October 13 is set to become a momentous day for the running community in the United States, as two of the most popular events related to running are going to happen on the same day.
The first one is the 2019 Ironman World Championship to be held in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The other one is the 2019 Chicago Marathon in Illinois. These two major events prove the popularity of running, not only as a recreational activity but also as a competitive sport among Americans.
According to the Bureau of Statistics, from 2009 to 2015, running is among the top five most popular physical activities in the United States, along with walking, weightlifting, and watersports like swimming and surfing.
The Bureau also shares a glimpse of gender distribution in running. Fifty-nine percent of people who are into running were men, whereas the remaining 41% are women.
These numbers explain why the United States remains a lucrative market for companies that are making running apparel, not only running shoes but also running shorts for men.
With the 2019 Ironman World Championship and the 2019 Chicago Marathon fast approaching, we took it is a perfect opportunity to scour the Internet to find out some of the best running shorts for men that we guys always go for.
On this list, we ended up with a total of 30 running shorts for men. But before we share with you the list, here are some tips to ponder when choosing.
Material
One of the first things to consider when choosing a pair of running shorts for men is the material which will either make or break you in a running event. As weight is going to be your primary enemy when running, always select a pair of running shorts that uses a light, quick-drying material.
Cotton is soft and comfortable to wear, but, unfortunately, it absorbs sweat and makes your shorts heavier as you run, slowing you down in the process. The best choice: pick a running shorts for men that uses polyester with elastane or spandex for flexibility.
Liner
When choosing running shorts for men, it is not only what is on the outside that matters but also what is on the inside, and in this respect, we’re talking about whether your pick should have a liner or not.
Running shorts for men with liners eliminate the need for runners to wear underwear which adds to your weight while running. Choose a pair of running shorts that has a liner that comfortably suits you to avoid discomfort. Should you decide to pick a pair of liner-less running shorts, make sure that you got underwear that is both light and quick-drying.
Comfort
Let us face it. Discomfort ruins your performance while running. That said, it is important that you make sure that the running shorts that you’ll be picking are comfortable to wear in terms of size and fit.
The waistband should not be too tight that it might obstruct the flow of blood in your torso. It should not be also too loose that it might fall off as you run. Consider also the thickness of thighs while choosing a pair of running shorts for men. To be sure, you better personally check the item in the store and try it on, instead of simply ordering online.
Our Top 30 Picks
#1 Adidas Men’s Response Running Shorts
Highlighting Adidas’ very own Climalite technology, the Adidas Men’s Response Running Shorts’ specialized fabric allows quick evaporation of sweat from the skin so runners stay dry and focused on their goal.
This pair of running shorts for men features reflective details, making users easily seen at night or in other low-light conditions. The waistband also comes with a built-in pocket and a drawcord for additional convenience.
Check the latest price and Read more reviews here.
#2 Adidas Supernova
An ideal running buddy when the temperature’s up, the Adidas Supernova features the brand’s signature Climalite technology, keeping you cool when you are in the heat of your running session. Designed with the environment in mind, eco-friendly users would love this pair of running shorts for men as it uses recycled materials.
#3 Amazon Essentials Loose-Fit Performance Running Shorts
Arriving in a 2-in-1 package, the Amazon Essentials Loose-Fit Performance Running Shorts sports a loose-fit style, polyester fabric, and moisture-wicking mesh, all of which contribute to the comfort that this pair can offer. The loose-fit design also helps users to move freely while running to improve their speed and agility.
Check the latest price and Read more reviews here.
#4 Asics 6″ Woven 2-n-1 Shorts
Featuring a snug, boxer-long inner lining, the Asics 6″ Woven 2-in-1 Shorts has a stretchy outer layer. Its polyester fabric material breathes in fresh air and breathes out trapped moisture, giving a cool, dry feeling during intense running. You can also easily adjust it according to your fit, thanks to its drawstring-style waistband.
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#5 Asics Split Short
If you prefer a 3-inch split-type running shorts for men, the Asics Split Short is made lighter and more comfortable with its use of thin polyester fabric. Unleash your best performance with this pair of shorts that sports relaxed fit and side split for unhindered movement.
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#6 Baleaf Men’s Running Shorts
Combining polyester with spandex, the Baleaf Men’s Running Shorts features a quick-dry technology that allows it to stay light and dry even after a long running session.
Side mesh panels and a built-in mesh briefs further contribute to the breathability and comfort of this running shorts for men. Pockets and reflective design elements prove that this pair is made with both convenience and safety in mind.
