or fuel during your run, you’ll want a pair of shorts with pockets. Look for shorts with pockets that are close to the waistline. The tension used to hold the shorts up serves as a great anchor point to prevent them from bouncing around as you run.
Shorts with a thicker waistline and/or 2-in-1s are better at holding items tightly against your waist. Pockets with zippers are ideal for storing keys, credit cards, and your phone.
How many pockets you need depends on what you want to carry. However, there is a tipping point where you’ll want to start using a vest or waist belt to hold your items.
It’s a good idea to invest in at least one pair of shorts with a large carry capacity like the Black Diamond Sprint. These are great for runs when you’re traveling and may need to carry more items than usual.
FAQ
What Kind of Shorts Are Best for Running?
The best running shorts are made with a performance moisture-wicking fabric, such as polyester or nylon, have a built-in liner for support, and will offer a secure place to store items like your phone, keys, or fuel. Some running shorts are blended with a stretchy fabric such as spandex or elastane to allow for unrestricted mobility when running.
Running shorts come in all different lengths from two inches to seven inches, but five inches seems to be the most popular length.
Should Running Shorts Be Tight or Loose?
It depends on the type of shorts. Half-tights, or compression shorts, are designed to fit skin-tight.
The close-to-the-skin fit makes them ideal for runners who struggle with chafing, and keeps your quads, hamstrings, and glutes warm during cold and/or rainy runs. All other shorts should fall somewhere between tight and loose, but to what degree they fit is somewhat of a personal preference.
What Are the Best Running Shorts to Prevent Chafing?
Chafing is a really painful problem for a lot of runners that can be solved with the proper pair of running shorts. The uncomfortable skin irritation is caused by two surfaces excessively rubbing together and is more likely to happen when a fabric has been soaked with moisture.
If you’re struggling with chafing, I recommend trying a pair of shorts with a built-in compression liner such as a 2-in-1 like the SAXX Hightail. The longer liner can provide extra protection against friction. If that doesn’t work, I suggest trying a pair of shorts with a different fabric make-up. The part wool liner of the Smartwool Merino Sport Lined 5″ Short can be a good option.
What Do You Wear Under Running Shorts?
The large majority of running shorts are designed to be worn without underwear. They have a built-in mesh liner or compression tight that provides the support needed while running. If you find the built-in liner does not provide enough, you can wear a pair of brief underwear for added support.
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