Best Running Shorts for Men of 2025

Aside from shoes, a good pair of running shorts may be the most important piece of apparel for comfortable running. The best running shorts for men provide a seamless blend of comfort, function, and style, and will help you run with the levity and freedom of knowing sensitive areas won’t chafe. As a bonus, a lot of the best running shorts out there will also carry your hydration, snacks, and phone.

To compile this buyer’s guide, we tested men’s running shorts from some of the best-known brands in running, some companies in men’s general fitness, and even some whose reach is outside the core running community. We ran in them for hundreds of miles through various conditions on the trails, roads, and track in several different settings — from the Rockies of Colorado to rail trails in the Midwest to coastal roads in California to the mountains of western North Carolina.

After our testing, we concluded that our longtime favorites, the Patagonia Men’s Strider Pro Shorts – 5″ continue to rise above the rest with their combination of comfort, storage, and durability, and we loved the Janji M’s 5″ Multi Short specifically for the trails because of its comfort and storage capacity. Our top budget pick was the adidas Own The Run Shorts, and for those who love split shorts for fast road running, we turned to the rabbit Fuel n’ Fly 3″ Shorts.

This guide is for runners seeking the best men’s running shorts in a variety of categories, including budget, fabric technology, storage, comfort, and much more. Learn more about our testing methodology, read our advice for choosing your next running shorts, and see our frequently asked questions about running shorts for men at the bottom of this guide.

Best Running Shorts for Men

• Best Overall Running Shorts for Men: Patagonia Men’s Strider Pro Shorts – 5″
• Best Trail Running Shorts for Men: Janji M’s 5″ Multi Short
• Best Budget Running Shorts for Men: adidas Own The Run Shorts
• Best Running Half-Tights for Men: rabbit Shredsters
• Best Split Running Shorts for Men: rabbit Fuel n’ Fly 3″ Shorts
• Best Running Shorts with Storage for Men: Ultimate Direction Hydro Short
• Best Linerless Running Shorts: Path Projects Graves PX
• Best of the Rest Running Shorts for Men: Patagonia Men’s Trailfarer Running Shorts – 6″, Territory Run Co. Men’s Long Haul Short

Best Overall Running Shorts for Men: Patagonia Men’s Strider Pro Shorts – 5″ ($85)

Pros:

• Lightweight, durable, and comfortable
• Competitively priced, considering all of the fabric technology, recycled content, and manufacturing transparency
• The outer drawstring is a subtle but ingenious feature that prevents rubbing

Cons:

•  Sizing runs small

The Patagonia Men’s Strider Pro Shorts – 5″ are the unanimous favorite of multiple testers on the iRunFar team. In some ways, it is the short to end all shorts for all types of running. In fact, one member of our team has run only in these for the past five years, his allegiance unchanged, even with an old pair worn to pieces. One tester won a 50k in western North Carolina in these shorts, while iRunFar founding editor Bryon Powell won a 400k race through the desert wearing them. They are versatile, lightweight, and supremely comfortable.

These shorts are available in two lengths, 5 and 7 inches, and the 100% polyester brief liner provides a secure ride. The body’s 90% recycled polyester and 10% spandex fabric is a perfect weight — substantial enough not to ride up, yet lightweight and airy. These shorts are made of a four-way stretch material with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating to help you stay comfortable and dry.

In the five pockets, we’ve carried gels, keys, a light, a packable jacket, and even a cell phone in the rear back zipper pocket, though bigger phones will have a tough time fitting. Unlike many multi-pocket shorts, these don’t bounce around too much when loaded down. Another popular feature is the drawstring on the outside of the waistband, a clever solution to the potential chafing or rubbing caused by interior drawstrings. For all of these features — plus a HeiQ anti-odor treatment not found in other shorts at a similar price — the $85 cost is reasonable.

Environmentally and socially conscious runners can also feel good about buying them, as Patagonia donates 1% of its sales each year to grassroots environmental nonprofits and manufactures these shorts — along with several other products — in a Fair Trade Certified Factory. These shorts also appear in our Best Running Gear for Hot Weather, while Patagonia appears in our Best Running Apparel Brands guide.

