It’s that time of year again where you are beginning to feel the need to get outdoors and get your endorphins pumping! The weather is a little warmer, the days are longer, and the evenings provide you with ample time to go for a long run.
But there is one problem. Your current pair of running shorts are useless. They are either a few years old, don’t fit you right, or you know very well that you are wearing a 5 year old pair of shorts that was from your college running team.
Time to replace them?
Our review of the best running shorts available in 2022 should help you with that.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Brooks Sherpa 5" Shorts | Best Overall |  |
| New Balance Men's Accelerate Running Short | Budget Pick |  |
| Under Armour Men's Launch sw 5'' Shorts | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Brooks Sherpa 5" Shorts
Pros:
- Very lightweight and quick dry
- Anti-chafing chamois for longer exercise without discomfort
- Breathable & quick drying
- Pockets with zips to keep valuables safe during runs
- Elastic waist with drawcord ties
- Can be worn for triathlons as an outer layer
- Anti-microbial to prevent odors from developing
- Available in multiple lengths and colors
The Brooks Sherpa 5" running shorts are made with synthetic textile fabric with a polyester mesh and Dri-Fit moisture wicking sweat-wicking technology that keeps sweat off your skin.
The shorts have side zippered pockets to hold your belongings; which are also a high vip area to keep the shorts in place while doing high intensity cardio workouts.
The shorts are made with Anti-microbial odor-resistant fabric to keep bad odors at bay.
2. New Balance Men's Accelerate Running Short
Pros:
- Good price
- Moisture wicking fabric
- Two rear pockets
- Good breathability
- Great fit, even for large men
Cons:
- Fabric could be improved
- The fit could be better for smaller men
The New Balance Men's Accelerate Running Short is an affordable set of shorts that is full of useful features that will help any runner improve their performance and breathability. It has a simple but stylish design that is sure to impress any runner. The four-way stretch fabric provides a snug but not uncomfortable fit.
The shorts are available in 7 colors, so that you can find your favorite, or the one that best matches your training shoes and other gear.
This short has a simple 2-pocket design with an inner pocket, so carrying extra supplies is always within reach. The inner pocket also adds some extra warmth, which is a feature not commonly found in running shorts and something to seriously consider, especially in colder areas.
3. Brooks Men's Equip 9" Short
Pros:
- A great fit for outdoor running
- Moisture wicking material helps to keep you comfortable
- Good quality for the price
- Thrown in a small mesh carry bag
- A good length for most runners and joggers
The Brooks Men’s Equip 9– Inch Short is made of a mid weight ventilating mesh material with UV protection. It has a good waistband with a drawstring and a small mesh carry bag thrown in for good measure.
The fit is perfect for most runners, as the legs flex with the hips. The vents are positioned well so that they don’t impact the fit or placement of the shorts. The compression is only present in the leg area, while still allowing for a natural range of motion of the joint.
4. New Balance Men's Accelerate Running Short
Pros:
- Good price
- Moisture wicking fabric
- Two rear pockets
- Good breathability
- Great fit, even for large men
Cons:
- Fabric could be improved
- The fit could be better for smaller men
The New Balance Men's Accelerate Running Short is an affordable set of shorts that is full of useful features that will help any runner improve their performance and breathability. It has a simple but stylish design that is sure to impress any runner. The four-way stretch fabric provides a snug but not uncomfortable fit.
The shorts are available in 7 colors, so that you can find your favorite, or the one that best matches your training shoes and other gear.
This short has a simple 2-pocket design with an inner pocket, so carrying extra supplies is always within reach. The inner pocket also adds some extra warmth, which is a feature not commonly found in running shorts and something to seriously consider, especially in colder areas.
5. New Balance Men's Accelerate Running Short
Pros:
- Good price
- Moisture wicking fabric
- Two rear pockets
- Good breathability
- Great fit, even for large men
Cons:
- Fabric could be improved
- The fit could be better for smaller men
The New Balance Men's Accelerate Running Short is an affordable set of shorts that is full of useful features that will help any runner improve their performance and breathability. It has a simple but stylish design that is sure to impress any runner. The four-way stretch fabric provides a snug but not uncomfortable fit.
