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We cover the latest trends—read: better pockets—and what to look for when shopping for the best men’s bottoms.
Gone are the days when we had to resort to baggy gym shorts for workouts and racing. Bottoms today are tailored for performance and have features that cater to runners’ needs, including perforated fabric to promote airflow and silicone grippers on the cuffs to prevent the legs from bunching up. Marathoners no longer have to safety pin gels to their shorts, thanks to interior drop-in pockets. And trail runners can take advantage of 360-degree storage along the waistband.
According to our director of product testing, Jeff Dengate, the latest trends in men’s shorts are better pockets and more half-tights options. “You don't have to search hard now to find a pair that has a zippered pocket big enough to securely store your phone, and some models are essentially a waistbelt-and-shorts hybrid for those times you have to carry even more,” he says.
Half tights are also no longer considered a base layer to wear under loose-legged shorts. Today's versions are more stylish and have thigh pockets for gels and a phone.
Because of new features and designs, men’s shorts these days do double-duty for training, racing, and casual outings.
From the beginning, we knew these were a contender for Best Overall. The Tried n’ True has airy poly/spandex fabric, lots of pockets, and a comfortable, odor-resistant Polartec Power Dry brief liner. The back pocket is big enough for a phone, and crucially, is positioned high enough so that it reduces bouncing (some that are lower allow too much movement for anything more bulky than a credit card).
I appreciated the perforated panels along the top of the glutes and down the sides, as they genuinely did allow extra airflow. And the hand pockets are handy for those days when I lounged around on the sidelines of my kid’s lacrosse game after putting in 5 or 6 miles during their warmups. They also come in a 7-inch length, which Editorial Assistant Michael McDonough tested.
“I really enjoyed the Rabbit Tried n’ True far more than I expected,” McDonough says. “At first glance, it seems like more of an all-purpose athletic pair of shorts than a running-geared pair with its 7-inch inseam and deep side pockets. But despite the extra fabric, the shorts were still light and great for runs—especially thanks to the comfy liner and helpful back pocket. The versatility makes the pair not only a great pair of running shorts, but solid for casual wear as well.”
Everyone’s favorite go-to cheap Amazon short is Baleaf—and there’s a reason for that. The shorts are surprisingly resistant to wear and tear, and have copious room for storage in the back zipper pocket. The fabric is lightweight and has a reflective logo for low-light runs.
The drawback of these shorts is that they run big. The legs can be baggy and run long on some body types. It’ll take some exchanges to find the right fit (unless you get lucky the first go-around).
These are the only shorts not tested by staff. We plan to test them and will include feedback in a future update.
These 2-in-1 shorts have some of the most thoughtful details, starting with the liner. Instead of a stretchy brief, the snug-fitting boxer liner (it peeks out of the legs of the shorts) is tailored for comfortable support. The liner also boosts stability for your heavy loads on long runs.
Each leg features a drop-in pocket that you can actually access from up near the waistband—you don’t have to lift up the outer shorts to get at the pocket. Instead, an opening like a normal drop-in pocket gives you access. Those are big enough for an iPhone and Maurten 160 gels. There are two more gel pockets on the inside of the liner, along your back.
One of the best features, however, is a front pouch to stash the drawstring. It’s not usually much of an issue for shorts with flimsy cords, but the Fast and Free has decently thick ribbon and thick plastic aglets at the end of the string. Those can bounce around if you don’t stow them away.
I also like the two stretchy straps on the waistband. You can use them to fasten a t-shirt if you take it off mid-run.
New Balance makes two versions of its RC shorts—this comfy pair for daily wear and a skimpier, thinner “Ultra Light” version built for short races. But why do they have to put the drawstring on the outside? That’s a trend that’s popped up across many brands now. Some shorts, like the Nike Stride on this list, give you slits on the inside and outside of the waistband, so you can choose where to let your knot fall. But the New Balance shorts have a long and floppy drawstring that can only hang out.
The RC Short is made of stretchy material that has pinhole perforations for ventilation on hot days. The shorts themselves are heavy enough to resist bunching up with your stride, but not so heavy that they inhibit movement.
Extra attention has been paid to the brief liner inside, pre-shaping it without seams for a better, distraction-free fit. I wore them on a 20-miler in a rainstorm without any irritation or chafing. (It’s worth noting that the Ultra Light version’s liner feels lighter and smaller; a couple of us noted that it tends to ride up and feels like it doesn’t offer as much coverage as other shorts.)
