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GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Most of the shorts tested, with the exception of the 3-inch version, come in both a 5-inch and 7-inch option. You could also purchase them separately, but why go through the hassle when styles offer a two-in-one deal? They do have a few flaws. However, you may be looking to buy more than one pair of shorts, and spending top dollar may not be what you're after. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. If youre doing any amount of volume, Id steer toward other shorts listed here. Some are treated with DWR to help repel water. The most essential pocket items are a gel, a phone, and a key. The 73% nylon and 27% spandex shell is remarkably light and airy with excellent mobility. Ive been running and racing in split shorts since high school (25 years), and these are by far the best Ive worn. The tall thin waistband found on the On Lightweight Short is our favorite and provides great compression without feeling constricting. It depends on the type of shorts. Running shorts follow the same rules as every other technical sports apparel moisture-wicking fabric is a must. We made sure to test a wide variety of waistbands in this analysis. Pockets with zippers are ideal for storing keys, credit cards, and your phone. Still, these shorts have a place in every runners rotation based on comfort alone. I feel restricted, off-balance, and slower. The interior compression layer has 4-way stretch technology for maximum mobility next time you're going all out. The rear-zip pocket was one of the largest tested, easily fitting a super-large smartphone, but it did bounce a bit more than other shorts. They don't add much bulk and really do not impact the running performance, and allow you to quickly stow your wallet or phone while walking into an establishment. It measures the length from the crotch to the end of the shorts and usually comes in 3-inch, 5-inch, and 7-inch options. While the stretch nylon plain-weave face shell is durable as hell, its terrible at wicking and retaining moisture. Testing took place on both trails and roads around Durango, CO, and the Texas Hill Country, where Matthew lives and spends his free time. Finding a short with a higher score in this category should allow more comfort in extended sweat scenarios. For this test, our research resulted in over 20 pairs of running shorts tested. Testing the Men's Running Shorts in the Texas Hill Country. We then conducted a thorough field test to evaluate each short on fit, comfort, mobility, moisture-wicking, and carrying capacity. Shorts with a thicker waistline and/or 2-in-1s are better at holding items tightly against your waist. The On Lightweight shorts are so comfortable that we found ourselves wearing them throughout the day, even after we finished our run. There are two main comfort factors when discussing running shorts, the waistband and the liner. It was no surprise that the lightest short in our review, the Adidas Saturday Split Short, was also the fastest drying and absorbed the least amount of water. Thats never a deal-breaker for me, but it seems like an easy fix that would make a lot of people happy. Let us know! Four drop-in pockets around the waist are perfect for fuel, car keys, or a credit card, while a zippered rear pocket fits most modern smartphones. GearLab is reader-supported. These liners are simply that good. Proper shorts help make running considerably more tolerable by anticipating your every complaint and addressing them in kind. A thin, mesh waistband features one rear-zip pocket capable of holding a phone, three very large drop-in pockets that span the circumference, and two elastic loops along the back to carry trekking poles (which I found to be a great place to stash your shirt or jacket). If longevity and functionality are your primary concerns, these running shorts are certainly worth the money. Unfortunately, there are no hand pockets on this model, which we feel could easily be added without detracting from the comfort. Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Backcountry. For starters, the rear zip pocket wont fit a smartphone. The unique folding pocket that is zipperless creates a secure pouch for your phone and allows for easy stowing and retrieval. Even though the On Lightweight Shorts only have one phone pocket, it is a joy to use and receives high marks in the category. The less amount of fabric you have on, the less it will bog you down or trip you up. Because of the slimmed-down minimal design, these are less versatile than some other shorts, which offer multiple pockets for nutrition and other items. Much to the surprise of most people, wool is a great summertime fabric because it has natural temperature regulation properties. Between the airy build, easily accessible and plentiful pockets, and fast-looking aesthetics, the Adidas Terrex Agravic Pro trail running shorts ($75) took the crown for best trail and ultra running shorts. Designed in collaboration with ultra-endurance athlete Rich Roll, the Far Short holds its own against some of the best running shorts Ive tested. The shorts pretty much felt unnoticeable, and the brief-style liner was comfortable, offering a good amount of support without feeling restrictive. Anytime you have movement, you have friction, and this compounded over time equals discomfort and chafing. But if youre not picky on the finer details and