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After the shoes, it’s the shorts that matter most. A good pair of running shorts won’t necessarily improve your run, but a bad pair can certainly ruin it. Like any running garment, when it’s good, it simply fades into the background to not cause distraction or demand attention.
If you’re someone who just likes to do a few laps around the block, realistically any athletic short from the big brands will do. But if you’re looking for a good-looking pair that will keep you comfortable for miles on end with plenty of function and performance, then you’ve come to the right place.
The ideal pair of men’s running shorts should feel supportive and comfortable without being too restrictive; it should be made from thin, durable, and breathable materials; it should offer plenty of storage to stash your keys, gels, and phone; and lastly, you should feel good when you put them on.
As someone who runs almost everyday, I’ve found it incredibly difficult over the years to find actually good running shorts. They're easy to do well, but hard to do right. And for better or for worse, the big name brands who dominate the running industry seem to have forgotten that you wear a lot more than just shoes when you’re running. That’s why most of the names on this list are younger, apparel-focused brands who are bringing a level of detail to running garments that the big guys are not.
What I Look for in the Best Running Shorts
Call it a bit of an obsession, but I’ve been in pursuit of the best running shorts for years. After putting in some serious mileage testing over two dozen different pairs, I’d like to think I’ve learned a thing or two about what distinguishes a good pair from a truly great one.
The first thing I look at is the materials. They have to be lightweight, breathable, and soft-to-the-touch yet strong enough to withstand miles of wear. I strongly prefer 2-in-1 shorts, or boxer-brief lined shorts, which have a longer liner that hugs the thighs, which means you’re typically evaluating two different materials––the actual liner, as well as the outside shell. The liner should be lightweight, sweat-wicking, and compressive but not too tight; the shell should be more loose fitting and breathable.
Next is the look and fit. You have to feel good when you put them on, which usually means they have to fit your body composition well. This is, of course, where personal preference takes over. I prefer a 5″ inseam, which strikes a good balance between not too long and not too short. Most shorts in this guide don’t have a controversial fit, and many come in various inseam lengths and colors so you can personalize them to your preferences.
Then, perhaps most importantly, comes storage. There is nothing I hate more than running shorts with no pockets. Most of us are headed out to log some miles with a key and phone at the least, and perhaps a few gels for longer runs. This is why longer lined shorts are almost always my preference; liners provide an additional opportunity for drop-in pockets that can easily carry your essentials. One large pocket is a minimum requirement; ideally, there’s two or more (and sometimes six, as we’ll see down below).
Lastly, I evaluate how they feel while running. There’s a big difference between how a pair of running shorts feels when you put them on versus when you’re eight miles in, sweating and tired, trying to get to that gel or change the song on your phone’s playlist. On my runs, I’m looking at how the materials are holding up (are they wicking off sweat and staying dry), how the pockets and zippers are functioning (are they secure and easy to access), and how they’re quite literally feeling on my body (do they require constant adjustment).
Most of the criteria listed above is common sense. Some of it is personal preference. Feel free to take my feedback in certain areas you care about, and disregard it in areas you don’t. After years of evaluating running shorts from big brands to niche ones, here’s my curated list for some of my overall favorites, as well as those that work particularly well for certain use cases.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
If you asked me to list everything that makes a superior running short, you’d have the DLYShort from Ciele. They are ultra-lightweight, made from a no-chafe liner that’s soft-to-the-touch and treated with COOLmatic technology for cooling, accelerated wicking, and odor control. On the outside, a recycled woven fabric that’s been treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish keeps you protected during transitional months. They’re also equipped with plenty of storage. With a large zippered back pocket and two hidden liner pockets, you’ll have plenty of room for keys, gels, a phone, plus any other small items.
I've frequently come across uber-comfortable shorts that fit perfectly but lack sufficient storage for everyday use. Conversely, I've found shorts with plenty of functional features that simply aren't all that comfortable. Ciele’s DLYShort isn’t just a decent compromise between performance and practicality––it’s simply the best at both. Not to mention they’re priced quite affordably compared to many other options on this list. These shorts were designed for people who run, by people who run, and it shows in every detail.
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Runner Up
I’ve rarely come across an article of clothing––let alone a pair of running shorts––that’s been crafted with as much detail as Satisfy’s TechSilk™ Shorts. And for their price, you’d hope that’s the case. Renowned in the running community as the “Run Away” shorts for the reflective text on the back of the liner, they seamlessly blend serious style with exceptional performance for everyday runs on road or on the trails. The integrated 8" Justice™ liner offers a silk-like feel, provides UV protection, dries astonishingly quickly, and helps protect against chafing on longer runs. On the outside, the 5” TechSilk™ shell provides lightweight coverage. The whole pair weighs an astonishing 130 grams, with plenty of unique storage compartments for carrying your essentials: an integrated sweatproof phone pocket built into the liner, a large zippered back pocket with two separate inner key pouches, and a mini S-Carabiner to clip in valuables in the double waistband.
Just as you have a mix of basic everyday shirts and nice going out shirts in your wardrobe, the same can apply for running gear. These shorts are a splurge-worthy addition to your running rotation that you don't necessarily need in every color. One reliable, standout pair that you can truly be excited about will do just fine.
