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Whether you’re a hardcore member of team ‘all weather is shorts weather’ or you prefer to throw on a pair of running tights as a base layer during the colder months, finding a pair of shorts that are comfy and don't ride up or down can be a challenge.
That's where we come in. We've sweat-tested a number of the best men’s running shorts on the market to bring you our round-up of the ones that you'll genuinely enjoy wearing, mile after mile.
Looking for the best women's running shorts? Check out our round-up
Shop the best men's running shorts
Want to cut straight to it? Here are our favourite men's running shorts, at a glance. Keep scrolling to read more.
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What to look for in a pair of men's running shorts
- Leg length: Running shorts come in all different leg lengths - from the super short, to the longer, baggier variety. The style and length of the shorts is an entirely personal preference.
- Side splits: Unlike the shorts you might wear to the pub or to the gym, men's running shorts will be designed to move with you as you pick up the pace. Some styles will have the traditional side split cut into the leg which offers a full range of movement, others will be a 2-in-1 design with a tighter short underneath and a baggier short over the top for extra coverage.
- Pockets: A good pair of running shorts will have pockets for your phone, keys, face mask and perhaps a gel or two, meaning you can leave that running belt at home.
- Sweat-wicking: It goes without saying, you'll want the shorts to be able to wick sweat away from the body quickly, so you're not left feeling overly damp mid-run.
- Half tights are another option if you're looking for comfort at speed, but they come with a certain aesthetic that some runners won't be after.
The best men's running shorts on the market 2024
From the best running shorts for under £20, to the running shorts to power you around the route on race day, we've rounded up some of the best running shorts on the market here.
A simple pair of running shorts, with a fitted under-layer to prevent any chafing on the move and a baggier outer layer for coverage as you run. There's a drawcord waistband that allows you to customise the fit and zipped pockets for your essentials.
A very lightweight short that wicks away moisture well. Out testers found the shorts comfortable, but ideally suited for racing or fast running as it's a pretty stripped down product. That being said, there's also plenty of storage – two flap pockets at the rear and a central rear zip pocket, ideal for holding gels.
For those who prioritise aerodynamics, these body-hugging half-tights fit the brief. Made from soft, stretchy, woven fabric, the second skin security makes you feel like you’re suiting up in muscle-protecting running armour. There’s a built-in brief liner and seamless front for preventing chafing, a vented waistband and six pockets, including two side pockets with moisture barriers to keep your gear dry.
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These Gymshark shorts will be comfortable on the run and in the gym. The 7-inch leg-length sits mid-thigh and the slim fit means they don't look overly baggy. There are two leg pockets, but they aren't zipped, so you'll probably still need your running vest or run belt.
Not into short shorts? The roomy and floaty fit on these longer shorts offers great ventilation with increased coverage. Made from a sweat-wicking, quick- drying mesh fabric, the liner pouch provides breathable support on the go with flat-locked seams to reduce chafe.
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Kalenji Men's Running Breathable Shorts Dry - black
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Kalenji Men's Running Breathable Shorts Dry - black
Of course, good running kit doesn't need to cost the earth. These Decathlon shorts will get you round your summer runs comfortably with an elasticated waistband and a zipped pocket for your phone on the back.
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Once you get above £50 for a pair of shorts, the value is often in the less-obtrusive details. In this case it's the four-way stretch in the weave, which not only allows amazing freedom of movement but is also lightweight and feels cool on the skin. A delight to train in.
Available with a mid-length 5-inch inseam or as a classic 3-inch split, the Accelerate short from New Balance is ideal for track workouts (or for anyone who prefers less coverage). The woven polyester fabric offers good breathability, and the split hem gives some extra flex for intense sprints.
There’s a dedicated key pocket at the waist, but without a drawcord to cinch these down, they’re limited in how much stuff they can actually carry.
A shorter version of Tracksmith's excellent Session Shorts, these 3-inch high-stretch speedsters are great for all-out efforts. The knit outer is light and loose, with retro overlapped side splits. Storageis pretty good for short shorts, too, witha hidden zippered pocket on the right hip and another small fuel pocket in the liner.
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They are the kind of shorts that form a staple of your running wardrobe as they’re durable, anti-odour, fast wicking and quick drying – and lightweight too making them a very good multitasker, and a good option for warm weather runs or any sessions where you’re getting a massive sweat on.
These fitted race shorts strike a happy balance between fast and functional. The race-weight fabric wicks well, stays light when sweaty and dries fast. Storage is ideal for a half or full marathon, with a zippered back pocket that’ll hold larger phones or up to five gels. If you’re going longer, you’ll need a running belt. Oh, and you’ll have to bring your own base layer. Great if you already have some favourite race undies.
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Proviz REFLECT360 Men's Running Shorts
Wallet-friendly shorts that offer a generous cut and laser-cut holes down each side for improved ventilation. These shorts have one other major USP: they're fantastic for low-light running - the reflective strips are among the most visible we've come across.
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Competitive runners don’t want bells and whistles on race day. Looking slick doesn’t hurt, either. Tracksmith’s Van Cortlandt shorts deliver on both promises with a classic tailored cut that’s lightweight, and breathable.
Bare-bones by design, these shorts get out of your way so you can perform your best. That said, they also have a small hidden pocket for keys and cards for when you aren’t racing.
Some runners prefer the skin-tight support and enhanced range of motion you get from compression shorts. This pair from Brooks Compression hugs snugly in all the right places, with a pair of slim pockets capable of holding a phone and little else, which is kind of the point. Though they’re made to grip, they still have a drawcord at the waist so you can adjust the fit.
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Evadict Men's Trail Running Tight Shorts
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Evadict Men's Trail Running Tight Shorts
Evadict's comfort shorts are made for the trail, but they’ll handle much more than just your off-road adventures. There’s a lot of storage – a built-in belt, six pockets and room for a 250ml soft flask. The over-shorts fit loose, while the base shorts deliver reliable comfort.
Tested byRick Pearson
Rick Pearson is the senior editor at Runner’s World UK. He’s been with the brand since 2017 and loves testing PB-friendly shoes for on and off road. Rick is a sub-three marathoner and occasionally likes to remind people of this on the Runner’s World podcast, which he co-hosts. He once raced a steam train over 14 miles (he won, narrowly) and a horse over a marathon (he lost, comfortably).