Inseam: 5 or 7 inches | Liner type: Brief

Shop the Patagonia Men's Strider Pro Shorts

Best Trail Running Shorts for Men: Janji M’s 5″ Multi Short ($80)

Pros:

• Light, airy, and extremely comfortable
• Tons of pockets for bounce-free storage
• Contains a clever key clip

Cons:

• The liner can sometimes bunch up on long runs

When our primary tester for the Janji M’s 5″ Multi Short ran in them for the first time, his first note post-run was “these will definitely become part of the regular rotation.” It takes a certain piece of apparel or gear to make you immediately feel like that, and these shorts definitely fit the bill.

We have to start with their comfort. With a body made from a nylon-elastane blend with micro perforations to increase airflow, our tester says these shorts are probably the most comfortable pair he has ever worn. They’re light, breezy, and breathable, and running in them simply feels good. The polyester-spandex liner feels perfectly minimal and lightweight, and after 75-plus miles of running in these shorts — from hot afternoons in central Florida to rainy mornings in the mountains of western North Carolina — our tester experienced no issues with chafing.

Outside of their eminent comfort, though, their storage capacity makes these a great pair of trail running shorts. Janji claims that these shorts have up to one liter of storage, and while we have not confirmed that exact number, we can say something less scientific but equally significant: They can hold a lot of stuff. There are five pockets built into the soft internal waistband, which can carry a variety of things, from gels to credit cards, and the rear pocket is large enough to fit a smartphone by placing the phone in vertically on one side of the center stitch and then rotating it horizontally. Our tester doesn’t normally run with a phone in his shorts, but when he tested it in these, he found that the phone did bounce and make the shorts sag a little, even with the drawstring pulled tight. You could also thread a shirt through this rear pocket if you wanted to take yours off mid-run.

Perhaps the most clever feature, though, is the key clip in the left front pocket. These shorts carry keys so inconspicuously that our tester, conditioned to a rear zipper pocket for his keys, would instinctively reach there when he finished his run before remembering that they were secure in the front pocket.

There is an outer drawstring on the external waistband to lock all of this in. This double waistband — an external one made of gathered fabric and an impossibly soft internal one that sits just above it — is a thoughtful feature. Finally, another thing to feel good about is that Janji donates 2% of its proceeds to clean water initiatives.

Our tester’s only qualm with these shorts is that the liner could begin to ride up slightly on long runs. He only experienced noticeable issues with it once, on a 17-miler, but that slight inconvenience was the only knock on an otherwise excellent pair of shorts.

We included the women’s version of these shorts in our Best Running Shorts for Women guide, as the other half of our testing team also loved them.

Inseam: 5 inches | Liner type: Brief

Shop the Janji M's 5 Multi Short

Best Budget Running Shorts for Men: adidas Own The Run Shorts ($35)

Pros:

• Lightweight and functional
• Inexpensive, durable, and versatile

Cons:

• Minimal storage
• The liner can ride up

As you’ve likely noticed, running shorts can be expensive, but the adidas Own The Run Shorts can get the job done without breaking the bank. At $35, they’re less than half the cost of most of the shorts in this guide, and while they lack some of the advanced features of others, they can be a go-to pair for runners who want a simple, functional pair of shorts for daily miles.

Made from 100% recycled polyester, these shorts are lightweight and comfortable. They allow ample freedom of movement and are versatile and stylish enough to wear for a post-run strength training session at the gym. A rear zipper pocket is the primary storage option, but it easily fits keys and, with some effort, a phone too. Unlike most running shorts, they also have side pockets. They come in three options for length: 5, 7, and 9 inches. While the seven- and nine-inch options are longer than our testers prefer, we know others will appreciate the extra length and coverage. The liner is also lightweight, though it can ride up during runs. These shorts dry quickly.

Our tester has worn these shorts weekly for over a year, and there have been no major signs of wear and tear. They also come in multiple colorways, which makes them easier to style. Overall, we’d recommend these shorts for the runner seeking simple, durable shorts without the extra features and cost of a more technical pair.

Inseam: 5 inches | Liner type: Brief

Shop the Janji M's 5 Multi Short

Best Half-Tights for Running: rabbit Shredsters ($70)

Pros:

• The waistband pocket is a major hit
• Super comfortable and good stretch
• Excellent moisture wicking

Cons:

• Can sag a little bit, especially at faster paces

The rabbit Shredsters are our favorite half-tights for men, combining popular features from two of rabbit’s most popular half-tights to create a near-perfect pair. Rabbit designed these half-tights for trail racing, but we also love them for workouts and everyday runs. The polyester and spandex blend is incredibly comfortable, wicks moisture well, and is surprisingly stretchy, giving us a full range of motion. We also loved the low-rise waist.