just need a pair of treadmill shorts, or shorts for quick, hassle-free runs, these are for you. If youre an avid runner who doesnt let the weather hold you back, give these a try. One really smart feature is the built-in key string to prevent your key from accidentally falling out when accessing items. Tracksmith makes shorts that lean into the retro appeal of classic running styles without going full-on '60s cosplay. After months of testing, even years in some cases, weve managed to narrow down the best of the best for whatever type of running youre into. If that doesnt work, I suggest trying a pair of shorts with a different fabric make-up. Heading up this review is Matthew Richardson, a passionate runner and mountain athlete based in Durango, Colorado. If you find the built-in liner does not provide enough, you can wear a pair of brief underwear for added support. Polyester, polypropylene, and micromodal also do the trick. We prefer 5-inch inseams for running due to the reduced fabric movement and potential chafing, while 7 to 8-inch inseams typically allow for more comfortable all-day wear. Our team of experts is bringing you best camping gear reviews and buying guides. The 89% recycled polyester and 11% elastane shell has a good amount of stretch, allowing for excellent mobility. Initial impressions were gained on a standardized 7-mile test loop around town. I usually find most tights either really tight and restrictive or somewhat loose-fitting that ride up. We find that external drawstrings are superior to internal drawstrings because they reduce the possibility of creating friction against your skin. This is the second iteration of REI-branded running shorts that Ive tested, and I have to give a hats-off to the design team these are top-notch running shorts. Half tights and 2-in-1s are great options for between-the-leg chafing protection. Your source for comprehensive hunting reviews and buying guides. As a bonus, theyre Polygiene anti-odor, antimicrobial treated. The issue I had with this design is twofold. Thanks to small pull tabs added to the openings of the drop-in pockets, I was able to easily and quickly access items without a struggle. Initially, I wasnt a huge fan, but the supple feel grew on me after further testing. Now that you know all that, its time to get your hands on some of the best running shorts in the market, all of them ready to help you release some endorphins. These are great for runs when youre traveling and may need to carry more items than usual. While Alo Yoga's goods are best known for, erm, yoga, the brand's lined Advance shorts are your new secret weapon for hard runs. If you struggle with any kind of chafing, whether it be between the legs or around your male anatomy, or if youre simply looking for a more supportive hold, the Hightail is by far one of the best-fitting running shorts Ive tested. When I dont feel like being bogged down wearing a vest or belt, but still need to carry the typical items like water, fuel, an emergency shell, and phone, these are the shorts I grab. Many other high-end models outperform the Launch but at nearly double the price. It took a little force to stuff my large Samsung smartphone in the pocket, and I could certainly imagine busting a seam trying to fit it in if I wasnt careful. If youre looking for compression tights, these are not it. Liners should ultimately provide you with the best of both worlds, bounce-free support and breathability for long days. The same factors influence a liner. However, the 5-inch option seems to be the most popular. The fit and feel must allow for all-day comfort. They are designed to breathe well and dry out quickly. The waistband comfort also didn't receive the highest of marks, but when compared to the pricey models. While moisture wicking is an essential feature of a short, we think this could get frustrating in warmer humid climates. Our experts spent hours the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Waistband comfort, liner comfort, phone pocket design, Waistband comfort, multiple external pockets, secure phone pocket, Unique standout designs, thin streamlined feel, great phone pocket, Exceptional liner comfort, comfortable waistband, Great external pockets, comfortable liner, Only available in 7-inch inseam, features only one rear pocket, Minimal pocket storage, high fabric water absorption, Expensive, rear pocket less secure for phones, large side pockets could be tighter, Best overall comfort and performance with an excellent, snug phone pocket design, Our favorite long-distance running shorts combine great pocket performance with a comfortable waistband and liner, Unique standout designs that offer a great liner and waistband comfort, these are perfect shorts for tempo efforts with their streamlined design, Our favorite shorts with the most comfortable liner, these shorts also have a fantastic waistband, These simple shorts offer great external pockets with a good comfortable liner, 4 elastic hip pockets, 1 zippered rear pocket, 1 internal rear key pocket, 2 larger external hip pockets, rear zipper pocket, 4 divided small external hip, rear zipper pocket, A great all-around model for its comfortable liner and waistband, plus its good pockets and cool colorways, An affordable short that is very versatile thanks to its comfortable liner and hand pockets, which we appreciate on 7-inch inseam shorts, A sleek slimmed down tempo or race short where no essentials other than