The shorts are available in 7 colors, so that you can find your favorite, or the one that best matches your training shoes and other gear.
This short has a simple 2-pocket design with an inner pocket, so carrying extra supplies is always within reach. The inner pocket also adds some extra warmth, which is a feature not commonly found in running shorts and something to seriously consider, especially in colder areas.
6. Under Armour Men's Launch sw 5'' Shorts
Pros:
- Resilient and comfortable
- Performed well in all weather conditions
- the let the sweat escape
- Very breathable
- Lightweight, with minimal bulk
- Does not ride up or hinder leg motion
- Absorbent and quick-drying
- Features reflective safety striping on the inner thigh
- Flexible pockets for convenient storage
- Durable and long lasting
Cons:
- A few models with size 8 was a bit big
- Few models did not have pockets
- Sizes are not accurate
- Runs a little small
- The waist hoop rubs at first but at the end, it becomes as normal.
(All Styles)
7. Salomon Men's Agile 5'' Short
Pros:
- Breathable and sweat-wicking mesh fabric
- Gripper elastic waist band with drawstring for a snug fit
- Adjustable cord lock for a 1.5-inch inseam adjustment
- Hidden key pocket
- Two hand pockets
- Two back pockets with water-resistant zippers
- Soft, comfortable, flexible and lightweight 4-way stretch fabric fit to body
- Nylon fabric on inner thigh for a smooth feel against leg
- The elasticized waistband provides a secure fit without compressing the body
- 9 inches inseam
Cons:
- It could use some patches of more breathable fabric instead of completely smooth.
- Tommy and I like to make a dynamic duo when it comes to creating content so here's his opinion on the Salomon Men’s Agile 5'' Short!
- You know what sucks?
- Running out of breath.
- And what sucks even more?
This is why I love the Agile shorts from Salomon. They're breathable and lightweight!
They're made out of fabric that's a bit different from the standard running shorts.
Instead, they're made with a mesh material.
8. Under Armour Men's Launch Stretch Woven 2-in-1 Shorts
Pros:
- Allows you to function comfortably in hot and sweaty conditions
- Breathes well
- The internal mesh brief provides an extra layer of protection against chafing and rubbing
- Internal brief is very soft and comfortable
- The taping design on the inside of the waistband reduces the chances of them rolling down
- The waistband is made using 3D shaping technology
- Stretch woven fabric
- Loose fit: won’t restrict movements
- Highly breathable
- Available in two lengths; short and regular
9. Salomon Men's Trail Runner Shorts
Pros:
- Great flexibility
- Superior comfort
- 100% breathable fabric (163gm/m2)
- Ideal for running, hiking, cycling, etc.
- Minimalistic styling
- Mesh-lined hand pockets
- Ultra-lightweight front zip pocket for mobile storage
- High-quality zippers
- Quick-drying fabric
- Fit is slim and loose
Cons:
- Don’t do well in the wash
- Minimal supportive
- Mesh-lined pockets can snag
- Zipper can be tough to use when wearing gloves
The Salomon Men’s Trail Runner Shorts are for those who want a pair of running shorts with a bare minimum look. It’s available in multiple colors, has minimal styling, and a clean look.
The shorts are made of 100% breathable mesh fabric that pulls moisture away from your body, keeping you dry and cool during physical activity.
This fabric design is finished with a high-quality minimalist zipper. And they have multiple mesh-lined hand pockets for storage of crucial items during your workout.
10. Salomon Men's Agile 7'' Short
Pros:
- Hybrid shorts – part technical, part race short
- OptiSense 4-way stretch fabric provides a smooth and seamless ride
- Mesh fabric lining allows the skin to breathe
- Moisture-wicking fabric guarantees comfort
- Thin and lightweight, but highly durable and durable
- Adjustable side clip eliminates skin rubbing
- Anti-slip silicone details provide a secure fit
- 5-pocket design for storage
- Reflective trim provides high visibility at night
- EZ UP pocket improves mobility when bending over
Cons:
- The fly zipper is a bit flimsy and the white color shows up dirt
- Some runners complain that the waist lies a bit high on the body
- It doesn’t include a pocket for a key
The Salomon Men’s Agile 7– short is an optimal blend of performance and functionality. It’s best described as a hybrid short, comprising of a functional design with racing shorts. It’s appropriate for both exercise enthusiasts and runners alike.
