The Best Men's Running Shorts of 2024

An essential staple in any runner's wardrobe, running shorts offer breathable, cooling coverage and comfortable support. From minimal split shorts to long shorts, fitted half tights to trail running shorts, men's running shorts come in various lengths and styles to suit your individual preferences and training needs. Bottoms with a short inseam length (1 to 3") offer more flexibility and freedom of movement, while a medium (5 to 7") or longer (8 to 9") inseam provides extra coverage and protection (especially on the trails). Many performance shorts feature built-in liners with moisture-wicking fabric for chafe-free comfort, waistbands with adjustable drawcords for a secure fit, and pockets for stashing essential items. Learn more about the different features of running shorts in our article: How to Choose the Best Running Shorts. Whether you're looking for a speedy split short, added coverage, or a snug fit for muscle support, our experts have researched, tested, and compiled the best men's shorts for all of your running needs.

For running shorts that consistently deliver comfortable support and optimal performance, Nike's Aeroswift Half Tight sets the standard. As part of Nike's racing gear collection, the Aeroswift fitted shorts offer a slight twist on the conventional bike short style with their lightly ribbed design. Featuring Nike's Dri-FIT ADV sweat-wicking technology and Flyvent waistband, these bottoms provide added breathability while hugging your body for a smooth, secure fit. With a rear zipper pocket to hold your phone and four internal waistband pockets for your keys and card, there is ample storage for your running essentials. Meanwhile, a built-in brief liner offers added support and coverage, and an external drawstring ensures a perfect, personalized fit.

When you want premium split shorts, Nike's Aeroswift Short is a lightweight and breathable race-day companion. These shorts feature Nike's classic Flyvent waistband with an internal drawstring for a secure fit, a built-in mesh brief for added support, and deep V-notch splits with perforations on the sides for enhanced mobility and ventilation. Whether you opt for the 2" or 4" inseam option, you have four internal pockets for stowing your gels and other small items.

A Running Warehouse bestseller, the BOA Constrictor Half Tight offers the support you need at a budget-friendly price point. These short tights feature moisture-wicking material to keep the sweat at bay and comfortable compressive fabric for added muscle support. An elastic waistband with an adjustable drawcord helps you dial in the fit, while flatlock seams ensure irritation-free comfort all run long. With two side pockets, you can conveniently stash your phone and gels for a hands-free run. Whether you wear it as a stand-alone short or layered underneath looser bottoms for an athletic look, the BOA Constrictor Half Tight delivers the support and coverage you need without breaking the bank.

Let's face it, chafing is the bane of any runner's existence. But no matter the duration of your run, you can enjoy chafe-free comfort in the rabbit Speedsters Half Tight. These shorts feature super lightweight, quick-drying fabric that won't irritate your skin, with an adjustable waistband so you can find your perfect fit. And the name says it all: the rabbit Speedsters X is built for speed. Marathon runner and Running Warehouse Web Content Editor Jon describes, "I love the soft, mid-weight material, and the pockets make all the difference when it comes to long training runs."

If you like having more coverage and protection, check out the Speedsters Brief Half Tight. With a new built-in brief liner (constructed from Polartec Power Dry with Fresh Face technology to keep you dry and smelling fresh), an additional zippered phone pocket, and a UPF 50+ rating, these shorts have all the bases covered. And with a range of color options, there's sure to be a Speedsters to suit your style.

Smooth, breathable, and designed for performance (just like its iconic namesake running shoe), the Saucony Kinvara Short is a classic road running go-to that you'll find yourself reaching for time and time again. Made with super-lightweight and breathable fabric with a ventilated mesh waistband and durable stitching, these shorts absorb sweat to keep you dry and distraction-free as you rack up your daily miles. An internal drawcord with an elastic waist and a built-in mesh brief liner extends the theme of comfort. Three internal stash pockets can stow small essentials such as gels to help you stay fueled, while the quick-drying and anti-cling fabric provides chafe-free comfort. From its stylish color block design to its reliable performance, the Saucony Kinvara hits the mark.

When it comes to exploring the outdoors and hitting the trails, the Patagonia Strider Pro Short is equipped to meet every runner's adventurous needs. The Strider Pro features soft, lightweight, and breathable fabric with five pockets of ample storage for miles of mountain running. The shorts have a chafe-free brief liner, a PFC-free water-resistant coating to shed moisture, and an external drawstring for a supportive fit. Whether you opt for the 5" or the 7" inseam, with their durable material, HeiQ Pure odor treatment, and versatile pocket designs, the Patagonia Strider shorts have you covered the next time you decide to hop onto the trail. Competitive runner and Running Warehouse Marketing Strategist David says, "I love the versatility of this short for both road and trail running. It has a bunch of stash pockets around the waistband for packing gels, snacks, my ID, keys, and any other small essentials I might need. Also, the fit is spot-on, and the comfy inner brief liner keeps all my business chafe-free for any length of run in any conditions."

With breathability and style all wrapped into one slim design, the adidas Adizero Split Short is a great speedy option for your warm weather runs. These 3" split shorts have perforated fabric throughout to deliver airflow and keep you cool when the temps start to rise. In addition, the four-way stretch material and half-split design will ensure an easy, breezy, unrestricted run. The shorts also feature a brief liner for coverage and a mid-rise elastic waistband with an internal drawcord for a secure, dialed-in fit. Three pockets in total (two internal waistband pockets and one external envelope pocket with bungee key cord) will hold your smaller items, such as nutrition for refueling. As a bonus, the reflective details on the front and side will help you stay visible in low-light conditions. With its lightweight, breathable construction and timeless style, you'll stay cool and look even cooler in the Adizero Split Short.

We're always looking for phone pockets in our running gear, and with the ASICS Metarun Shorts, you have that and much more! These shorts deliver ample storage with a roomy and secure zip phone pocket, two small side stash pockets, and loop bands for holding extra gels and accessories. An internal brief liner offers added coverage, while the short's premium stretch fabric, ventilated waistband, and large side slits deliver breathability and unrestricted movement. For our resident marathoner Jon, "These shorts are the perfect companion to my ASICS Metarun Short Sleeve and are the perfect length for any run distance. I love the storage; it's nice having a zipper pocket large enough to fit a phone. The material is also lightweight, and the pass-through loops are a nice touch."

Whether you're working out or out running errands, Vuori Kore shorts deliver maximum comfort and versatility wherever you go. The shorts feature a clean, classic design with a soft boxer-brief liner and an external drawstring for an athletic fit. Two side hand pockets and a rear Velcro pocket offer convenient storage options for everything you might want to bring along. On top of that, it's impossible not to love the Kore's luxuriously soft, anti-odor, four-way stretch fabric. According to Running Warehouse Web Content Editor and road runner Colvin, "The Kore shorts are soft and breathable and work well in hot, humid weather. The pockets are A+, and the length is not too short for my tall frame." For anywhere-and-everywhere versatility and casual comfort, you can't go wrong slipping into a pair of Vuori Kore shorts.

With their fun prints and colorful styles, the ChicknLegs Shorts add a lighthearted touch to your running game. Popular amongst young athletes and for race-day wear, these lightweight shorts feature a soft, flat waistband for a comfortable fit. The 2" and 4" split shorts and 8" half-tights come with a built-in brief liner for added coverage and various storage options. With a wide range of funny designs and lightweight, breathable fabric, the Chicknlegs Shorts are a great option for the runner or athlete looking to breeze past the competition while highlighting their playful fashion sense.