Both the RC and Ultra Light have two small drop-in pockets inside the back of the liner. It’s stretchy enough to stuff in a driver’s license or one to two gels, but nothing bigger. The RC has a zippered pocket on the back that’s big enough for an iPhone, but I don’t find it stable enough when I’m running. Also, the stretchy fabric requires two hands to zip and unzip.
We love this no-frills 2-in-1 short because it nails the basics. Some of us want the extra comfort and security from a boxer-brief liner, but many such shorts make you feel like a pack mule with a ton of extra pockets. These have two hand pockets (handy for off-the-run storage), a zippered back pocket that we only really use for a credit card, and a single drop-in that can swallow a couple of gels. The liner is tailored with a comfy pouch, but despite an excessive amount of stitching, it remains chafe-free because the seams are flat and soft.
A key feature I love about these is the ability to knot the drawstring on either side of the waistband. So many shorts now have the bow and drawstring flopping around on the outside. I’m not a fan of that trend. The Stride has slits in the waistband that let you slide it inside, so you can tie it up and stow it away more traditionally.
Brooks technically targets these shorts for trail runners, but roadies headed out for a long run will appreciate the huge cargo capacity. The 2-in-1 essentially has a waist belt stitched on. I’ve long been a fan of Flipbelt for toting around my phone and gels on long runs, but that’s all doable in these secure shorts. The boxer-length liner helps add support for your haul, too.
“The Brooks High Point was an exceptional pair of shorts to run in,” McDonough says. “They were the most unique pair I’ve ever worn, thanks to the combination of the boxer-brief liner, high waist, and 360-degree pockets. While these features may be notable, they shouldn’t be the selling point—it’s the lightweight, über-comfortable fit that makes these shorts great to run in.
“The pockets were solid,” he continues, “especially considering there are four of them and they never interfered with any of the runs! Being high up on the waist was a huge advantage, and it was nice to be able to hold so much and never have to worry about things banging into my legs.”
These shorts are for the runner who must have all the pockets. Let’s start with zippers. You have the traditional zippered rear pocket, but the AFO also has two zippered hand pockets. You might not run with anything heavy, but I found the zippers hugely helpful for carrying a phone and keys—nothing worse than your phone flopping out onto a parking lot.
They also have two drop-in gel pockets on the hips, which are roomy enough for the current trend of tall-and-skinny gel packs. Plus, there’s a drop-in interior pocket on the front with an elastic leash and plastic carabiner. I use this to securely clip on my car key when I run during my kid’s sports practices.
I also really love the soft shell fabric of the shorts themselves. It’s flowy and breezy on a run, but soft against your skin.
Path Projects’s system is all about modularity—liners are sold separately, and you can choose between 5-inch and 7-inch shorts lengths. For runners, the company makes two shorts and a half tight. The Graves PX has a bit more casual, every styling. But the Sykes PX, here, is trail race and training ready. The shorts have three zippered pockets on the back, with enough capacity to get through a marathon—I jammed nine gels in them for a long effort (I didn’t come close to eating all of them).
I really like the shorts’ material. It’s durable and resists brushes with sticks and weeds when you’re trail running. Plus, all runners will like the DWR finish that helps keep the shorts drier—they don’t stick to your legs in a downpour.
Love the back pocket. It's crisp, well-constructed, and sits higher on the back than most back pockets. It fits an iPhone (our previous write-up said they couldn’t, so nice update) and holds it securely, but I don't really prefer how it hits my glutes as I bounce along the road; I still go for a Flipbelt. The liner is almost like a bikini brief. It didn't cause me any trouble, but it took a little getting used to.
The waistband has also been improved and fits comfortably. It feels like a complete part of the short, rather than a belt from which fabric just dangles. And, it has an elastic strap so you can stash your t-shirt when you get really sweaty.
Completely redesigned, the Session shorts still maintain the silky-soft, flowy feel they've always delivered. We included the shorts in our 2025 Gear of the Year roundup.
A big update is in the pocket. Previously, they had a zippered pocket right in the center of the back. That’s moved to the right hip, a somewhat odd placement that works for everything lighter than your phone. For that, I stick it in the drop-in pocket in the back—the opening is tacked, and the liner is stretchy, so it can swallow big things like a phone, and they’ll stay put. (However, some may desire shorts with higher back pocket placement—like the phone pocket on the Rabbit Tried n’ True—so the phone isn’t hitting your rear.)
The liner continues to be loose-fitting. I feel like I have to pull up the shorts higher than usual to get good support, but they're soft and don’t cause any irritation.
The short length is a generous 5 inches; it fits maybe more like 6 inches, which is great if you don’t like showing much thigh. It’s not as blousy as the previous model and moves better with your body, but there’s really not much modesty because the whole kit hugs your body closely and shows more than some runners may prefer.
