I Tried Dozens of Running Shorts. These Are the Best on the Market

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Aside from running shoes, no other piece of gear can make or break my running experience like shorts. Not long ago, I just ran in what I had. I played basketball and tennis, so I’d run in shorts made for those sports (think heavy nylon and baggy inseams with no support). Thin, breathable fabrics, zipper pockets, and liners were unknown necessities. Now, I actually enjoy running more because I have the appropriate running shorts.

Our favorite running shorts work with your stride, allow you to carry essentials, and remain dry and breathable no matter the activity. Now, I worry less about chafing or clanging keys and more about enjoying the sights and sounds of roads and trails.

Related: We Tested Every Hoka Running Shoe—These Are the Best

Best Overall Running Shorts: Roark Bommer 2.0 Shorts 7” Roark Bommer 2.0 Shorts 7”

I’ve written numerous gear round-ups, and this was one of the toughest top spots I’ve ever had to choose. In the end, the Roark Bommer 2.0 boasts the best combination of features, comfort, and versatility, making them my favorite running shorts this year.

Bommer has the best boxer-brief lined shorts out there. The liner is supportive, soft, and has a phone pocket. The outer fabric has two magnetic close side pockets for versatile use and two small zippered pockets for keys and essentials. The shorts are well-ventilated in the rear, and the 7” inseam makes for a workhorse running short that can easily be worn around town after your workout. They also make a 3.5” option if you like them shorter for races or speedy workouts.

The liner is slightly thicker than others, so it dries a bit slower. That said, the shorts were comfortable even when I sweat, so this wasn’t a significant issue.

Pros:

  • Excellent versatility; true one-and-done shorts.
  • Soft and secure liner with built-in pockets/
  • Outer has two magnetic pockets and two zippered pockets.
  • Effective odor protection.
  • Comfortable drawstring.
  • Also available in 3.5” inseam.

Cons:

  • On the heavier side.
  • Not as fast-drying as other brands.
$90 at Roark

Best Upgrade Running Shorts: Goldwin Breathable Shorts (with C3Fit) Goldwin Breathable Shorts (with C3Fit)

I tested these Goldwin shorts out one a trail run in Washington with professional ultrarunner Dylan Bowman, who’s sponsored by the brand. Of course one of the best trail runners in the world wears some of the best running gear. The Goldwin Breathable Shorts featuring the C3fit liner achieve an amazing balance of performance and comfort, albeit at a high price point.

The liner for long runs is great for long runs because it is very compressive and smooth on the skin. That means minimal chafing or rub even over 10 mile-plus runs. The liner also has the most secure phone pocket of all the shorts I tested, which is nice if you like to snap photos or listen to music on long runs. The outer is no slouch either, and the extremely lightweight material is the fastest drying on this list (plus, it features a zippered pocket for keys). The Goldwin Breathable Shorts were half dry just coming out of the washer’s spin cycle!

Now, no other shorts on this list are as expensive as this Goldwin pair, but if you want a versatile short for training and racing, then the combined breathability and compression of the shorts and liner make an admirable pair of running shorts.

Pros:

  • Fastest drying shorts I tested.
  • Super-compressive liner holds everything comfortably in place.
  • Well-vented and flared outer layer is lightweight and unobtrusive.
  • Thigh pocket securely held phone.

Cons:

  • Expensive.
$119 at Goldwin

Best Value Running Shorts: Nike Flex Stride 2-in-1 5” Nike Flex Stride 2-in-1 5”

Nathan Lemin

In the 5” inseam option, the Nike Flex Stride 2-in-1 is performance-oriented at a lower price point than other lined shorts. The long liner was secure and comfortable, with excellent breathability.

While the materials aren’t quite as soft to the touch as other options, the moisture-wicking properties and comfort were great for a sub-$60 pair of shorts. The zippered pocket in the rear and side pockets were enough for everyday functionality. I wore these on a few long workouts and experienced zero chafing and no discomfort. That’s certainly a win, especially when you consider that these are often on sale, too!

Pros:

  • More affordable than similar lined shorts.
  • Lightweight and comfortable.
  • Enough pockets to be versatile.

Cons:

  • Fit a little tight for bigger runners.
  • Materials don’t feel as premium as competitors.
$40 at Nike
$55 at Dick's Sporting Goods

Related: We Tested a Dozen Saucony Running Shoes. These Are Our Favorites

More Running Shorts We Love

Most Comfortable: Ciele M DLYShort Long Brief

Men’s Journal Editorial Director Matt Allyn called these “easily the most comfortable shorts [I’ve] tried.” That alone piqued my interest—and they totally hold up. 

Just a few minutes after logging a chill 5 mile run in the Ciele M DLYShorts with the long brief, the shorts are already dry. And with how comfortable the liner is, I don’t immediately feel the need to change into other shorts. 

