Bad shorts don't fail you gradually — they ruin mile three and every mile after it. The five picks below cover every runner from track sprints to mountain ultras, starting at under $20 and topping out at $79.
| Photo |
Top Pick
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Versatile
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Budget
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Best Value
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Best for Reliability
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Under Armour Men's Launch Run 7-inch Shorts | Nike Challenger Men's Dri-FIT 5" Brief-Lined Running Shorts | Patagonia Men's Strider Pro Running Shorts 5" | Brooks Sherpa 5" Running Shorts | MIER Men's 5 Inch Running Shorts |
| Liner | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Fabric | 100% Recycled Polyester | Woven Polyester + Mesh Panels | Recycled Polyester + Spandex, DWR Finish | 84% Polyester / 16% Spandex | Quick-Dry Polyester, 4-Way Stretch |
| Inseam | 7 inches | 5 inches | 5 inches | 5 inches | 5 inches |
| Pockets | 3 (hand + phone) | 3 (hand + back zip) | 5 (4 envelope + 1 back zip) | 3 (side + back zip) | 4 (2 zip side + 1 back zip + 1 internal) |
| Buy Now | Check Price → | Check Price → | Check Price → | Check Price → | Check Price → |
Quick Tips
Wash new shorts before your first run — factory treatments can cause unexpected chafing on longer efforts.
If you run in the dark, pick a pair with reflective details at the hem or waistband; most budget options skip this.
A 5-inch inseam is faster and cooler; jump to 7 inches if you're doing back-to-back days and want less thigh friction.
The back zip pocket is your most useful feature — it's the only pocket that won't bounce or gape open mid-stride.
Under Armour Men's Launch Run 7-inch Shorts
Best for high-mileage training weeks
Under Armour Men's Launch Run 7-inch Shorts
Best for high-mileage training weeks
What we like
- Internal mesh liner with 4-way stretch provides support and chafe protection across long runs without feeling restrictive.
- Stretch-woven outer fabric is noticeably lighter than knit mesh alternatives and dries faster after sweaty efforts.
- Soft knit waistband with internal drawcord stays put through tempo runs and speed work without rolling or digging in.
- At least 90% recycled polyester main body means you're getting performance without the environmental overhead.
What we don't
- The 7-inch inseam isn't ideal for runners who prefer a shorter, racing-style cut.
- Liner is fixed — there's no removing it if you prefer to run liner-free on shorter efforts.
- Color selection can be limited depending on size availability on any given restock.
The Launch Run 7" is what most runners end up in after trying a few pairs that either chafed, shifted, or felt like wearing a grocery bag at pace. The 7-inch cut with a built-in stretch liner handles back-to-back training days without complaint, and the waistband actually stays where you put it.
This is the right short if you log consistent weekly mileage and want one pair that works for easy runs, long runs, and everything in between. Go somewhere else if you race in short inseams or prefer a liner-free fit.
Nike Challenger Men's Dri-FIT 5" Brief-Lined Running Shorts
Best for Versatility
Nike Challenger Men's Dri-FIT 5" Brief-Lined Running Shorts
What we like
- 5-inch inseam with vented mesh lower panels keeps your legs completely unrestricted through fast track sessions and tempo efforts.
- Back hook-and-loop pocket is large enough for most modern smartphones — rare at this inseam length.
- Relaxed outer fit pairs well with the brief liner for a run-to-gym transition without looking out of place.
- Dri-FIT fabric dries fast enough that you can wear these back-to-back on travel days without a smell problem.
What we don't
- The hook-and-loop back closure on the pocket picks up lint and loses grip faster than a zip closure would.
- Side hand pockets have no closure, so loose coins or earbuds will fall out at pace.
- Sizing runs slightly large in the waist — go true to size rather than sizing up.
The Challenger 5" is the go-to for runners who prioritize leg freedom and fast feel over coverage. The woven outer fabric with mesh side panels moves air better than knit options, and the brief liner keeps things secure without adding bulk you can feel.
This is the right pick for warm-weather runs, track workouts, and anyone who runs hot. If you need a liner that covers more thigh or want a 7-inch cut for cooler mornings, look at the Under Armour Launch above.
Patagonia Men's Strider Pro Running Shorts 5"
Best Value
Patagonia Men's Strider Pro Running Shorts 5"
What we like
- Five-pocket layout holds two to three gels per hip pocket without bouncing — the only short at this inseam length with true trail-running storage.
- DWR finish repels light rain and stream crossings without turning the short into a wet sail when fully soaked.
- Built-in brief liner uses HeiQ odor-control treatment that holds up across multi-day fastpacking trips.
- Low-profile external drawcord lets you lock the waistband down precisely on technical descents.
What we don't
- The liner fit runs snug — size up one if you're between sizes or have larger thighs.
- At $69-79, this is a premium price that's only justified if you actually need the pocket system.
- Newer versions have a looser liner than older pairs — check recent reviews before buying if liner snugness is critical for you.
The Strider Pro earns its price in one specific scenario: any run where you need to carry gels, a key fob, and a backup layer without wearing a vest. The five-pocket setup eliminates that need on efforts up to about 15 miles, and the DWR finish handles mountain weather that would leave other shorts soaked through.
This is the short for trail runners and ultra runners who've already optimized everything else. Road runners doing distances under 10 miles will pay for features they'll never use — the Nike or Under Armour picks above are smarter buys for pavement.