These half-tights can haul an impressive amount of fuel and other items, making a running vest or belt unnecessary for most situations. The entire waistband is a pocket, and there are additional pockets on the sides.

We recommend these if you prefer tights over shorts or are looking for a way to ditch the running vest or belt during races. Our only nitpick was some slippage at the waist, especially when the waistband pockets were at max capacity and we were trying to move quickly. Also, note that because they are fitted, they don’t have a liner.

Inseam: 9 inches | Liner type: No liner

Shop the rabbit Shredsters

Best Split Running Shorts for Men: Rabbit Fuel n’ Fly 3″ Shorts ($75)

Pros:

• Lightweight, comfortable, good at wicking moisture
• Ample storage
• Excellent option for racing

Cons:

• Nothing yet

The Rabbit’s Fuel n’ Fly 3″ Shorts are excellent for short and long runs alike. As the name suggests, they are adept at carrying plenty of nutrition in their ample pocket space, and you can indeed run fast in them. This combination makes it our top pair of shorts for fast running, especially if we’re going to be out for a while.

Rabbit employs Polartec Power Dry with Fresh Face technology on the liner brief to boost its moisture-wicking capabilities, and it also features bluesign-certified peppermint oil to help mask stink. We also love that the material of the body of the shorts is 91% recycled.

These shorts feature five pockets, including one outer zipped pocket. There’s plenty of room to haul and store smaller items like gel packets, keys, or cards. The shorts provide the perfect amount of lightweight support that still allows the legs to reach a full range of motion.

Though you could wear these shorts for any run, like most short split shorts, they’re probably best suited to fast efforts like workouts or races. You’ll be able to carry lots of fuel without being weighed down, and maybe equally importantly, you’ll feel fast wearing these.

Inseam: 3 inches | Liner type: Brief

Shop the Rabbit Fuel n' Fly 3

Best Running Shorts With Storage for Men: Ultimate Direction Hydro Short ($100)

Pros:

• Extensive storage that doesn’t bounce
• Improved liner

Cons:

• Expensive
• Stitching tolerance is awfully tight
• Some might find the bulk around the waist cumbersome

This second-edition Ultimate Direction Hydro Short has come a long way since the debut of the original. While the original was a good introduction to what the brand calls “wearable gear” — apparel with built-in carrying capabilities — they didn’t quite get all the details right.

In that first iteration, the fabric in the groin was known to chafe, and the belt, which was the most crucial component to keeping these shorts from sliding off your butt while loaded with water and gear, was functional but problematic as it didn’t quite have enough stretch to get on and off easily. Now, this second version has a magnetic clasp and a belt that allows you to cinch from both directions instead of only from the left, like the original version did. The stretch has improved, but the stitching components are still a little tight, and it’s easy to hear the stitches stretching or slightly tearing if you pull too hard when putting them on or off.

But what sets these shorts apart is their performance. A runner can carry up to 24 ounces (600 milliliters) of liquid in two 300-milliliter bottles specifically designed for the Hydro Short that are included with your purchase. These small, hard bottles are uniquely shaped for the shorts, and you will have trouble trying to jam non-Ultimate Direction bottles in the pockets. These pockets can carry a lot more than just water bottles, and we’ve carried windbreakers and other bulkier items in them as well.

The design of the shorts keeps cargo from bouncing, and using the pockets on the move is no trouble. There is a third pocket in the rear center, and a comfortable inner brief with a pouch feature called the Hydro Hammock liner— another massive improvement from the original.

Though it doesn’t use any proprietary fabric technology like Polygiene or recycled or bluesign-approved materials, the Hydro Short is a thoughtful and innovative product that eliminates the need for a waist belt or hydration pack for most trail running distances.

Inseam: 4 inches | Liner type: Two-in-one inner brief

Shop the Ultimate Direction Hydro Short

Best Linerless Running Shorts for Men: Path Projects Graves PX ($68)

Pros:

• High-quality and durable materials
• Can be worn with or without a liner
• Comes in two lengths

Cons:

• If you want a liner, you have to buy one separately

Built-in liners are not for everyone — some runners even cut them out of their running shorts — and the Path Projects Graves PX was our top pick for a linerless pair of shorts.

