The Best Men’s Running Shorts

Man running in shorts
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Not too long ago, running shorts came in just one variety: extremely short. Now, there are all sorts to choose from, and anyone who’s developed a painful downstairs chafe midway through a race or training run knows how important it is to get the right pair. I’ve tested running shorts from all the major brands and these are the ones I go back to using time and time again.

How I Test Running Shorts

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There’s only one way I know to test running shorts, and that’s by running in them. I usually run around 70-110km a week, which gives me ample opportunity to test shorts. Along with comfort I’m always on the look-out for good storage options with shorts, and I tend to prefer half-tights and two-in-one shorts because I find they reduce the risk of chafing.

The Best Men’s Running Shorts

Kalenji Run Dry

(Image credit: Kalenji)

Kalenji Run Dry

Best budget running shorts

Specifications

RRP: $12.99 / £5.99
Type: 5in

Reasons to buy

+
Exceptional value
+
Simple design

Reasons to avoid

-
Not as comfortable as others
-
Limited storage

Not bothered about flashy names, compression or trying to shave seconds off a PB with drag-reducing design? You can’t go wrong with these light, breathable shorts from European sports superstore Decathlon. I haven’t tested these myself, but Coach editor Jon Shannon has run in his for months and they seem just as durable as other brands. No frills. No complaints. A proper bargain.


New Balance Impact Run

(Image credit: New Balance)

New Balance Impact Run

A great range of shorts to suit all runners

Specifications

RRP: $25-$50 / £30-£40
Type: Varies

Reasons to buy

+
Range of lengths and designs
+
Special editions for big marathons
+
Good value

Reasons to avoid

-
Not as comfortable as some shorts

It’s no exaggeration to say that the Impact Run range has a set of shorts to suit every runner. There are long shorts, split shorts, two-in-one shorts, colorful shorts and plain shorts as well as limited-edition shorts celebrating the London Marathon each year. I’ve used a variety of shorts from the Impact range over the years and they’re all really good shorts too and offer solid value. I’ve run many a mile in the 5in London Marathon 2018 shorts in particular, which commemorate a very hot race where I blew up and walked most of the second half. Happy days.


Saysky 2in1 Shorts

(Image credit: Saysky)

Saysky 2 In 1 Pace Shorts

Best two-in-one shorts

Specifications

RRP: $93 / £73
Type: 2-in-1

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable over any distance
+
Drop-in thigh pouches and back pocket
+
Range of designs

Reasons to avoid

-
Cheaper options available

These are probably the shorts I use most often for training runs thanks to the combination of comfort and storage. They provide comfortable, supportive compression without feeling too snug, while the inner layer on the shorts has two drop-in pockets that can accommodate a phone, soft flask or a couple of gels. I’m also a big fan of the Saysky Pace Short Tights (the equivalent of just the inner layer on the two-in-one shorts), which I prefer for fast runs and races. I have used the half-tights for a marathon where I carried two soft flasks in the pockets without any annoying bouncing. Both the two-in-one shorts and short tights also have a zip pocket on the back for small essentials like keys or a card.


Higher State Trail Shorts

(Image credit: Higher State)

Higher State Trail Shorts

Great value 2-in-1 shorts with lots of storage

Specifications

RRP: $22.97 / £16.99
Type: 2-in-1

Reasons to buy

+
Superb value
+
Lots of storage

Reasons to avoid

-
Pockets are a little small

These two-in-one shorts offer great value to anyone who likes to have plenty of pockets, because along with the large zip pocket on the back that can handle a phone, the waistband features a series of small drop-in pouches. These can take gels and essentials like your card and keys on longer runs, and while I’d have liked to see a drop-in pocket on the inner layer as well, you’re still well served for storage here.


Nathan Front Runner Shorts in ribbon red

(Image credit: Nathan)

Nathan Front Runner Shorts

Lightweight and comfortable 2-in-1 shorts

Specifications

RRP: $70/£59.99
Type: 2-in-1

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable 2-in-1 design
+
Useful storage
+
Several colors

Reasons to avoid

-
Shorter inner increases chafing risk

The inner layer on these 2-in-1 shorts is shorter and less compressive than on most I’ve tested, which makes them feel lighter. I found them very comfortable for long runs, though I did sometimes miss the longer design of others which reduces the risk of thigh chafing. 

There is a drop-in pocket on the internal layer that can hold a smartphone, while a zip pocket on the back stretches to accommodate other essentials and is ringed by a reflective strip to increase visibility on night runs.


UYN Strides Trail Running Shorts

(Image credit: UYN)

UYN Strides Trail Running Shorts

Most comfortable half tights for long runs

Specifications

RRP: £119
Type: Half tights

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable, soft fabrics
+
Two zip pockets on legs

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Thicker and warmer than others

These shorts from Italian brand UYN are exceptionally comfortable thanks to the soft, flexible fabrics used throughout. They hug the legs in a supportive and unrestrictive way, and if you struggle with chafing on long runs they are certainly an option to consider. The two zip pockets on the sides will take a phone easily, and there’s also a stretchy drop-in pocket on the back. I found the shorts a little thicker and heavier than I’d like for racing, but for long outings on the trails or road they are an excellent option.


Lululemon SenseKnit Running Shorts 10in

(Image credit: Lululemon)

Lululemon SenseKnit Running Shorts 10in

Supportive half-tights with great storage

Specifications

RRP: $128 / £118
Type: Half-tights

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable and supportive 
+
Drop-in thigh pockets

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive

The SenseKnit material used in these half tights ticks all the boxes for runners, being comfortable, quick-drying, supportive and stretchy enough to allow complete freedom of movement. There are two drop-in pockets on the tights too, both of which are large enough to carry a phone or a couple of large gels. The shorts are longer than most of the half-tights I use, which does add to the feeling of support they provide.