a few gels are needed, A short ideal for cooler temps and moist conditions. The brand's signature running short comes with all the nifty technical details you've come to expect, in a sweat-wicking fabric that's as sleek as it is breathable. If the brand wasn't already on your radar, it should be. While these are lightweight (much more so than the Black Diamond Sprint), I find they dont breathe as well as non-DWR treated shorts and tend to retain moisture longer once soaked through. They size extremely large and baggy, nearly two sizes too big. If you struggle finding running shorts with enough volume, these should work really well for you. The perforated waist belt, aggressive-looking notched side split, and even the logo placement are honed for speed. Its shorts are complete with all the bells and whistles: boxer-brief liner, two hip pockets, phone pocketeven a key loop. Mesh media pockets and zippered stash pocket. We hope On makes a 5-inch version of these shorts in the future. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. I feel theres no other material that wicks and dissipates sweat better. These shorts also feature reflective details for added visibility in low-light conditions. The longer liner can provide extra protection against friction. After months spent pounding the pavement, we found the best running socks of 2021. side slit for added maneuverability and stretch. Esquire participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. All three of these models receive high marks for their blend of support and freedom of movement. If you want to carry items such as your phone, keys, or fuel during your run, youll want a pair of shorts with pockets. Searching for the best men's running shorts? We feel that models with 7-inch inseams are much more versatile for performing tasks outside of running. In addition to running shorts, he covers road running shoes and GPS watches, and he writes training articles for GearJunkie. The Patagonia Strider Pro has much more storage space, allowing for phone storage on the rear thanks to its zippered pocket and nutrition in its four small side compression pockets, which are perfect for gels on long runs. What's more, they have a mesh pocket on the right-hand side to keep your phone secure (goodbye, bouncing). While I typically wear a small, I opted for a medium and Im glad I did. Others have more classic bunch drawstring designs that remind us of high school gym shorts. Overall, materials are lighter, more comfortable, and offer better mobility. Got feedback? Just like anything, people have their personal preferences when it comes to waistbands; some prefer thicker waistbands, some prefer thinner. The woven fabric is light and airy, and the flat waistband sits directly against your skinalmost adhering to it. Shorts with high absorption rates generally take longer to dry, but with minimal sweating, can be perfect for spring or fall conditions. The waistband felt comfortable and secure without the bunching or looseness which we experienced on some other models. We hope this has made your decision-making process easier or has given you some things to consider before purchasing. The outer shell is always made with some sort of moisture-wicking material such as polyester, nylon, or wool. Our favorite waistbands either have a unique design that reduces internal bulk or have the drawstring on the exterior. This is where pockets come, the best being roomy enough to hold the essentials without adding excess bulk. They usually run from four inches to 10, so you can decide how much leg you want to show. The lower the score, the faster drying or smaller absorption. And while youre at it, if its been more than 4 months since you replaced your running shoes, we suggest checking out the latest and greatest road running and trail running shoes. A wide but comfortable waistband securely anchors the shorts around your waist. The folding pocket design found on the On Lightweight Short is a standout feature of the model. Hes a full-time running coach who has been reviewing running gear since 2014. For comfort and functionality from the track to the pub, these are some of the best running shorts available. The zipper pull helps increase the accessibility which we left wanting when models didn't have it. The shell fabric is thin and stretchy, and it does a fantastic job of not only wicking moisture but also drying quickly. Ill opt for shorts with better breathability on steamy runs. If chafing is an issue for you, pay attention to the fabric and look for a pair of shorts that has a slightly different makeup. The shell is extremely lightweight and the four drop-in pockets are huge. The only real downside of these shorts is the price being one of the most expensive we tested. The internal brief liner was one of the more supportive ones tested. While these are one of the most comfortable running shorts I tested, I wouldnt wear them on race day or on a big mountain run. If you can get past the price, youll be rewarded with one of the best pairs of split shorts you can own. The Rabbit FKT short has an exceptional liner which helps make it one of our overall favorites. If youre not familiar with SAXX underwear, boy, are you missing out. Outdoor Voices's High Stride shorts are made out of an elastic nylon blend and finished with a side slit to give you that extra bit of mobility when you're trying to hit a PR. This unique design keeps your parts securely and comfortably