Best Running Shorts for Men of 2025

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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
Amazon Essentials Men's Performance Tech Shorts
The Amazon Essentials Men's Performance Tech Loose-Fit Shorts are a great choice for any athletic activity. The lightweight, moisture-wicking, and breathable active stretch fabric with honeycomb stitch will keep you comfortable and cool. The relaxed fit through the hip, thigh, and leg, elasticized waistband, and internal adjustable drawstring provide a perfect fit for any body type. The shorts also feature two side pockets for carrying your essentials.
Under Armour Launch Run Shorts
The Under Armour Running Shorts are designed with your comfort in mind. The lightweight woven fabric ensures you feel comfortable without any added bulk, making them perfect for your runs. An internal mesh liner adds support and coverage, so you can focus on your performance. You’ll appreciate how the material wicks away sweat and dries quickly, keeping you cool during intense workouts. Plus, the super-breathable mesh panels enhance ventilation, allowing for better airflow as you move. These features come together to help you stay comfortable and focused on your fitness goals.
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.
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.
maamgic Men's 5" Gym Running Shorts Totem Gray
maamgic Running Shorts are designed with a built-in compression liner to reduce chafing, offer thigh muscle support, and enhance performance. The breathable materials help keep you cool and dry during workouts. The elastic waistband with drawstring ensures a customized fit, while the multiple pockets keep your essentials secure. These shorts are versatile for running, workout, training, and other activities, preventing ride-up issues. Easy to care for, these shorts are shrink-resistant and durable, maintaining a fresh look even after multiple washes.
Amazon Essentials Men's Training Short
The Amazon Men's Training Shorts are designed for optimal comfort and mobility. Made from a blend of polyester and elastane, these shorts provide a smooth feel while allowing you to move freely during your workouts. They feature a relaxed fit in the seat and thigh, making them ideal for athletic builds. With a 7-inch inseam, they offer the perfect length for various activities. Additionally, the shorts come with concealed pockets on each side, along with a single back pocket, ensuring you have space for essentials without compromising style or functionality.
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.
G Gradual Men's Running Shorts
G Gradual Men's Running Shorts are made of quick-drying, lightweight and breathable fabric that wicks away sweat to provide superior comfort and durability. These shorts feature two deep zipper pockets to safely store your phone and other valuables. The elastic waistband with an internal drawcord ensures a personalized fit and comfort. The side slits offer breathability and enhanced range of motion, making these shorts perfect for athletic and casual wear. Suitable for running, gym, athletic, workout or lounging at home.
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.
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.
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 50 running shorts for men products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 387,301 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 $19.59.
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 Under Armour, NORTHYARD, G Gradual, maamgic, CRZ YOGA. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

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 | Amazon Essentials | Under Armour | NORTHYARD | G Gradual | maamgic | Amazon Essentials | CRZ YOGA | G Gradual | MIER | Under Armour |
Department | mens | mens | mens | mens | mens | mens | mens | mens | mens | mens |
Fabric type | 100% Polyester | 100% Polyester | 90% Polyester, 10% Spandex | 92% Polyester, 8% Elastane | 90% Polyester, 10% Spandex | 90% Polyester, 10% Elastane | Feathery-Fit Fabric: 88% Polyester, 12% Elastane | Fabric: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex. | 90% Polyester, 10% Spandex | 100% Polyester |
Care instructions | Machine Wash Cold, Tumble Dry | Machine Wash | Machine Wash | Machine Wash | Machine Wash | Machine Wash Warm, Tumble Dry | Machine Wash | Hand Wash Only | Machine Wash | Machine Wash |
Origin | Imported | Imported | Imported | Imported | Imported | Imported | Imported | Zipper Pockets | Imported | Imported |
Closure type | Drawstring | Pull On | Drawstring | Drawstring | Drawstring | Elasticated | Drawstring | Drawstring | Drawstring | Pull On |
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