Best Men's Running Shorts 2024

The best men’s running shorts come in all different lengths and styles, which means every man can find the right pair.

Men’s running shorts come in a wide range of lengths. From minimal and breezy 2” split shorts that evoke classic runner vibes to full-coverage 9” models, you can pick out the length that’s most comfortable.

Different lengths aren’t the only option, though. Brands like Nike, New Balance, Brooks, On and more make men’s running shorts with plenty of different features: internal briefs, zippered pockets and technical fabrics give you all the options you need.

There are so many shorts to choose from, and your preference on sizes, brands and features will play a role in what works for you. But, for most runners, we think these are the best men’s running shorts you can buy:

• Brooks Sherpa 5" Short
• ChicknLegs 4” Half Split Shorts
• rabbit Quadtastic 5" Short
• New Balance Impact Run 7” Short
• On Lightweight Short
• Nike Dri-FIT Stride 7" 2-in-1 Shorts
• Brooks Sherpa 3" Split Short
• Vuori Kore Shorts
• Craft ADV Essence 5” Stretch Shorts
• rabbit Fully Charged 7” Shorts

[This article is part of the Best Running Clothes 2024 Buyer’s Guide.]

The men’s Brooks Sherpa 5" Short is one of the best-selling men's running shorts on the market for good reason.

Brooks loaded the 5" Sherpa Short with details to make them versatile and practical. First up, the pockets. An envelope-style pocket lines each hip for things like car keys or energy gels, and a zippered rear waistband pocket holds your ID and credit card.

Brooks cut the men’s Sherpa Short from its 100 percent polyester DriLayer fabric. The smooth fabric wicks sweat away from your skin, so you stay more comfortable even when your workout heats up. Then designers added an internal mesh boxer brief (also made from DriLayer) to give you breezy support and extra moisture-wicking power to keep you cool.

If you're looking for a little more coverage than the 5” length, Brooks also cuts it a couple inches longer with the men’s Sherpa 7” 2-in-1 Short.

No one said that running shorts had to be boring, so show off your personality while you show off your legs with the ChicknLegs 4” Half Split Shorts.

These shorts are made from moisture wicking materials with a soft elastic waistband that provides support without needing a drawstring. There is a rear zippered pocket for storage and a breathable mesh liner for support. Plus, if you want to show even more leg, they come in a 2” split short design.

If you could dream up the ultimate pair of running shorts, they would probably look like the rabbit Quadtastic 5” short.

More than anything, these running shorts are ridiculously comfortable. They keep things breezy and cool thanks to the perforations in all the right places, and they have great stretch for squats or sprints. Plus, the rabbitKNIT ICE waistband feels cool to the touch, is fast drying and odor resistant, so no one will know it’s your third day in a row running in them.

These have a rear center zip pocket that holds most smartphones, and the 5” inseam gives you the perfect balance of performance and coverage.

You’ve worked hard to make sure your legs look great, show them off in rabbit Quadtastic 5” Shorts.

The New Balance Impact Run 7” Short is an elevated version of the classic, comfortable gym short, tailored specifically for running.

New Balance designed the Impact Run from a blend of new and recycled polyester fabric for a lightweight, breathable feel. A soft inner brief provides comfortable support and wicks sweat to help keep you dry.

The 7” length falls just above the knee for the ideal coverage and modern look, and a split hem gives you a greater range of motion for those post-run lunges. New Balance also included drop-in hip pockets and a zippered back pocket that’s just big enough to hold many smart phones.

As the name suggests, the men’s On Lightweight Short is light.

At just 3.71 oz, the men’s Lightweight Short is one of the lightest men’s running shorts on the market. On achieves the feathery feel by paring the short down to its essentials.

Designers employed an ultralight polyamide-elastane blend fabric that delivers just the right amount of stretch for easy movement; a lightweight mesh brief is sewn into the short; and a flat waistband with a drawcord holds the shorts in place.

A single rear pocket centered just below the waistband can store a few small essentials, like your car keys, and the zippered closure keeps your stuff from falling out.

Ideal for racing, uptempo training days or any warm-weather outings, the men’s On Lightweight short is one of the best men’s running shorts around.

The Nike Dri-FIT Stride 7” 2-in-1 Short is one of the best men’s running shorts because it’s downright dependable.

Nike built the Stride Short for a classic fit: slightly loose without being baggy, above-the-knee length and elastic waistband. Inside, designers sewed in a lightweight liner that gives you comfortable support. Plus, they updated the fabric to give enhanced breathability in high-sweat areas.

A back zippered pocket helps keep your electronic device secure, while side pockets and a drop-in pocket on the liner offer up space for small items. The men’s Nike Dri-FIT Stride 7” 2-in-1 Short is a no-fuss running short that gives you everything you need to run comfortably.

Pick up the pace distraction-free in the Brooks Sherpa 3" Split Short.

Designed with movement in mind, the Sherpa 3" short features a redesigned waistband that lays flat against your body and includes an internal drawcord so you can achieve a no-slip feel on race day.

A combination of side splits and Brooks DriLayer fabric create an airy, lightweight running experience. DriLayer technology wicks away moisture and dries fast to keep you cool and comfortable. Plus, a brief liner made of the same material adds a layer of comfort to your run.

The Vuori Kore Shorts are great for running—and pretty much any other activity. These comfortable shorts have four-way stretch and anti-odor properties; they’re quick-drying and water resistant, so you can perform your best no matter what you are doing.

The Kore Shorts have a breathable boxer-brief liner and 7.5” inseam for maximum comfort and versatility. Made with soft, lightweight, ultra-stretch fabric, the Vuori Kore shorts are perfect for any run. Plus, they look good enough to wear casually on the weekends.

With great fit and functionality, there is a lot to love about the Craft ADV Essense 5” Stretch Shorts. Living up to their name, the four-way stretch of the recycled polyester material and slits on either side make it so that these shorts give you full range of motion.

Craft thought of everything you need in a good pair of running shorts—they feature reflective prints for enhanced visibility when you are running in the dark, an overlapping back pocket to store essentials and an elastic inner brief. Perfect for high intensity pacework or slow miles, the Craft ADV Essence 5” Stretch Short is one of the best running shorts on the market.

Get the coverage you want and the performance you need with the rabbit Fully Charged 7” Shorts. The rabbitDRY fabric in these shorts wicks away moisture and dries quickly to keep you cool and comfortable. Plus, it is made with recycled coffee grounds for sustainability, so you can feel good wearing them. A brief-style liner adds support.

You can carry your running essentials with you in these shorts. There is a rear center zip pocket that fits most phones, two side zip pockets and a key pocket in the rear brief liner. Get the most out of your running shorts with the rabbit Fully Charged 7” Shorts.

How We Picked the Best Men’s Running Shorts

The best men’s running shorts for you comes down to personal preferences. Fit, features and style all play a role in finding the right pair. But there are things that set some shorts apart from the rest.

We picked the best running shorts for men based on a combination of real-life use, quality of materials, details and our own top-sellers lists. With all of that in mind, we picked men’s running shorts that lived up to our own personal (and professional) expectations.

Standing Behind Our Picks

We’re confident this gear is some of the best you’ll find, but we don’t want you to get stuck with running shoes or apparel that doesn’t work for you. That’s why we offer our Happy Fit Guarantee.

Our return policy means you have 60 days to put your gear to work. Wear it, run in it, wash it. If you’re not satisfied with the way it looks, fits or performs, we’ll take it back within 60 days and give you a full refund.

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