The real charmer with this short is the fabric of the body. It’s a technology called Toray Prime Flex, a flexible, partially corn-based material that uses much less water for production. It’s also tremendously breathable and soft against the skin. It has a durable water repellent (DWR) coating and dries quickly. Toray Prime Flex is notable for durability, which one of our testers had the unfortunate and impromptu opportunity to test when he tripped and “supermanned” around a switchback, landing directly on his hip against a slab of rock. He was bloodied and bruised under his shorts, but remarkably, the shorts were not damaged at all.

These shorts, which come in both 5-inch and 7-inch lengths, are capable of carrying ample gear and weight — they contain two side zippered pockets and a center rear pocket large enough to carry a plus-sized iPhone — though they lack the advanced storage options of some other shorts in this guide. Their fit, locked in by an external drawcord, is more stable than other shorts when weighted similarly, and they do all of this without being attached to an inner liner.

Path Projects is committed to “independent suspension,” or pairing unlined shorts with a liner to allow both to move and be adjusted freely without affecting the other. If you prefer running without a liner, these shorts will be just fine, but the company recommends pairing them with one of its liners for the best experience. Unfortunately, though, that requires another purchase. You can also pair them with one of our picks from our Best Running Underwear guide.

Inseam: 5 or 7 inches | Liner type: None

Shop the Path Projects Graves PX

Best of the Rest Running Shorts for Men

Patagonia Men’s Trailfarer Running Shorts – 6″ ($69)

Pros:

• Super lightweight and minimalist
• No liner
• Very comfortable and excellent at wicking sweat

Cons:

• Not a ton of storage

The Patagonia Men’s Trailfarer Running Shorts – 6″ are minimalist shorts with everything you need and nothing you don’t. What do we mean? They don’t have a liner, have just one pocket, and are super lightweight. They’re also incredibly comfortable. The recycled polyester and spandex blend is excellent at wicking moisture and allowing air flow, and it’s also supremely soft. The four-way stretch of the fabric makes movement in these shorts a breeze.

The non-PFC durable water repellent finish gives these shorts some weather resistance. An interesting feature of these shorts is that they stuff into their own pocket and have a loop on the outside of that pocket, so you could easily stash them in a backpack, running vest, or running belt, or attach them to the outside of something with a carabiner. We’re not exactly sure in what scenarios you’d use this, but it’s cool nonetheless.

These shorts definitely aren’t for everyone. If you prefer a liner instead of running underwear, they won’t work. Likewise, if you like to carry a lot of snacks, fuel, or other things with your shorts, they won’t work. But if you’re looking for a pair of super comfortable, versatile, and high-performing shorts for quicker workouts or shorter runs where you won’t need to carry much, they’re ideal. They’re also excellent if you carry a vest or belt on runs and don’t need pockets in your shorts.

Inseam: 6 inches | Liner type: None

Shop the Patagonia Men's Trailfarer Running Shorts

Territory Run Co. Men’s Long Haul Short ($60)

Pros:

• Functional, minimal, and stylish
• Smaller company with excellent customer service

Cons:

• Pretty basic without a lot of storage

The Territory Run Co. Men’s Long Haul Short is another functional, comfortable pair of shorts that will get the job done at a reasonable price point. They’re simple, stylish, and come from a small Oregon-based company that loves trail running.

Made from 100% polyester, these shorts are comfortable and dry quickly. Their waistband is a bit thicker than that of other shorts, and an external drawstring helps lock in the fit. There are two rear interior pockets for storing gels or other nutrition, plus a larger zipper pocket for something larger, like a phone. Our primary tester for these shorts once ran in them to the store to buy gels and drink mixes for the next day’s long run, stuffed over $20 worth of this running fuel in the two pockets, and ran back a mile-and-a-half to his car, all with only slight sagging and minimal fuss. There is nothing super fancy or high-tech about their construction, and this simplicity sets them apart.

Finally, with cool colorways and the company’s lone fir logo on the front left, these shorts are probably the most stylish we tested. While they lack many of the storage and features of some other shorts in this guide, if you want a simple, good-looking pair of shorts from a smaller company with excellent customer service, they will serve you well.

