8 Best Running Shorts for Men of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The stretchy material, 5-inch inseam and breathable fabric (that testers deemed "impressively light") create little to no resistance from these shorts, making longer runs and quick movements feel seamless and comfortable. Our Lab pros and testers gave these shorts high ratings across the boards and reported no instances of chafing.

The elastic waistband has an adjustable drawcord, and the comfortable brief liner keeps everything secure. One tester even said these would be his "go-to pair of shorts" for a race if he was attempting a PR. "The secure waistband allowed me to solely focus on running and completely eliminated the worry of having to make any mid-run adjustments," he shared.

In the Lab, these shorts had a near-perfect score for moisture management (meaning the shorts wick sweat away and dry quickly) and experienced almost no shrinkage after a laundry cycle. Plus, our pros loved the pockets along the waistband (including a large zippered one in the back) that created a built-in running belt.

While the inseam length is on the shorter side, one tester said it only takes a few days to get used to the low-cut liner and overall shorter length for runs (but you can always opt for Patagonia's 7-inch version).

Balling (or running) on a budget doesn't mean you have to sacrifice the cool features. These shorts have a zippered back pocket along the waistband to securely store your phone. Plus, the built-in brief liner is made of mesh material to allow more airflow and breathability, and one tester confirmed the liner was "supportive without being cumbersome."

One tester who tried two other pairs of shorts on this list awarded these as his overall favorite pair of running shorts. He loved the lightweight material that feels "both breathable and strong." While this tester will reach for these shorts first for his runs, he admitted they are his least favorite in terms of appearance. "They’re a little blousy, and the material bunches up in the front when just walking around town," he said.

There was some notable shrinkage in Lab tests, so it may be best to go up a size and use the inner draw cord to tighten the waistband. But our experts were highly impressed by the fabric's ability to wick away moisture, which means these shorts can keep you dry during light rain or sweaty runs.

Light as a feather takes on a new meaning with these running shorts. The barely-there fabric impressed testers — one of which claimed they are "the lightest-weight material I've ever run in." Combined with the 5-inch inseam, breathability, high Lab scores in moisture-wicking and no reports of chafing nor riding up, you'll forget you're even wearing them. "When I'm running, I simply forget about them and don't feel them at all, which I believe is exactly how running clothes should feel," one tester reported.

The 5-inch inseam and appearance of these shorts (they're available in 11 colors!) were appreciated by testers for versatility: "The length is short enough to enable serious running but also long enough to wear in mixed company," one said.

From the smooth seams to the built-in liner, our textile experts were impressed by the construction of these shorts. The mesh waistband features a zippered back pocket that can fit a phone and the hidden center pocket has a loop for your keys, although the waistband bunched up and the zipper got jammed for one tester.

While training for a marathon, I ran outside in the rain, and the temperature surpassed 85ºF with high humidity. (You never know what weather you will get on race day.) Days like this call for clothing that can withstand excessive sweating and some drizzling, and these lightweight shorts fit the bill. Not only did they receive a perfect score in our moisture-management tests, but the perforated fabric on the backside allowed for extra airflow and quicker dry times.

Designed to wick sweat away quickly so that you can stay cool and dry as you run, these shorts were thoughtfully constructed in multiple ways. "There’s a contoured liner to help keep everything in place when running and the fabric on the front and back of the shorts themselves are different," says Grace Wu, Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst at the GH Institute.

Testers loved the comfort of the liner and reported no irritation or chafing, but the 7-inch pair was a bit too long for some testers' liking. "I can hear the shorts swishing as I walk around my apartment, which I assume is based on the extra fabric length," one tester noted. There is a 5-inch option if you think that would bug you.

And while the waistband is a bit wide compared to other picks, testers said it's comfortable, held up well after washing and has an easy-to-access zippered pocket that's a great size, though that's the only pocket.

Squeezing a quick run into your schedule may require you to go to dinner plans or walk around the office in your running clothes (I love a lunch-break run). The Vuori's Kore Shorts look like an everyday pair of summer shorts, but they're designed for physical activity and quick movements. Available in 15 colors with deep pockets, a white drawstring and a 7.5-inch inseam, these shorts look attractive. "I've gotten a lot of compliments on the look of the shorts, which is a nice bonus!" one tester said.

While they may be a bit too long and non-technical for some runners (maybe, not the best pick for a race), these shorts can save room in a suitcase when packing casual clothing and running attire for a vacation. Plus, the length, two-in-one design and fabric are suitable for other activities. Multiple testers wore them for more than just running, reporting liking them for gardening, running errands and taking a Crossfit class.

Some testers loved the long drawstring while others disliked it, but everyone agreed that the boxer brief liner with the sectioned-out gusset was superb. One tester was weary of running in shorts with a liner but said these changed his mind. "The lining is not only softer than typical spandex undershorts but also does a great job of keeping chafing at bay," he said.

The shorts are a bit on the heavier side according to our Lab pros, but testers said it wasn't "bad or good, just different" and that it's "tough to find a great balance" between sturdy and light fabric in one pair of shorts.

Nature lovers who prefer to hit the trails rather than the pavement will love these sturdy, durable shorts. "REI's in-house brand of running shorts proved both durable and high-performing in tests, with innovative fabric and functional pockets throughout the waistband," Wu says.

After driving to the trailhead, store your car keys, phone, energy gels and snacks in the waistband's many pockets, which testers said hold your items in place "very well" without any "jiggling whatsoever." The outer fabric has perforations in a grid design for added breathability and airflow, which you will feel extra grateful for on a humid, foggy run through the woods.

One tester who wore these shorts on two trail runs experienced no chafing during his runs, but multiple testers noted that the liner rode up a bit. "It has a feel of riding up a little on the tush while running, and while it didn't cause any chafing or discomfort, I could imagine it getting a little annoying over time and with a lot of washing," he noted.

The textile and fitness experts at the GH Institute are fans of Lululemon's activewear for its well-designed clothing and high-quality fabrics. These men's shorts are no exception, featuring sturdy pockets for low-bounce storage, contoured mesh on the backside for added breathability and lightweight fabric. "The material breathes well and the lightweight construction allows for maximum mobility," one tester shared.

Choose from the linerless version or lined shorts that each come in a variety of colors with inseam lengths of 5, 7 and 9 inches. Note there was some considerable shrinkage in our Lab tests — decreasing by almost an inch in the waist after five washes — and one tester found the shorts "a little too flimsy" for any activity other than running.

Nike's shoes and activewear are a favorite among athletes and some of our GH editors. (I love the brand's running sneakers.) These shorts are a standout among other options from the brand, performing well in all our Lab tests and receiving positive feedback from our testers.

They earned high scores for moisture wicking in our Lab, and one tester noted they "handle sweat well." These lightweight shorts feature mesh fabric for extra airflow as you run. Testers highlighted the comfortable lining and how well the shorts stayed in place. "They fit well and stayed in place while not restricting mobility," one tester said who ran with their phone in the shorts' pocket.

Perhaps the most notable pro of these shorts is the extensive size range. I've noticed limited sizes offered for running apparel, but these shorts are available in XS to 4XL Tall. The elastic waistband with a drawstring can help you loosen and tighten these shorts, but otherwise, our Lab pros found there to be no stretch in the fabric. Testers did not find much issue with this (all shared they will continue wearing them), but one suggested to size up if you're in between sizes.