Best Lightweight Running Shorts for Men of 2025
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These lightweight running shorts are designed for men who are looking for comfort and performance during their workouts. Made from breathable and moisture-wicking materials, these shorts provide maximum airflow to keep the body cool and dry. With a relaxed fit and an elastic waistband, they offer unrestricted movement and a secure fit. Whether hitting the track or going for a jog, these lightweight running shorts are perfect for any fitness enthusiast.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Lightweight Running Shorts for Men
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.
MIER Men's Workout Running Shorts
MIER Running Shorts are designed for your comfort during workouts. They are super lightweight and breathable, allowing air to flow and keeping you cool. With 3 pockets, including deep slash pockets and an internal pocket, you can conveniently store essentials like keys and coins. The quick-dry fabric ensures you stay dry during intense sessions. These comfy shorts have a 5" inseam and side splits for freedom of movement. The elastic waistband with an adjustable drawcord provides a snug fit.
NORTHYARD Men's 7-Inch Athletic Shorts
The NORTHYARD Athletic Running Shorts are designed for comfort and performance. Made from lightweight, breathable fabric, these shorts keep you cool by wicking away moisture and drying quickly. The soft elastic waistband and adjustable drawstring allow for a personalized fit, reducing discomfort during your workouts. With two zipper pockets, you can easily store essentials without worrying about losing them while you move. Additionally, the UPF 50+ fabric provides excellent UV protection, ensuring you stay safe from the sun while enjoying outdoor activities. These features make them perfect for a variety of sports and exercises.
CRZ YOGA Men's Workout Shorts
CRZ YOGA Athletic Gym Shorts are designed for your workout or running sessions. These ultralight shorts are as soft as a feather, quick-drying, and highly durable, ensuring a comfortable experience. With a 5'' inseam and no liner, they offer great freedom of movement. The two side pockets and a right zipper pocket provide convenient storage for your essentials. The elastic waistband with a drawstring ensures a secure fit, making these shorts a practical choice for your active lifestyle.
Amazon Essentials Men's Performance Tech Shorts
The Amazon Essentials Performance Shorts offer a relaxed fit that ensures comfort through the hip, thigh, and leg, making them ideal for any activity. Crafted from a lightweight and breathable fabric, these shorts keep you cool and dry during workouts with their moisture-wicking properties. The honeycomb texture knit provides a gentle stretch, allowing full movement whether you're playing basketball, jogging, or just relaxing. With an adjustable waistband featuring a drawcord, you can customize the fit for added security while you exercise.
G Gradual Men's Running Shorts
The G Gradual Running Shorts are designed for ultimate comfort and performance. Made from a lightweight blend of polyester and elastane, these shorts provide breathability and quick-drying benefits, keeping you cool during workouts. The elastic waistband features a drawstring for an adjustable fit, ensuring you stay comfortable no matter your activity. With a built-in mesh liner, you can enjoy support without feeling restricted. Plus, the handy interior key pocket keeps your essentials secure while you run, so you can focus on your fitness goals.
Under Armour Men's Launch Shorts
The Under Armour Launch Shorts are designed to provide ultimate comfort and functionality for your runs. The lightweight woven fabric ensures you stay comfortable without feeling weighed down. With an internal mesh liner, these shorts offer extra support and coverage, which is perfect for active movement. They also feature super-breathable mesh panels that enhance ventilation, helping you stay cool even during intense workouts. Plus, the moisture-wicking material dries quickly, keeping sweat at bay and allowing you to focus solely on your performance.
NY Threads Men's Athletic Shorts
NY Threads Athletic Shorts are made of high-quality stretchable polyester, ensuring comfort and breathability during workouts. The fabric is moisture-wicking, keeping you dry and confident. With durable construction, these shorts allow unrestricted movement, perfect for indoor and outdoor sports. Featuring 2 pockets and an adjustable drawstring waistband, they offer versatility and convenience for storing essentials and achieving a perfect fit.
G Gradual Men's Running Shorts with Liner and Zipper Pockets
The G Gradual Men's Running Shorts are made of lightweight, quick-dry, and breathable mesh material which is suitable for running, jogging, workout, gym, swimming, fitness, and athletic activities. It comes with two deep zipper pockets to protect your phone or other valuables, while the built-in mesh brief lining provides safe support, breathability, and comfort during running. The elastic waistband with inner drawstring fits your waist perfectly for different figures.
Aolesy Men's 5 Inch Workout Shorts
The Aolesy Workout Shorts are designed to enhance your exercise experience. Made from lightweight, breathable fabric, these shorts keep you cool and comfortable during intense workouts. With deep pockets, you can securely store your essentials like keys while you focus on your fitness. The towel loop allows you to carry a towel hands-free, perfect for those sweaty sessions. The unique side openings provide freedom of movement, making it easier to perform leg exercises without restriction. Enjoy versatility in style, suitable for various activities from running to yoga.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which type of shorts are best for running?
Some better options are technical fabrics that blend various materials—like polyester, elastane, spandex, and nylon. If you want shorts that really wick sweat fast, choose a mix with a higher percentage of nylon. Or if extra stretchiness is a must-have, seek out more spandex.
2. Are 5 inch shorts good for running?
A 5" inch short for running has its perks and is the most preferred shorts by runners. These shorts are ideal to run effectively and comfortably. These keep you chafe-free and provide the muscle compression you need to turn a good run into a great one!
3. Should running shorts be tight or loose?
Running compression shorts fit tight to your body, like spandex. Their snug design can help provide muscle support. Compression running shorts offer the most flexibility. The lack of moving, loose fabric makes them a strong choice for chafing prevention.
4. What does 3 inch running shorts mean?
For those of around average height, a three-inch short will finish on your upper thigh, a 5" short should approach the mid-thigh area, and a 7" short will finish just above the knee.
During our lightweight running shorts for men research, we found 48 lightweight running shorts for men products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 383,518 customer reviews through our big data system to write the lightweight running shorts for men list. We found that most customers choose lightweight running shorts for men with an average price of $19.04.
The lightweight running shorts for men are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of lightweight running shorts for men, including NORTHYARD, MIER, CRZ YOGA, G Gradual, Under Armour. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 2,634 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.