Men's Athletic Shorts Buying Guide for Performance and Comfort

Choosing a pair of men's athletic shorts might seem simple, but as seasoned runners and athletes know, the wrong pair can quickly ruin a workout. Chafing, poorly designed pockets, inadequate support... In contrast, a well-designed pair of shorts lets you forget you're even wearing them, so you can focus on what matters: your performance.

Our goal? To help you navigate the jungle of technical options. We're breaking down the essential features so you can choose the shorts that perfectly match your activity, comfort, and needs.

How to Choose the Right Athletic Shorts

Before diving into our top picks, let's review the key criteria that will guide your choice.

Length and Cut: A Matter of Discipline and Freedom

The inseam length is crucial for your freedom of movement.

• Short Shorts (7 to 12 cm / 3 to 5-inch inseam): Favoured for running, they offer maximum range of motion. A lightweight running short with a split cut on the side is the holy grail for competitors, ensuring a completely unrestricted stride.
• Mid-Length Shorts (approx. 18 cm / 7-inch inseam): Extremely versatile, they are perfect for both daily running and gym training. This is the ideal balance between coverage and comfort.
• Long Shorts (23 cm and up / 9-inch inseam and up): Generally intended for basketball or certain fitness disciplines, they offer more coverage.

Fabric and Technology: The Winning Comfort-Performance Duo

Fabric choice is at the heart of performance. Technical, breathable shorts are essential for effectively wicking away sweat. Opt for synthetic materials like polyester or elastane, known for their hydrophobic properties (they don't absorb water). Some technologies, like New Balance's NB Dry, are specifically designed to pull sweat away from the skin to the fabric's surface, where it evaporates in an instant.

The Details That Make a Difference: Liners and Storage

Far from being gimmicks, these features are real assets.

• The Liner (or integrated compression short): Shorts with a built-in compression liner provide muscle support, help reduce fatigue, and prevent chafing. Other models feature a more traditional brief liner for comfort and support.
• Pockets and Storage: For a runner, a zippered pocket is almost essential to secure a key, card, or smartphone. Side pockets or a storage waistband can also hold energy gels for long runs.

Recommended Athletic Shorts Picks

Here are our top picks, selected for their technical qualities and suitability for different sports.

NEW BALANCE Q Speed Fuel 5" Short

Why We Love It

The Q Speed Fuel 5" is the Swiss Army knife of running. It features NB Dry technology for perfect sweat management and stands out with its ultra-functional multi-pocket waistband: a secure zippered pocket and two side drop-in pockets let you carry essentials without any hassle.

Key Features

• NB Dry Technology: wicks sweat to keep you dry.
• Multi-Pocket Waistband: secure and accessible storage for your keys, card, and fuel.
• 5-Inch Inseam: the ideal compromise between coverage and freedom of movement.
• Reflective Details: to stay visible during night runs or in low-light conditions.

Who Is It For?

For the dedicated runner looking for high-performance, practical running shorts for daily training and long runs, and for whom storage options are a deciding factor.

NEW BALANCE RC Ultra Light 3" Split Short

Why We Love It

These shorts are built for speed. Their feather-light design feels like you're wearing nothing at all, while the 3-inch split cut completely frees up your leg for maximum stride range. The four-way stretch fabric follows your every move without the slightest restriction.

Key Features

• Split Cut: unrestricted mobility, ideal for competition.
• Ultra-Lightweight Design: lets you forget the shorts and focus solely on performance.
• Four-Way Stretch Fabric: absolute freedom of movement.
• Built-in Brief: for comfortable and discreet support.

Who Is It For?

For the competitor and interval training enthusiast who wants lightweight, minimalist running shorts designed to smash a personal best on race day.

GALTSAND Train Tech Short

Why We Love It

The Train Tech Short is specifically designed for high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Its ace in the hole? A built-in compression liner that offers targeted muscle support during dynamic movements (squats, lunges, jumps) while preventing chafing.

Key Features

• Integrated Compression Liner: muscle support and anti-chafe comfort.
• Quick-Drying Fabric: to stay cool and dry, even during the most intense sessions.
• Lightweight Outer Short: ensures total freedom of movement over the liner.
• Secure Pocket: to keep your personal items safe during your workout.

Who Is It For?

For fitness, HIIT, or cross-training enthusiasts looking for a 2-in-1 garment that combines the support of a compression liner with the freedom of a classic short for their gym workouts.

Looking for Other Options?

Weren't convinced by our top picks? Or maybe you just want to explore a wider range of styles, lengths, and features? Feel free to browse our complete collection.

? Discover our entire collection of Men's Shorts and find the perfect pair for you.

Men's Athletic Shorts: Your Frequently Asked Questions

What short length should I choose for running?

It all depends on your preferences and type of running. A 5-inch inseam (approx. 12 cm) is a very versatile standard. For competition or speed work, a 3-inch (approx. 7 cm) or split short will offer maximum freedom of movement. For trail running, some runners prefer slightly longer shorts for better protection against the elements (brambles, branches, etc.).

Should I wear underwear with shorts that have a built-in liner?

Generally, no. The built-in liner (brief or compression short) is specifically designed to replace underwear. It provides support, comfort, and sweat-wicking while preventing chafing. Wearing underwear underneath would likely negate these benefits and could cause discomfort or even irritation.

What's the difference between running shorts and fitness shorts?

Running shorts are primarily designed for forward motion: they are often lighter, shorter, and may have a split on the sides to avoid hindering your stride. The focus is on light weight and breathability. In contrast, fitness or training shorts need to be more robust and versatile to accommodate a wide variety of movements (squats, lunges, burpees, etc.) and friction against equipment. They are often a bit longer and may include a compression liner for muscle support.