Brooks Sherpa 5" Running Shorts
Brooks Sherpa 5" Running Shorts
What we like
- Mesh brief liner with an internal security pocket gives you secure small-item storage without needing a separate waist pack.
- DriLayer fabric wicks sweat consistently across hot and humid conditions without developing the stiff, heavy feel some polyester blends do after repeated washing.
- Split side seams allow full leg extension without the short riding up on your inner thigh during faster paces.
- Semi-fitted cut is forgiving across a range of body types without the baggy silhouette that makes cheaper shorts flutter and drag.
What we don't
- Older cut design means less modern pocket real estate compared to the Patagonia or Under Armour options.
- The semi-fitted leg opening can feel slightly restrictive on runners with larger quads at full sprint.
- Color options are limited compared to Nike and UA alternatives.
The Sherpa is the short for runners who've burned through a few cheaper pairs and want something that actually fits and stays put without paying premium trail-running prices. The liner is the highlight here — snug, breathable, and it has its own small security pocket that's more useful than it sounds when you're five miles from your car.
This is the right pick for everyday training runs and half-marathon prep where you want a reliable, no-drama short that won't surprise you. Skip it if you need serious pocket capacity for long trail efforts.
MIER Men's 5 Inch Running Shorts
Best budget pick for casual runners
MIER Men's 5 Inch Running Shorts
Best budget pick for casual runners
What we like
- Four zipper pockets on a $20 short is genuinely surprising — the back zip pocket actually holds a mid-sized phone without bouncing.
- 4-way stretch fabric moves freely in all directions without the stiffness that some budget shorts develop after a few washes.
- Side mesh panels keep airflow moving on hot runs and make these noticeably less clammy than solid-panel alternatives.
- Reflective details at the back zip enhance visibility on early-morning and evening runs — rare at this price point.
What we don't
- No built-in liner means you'll need to wear compression shorts underneath for runs over 30–45 minutes to prevent chafing.
- Elastic waistband may begin to lose tension after repeated high-heat machine drying — air dry when possible.
- Fabric doesn't have the refined feel or long-term durability of the Brooks or Under Armour picks.
The MIER 5" punches well above its price tag in one specific area: pockets. Most sub-$25 shorts give you one flimsy slash pocket that might hold a key if it doesn't fall through the seam — this one gives you four, including a real back zip that handles a phone at pace.
The tradeoff is the missing liner. This is the right buy for new runners building mileage, gym-to-road runners who already own compression shorts, or anyone who wants a solid backup pair without spending $40+.
Go with the Under Armour or Brooks if liner chafing is a consistent problem for you.
What to Look For
Inseam length changes everything about how a running short feels in motion. A 5-inch cut stays cool and gives full leg turnover on fast efforts; a 7-inch cut trades some airflow for coverage and is friendlier on high-mileage training weeks.
Liner quality separates a short you'll wear every day from one that lives in a drawer. A snug, breathable brief liner eliminates the need for compression shorts underneath and is the single biggest factor in preventing chafing on runs over an hour.
Pocket design matters more than pocket count. Two side slash pockets bounce and gape at pace; side zip pockets stay sealed and a center-back zip pocket is the only one that truly holds a modern phone without shifting your stride.
Who Should Skip This
If you mostly trail run with a vest loaded with gear, dedicated trail shorts with integrated cargo pockets will serve you better than any road short here. Road-specific running shorts also tend to be cut too short and loose for mountain biking or gym work — you'll want a longer hybrid short for those crossover activities.
What the Community Actually Uses
On r/running, the liner debate runs hot — posts asking about going liner-free rack up hundreds of comments, with most experienced runners landing firmly on 'built-in liner only' for anything over 5 miles. The community also flags that 'budget' shorts often feel fine for one or two runs before the waistband rolls or the liner starts bunching, which is why they keep coming back to the same 3–4 brands.
Quick Picks — In Case You've Already Decided
Nike Challenger Men's Dri-FIT 5" Brief-Lined Running Shorts
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What inseam length is best for running shorts?
Five inches is the standard for road racing and warm-weather runs — it keeps your legs cool and your stride fully unrestricted. Seven inches is better for everyday training runs, colder mornings, or if thigh chafing is an issue for you.
Do I need a liner in my running shorts?
Yes, unless you plan to wear compression shorts underneath. A built-in brief liner reduces chafing, adds light support, and eliminates the need for a second layer. Most runners on runs over 45 minutes strongly prefer it.
Can running shorts double as swim trunks or casual shorts?
Some can — quick-dry woven fabrics like the Patagonia Strider Pro handle water well. Knit-mesh running shorts won't hold up in the water and look too athletic for casual wear.
What's the difference between 2-in-1 shorts and built-in liner shorts?
A 2-in-1 has a separate inner compression short that covers more thigh area. A brief liner is shorter and lighter. The 2-in-1 gives more muscle support; the brief liner is cooler and less restrictive.
How do I stop my running shorts from chafing?
Start with a snug built-in liner in the right size — oversized liners bunch and cause more friction than none at all. Apply a small amount of anti-chafe balm at the inner thigh and waistband before any run longer than 45 minutes.
Buying Guide
Focus on inseam length first — 5-inch for speed and airflow, 7-inch for coverage and casual runs. Built-in liner beats compression shorts underneath every time.
Zipper pockets matter if you run without a vest. Lightweight woven fabrics dry faster than knit mesh on long efforts where chafing becomes a real issue.