The 11 Best Running Shorts for Men in 2025, Tested by Running Experts

The new iteration of the Journey Short features smaller pockets to help reduce excess fabric and bouncing. This short does include a liner; however, it does have more give compared to its predecessor. If you are looking for a tighter liner for faster runs, this may not be for you; however, this does great for the casual trot or easy long run on the weekend.

Vuori offers a very classic fit with a classy aesthetic in the Qualify Run Short. They feature unique zippered pocket compartments to store very small items such as headphones, salt-tablets, or even some cash. These 6-inch inseam lightweight shorts are great for running due to how comfortable they are.

Nike is a pioneer when it comes to creating products that stick around for a while. Once a flagship item is born, you can definitely bet that Nike will continue to make improvements on it. In this case, the Nike Challenger 2-in-1 short does the job, and does it well.

“A great choice for running, training, yoga, and adventure hikes,” says Stafford. “Made with Nike’s Dri‑Fit tech that wicks sweat away fast, plus reflective Swoosh detailing.” The name speaks to the versatility of this short, which makes it a great fit for everything from lifting to running to yoga.

The popular Swiss brand On is no stranger to high-performance, and the brand nails it on the head with the Performance Shorts. These shorts feature a polyamide and elastane blend, which gives them a lightweight feel. They are best for warm temperatures and feature a zippered back pocket for your phone and other valuables.

“Lightweight 4‑way stretch fabric with quick drying and sweat‑wicking benefits,” says Thorp. Ideal for summer training and race day. “I appreciate the well-placed split in the material, which maintains the length I like while giving additional range of motion.”

Specs

We first tried these shorts from Lululemon for the comfort and luxury material you can expect from the brand, but stayed for the support and high performance. They fit incredibly well, hugging you in the places you need a little extra security, and giving room to breathe in others.

These are one of my top 3 go-to running shorts, both because of the great look and the perfect length. Plus, the built-in liner is actually comfortable and fits better than just about anything else we’ve worn. The cherry on top is super soft fabric, a hidden drawstring, and a zippered storage pocket.

Specs

Tracksmith is a New England brand that speaks excellence when it comes to the running sport. The brand credo revolves around an aesthetic that is playful but means business at the same time. The Session Short features a perfect 5-inch inseam with a side split and is made with a comfortable jersey fabric.

They also feature an Italian-sourced liner that’s super smooth on the skin. The split helps with the range of motion and the short inseam helps keep things minimal and out of the way. The storage is also impressive, with three internal drop-in pockets and one external zip pocket, to secure your phone or keys.

“These retro‑style shorts look great whether you’re standing still or chasing down the miles,” says Thorp. Tracksmith is one of our reliables when it comes to hitting speed workouts, tempo workouts, and even races. Needless to say, if you want to go fast, you go with Tracksmith.

Specs

Pros

• Incredibly comfortable waistband
• Hidden pockets
• Mesh brief liner

These ultra-lightweight ‘featherweight’ shorts have a minimalist waistband that is extra comfortable and side slits that allow for full range of motion and breathability. They also have a mesh brief liner, which provides a good base layer for support.

Despite being super light, they still have rugged build. We’re a big fan of the cut—and that we can still stow some of our gear with the internal pockets. We like to call the hidden pockets ‘no-bounce’ pockets, because they’re one of the few that keep your belongings from jumping around as you run.

Specs

Alo is at the top of the game with its selection when it comes to active wear and fashion sense. If you want something that is versatile in terms of function and style, you can’t go wrong with these. It is equipped with hidden interior pockets, a 5-inch inseam, and plenty of colorway options.

“Alo’s 5‑inch run short is light as air and made to move,” says Stafford. “With two-way stretch and a breathable interior brief, they’ll keep you comfortable when pushing your limits.”

Specs

When it comes to budget options, Reebok has some of the best shorts on the market when it comes to ballin’ on a budget. Since they are constantly resupplying their stock and putting out new editions, you can also find pieces on sale pretty regularly. The quality isn’t anything to scoff at either, and can hang with your heaviest workouts.

“Lightweight and versatile—great for runs or workouts in‑between,” says Thorp. These offer a decent fit for the price point and will certainly get the job done for casual runs and workouts.

Specs

Rhone is making its impact on performance clothing and did an incredible job with the Extra Mile Short. This supportive and complete liner is everything you could ask for in a pair of running shorts. “Rhone’s uniquely knit covered elastic waistband keeps you comfortable on long runs,” says Thorp. “The stretch lining and phone pocket make them feel as good as they look.”

It also features a secured zipper pocket to keep things locked in when you’re hitting the pavement. Not only do these perform just as good as they look, they’re great for long runs with the amount of support they offer every step of the way.

Pros

• Smooth fit
• Max mobility
• Unique colorway

Hoka does a great job on offering a solid and mobile pair of shorts. The Hoka Glide 5″ gives you all of that and more when it comes to range-of-motion and options. The Glide can also be made in a 7″ inseam if you would rather have more length to your shorts.

They have a variety of fun colorways and are assembled with a recycled polyester and spandex blend. The liner is also very lightweight and offers a double layer gusset for even more support for your runs. With a discrete zip pocket for storage, this is a solid pick for some recovery miles.

“Hoka’s 5‑inch Glide Short offers maximum movement and range‑of-motion,” says Thorp. Ideal for slower sessions or cruising through easy mileage.

Specs

What Kind of Shorts are Best for Running?

If we are talking about the most ideal pair of shorts for running, we truly can’t go wrong with something that has it all. A few pockets (maybe with a zipper or two), breathable fabric, a comfortable and secure liner, and something stylish that fits the vibe.

Now, if we want to get into the weeds, typically, ones with the drawstring on the inside of the waistband are preferred so we can keep it secure. A proper length short (3-6 inches) that doesn’t ride up is another big plus that adds brownie points. There are small features that are nice to have when it comes to pockets—such as a back pocket for your phone and keys or even single pockets for gels for longer miles.

How to Prevent Chafing in Running Shorts

We’re not sure if there are many things worse than the feeling of being mid-run and experiencing the start of a possible chafe. Chafing is a skin irritation that is caused by friction, usually when in combination with moisture and when the skin rubs against each other or on fabric. Common areas include, the arm pits, groin area, inner thighs, or even the nipples of your chest.

This often happens in the summer, especially as the humidity rises and although it might seem like all is lost, there are certain things that can be helped. The fabric plays a big role and being dressed for the occasion is key. Stick with shorts that are at a proper length without excess fabric, a built-in liner, breathable and quick drying synthetics.