Best Running Shorts for Men of 2026
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Running shorts are a must-have for any active man looking to enhance his workout routine. Designed with comfort and functionality in mind, these shorts offer a lightweight and breathable fabric that allows for unrestricted movement. With features such as moisture-wicking technology and built-in briefs, they provide optimal support and keep you cool and dry throughout your run. Whether you're hitting the track or the treadmill, these running shorts are the perfect companion to help you reach your fitness goals.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Running Shorts for Men
BALENNZ Athletic Shorts for Men
Upgrade your workout gear with BALENNZ Men's Athletic Shorts. These soft and stretchy shorts are designed to keep you comfortable during any kind of sports or workout activities. With a 10-inch inseam, they provide enough coverage and freedom of movement for all your gym, cycling, running, basketball, football, tennis, and more. The shorts feature pockets on both sides, allowing you to carry your essentials with ease. The breathable and quick-drying fabric wicks away moisture to keep you dry and comfortable. The encased elastic waistband and inner drawcord ensure a perfect fit every time, so you don't have to worry about the shorts sliding up or down.
Kinglaman 4 Pack 2-in-1 Men's Running Shorts
The Kinglaman 2-in-1 Running Shorts are designed to keep you comfortable and supported during your workouts. The built-in compression liner offers muscle support, helping you perform better and feel more at ease. Made from quick-drying mesh fabric, these shorts help you stay dry by wicking away sweat, which is perfect whether you're at the gym or out for a run. The lightweight and breathable material allows for excellent airflow, keeping you cool even during intense activity. Overall, these shorts combine support, comfort, and moisture control to enhance your exercise experience.
MAGCOMSEN Mens 5 Inch Running Shorts
The MAGCOMSEN Running Shorts are made with a lightweight, breathable mesh fabric that stretches in all directions, helping you stay cool and dry even during intense workouts. They come with two zippered pockets on the sides, so you can safely carry your phone, keys, or wallet without worry. The elastic waistband features an external drawstring, allowing you to adjust the fit for comfort throughout the day. Plus, the 5-inch split-leg design improves airflow and lets you move freely, making these shorts perfect for sports or casual wear.
HOPLYNN 5 Pack Mens 2-in-1 Running Shorts
The HOPLYNN 2-in-1 Running Shorts are designed to keep you comfortable and supported during various workouts. Featuring a built-in compression liner, these shorts provide muscle support that helps reduce fatigue whether you’re doing baseball drills, yoga, or track sprints. The lightweight, breathable fabric helps keep you cool by wicking away moisture, making these shorts ideal for intense training sessions. Plus, the secure back pocket lets you safely store your keys or cards, so you can focus on your workout without worrying about losing essentials. These shorts combine convenience and performance for an all-around great athletic experience.
NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Hiking Shorts
NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Hiking Shorts are made with quality 4-way stretch/breathable and quick-drying fabric, complete with stylish breathable holes on both sides, soft elastic waistband, built-in adjustable drawstring, and flatlock seams to reduce chafe. They feature 3 zipper pockets for easy and secure storage and UPF 50+ sun protection.
Nike Men's Challenger Dri-Fit Running Shorts
The Nike Challenger Running Shorts are designed to keep you comfortable during your workouts. They feature Nike's Dri-FIT technology, which helps wick sweat away from your skin so you stay dry and comfortable even during intense exercise. The brief lining provides lightweight support, making these shorts ideal for running or training. Made from a stretchy, lightweight fabric with mesh panels on the sides, they help keep you cool by allowing better airflow. Plus, side vents give you freedom of movement through every stride, so you can focus on your performance without feeling restricted.
Under Armour MK-1 Men's Athletic Shorts
The Under Armour MK-1 Shorts offer a lightweight and stretchy fabric that ensures you stay comfortable during any activity. The material is designed to pull moisture away from your skin, helping you stay dry even during intense workouts. Thanks to the four-way stretch fabric, these shorts move effortlessly with you, providing great flexibility no matter the direction. Additionally, mesh panels on the sides improve airflow, keeping you cool and fresh. Whether you’re hitting the gym or going for a run, these shorts provide comfort, breathability, and freedom of movement to keep you performing your best.
CRZ YOGA Men's Linerless Workout Shorts
CRZ YOGA Workout Shorts are perfect for your exercise routines or running sessions. They are made from an incredibly lightweight material that feels soft against your skin while ensuring quick drying. This means you can stay comfortable even during intense workouts. With a 5-inch inseam and no liner, you have the freedom to move without restriction. The shorts also feature two side pockets and a zipper pocket, providing convenient storage for your essentials. The elastic waistband with a drawstring ensures a secure fit, allowing you to focus on your performance without any distractions.
Nike Men's Challenger Dri-Fit 5" Running Shorts
The Nike Challenger Running Shorts are designed to keep you comfortable during your workouts. The Dri-FIT technology helps pull sweat away from your skin, so you stay dry and feel fresh even during intense exercise. The lightweight, stretchy fabric allows for easy movement, while the mesh panels on the sides keep you cool by improving airflow. These shorts also feature side vents that give you freedom with every stride. For added support, the built-in brief lining offers a snug but lightweight fit, making these shorts a great choice for running, yoga, or training sessions.