11. Salomon Mens Trail Runner Twinskin Short
Pros:
- Ultra comfortable
- Great range of movement
- Soft fabric
Cons:
- The waist band may need a bit more stretch
- Not ideal if you’re a serious runner
The Salomon Mens Trail Runner Twinskin Short is a high-quality running short from Salomon, one of the top and most respected names in running gear.
This soft and comfortable running short is ideal for running, trail running, and hiking. It is constructed using a lightweight hydrophobic fabric that wicks away moisture while keeping you perfectly ventilated.
It also has an incredible range of motion that sets it apart from other running shorts. The wide waistband provides a snug fit, despite the fact that the rest of the fit is flexible and loose. The substantial stretch ensures maximum comfort and range of movement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What shorts do runners wear?
Most of us just love to exercise with shorts, we are not saying you should not, but running shorts seems to be the favorite.
Heat is not our friend while exercising. The more comfortable you will feel during running the better your performance will be. This is the reason why many tend to chose shorts when they run. But you better make a good purchase to feel an ultimate free and comfortable when running.
When it comes to shorts, we have two main choices. The first one is the classic supporter shorts. These are the first shorts runners have worn and they still have billions of fans in the world.
The second one is running tights, and they are more efficient than shorts.
More and more runners are discovering the advantages in wearing running tights.
They help to prevent blood clot, so running tights are better than shorts. But if you are starting to run, you might not feel comfortable with wearing tights.
What are good running shorts?
The best running shorts are those that are comfortable to wear and will help you improve your performance on the field. They are made of a material that won’t be binding on you, making sure that you are able to run the way you want to. It should help you move freely without any restriction.
Running shorts can be used for various activities apart from running. Other uses include biking, hiking, and even gym workouts.
Some shorts are thin and light to give comfort, while others are thick so that they can last for a long time. It is important to select a running short that has the balance of both thick and light material to ensure you do not get overly heated or weighed down when you are running.
Be wary when selecting the size of the running shorts. Go for one that is neither too tight nor too lose. It should fit you comfortably without the need to wear another layer of shorts, underwear, or any other undergarment.
Are running shorts worth it?
You may have heard that running shorts are a bad idea for a variety of reasons. You’ve heard that they increase your chances for chafing, that they could cause groin injuries, or that they could mess up your running form.
But with numerous brands of running shorts available in the market, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by your options. It is difficult to know whether you are making the right decision if you choose to buy running shorts.
So, in order to help buyers make the best decision, we’ve identified three brands of running shorts, which have superb comfort levels for regular wearing.
We surveyed our customers on the comfort of their running shorts and analyzed the responses that we received. We also conducted our own independent research and have compiled all the findings into this review to help you make an informed decision about the best running shorts.
Why do men's running shorts have liners?
Recent technological advances in the industry have changed the meaning of running shorts for men, making such products more fit as a fiddle to the needs of the users. The latest innovation has been the introduction of functional liners. With functional liners in the shorts, men will have less irritation and movement related issues in the crotch area.
Outdoor athletes will need the liners for their running shorts, as such liners will help their bodies to regulate temperature. Some online retailers are now selling men's running shorts with liners in their stores. Such stores offer products from top brands in the market, such as the Nike, saucony and Under Armour.
Conclusion
The best running shorts for men in 2022 will be those that have a premium construction and are designed in line with the trends of the day. Everything you read from here can be applied to different brands, styles, materials and prices (of running shorts). Whether you’re a beginner or an elite runner, you’re covered.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Brooks Sherpa 5" Shorts | Best Overall | |
| New Balance Men's Accelerate Running Short | Budget Pick | |
| Under Armour Men's Launch sw 5'' Shorts | Upgrade Pick | |