Soar Marathon Speed Running Shorts

(Image credit: Soar)

Soar Marathon Speed Shorts

Half-tights with storage for race day gels

Specifications

RRP: $150 / £125
Type: Half-tight

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable
+
Loops and back pocket for gels

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Gels can escape loops

Soar’s range of shorts features options for almost every type of run and all of them are perfect for their role. I’ve long been fans of the Speed Short half-tights, which are more comfortable for long races than any other shorts I’ve come across – I’ve worn them for several marathons without a hint of chafing – but lack storage, which is useful when tackling marathons. Enter the Marathon Speed Shorts, which offer the same design and comfort, and also have gel loops on the front and a back pocket. This allows you to carry up to six large gels, though be aware that gels in the front loops can come loose when pounding down hills. 

As ever, the catch with Soar is the high price, though the quality is there if the cost doesn’t deter you. The company also makes split shorts with the same loop and back-pocket storage system for those who prefer those over half-tights.


Montane Dragon Twin Skin Shorts

(Image credit: Montane)

Montane Dragon Twin Skin Shorts

Supportive 2-in-1 shorts for long days on the trails

Specifications

RRP: $89 / £65
Type: 2-in-1

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable inner layer
+
Three back pockets

Reasons to avoid

-
Large waistband won’t suit everyone
-
Wasted storage option

I can’t help but look at the large waistband on the Dragon Twin Skin Shorts and wish that Montane used that space to add a front pouch or pocket, but at least there are three pockets on the back. There’s a large zipped pocket that can take a phone, plus two smaller drop-in pouches for gels, keys, cards, headphones and so on. The waistband is made from the same comfortable, sweat-wicking material as the inner liner on the shorts, which are great for long runs and races where you want to reduce the risk of chafing.


Kiprun Marathon Running Shorts

(Image credit: Decathlon)

Kiprun Marathon Running Shorts

Best marathon shorts

Specifications

RRP: £29.99
Type: 5in

Reasons to buy

+
Great value
+
Amazing storage

Reasons to avoid

-
Often out of stock

I have a wardrobe full of very expensive and excellent running shorts, but it’s a set of Decathlon shorts I use for my key marathons. It’s actually the women’s version of these shorts that I prefer, since they are half-tights rather than shorts and fit just fine, but the pocket system is the same on both. Two large drop-in pockets on the back can carry a 250ml soft flask, and I tuck another into the zip pocket on the front during my marathons, with gels in the side pockets. 

The tight fit of the pockets means all of this stuff is carried securely with minimal bouncing even when running fast—I’ve run 2hr 28min and 2hr 29min marathons while wearing them. The main downside here is that the shorts are often out of stock, so I’d check the website regularly and grab a set whenever they are available.


Janji 8in Trail Half Tight

(Image credit: Janji)

Janji 8in Trail Half Tight

Half-tights with storage for long runs

Specifications

RRP: $82 / £75
Type: Half-tights

Reasons to buy

+
Great storage options
+
Fun designs
+
Comfortable

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited run
-
More expensive than others

Storage options abound with these shorts, which have two deep pockets on each side plus a large pull-through pocket on the back. I found they could carry a 250ml soft flask on the sides or on the back, while also carrying my phone and still having room for other essentials. Janji makes limited runs of its designs so the shorts can come in and out of stock, and you might miss out on the funkier designs if you don’t move fast, but if you do secure a pair these are perfect for long runs and races when you’d rather not carry a backpack.


Nike run division shorts

(Image credit: Nike)

Nike Dri-FIT Run Division Stride

Brief-lined shorts with storage and style

Specifications

RRP: $80 / £64.95
Type: 4in

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable brief liner
+
Storage on back and sides

Reasons to avoid

-
Better value elsewhere
-
Side pockets not so useful when running

Nike has a bewildering array of shorts in its line-up and there are certainly cheaper sets available there and elsewhere, but the Run Division Stride shorts are a great option for those who prefer traditional, brief-lined shorts but want some extra storage. Anything heavy in the two zip side pockets will bounce on the run, so I mainly use those for stashing gloves, but the central back pocket can carry a phone or other heavy items without bouncing. 

FAQs

What type of shorts are best for running?

The best running shorts are made from a sweat-wicking material that draws the sweat from your skin and then dries quickly, because running in soggy shorts can increase the risk of chafing. The fit needs to be comfortable and secure, because rubbing could cause discomfort over the course of a run.

There are three main types of shorts. The first are looser shorts of various lengths, from very short split shorts to 5in or 7in shorts. These usually have an inner brief to add support in key areas. Then 2-in-1 shorts have the same outer layer, but instead of an inner brief they have a full set of tight, stretchy shorts underneath. Finally, half tights just have the inner layer.

All three types of shorts work well and allow unrestricted movement. When deciding which is best for you, it comes down to personal preference. I like the supportive feel of half tights and 2-in-1 shorts, and you usually get more storage options with those. One other benefit of a tight inner layer is that it can reduce the risk of chafing. For racing, split shorts or half tights are the most common picks, because they are the lightest so you’ll feel faster.

Nick Harris-Fry
Senior writer

Nick Harris-Fry is a journalist who has been covering health and fitness since 2015. Nick is an avid runner, covering 70-110km a week, which gives him ample opportunity to test a wide range of running shoes and running gear. He is also the chief tester for fitness trackers and running watches, treadmills and exercise bikes, and workout headphones.