The Best Men’s Running Shorts

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

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 quick list

You’ll find more detailed reviews of a range of shorts below, but here is a run through of my top picks. Click on the shorts here to jump to the full write-up.

The Best Men’s Running Shorts

Best overall

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.

Best cheap running shorts

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.

Best half tights

The Turnover Half Tights are the most comfortable I’ve tested, with the soft Inverno Blend material having a brushed interior, with an optional liner adding even more comfort. They have become my go-to long run shorts during marathon training, aided by the fact they have great storage on the back with three drop-in pockets for gels and a zipped pocket that can take a phone. The Turnover Half Tights are not as compressive and lightweight as some, which makes them more comfortable for long runs, but some might prefer a tighter feel for fast runs and races in particular.

Best for the marathon

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.

Best for chafing

These are probably the shorts I use most often for training runs thanks to the combination of comfort and storage, with the long, tight inner layer helping to protect against chafing. 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.

More tried and tested

The Pace Breaker shorts come in three different lengths, including longer 7in and 9in options that might be better for gym workouts. The 5in are spot on for running though, and you can pick between lined and unlined shorts. The liner is thin and comfortable, and has a drop-in pocket that you can pop your phone in during runs. I’ve found the shorts supportive and comfortable on long and fast runs, though I prefer 2-in-1 shorts with a longer internal layer for long runs to reduce the risk of thigh chafing.

Thankfully, it’s not hard to find a set of running shorts with a phone pocket these days, and these lightweight 2-in-1 shorts have a drop-in pocket in the internal layer that you can slip even the largest smartphones into. Even when running fast I found the shorts held the phone tightly against my leg without any annoying bouncing.

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 and I’ve found them very comfortable for long runs, though I did sometimes miss the longer design of others which reduces the risk of thigh chafing. 

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.

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.

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.

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 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. 

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