Inseam: 5 inches | Liner type: Brief

Shop the Territory Run Co. Men's Long Haul Short

Comparing the Best Men’s Running Shorts

SHORTS	PRICE	INSEAM	MATERIALS	LINER
Patagonia Men’s Strider Pro Shorts – 5″	$85	5-inch	Recycled polyester, spandex	Yes
Janji M’s 5″ Multi Short	$80	5-inch	Nylon, elastane	Yes
adidas Own The Run Shorts	$35	5-inch	Polyester	Yes
rabbit Shredsters	$70	9-inch	Polyester, spandex	No
rabbit Fuel n’ Fly 3″ Shorts	$75	3-inch	Recycled polyester, spandex	Yes
Ultimate Direction Hydro Short	$100	4-inch	Polyester, spandex	Yes
Path Projects Graves PX	$68	5-inch	Polyester	No
Patagonia Men’s Trailfarer Running Shorts – 6″	$69	6-inch	Recycled polyester, spandex	No
Territory Run Co. Men’s Long Haul Short	$60	5-inch	Polyester	Yes

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Running Shorts for Men

Running is a fabulously low-tech and relatively low-cost sport compared to other endurance activities. And while it’s true that all you really need to go for a run is a pair of shoes, a good pair of shorts can significantly improve your running experience.

When choosing the best running shorts for men, we have seemingly endless options: short or long, with lots of storage or none at all, with and without liners, and different patterns and colors to suit every style.

We’ll help you parse through all of the different considerations so you can feel confident you’re buying a pair that works for you.

Style

Style is, of course, subjective and variable, but most men’s running shorts — specifically those designed for trail running — seem to have settled on a few consistent criteria: they have inseams of 5 to 7 inches, liners, at least one pocket large enough to carry a phone, and earthy tones like navy blue, dark green, or, most often, plain-old black. While road running shorts can come in more ostentatious colors and shorter lengths, they most often share these same characteristics.

Our picks for the best running shorts for men for this guide do not venture too far from the middle. Our favorite pair overall, the Patagonia Men’s Strider Pro Shorts – 5″, has been our top choice for many years, while our top trail running pair, the Janji M’s 5″ Multi Short, looks like it could stay near the top of our list for a while, too. Our top budget pick, the adidas Own The Run Shorts, comes in different lengths and styles for those who want more options, while the rabbit Fuel n’ Fly 3″ Shorts are our shortest pair for those seeking a 3-inch inseam. Half-tights are also increasingly popular for trail and road running, and we loved the rabbit Shredsters for a tighter fit.

Material

The best running shorts for men include technical fabrics that dry quickly, wick moisture well, are breathable, and resist abrasion. This combination of characteristics is what makes running shorts relatively expensive. Some of our preferred materials for running shorts are polyester and elastane, with four-way stretch, durable water repellent coatings for weather resistance, and anti-microbial treatments for odor resistance. The 100% recycled polyester of our top pick, the Patagonia Men’s Strider Pro Shorts – 5″, meets all of these criteria, and we loved the nylon of the Janji M’s 5″ Multi Short for its lightweight, breezy running.

Length

Most men’s running shorts have inseams of 5 to 7 inches, though some, like the 3-inch rabbit Fuel n’ Fly 3″ Shorts, are shorter. The tradeoff is simple: longer shorts will provide more coverage of your legs but weigh more because they require more material, while shorter ones will have less coverage but be lighter and provide a greater range of motion. It’s undoubtedly a personal preference, and some runners wear 5-inch or longer shorts for everyday running, especially on the trails, and shorter ones for workouts or races. As always, trying different inseam lengths to see which one feels most comfortable for you is a good idea.

Storage

The amount of storage in a pair of running shorts can vary significantly. On one hand, some shorts have no pockets or storage, while others can carry everything you need for a long run on the trails or road. Runners going for long runs will carry everything from water, food, and a phone to credit cards, headphones, and extra clothing.

As always, it comes down to personal preference and intended use. First, think about the typical length of your runs. If they’re shorter than an hour, you probably won’t need to carry much on the run and would be fine with a minimal-storage pair like the Patagonia Men’s Trailfarer Running Shorts – 6″. But if you’re regularly going for long runs, investing a pair of shorts with ample storage, like the Patagonia Men’s Strider Pro Shorts – 5″, could be a wise investment.

Next, consider whether you want to carry a running belt or vest with you on the run. If you do, you probably don’t need a pair of shorts with a lot of storage because you’ll be able to carry everything you need in the belt or vest. You can check out our Best Running Belts and Best Running Vests guides for more specific information and recommendations. But a high-storage pair of running shorts could make a vest or belt redundant or unnecessary. Many options, like the Janji M’s 5″ Multi Short, have several pockets that can fit gels, cards, keys, and a phone. The Ultimate Direction Hydro Short, our top pick for storage, can even carry water bottles. For races or faster efforts on the roads, we turned to the five-pocketed rabbit Fuel n’ Fly 3″ Shorts.