NY Threads Men's Quick Dry Athletic Shorts
The NY Threads Athletic Shorts offer a comfortable and practical choice for your workouts. Made from high-quality polyester, these shorts are breathable and moisture-wicking, helping you stay dry and comfortable during intense activities. The material is also stretchy and wrinkle-resistant, allowing you to move freely without restrictions. Designed for both indoor and outdoor sports, the lightweight fabric provides durability without weighing you down. Additionally, the shorts feature two pockets, giving you space to carry essentials like keys or a phone, and an adjustable drawstring waistband to ensure a perfect fit every time. With an 8-inch inseam, these shorts offer ideal coverage and mobility for your active lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What type of shorts are best for running?
The best shorts for running are comfortable, lightweight, and quick-drying. Look for shorts made from synthetic fabrics like polyester that offer the right amount of stretch. These materials provide comfort, moisture-wicking capabilities, and breathability, making them ideal for both trail running and road running.
2. Should running shorts have a liner?
Having a liner in running shorts can be advantageous as it helps wick away perspiration and keeps you cool and dry during your workout. It can also provide some extra support. However, some people may find lined shorts to be thick or confining, and they might ride up if they are overly tight.
3. What to look for when buying running shorts?
When buying running shorts, consider the inseam length for more coverage, especially if you prefer a modest cut or want sun protection. Longer inseams of 7 to 9 inches for men and 4 to 8 inches for women are common. Also, check if the shorts have interior liners, as many running shorts include built-in underwear.
4. What shorts should I run a marathon in?
For marathon running, it's best to choose shorts made from a fabric that quickly wicks away sweat, keeping you dry throughout the race. Avoid cotton, which tends to retain moisture and become heavy. Look for shorts with a high percentage of polyester for optimal moisture-wicking properties.
5. Is it better to run in spandex or running shorts?
Running shorts offer more ventilation and breathability as your entire legs are exposed to the air. They are flowy and not tight to the skin, allowing for better airflow. Spandex or running tights, on the other hand, may not provide as much breathability, making shorts a better choice for running.
6. Do you wear anything under running shorts?
Running shorts with a built-in liner are designed to be worn without additional underwear. Wearing both regular underwear and the built-in briefs from the running shorts can cause irritation, chafing, and excessive sweating. The liner in the shorts provides the necessary support and moisture-wicking properties.
7. What do guys wear under running shorts?
Most running shorts for men have a built-in liner made from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon. This liner helps with moisture-wicking and prevents chafing. Therefore, there is no need to wear underwear with these shorts, as the built-in liner will provide the necessary support and comfort.
8. What is the difference between 5 inch and 7-inch running shorts?
The difference between 5-inch and 7-inch running shorts is the length. For those of average height, a 5-inch short will reach the mid-thigh area, while a 7-inch short will finish just above the knee. The choice between the two depends on personal preference and comfort.
9. Why do marathon runners wear short shorts?
Marathon runners wear short shorts to minimize chafing while running. Less fabric means less friction, which becomes more significant with a higher cadence, longer stride length, longer running duration, and warmer temperatures. Wearing shorter shorts helps reduce friction and discomfort during long-distance running.
10. Is it better to run a marathon in shorts or leggings?
It is generally better to run a marathon in shorts rather than leggings. Shorts provide more ventilation as they expose your entire legs to the air, allowing for better airflow and breathability. Leggings or running tights, on the other hand, may not offer as much breathability, making shorts a more comfortable choice for marathon running.
During our running shorts for men research, we found 48 running shorts for men products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 227,884 customer reviews through our big data system to write the running shorts for men list. We found that most customers choose running shorts for men with an average price of $21.82.
The running shorts for men are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of running shorts for men, including BALENNZ, Kinglaman, MAGCOMSEN, HOPLYNN, NORTHYARD. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,023 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.
Running Shorts for Men Comparison Table
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| Brand | BALENNZ | Kinglaman | MAGCOMSEN | HOPLYNN | NORTHYARD | Nike | Under Armour | CRZ YOGA | Nike | NY Threads |
| Department | mens | mens | mens | mens | mens | - | mens | mens | - | mens |
| Fabric type | 100% Polyester | 100% Polyester | 100% Polyester | 85% Polyester, 15% Spandex | 90% Polyester, 10% Elastane | - | 90% Polyester, 10% Elastane | Feathery-Fit Fabric: 88% Polyester, 12% Elastane | - | 100% Polyester |
| Origin | Imported | Imported | Imported | Imported | Imported | - | Imported | Imported | - | Imported |
| Closure type | Drawstring | Drawstring | Zipper | Drawstring | Drawstring | - | Pull On | Drawstring | - | Drawstring |
| Care instructions | Machine Wash | - | - | Machine Wash | Machine Wash | - | Machine Wash | Machine Wash | - | Machine Wash |
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