You either love or hate half tights. But those in the “love” camp often aren’t completely thrilled because some pairs are just too dang long. Most half tights cover the entire thigh, ending just above the knee. But Ciele, known for its variety of running hats, has come out with a solution: the trimmable FSTTight.
There are two dotted lines that circle around both legs of the shorts, giving you a straight line to cut along and shorten them to your liking. The fabric won’t fray, and backing tape along the seams ensures those stay at the right length, too. Another factor that sets these apart from other half tights is that they’re quite compressive—I have stocky thighs and felt really squeezed in them.
“These have quickly become some of my go-to shorts,” says Theo Kahler, RW news editor. “The material is fairly thick, but it feels very smooth against my skin, and the pockets are well-designed.”
As with every piece of gear, choosing the best shorts comes down to personal preference. Some runners may prefer half tights, while others may like a looser fit. Look for interior grippers on half-tight leg cuffs—or boxer brief liners—to keep the legs from riding up. We detail some other features to consider when shopping for shorts.
Waistband drawcords can be on the exterior and interior. Dengate prefers his inside, but some runners may not care about placement.
Inseam length is another feature to consider if you are prone to chafing or have thick thighs. You’ll want a longer inseam—starting at 7 inches—to prevent friction.
Shorts that come with liners help with support. But we recommend trying on a pair and testing it for a run since some liners can be loose or have seams that can cause chafing. “Beware of seams and the type of stitching used,” says Dengate. “Placement is key, as you don’t want too many stitches where you would experience any rubbing. But also consider bonded, stitch-free seams. They may seem like a great idea, but they often drive up the cost, and I’ve seen many come loose in a fairly short time. They’re not bad, but it’s something to consider.”
Storage is a big deal if you’re out for a long run or racing a marathon (or longer). “You can get a cheap pair of shorts that will work fine, but they'll frustrate you if you need to carry anything more than a house key or credit card,” Dengate says. “Also, hand pockets are kind of dumb on running shorts (Editor’s Note: Dengate’s opinion). Your stuff will bounce around too much and either make noise or fly out. Pay attention to pocket size and location—sleek and close to your core are always best.”
As running reviews editor, I test all kinds of running gear—shoes, watches, sports bras, and lots more. Though I’ve extensively researched and evaluated running shorts, my testing is limited to women’s bottoms. I enlisted the help of Jeff Dengate, RW’s director of test, who vetted all the shorts on this list and distributed them to staff for feedback. Below are his product recommendations and insights, as well as testers’ comments on what they liked—and disliked—about the shorts.
Yes, that's what the liner is there for. It's intended to replace underwear and to provide necessary support. But, just like shorts, not all liners are created equal. When trying on shorts—and hopefully getting a test run in them—make sure the liner isn’t overly stretchy and that the seams won't cause chafing. If you do have any issues, you can usually cut out the built-in liner and use the shorts over a pair of running underwear.
The underwear you wear with shorts may be different than what you would wear under running pants and tights, because in the summer you don’t need warmth. Instead, look for a pair made with a moisture-wicking fabric. You can find some great pairs from Saxx and Runderwear that give plenty of comfort and support. Also consider Path Projects, a company that makes “base liners” and shorts separately so you can mix-and-match. Tracksmith sells underwear with lightweight merino wool that can also work well in warm conditions—no stink.
For the overwhelming majority of runners, inseam length is entirely a matter of preference—wear what makes you comfortable. That said, 5-inch or shorter shorts are going to provide greater range of motion if you’re racing. They’ll allow you to open up your stride during interval workouts. They also, frankly, just hold less sweat. Longer shorts can be useful on trail runs, especially if you’re sensitive to the oils in the plants you’re inevitably going to brush against.
More layers equals more opportunity for chafing. Bike-specific shorts are designed for the direct connection between you and the saddle. Adding more layers just raises the risk of trouble. For that same reason, you don’t want to wear underwear under bike shorts; they’re designed to be in direct contact with your skin.
Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.
Jeff is Runner-in-Chief for Runner’s World and the director of product testing. He has tested and reviewed running shoes, GPS watches, headphones, apparel, and more for nearly two decades. He regularly tests more than 100 pairs of shoes each year, and once had a 257-day streak running in different models. Jeff can usually be found on the roads, racing anything from the mile to a marathon, but he also enjoys racing up mountains and on snowshoes. When he’s not running, you’ll probably find him hanging from a ladder making repairs and renovations to his house (he’s also director of product testing for Popular Mechanics).
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