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Most Comfortable
Tim Soar, the founder and lead designer of London-based running brand of the same last name, will tell you that “these are the shorts I’m running in almost everyday.” And after thoroughly testing them through multiple seasons and countless miles, I can easily understand why. The Dual Run Shorts feature a double-layer construction of race-ready fabric for everyday running. On the outside, a light and airy shell with laser cut ventilation; on the inside, a very thin and mildly-compressive liner that’s nearly imperceptible from your own skin. I’m not kidding when I say you’ll forget you’re wearing them. Other highlights include a large zipped pocket for gels or a phone, an uber-comfortable waistband, laser cut hems, and reflective detailing that illuminates in low light. Once you run in these shorts, you’ll only ever want to run in these shorts.
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Most Versatile
The Pace Breaker shorts have been a staple in my daily rotation for years, and with good reason. Their exceptional versatility makes them perfect for any activity, whether it's running, lifting, hiking, or just lounging around. Made from a lightweight, sweat-wicking fabric that keeps you dry and comfortable, they’re also equipped with an ultra-soft waffle knit liner with a built-in phone pocket, a small zippered side pocket, and two low-bounce hand pockets (a rarity for running shorts!). No other pair of shorts on this list comes in such a variety of styles either: choose between muted neutrals or expressive prints, a liner or no liner, and three different inseam lengths (5", 7", 9"). When I’m traveling and want a ‘do it all’ short that can accommodate a range of workouts, I grab these.
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Most Stylish
District Vision develops products for mindful athletes––and they’ve attracted quite a cult following in doing so.
At the surface, these 5" Training Shorts are everything performance shorts should be––lightweight, supremely comfortable, and equipped with practical pockets. But they stand out for more than just the specs; they signify a commitment to holistic athletic values. In a world that often markets the sport of running with a sweaty model making a grimacing face, it can be cool to be the antithesis of that. Prioritizing mindfulness, gratitude, and mental wellbeing are all values you embody when you sport the signature “DV” logo. Yes, aloe stretch fabric, powermesh paneling, and Japanese woven drawcords make these shorts some of the best-performing ones out there. But let’s face it: you’re not spending $200 on running shorts just for the feature set alone. So if you’re paying for the brand, at least make it one of the most respectable names around.
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Best Pocket Shorts
Ample storage (read: pockets) is paramount to any great running short. That’s why I love Brooklyn-based Bandit’s Vento™ Training short. They come with a total of 6 pockets: 2 front hand pockets, 2 drop-in liner pockets, 1 key pocket, and 1 back zipper pocket. That’s probably more storage than you need, but they serve their purposes. The hand pockets work great for temporary needs (like storing your earbuds after your run), while the compression pockets are great for keeping your phone and gels from bouncing around. I found the liner to be amongst the most comfortable I tested, while Bandit’s new Vento™ shell offers micro-perforations for enhanced ventilation and a water-repellent finish for moisture protection. The brand also claims they’ve had “zero reports of chafing.” If you happen to share my sentiment around storage––the more pockets, the better–– you’ll be hard pressed to find a more complete performance short.
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Best for Hot Weather
At just 100 grams, the Space‑O™ Shorts from Satisfy are seriously forgettable––in the best way imaginable. The micro jersey fabric, perforated and knitted in Italy, naturally stretches in every direction while staying ultra-airy for hot summer days. In fact, they’re almost so delicate that when they make it through your first run, you’ll be surprised how well they’ve held up––and continue to hold up, run after run. While a 2.5" inseam would normally make it hard to accommodate storage (don’t worry, they’re also available in a 5" inseam for those who don’t want to show off as much leg), these short shorts have a unique 4-pocket system that offers plenty of cargo possibilities: two easy access nutrition pockets that hold up to 6 gels(!), a large back zippered pocket, and a sweatproof phone pocket. These were tailor made for gnarly, sweaty, and exhausting runs during a mid-afternoon in July.
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Best Split Shorts
These are the speedy sibling to Tracksmith’s popular Session Shorts, ideal for hot weather or interval training days when less is more. With a more streamlined design, comfortable elastic waistband, plus a side-entry pocket and drop-in waistband pocket, the Session Speed Shorts still hold on to all the aspects people love about the original model. Critical to their comfort is Tracksmith’s Veloce material blend, a silky-soft and high-stretch Italian knit that’s heavily breathable and moisture-wicking. And while split shorts are known to be rather, well, skimpy, these shorts strike the perfect balance between thigh coverage and weightless feel. In other words, they’re short but not too short––just enough to feel like you’re running in nothing, but not enough to make you worried that you actually might be.
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Best Half Tights
These half tights from Bandit are the best I’ve tried for all the reasons you’d expect. They’re remarkably soft thanks to an uber-smooth Italian compression fabric, aren’t too tight nor too loose, and accommodate plenty of storage with two drop-in side pockets, a large back pocket, and 4 gel pockets at the back panel. I’ve done track workouts and long 10+ mile runs in these in both hot and cooler climates, and they hold up each time. And thanks to some strong grip tape at the hem (which I’m surprised more half tights don’t use), they’ll rarely ever ride up.
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