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#7 Brooks Cascadia 7″ Short
Whether you are into trail or road running, the Brooks Cascadia 7″ is a versatile performer, thanks to its DriLayer fabric that allows you to easily adjust your posture while keeping you cool, dry, and at your pace regardless of the temperature or terrain. The large, zippered pocket is a nice extra where you can put your phone while running.
$8 Brooks Go-To 5″ Running Shorts
Falling under the most popular short length among men, the Brooks Go-To 5″ Running Shorts features a mid-length inseam that does not lump up while moving. Using Brooks very own DriLayer fabric, this pair of shorts for men keeps your skin dry and has a brief liner for additional comfort.
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#9 Brooks Men’s Sherpa Shorts
The Brooks Men’s Sherpa Shorts’ construction is a winsome threesome of polyester, mesh, and spandex, making it light, breathable, and flexible — all of which are essential in running and other athletic pursuits. Featuring a drawstring closure design, this pair of running shorts for men is easy to adjust depending on your preferences.
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#10 Champion Men’s 365 Reflective Training Shorts
Perfect for those who prefer running on the road in the early morning or evening, the Champion Men’s 365 Reflective Training Shorts uses a reflective material to help you be seen by motorists and stay safe when running in low-light conditions.
Made with comfort and convenience in mind, this pair of running shorts for men also features nifty pockets, targeted cooling, and sweat-wicking capability.
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#11 Champion Men’s Run Shorts
Keeping you on top of your game, the Champion Men’s Run Shorts will never let you down with its light weight and stretchy construction that goes well with your movement.
Using synthetic fabric that combines polyester and spandex, this pair of Champion running shorts for men also offers good ventilation so you stay dry and comfortable while on the go. Drawstring adjustment and mesh side pockets and panels add convenience to this running shorts for men.
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#12 La Sportiva Rapid Running Short
Worried about getting smelly after a long run? The La Sportiva Rapid Running Short employs Polygiene treatment that keeps bad odors at bay caused by bacteria.
Instead of having a brief-type liner, La Sportiva’s extends down the leg, providing additional protection to both the short’s fabric and the wearer’s skin.
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#13 Lululemon T.H.E. Short
A running shorts for men with a 9-inch inseam, the Lululemon T.H.E. Short exudes a refined aura, using a luxurious fabric that is both smooth and skin-cooling.
Complementing the comfort that it offers, this pair of Lululemon also comes with zippered back pocket and side pockets with an additional interior, all of which are handy just in case you need to bring with you some small essentials.
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#14 Luwell Pro Men’s Running Shorts
Made from pure polyester, the Luwell Pro Men’s Running Shorts is light so don’t have to worry about extra weight slowing you down while running.
Besides the fabric, this pair of running shorts for men also uses a quick-dry technology to keep both sweat and air moisture at bay. It also comes with reflective strips to keep you safe from harm when running in the dark or other low-light scenarios.
Check the latest price and Read more reviews here.
#15 Naviskin Men’s Running Shorts
Understanding the needs of runners, Naviskin has made its Men’s Running Shorts flexible by using a four-way stretch fabrication and side motion vents that adapt with various bodily movements.
Made from polyester and spandex materials, this pair of running shorts for men is breathable all throughout to get you through the day. A convenient running companion, this Naviskin also comes with a zippered back pocket and two side pockets for small articles.
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#16 New Balance Accelerate 5-Inch Short
A perfect marriage between price and performance, the New Balance Accelerate 5-Inch Short comes with a synthetic material that is both extremely light and quick-drying. It also carries an elastic drawcord, waist pocket, and a brief-style liner.
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#17 New Balance Accelerate 7-inch Men’s Running Shorts
Using its maker’s Lightning Dry Fabric, the New Balance Accelerate 7-inch Men’s Running Shorts quickly wicks away moisture so that you feel dry and comfy even after hours of running.
The built-in briefs and elastic waistband with drawstring contribute to the shorts’ overall comfort. In addition, the side pockets are useful when you need to bring with you small valuables.
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#18 New Balance Transform 2-in-1 Shorts
Combining a long tight inner lining and a relaxed outer layer, the New Balance Transform 2-in-1 running shorts for men uses a polyester-spandex fabric.
The stretchy material allows you to make unhampered movements, while the perforations on the sides make the shorts extra breathable for comfort.