tucked away and free from rubbing. Generally, these designs differ in the amount of contact between the hips and lower stomach. Im a huge fan of wool as a performance fabric. No sponsored content. While theres no stretch to the shorts, they offer great mobility thanks to large splits on the sides of the legs. If you have had trouble finding liners that work well for you, we suggest prioritizing liner comfort. Some are flat and skinny, some are thick and tall, almost resembling yoga pants which have grown in style and popularity for both men and women. Read through our favorite expert-compiled gear for thru-hiking, backpacking, ultralight backpacking and more. A good split short should drape over your legs with the slits down the side, allowing the shorts to open freely with no restriction or riding up as you lift your thighs while running. This is another spot that usually doesn't bounce much and is a good place for a smartphone if the pocket is big enough. Half-tights, or compression shorts, are designed to fit skin-tight. Theres one rear drop-in pocket thats large enough to hold a few gels and a key, but not a phone. They also keep your quads and hamstrings warmer on chilly days. Its one of the most time-tested trail running shorts on the market. The Janji AFO Middle Shorts and the On Lightweight Shorts have flat sewn edges that reduce friction and noticeable bulk towards the stitching. Short shorts, such as a 3-inch inseam (my personal favorite), are often known as split shorts and tend to be the coolest and least restrictive. The unique designs are sure to stand out when at the start line or when dropping the pace during your tempo runs. I have to say, the Ballpark Pouch design works especially well when running. We love how the pocket is secure while running but also allows for easy access -- something that zippered pockets struggle with. Liners: Unless you like to let things hang (more power to you), look for running shorts with a built-in liner. Which is why any materials that soaks up moisturecotton especiallyshould be avoided. I only say this because the shell fabric is really thin much thinner than most of the shorts I tested and they softened up a bit with each wash cycle. We researched over 100 models before purchasing 10 of the most popular for this side-by-side review. Anything more you are asking too much out of your short pockets, and we would suggest investing in a running belt or a running vest. This secured our iPhone 11 Pro nicely and maintained it bounce-free. Its a hell of a lot of money for a pair of running shorts, especially a pair of split shorts. Ive had mine for over 5 years, and theyre still going strong. Whether you run trails or roads, long or short, we think there is a running short here for you. Some liners tend to be more restrictive than others, and breathability diminishes throughout the day. Top scores for versatility and style are the On Lightweight Short and Patagonia Strider Pro. Simply having more pockets does not equate to a higher score. That being said, its certainly not as cool as other fabrics. The biggest knock is fit. When running hard or in hot climates, you generally start to sweat, and your running shorts must remove some of this excess sweat from your skin and allow it to dry. We performed all of our testings with an iPhone 11 Pro. The uncomfortable skin irritation is caused by two surfaces excessively rubbing together and is more likely to happen when a fabric has been soaked with moisture. Wet shorts can get heavy in a downpour and start to feel cumbersome. If youre struggling with chafing, I recommend trying a pair of shorts with a built-in compression liner such as a 2-in-1 like the SAXX Hightail. Running shorts come in all different lengths from 2 to 7 inches, but 5 inches seems to be the most popular length. I found them to run a little small and opted for a size up. That brings up the next dilemma in that what size phone is your shorts size for. Moisture-wicking briefs and zippered pockets make for a comfortable (and secure!) Of course, with premium materials and quality stitching comes a high cost. Thanks to their large waistband, the phone naturally sits within this band, creating a snug fit against your back. Looking for a new pair of trail runners? Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Its clear REI put a lot of thought into these shorts. Besides general field testing, the five metrics that we assessed for each pair of shorts are waistband comfort, liner comfort, pocket performance, moisture-wicking and drying, and style and versatility. Avidan Grossman is the Style eCommerce Editor at Esquire, covering mens fashion, shoes, grooming, and accessories. Under Armour's shorts are all about giving you the ability to move. The stretchy material provided phenomenal mobility and the large notched sides reminded me of the unrestricted, free-flowing feel of split shorts, but without the casual appearance. Their claim to fame is something called the Ballpark Pouch, a built-in soft, supportive pouch for your boys. The waistband is exceptional and is the best we tested. My one gripe is the pocket design. With eight colors to choose from, youre bound to find a pair to match your shirt. If you are looking for absolute liner comfort or haven't been able to find a chafe-free option, we suggest you take a look at these shorts. The Under Armour Launch SW shorts provide the best value with solid all-around performance and relatively