Waistband

Running shorts must have comfortable and secure waistbands to support all your gear. A poorly constructed waistband could be the difference between endless bouncing and sagging shorts and a tight fit around the waist that keeps everything firmly in place.

We especially liked the wide waistband of the Territory Run Co. Men’s Long Haul Short and the double-waistband of the Janji M’s 5″ Multi Short, both of which we found comfortable and secure.

Most shorts come with a drawstring to help lock everything in place. Some shorts, like the Patagonia Men’s Strider Pro Shorts – 5″, opt for outer rather than inner drawstrings to reduce the chance of chafing, while the Ultimate Direction Hydro Short has magnetic-closure buckles. But on most shorts, you’ll still find a very simple, practical, and old-school drawstring that can be cinched, knotted, and tucked inside the shorts.

Liner

A well-designed liner keeps you dry, comfortable, and chafe-free. While most running shorts have a liner, some, like the Path Projects Graves PX and the Patagonia Men’s Trailfarer Running Shorts – 6″, are linerless and can be worn without one or paired with a separate option. Path Projects recommends pairing its shorts with a liner specifically designed for them, while other linerless shorts could be paired with a good pair of running underwear. Finally, the compression of the rabbit Shredsters half-tights means they don’t require a liner.

The two primary liner options are liner briefs, like underwear, or two-in-one shorts with an inner liner that is more like a boxer brief. Two-in-one shorts, like the Ultimate Direction Hydro Short, are often heavier and don’t move moisture as well, but their benefit comes from reducing chafing potential around the leg openings and offering more coverage. All of the other lined shorts in this guide have a brief liner, which we prefer for its comfort and ease of movement.

When constructed well, brief liners are airy and lightweight. The smooth, barely-there feeling of the Patagonia Men’s Strider Pro Shorts – 5″ was one of the reasons it was our top pick, while the rabbit Fuel n’ Fly 3″ Shorts has peppermint oil in the liner for odor control.

Price

The prices of the shorts in this guide range from $35 for the adidas Own The Run Shorts to $100 for the high-storage Ultimate Direction Hydro Short, which is a pretty broad spectrum of cost. More expensive shorts are made of higher-quality materials and have more storage and technical features, but that doesn’t mean everyone needs a pair of $100 shorts.

Again, think about your intended use for the shorts. If you’re just planning on doing some casual miles around the neighborhood a few times a week, then buying an $80 pair of shorts is probably not worth it. But if you’re a runner who puts a lot of miles on trail, purchasing a high-quality, comfortable pair like the Janji M’s 5″ Multi Short could be a wise investment. And for faster efforts on the road, the rabbit Fuel n’ Fly 3″ Shorts or the rabbit Shredsters are both high-quality options with lots of storage.

Durability is also critical. More expensive shorts will generally tend to last longer, though we’d like to point out that the two lowest-cost options in this guide, the adidas Own The Run Shorts ($35) and the Territory Run Co. Men’s Long Haul Short ($60), have both been in one tester’s regular short rotation for over a year. We’ve found that all of the shorts in this guide will last for the long haul, otherwise we wouldn’t include them.

Finally, the Patagonia Men’s Strider Pro Shorts – 5″ and the Patagonia Men’s Trailfarer Running Shorts – 6″ are both made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, which increases their cost and helps consumers make more informed, socially conscious purchases.

Why You Should Trust Us

To compile the initial version of this guide several years ago, we researched a wide variety of running shorts and tested more than 15 pairs. In the subsequent years, we’ve continued to test new shorts as they come on the market. We review shorts from well-known brands in trail running and men’s fitness and test them on the trails and roads of Colorado, California, and North Carolina. Six testers from iRunFar’s review team contributed to this guide, wearing sizes ranging from small to large.

Our testers regularly run on roads and trails and put at least 100 miles on a pair of shorts before forming an opinion, including at least one up-tempo run or workout and at least one long run. We evaluate shorts based on their fit, comfort, materials, durability, and storage options. Each team member is a different type of runner who runs on unique terrain, so we’re able to take shorts out in a wide variety of conditions, from hot and humid to cool and dry.

We tested every pair currently listed in this guide for at least a year and continue using them — because they are our favorites after all.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Running Shorts for Men

What’s the difference between trail running and road running shorts?