They’re soft to the touch while still effectively wicking moisture. The liner is snug but not too snug. And the 5” inseam (with a generously cut side slit) doesn’t feel restrictive to run in or too short to wear around. Those features alone make them a great all around pair, but they also boast two liner pockets big enough for a phone and one zippered waist pocket for keys.

However, I have two hesitations. First, the shorts have pretty particular care instructions—cold wash and lay flat to dry. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but adds a step on laundry day. Second, the seam construction was a bit strange. On the liner, they’re prominently stitched inside the thighs and around the groin. On easy efforts I didn’t notice too much rub, but during a harder effort, the seams might cause some friction—though Matt happily wore these for last year’s New York City Marathon. 

However, the drawbacks are minor and the overall performance and comfort from the Ciele DLYShort is excellent.

Pros:

  • Super soft, long liner.
  • Dual liner pockets, plus zippered rear waist pocket.
  • Wicks moisture well.

Cons:

  • More particular care instructions than other shorts on this list.
  • Liner seams can cause chafing on longer, harder efforts.
$80 at Ciele

Best Brief-Lined Running Shorts: Tracksmith Session Shorts 5”

Brief-lined shorts had the toughest job of trying to win me over, but the Tracksmith Session shorts were most up to the task. The premium feel of Tracksmith materials converted me to a brief believer. I love these shorts for city runs and everyday training because they look great and breathe well. The heathered blend on the Session is impressive, because while it has all the moisture-wicking chops of a tech-fiber, it looks and feels much more like a natural-fiber short. I wish there was at least one side pocket for a bit of added versatility, but the intention behind these shorts is utilitarian daily training. For those goals, no other brief-lined running shorts do it better.

Pros:

  • Brief liner and outer material are soft and comfortable.
  • Super lightweight and stayed cool in the heat.
  • Brushed, heathered fabric looks and feels more premium than competitors.

Cons:

  • Limited storage (just one zippered pocket).
  • Somewhat delicate, not ideal for trail use.
$68 at Tracksmith

Best Unlined: Nathan Essential Unlined 7” Shorts

If you’ve never bought a pair of running shorts and are scared off by the brief or long liner options, check out the Nathan Essential Unlined shorts. The 7” inseam is short enough to stay out of your stride, but long enough to provide ample coverage. The deep, soft pockets are great for everyday use, and the zippered pocket works fine for keys (though they might bounce a bit).

The shorts feature a straightforward design that doesn’t call attention to you when running. I found myself wearing these all the time in the summer, running or otherwise, due to their moisture wicking and versatility. They aren’t great for faster efforts, as the small side slit plus long inseam equals small leg holes, so they ride up if you’re sprinting. But for everything else the Nathan Essential Unlined is an amazing value.

Pros:

  • Look great as everyday shorts.
  • Super deep and soft-touch side pockets, plus zippered pocket on rear.
  • Effective drawstring.

Cons:

  • Zippered pocket placement isn’t great for items like keys.
  • Ride up when running fast.
$60 at Nathan

Best for Trail Running: On Ultra Shorts

For most distances, the On Ultra Shorts eliminate the need to run with a hydration pack or running belt, thanks to the high volume of storage for gear, goo, snacks and hydration.

The On Ultra liner is really soft, and the seams are so minimal that I didn’t chafe. The shorts have six pockets, most of which are tucked into the thick, stretchy waistband—and contents don’t shift while running. The four front pockets are great for quick-stash snacks and the rear zippered pocket is good for keys. The rear pocket overlays a sleeve, which can house a soft flask for hydration on your run. And the side pocket fits a phone with less bounce than I anticipated.

Overall, the pockets are the true star of this short. The outer was a bit stiffer than competitors, and I’d also might size up next time, as I found them slightly less roomy in the seat than others, especially when loaded down with gear.

Pros:

  • Excellent pocket setup for long trail runs and ultramarathons.
  • Brief liner is soft and lightweight.
  • Eliminates need for hydration pack or running belt.

Cons:

  • The outer material isn’t as soft as others on this list.
  • Not the most roomy fit in the rear.
$120 at On Running

Best Long-Liner (Boxer Brief-Lined): Patagonia Multi-Trail Shorts 8”

Patagonia Multi-Trail Shorts are the perfect option for folks who don’t like the features of many running shorts—namely, super short inseams and overly tech-y liners. The 8” inseam on these shorts makes them the longest on the list, but the extremely comfortable, lightweight liner and soft outer fabric make these accessible for all runners.

While the liner is a little loose, I enjoyed these on easy trail runs or recovery days. The shorts didn’t feel overly tech-y or short, and they clung nicely to my body as I logged easy miles. Plus, the zippered side pockets are useful as standard everyday pockets, or to keep gear secure on your runs. I would’ve loved a liner pocket for my phone, but the lightweight, looser fit might not have supported it well.

Pros:

  • Comfortable.
  • Lightweight and breathable.
  • Good blend of pockets on outer.
  • Longer inseam makes them..

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