low price. We also were surprised by the amount of water this fabric absorbs, being one of the highest we tested. Let me address the elephant in the room the price ($92). Too loose, and it bounces and too tight, it performs well but is a pain to take in and out. The Patagonia Strider Pro is our top choice for trail runs and long-distance activities. In this write-up, we will assume some pockets are wanted, which we expect the vast majority would agree with. We prefer a tighter phone pocket for its running performance. We tested this by fully submerging all of the running shorts and fully saturating them with water. The Janji AFO Middle Shorts also scores high for their unique pattern designs that are sure to stand out from the rest of the starting line. Regardless of aesthetic and feel, the priority must be lack of movement and chafing. Inseams: The length of your shorts, called the inseam, is really dependent on your personal tastes. You need stuff with moisture-wicking properties, nylon being the best option. They felt unnoticeable and airy as I ripped 400s around my local track. The best running shorts are made with a performance moisture-wicking fabric, such as polyester or nylon, have a built-in liner for support, and offer a secure place to store items like your phone, keys, or fuel. We were impressed with the liner and waistband of this model and appreciated the exterior drawstring closure, which reduces chafing for extended runs. The men's running shorts lineup undergoing the dry time test. Often phone pockets are either too loose or too tight. The Nike Flex Stride 7" receive high marks for their cool colorways and two hand pockets which we appreciate on 7-inch inseam models. Our experts tested and compared each model across a variety of diverse terrain and adventures, including long mountain traverses, daily trail running loops, and interval sessions on local dirt roads. While these shorts don't have the extras that the higher-end models have, these, without a doubt, won't let you done on runs around town. Think about your priorities, how many pockets you desire, what style fits you, and make the decision. Pictured here the Adidas Men's Saturday Split Shorts are a light fast model for race and tempo days. Most running shorts have two layers: an outer shell and an inner liner. I can easily carry a phone, 500mL soft flask, emergency wind shell, and enough fuel for over 3 hours with a dedicated pocket for trash. The stretch alone is something to be admired. Other than that, we acknowledge they are certainly pricey for a pair of running shorts, and something like the REI Swiftland may be a better value. In addition, there are some styles that are treated with UPF protection and odor protection. These kicks fit every style and budget. If youre interested in broadening your knowledge about running shorts, check out our comprehensive buyers guide and FAQ at the end of this article. However, there is a tipping point where youll want to start using a vest or waist belt to hold your items. This model is available in both 5-inch and 7-inch inseams (we tested the 5-inch inseam model). Every element of these shorts was designed for performance. This may not be the case for others, and if so, it's even more reason to analyze how and where the drawstring is located. One of GearLab's running experts, Matthew also takes the lead in our Men's Road Running Shoes review. GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. The rear pocket is built closer to the waistline, which not only easily fit my phone, but it also did a great job of assuring it didnt bounce. Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. Comfortable elastic waistband sits flat against the skin, Pockets have minimal closure tension, which lessens security. Most shorts these days will blend in a stretchy fabric such as spandex or elastane to give the shorts extra mobility. We've analyzed all of the small details so you can focus on which style, inseam length, and price fits your needs. I find DWR-treated shorts great for wind protection, but they can absorb and hold moisture longer than non-DWR-treated shorts. Rhone established itself as mainstay of the running sceneand for good reason. Brooks is one of the biggest names around when it comes to copping the right running shoes, but the rest of the brand's gear is equally as solid. And just like the exterior, the fabric a liner is made of is also crucial, with mesh or an open-weave material allowing for maximum breathability. The shell is extremely lightweight with a moderate amount of stretch, and the liner provides a moderate amount of support and adequate comfort for short outings. They have a built-in mesh liner or compression tight that provides the support needed while running. We wish there were an added phone pocket on the rear; unfortunately, hand pockets simply don't cut it for storing items while running. The ideal inseam length is as much a matter of personal preference as whether you enjoy running road, track, or trail. The Rabbit FKT has by far the most comfortable liner that we tested. The latter is a nice feature to have, particularly if you dont want to wash your shorts after every run. Running tights are somewhat of an acquired taste, but in the right application, they are far better than running shorts. This is one of the more expensive models we tested, but we think they are worth the price tag.

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