Trail running shorts, for the most part, only differ from road running shorts in two ways: volume of storage, otherwise known as pockets, and liner type. For example, 3-inch split shorts like the rabbit Fuel n’ Fly 3″ Shorts are most commonly associated with speedy roadies looking for barely-there comfort with no pockets — or, at most, a small hidden key pocket — and optional inner shorts or briefs.

Trail running shorts liners tend to come in equal variety between brief and liner, with the latter sometimes offering compression. Since trail runners often run long distances while exposed to the elements, trail running shorts also include fabric technology that is unnecessary in their road running counterparts. This includes water-repellant coatings, ripstop or other durable fabric, and heavy-duty waistbands and drawstrings to keep loaded-down shorts from bouncing. We turned to the Patagonia Men’s Strider Pro Shorts – 5″ and the Janji M’s 5″ Multi Short when we wanted to put in long efforts on the trails.

Finally, just because a pair of shorts is designed for trail running doesn’t mean you can’t wear them on the roads, too. Most of our picks are versatile enough for both surfaces.

What shorts are best for ultrarunning?

The sport of trail running is diverse, and different runners like steep, short trails, while others prefer less vert and more distance. Some like to do it all. Since ultrarunning combines all of these aspects of the sport, the best shorts for trail running require long-term comfort, the right amount of storage — especially if you’re not carrying a pack or belt — and, potentially, unique features like trekking pole holders or shirt loops. It’s also worth noting that several brands in this buyer’s guide include special venting zones and extra perforations on their shorts for quick-drying performance and maximum breathability, which is essential in running shorts that will be worn for many hours on the trail. While length isn’t crucial when selecting ultrarunning shorts, we consider storage and durability as additional priorities.

We found that the Patagonia Men’s Strider Pro Shorts – 5″ check all our boxes for ultrarunning and were our overwhelming favorite men’s running shorts, with the Janji M’s 5″ Multi Short another strong option for long days on the trails.

How much storage do I need in my running shorts?

The answer to this question depends on your intended use for the shorts and if you plan to run with a running belt or vest. Most running shorts come with at least one pocket, but the higher-storage options have a lot more than that, from multiple pockets for fuel and other small items to loops for shirts.

If you plan to spend long days on the trails with no belt or vest, buying a pair of shorts that can carry all of your gear, like the Janji M’s 5″ Multi Short or the Ultimate Direction Hydro Short, could be worthwhile. But if you plan to wear a belt or vest and search for a lightweight, minimal pair of shorts, we’d point you to the Patagonia Men’s Trailfarer Running Shorts – 6″.

Should I wear running shorts with a liner?

Probably! Most running shorts come with built-in liners, which are made for moisture management, heat transfer, and providing support in the groin. A supportive liner is especially important when trail running since you’re often leaping, jumping onto rocks, over tree limbs, and running steep downhills with lots of bouncing. The liner is meant to cradle the midsection and prevent discomfort.

We tested both brief-style liners and two-in-one inner shorts liners. The benefit of briefs is their superior moisture management and minimal fabric to reduce overall weight while offering better comfort in hot conditions. Tight-fitting boxer-style liners can sometimes extend beyond the outer running shorts and offer mild leg compression, added support, and warmth during colder runs. We especially liked the smooth brief liner of the Patagonia Men’s Strider Pro Shorts – 5″.

Our top picks for linerless options are the Path Projects Graves PX and the Patagonia Men’s Trailfarer Running Shorts – 6″. Some people prefer to run without a liner, while others might prefer to buy their own pair of running underwear to pair with their shorts.

What can I do to prevent chafing?

Correctly sizing your running shorts is the most effective way to prevent chafing. All modern short liners use synthetic or wool fabrics, which are exceptional at moisture transfer and drying quickly. Brief and boxer liners are adept at preventing chafing, though some runners prefer longer inner shorts to avoid rubbing around the inner thigh.

When fit correctly, chafing should be minimal. Too small or too big, and you will find that the bulk of extra fabric or the tight cinch of the liner can lead to rubbing, chafing, and discomfort, especially when wet. Shorts with drawstrings on the outside of the waistband, like the Patagonia Men’s Strider Pro Shorts – 5″, are also effective at reducing discomfort from rubbing at the waist, another factor to consider when buying running shorts.

Call for Comments

• What are your favorite men’s running shorts?
• Leave a comment to share yours so we can consider them for a future edition of this article.

Back to Our Top Men's Running Shorts Picks