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#19 Nike Distance 5″ Shorts
Equipped with Nike’s Dri-FIT Technology, the Nike Distance 5″ Shorts is designed not only to make runners feel light and dry but also to keep them cool even when the sun is high up.
Coming with a fitted inner short and a relaxed mesh outer short, this pair of shorts for men offers the best of both worlds when it comes to flexibility.
#20 Nike Men’s 7-inch Challenger Shorts
When the running session gets hot, the Nike Men’s 7-inch Challenger Shorts stays cool, thanks to its signature Dri-FIT fabric, which makes the pair light and breathable.
Breathability extends to the built-in liner where sweat-wicking is more essential. This pair of shorts for men also comes with an inner drawstring waistband and two side pockets for small essentials.
Check the latest price and Read more reviews here.
#21 Nike Woven 9″ Distance Shorts
With a 9-inch inseam, the Nike Woven 9″ Distance Shorts is long enough to provide leg coverage but short enough to offer movement flexibility.
This pair of shorts for men employs Nike’s Dri-FIT Technology with mesh panels for utmost breathability, contributing to enhanced moisture-wicking and light weight.
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#22 Patagonia Men’s Strider Pro Running Shorts
Apart from having a non-bunching liner on the inside, the Patagonia Men’s Strider Pro Running Shorts also comes with pockets that hold your phone and running essentials close to your body in a way that you don’t have to worry about them falling off while you run. It is also equipped with a tail pocket with zipper for items such as IDs and keys.
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#23 Path Sykes PX5-Inch
Pockets, pockets, pockets! The Path Sykes PX5-Inch running shorts for men holds your smartphone and other small essential items in a way without bouncing while running.
It is made of the Toray Prime Flex fabric, a stretchy polyester material that provides you with adequate flexibility, layered with DWR coating for fast drying.
#24 Rhone Mako Short
Available in 7- and 9-inch inseams, the Rhone Mako Short is a stylish pair of running shorts for men of any height who have nice thighs to show off.
This pair offers the best of both worlds, having a light and breathable exterior, and an inner liner that offers a snug fit. Apart from having a back zipper pocket and two front pockets, the shorts also come with a media pocket dedicated to carrying your smartphone.
Check the latest price and Read more reviews here.
#25 Salomon Fast Wing Trail
Stretchy on the outside while tight on the inside, the Salomon Fast Wing Trail running shorts for men are targeted toward serious runners.
The tight inner lining helps in preventing chafing, while the 3D designed stretchy exterior promotes free movement when running. The pair also comes with three gel pockets which are handy in long running sessions.
#26 Salomon Trail Runner Twinskin Short
Visibly longer than the other running shorts for men out there, the Salomon Trail Runner Twinskin Short is appropriate for longer runs.
It comes with an outer short that attaches to the inner liner, forming a single short at the inner leg. Furthermore, it is also specially made to avoid chafing, a definite concern when you are into ultramarathons.
#27 Saxx Pilot 2N1 Shorts
Manufactured by a brand originally specialized in creating underwear, the Saxx Pilot 2N1 Shorts means it is primarily aimed at comfort.
One key feature of this running shorts for men, the label’s signature BallPark Pouch serves as a mini cradle for your junk, so you feel cool, focused, and protected, minus that icky-sticky sensation.
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#28 Under Armour Men’s HeatGear Armour Compression Shorts
As a pair of compression shorts, Under Armour Men’s HeatGear totally eliminates the possibility of bunching up while running which can hamper your performance.
Light and tight, this pair keeps you at your pace and stays put to prevent chafing. Combining UA’s moisture transport system and anti-odor technology, these compression shorts easily gets rid of sweat and odor-causing microbes.
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#29 Under Armour Men’s Raid Running Shorts
For those who prefer running in broad daylight, the Under Armour Men’s Raid Running Shorts uses UPF 30+ that protects your skin from harmful rays of the sun.
Following a four-way stretch construction, this pair of running shorts for men allows users to move better for enhanced performance. Sweat and bad odor are kept at bay with UA’s sweat-wicking and anti-microbe technologies.
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#30 Under Armour Speedpocket 8-Inch Short
Available in different variants, the 8-inch version of the Under Armour Speedpocket 8-Inch Short provides runners with extra leg coverage and additional space to carry items up to the size of a large smartphone.
Making use of light, moisture-wicking material fabric with side pockets, this pair of running shorts for men is ideal when it comes to breathability without getting stinky, thanks to its anti-odor properties.
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