Offered in a five-inch inseam only, we found the shorts offered outstanding mobility with no restriction. If you’re looking for a snug-fitting integrated brief, the liner offers the best support of any shorts we tested. Our fussy tester, who normally wears a separate brief for added support, found he could comfortably skip the added brief. Shorts that finishhigh up the thigh provide the best ventilation and range of movement when you run, which is why they are favoured by competitive runners in general. They’re ideal for both sprinting and long-distance road running (such as a marathon) as their technical construction, lightweight and non-restrictive cut makes them the ideal choice for all-out performance. To find the best running shorts, we start with hours of online research. We attend trade shows such as The Running Event and Outdoor Retailer for newly released shorts, such as the S AXX Hightail, and keep our eye out for up-and-coming brands like Ten Thousand.

Higher percentages of these flexible fabrics do have a downside — they tend to absorb and retain more moisture. Moisture-ridden fabric and poor fit are the top causes of chafing. If you’re hot around the waist or find the fabric rubbing, we suggest finding a waistband with perforations like the Janji AFO Middle Shorts. Perforations are small holes along the waistband that enhances breathability by allowing heat to escape. Liners: Many running shorts come with built-in liners. The advantage here is that you get a built-in pair of underwear, which helps simplify your running outfit, and it provides a snug, supportive fit that wards off chafing and irritation. In addition, some shorts include extra support features, like lululemon’s Out of Mind liner in its Surge Lined Shorts, which keep sensitive body parts from jostling around and rubbing against your thighs as you run. Most running shorts have two layers: an outer shell and an inner liner. The inner liner’s primary focus is built-in support and is either a mesh brief or spandex-type compression tight, called a 2-in-1.While the various lengths provide a basic idea of the type of shorts you need for your running discipline, there are a number of other features to look out for. There can be, however, some confusion about the purpose of these features, so here’s a look at some of the frequent questions asked… After months of testing, even years in some cases, we’ve managed to narrow down the best of the best for whatever type of running you’re into. The shorts on this list are the ones we kept reaching for time and time again. Beat the heat - and your latest PR - with optimal comfort in a pair of New Balance's Men's Athletic Shorts. Meet the collection that's overflowing with functional, comfortable and stylish options perfect for every man, every athlete and every goal. Whether you're on your way to gearing up for your latest and greatest challenge or you're trying to pare down to combat the summer sun, our collection of men's sports shorts are sure to provide you with the speed, endurance and durability you need to push your game to the next level. The waistband is well-made and comfortable. The internal brief liner is one of the more supportive ones tested. While our lead tester typically wears a small, he opted for a medium and is glad he did, as it provided a more relaxed fit. If trail running is your thing, you will normally want a longer pair of men's sports shorts which include a compression layer. The extra length can protect you from the elements, being scratched by bushes and other objects which might get in your way.

Show more The Expert: I became a runner in middle school and have been covering running and outdoor gear for years, both on-staff at Runner’s World and as a freelance journalist. When I’m not at a desk, I like to run, bike, and hike around Los Angeles, where I live. The one common trait between those three pursuits? I wear shorts while doing all of them, and that has given me plenty of experience with what works and what doesn’t. What to Consider When Buying Men’s Running Shorts Material Matter Still, if you’re a die-hard for the comfort of cotton, try a 50-50 blend that pairs it with a second, more sweat-friendly material, like polyester. You’ll still get some of that cottony softness but with added durability and even UV ray protection. How We Selected

Tracksmith Twilight 3-Inch Split Shorts

Take on the great outdoors with the Ronhill Women's Tech Marathon Twin Running Shorts. The lightweight outer layer and supportive inner keepyou cool, dry and comfortable even as your workout heats up. Many of our shorts for men’s sports are made from recycled materials, which means your running kit is also good for the planet. Men’s running shorts and more They offer good coverage—long enough to create some sun protection and so I don’t feel awkward wearing them—but they stay out of my way and don’t weigh me down when I run. Depending on the kind of running that you do, you will want to choose a specific type of men's running shorts. Trail and urban runners tend to wear tougher gearand can afford to wear slightly heavier kit. 2-in-1 shorts provide extra protection from the elements and comfortable support even on the longest of routes.

The road runner needs a versatile garment that is as happy in the sun as it is in the rain, and these shorts deliver on both counts. To make the selections for this article update, I drew on my own experience running and and gear testing. I also drew on previous versions of this article written by former RW staffer Michael Charboneau and contributor Emily Shiffer, which considered input from the RW wear testers and gear team. It can be hard to sort through what’s really important when finding a pair of running shorts. To help, here are the key things you need to know about running shorts. MaterialThe 73% nylon and 27% spandex shell is remarkably light and airy with excellent mobility. Not once was the stretchy fabric confining. The shorts pretty much felt unnoticeable, and the brief-style liner was comfortable, offering a good amount of support without feeling restrictive. Here are some examples of various shorts at differing lengths and for different disciplines to help you find the right style for you. Of course, the shorts below are categorised only to illustrate their likely use, so choose whatever type of short makes you most comfortable no matter your preferred terrain or running style. If you’re new to running, it may surprise you to learn you’re not supposed to wear underwear under your running shorts. An inner lining is instead provided to keep you secure and comfortable, and wearing another layer of underwear underneath can cause chafing and discomfort. The shorts and the lining are designed to keep you ventilated and fresh over long distances, where the build-up of sweat and constant motion could cause a nasty rub. An increasingly common alternative to using a lining inside the shorts is to incorporate compression materials under the shorts. Cory Smith has been a runner since 1992. He’s a full-time running coach who has been reviewing running gear since 2014. In addition to running shorts, he covers road running shoes and GPS watches, and he writes training articles for GearJunkie.