![\"(photo\/Nick](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Presniakov-20220301-1283-700x467-1.jpg\")
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Thanks to advancements in fabric technology and design, today\u2019s running shorts are better than ever.<\/strong> Overall, materials are lighter, more comfortable, and offer better mobility.<\/p>\n All running shorts should allow you to move freely \u2014 that’s a given. The best running shorts, however, should not only provide freedom of movement, but also keep moisture at a minimum to ward off chafing, and keep items like your phone, keys, and fuel secure without bouncing around.<\/p>\n After months of testing, even years in some cases, we’ve managed to narrow down the best of the best for whatever type of running you’re into. The shorts on this list are the ones we kept reaching for time and time again.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re interested in broadening your knowledge about running shorts, check out our comprehensive buyer\u2019s guide<\/strong><\/a> and FAQ<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>sections at the end of this article. And be sure to look at our comparison chart<\/strong><\/a> when it’s decision time.<\/p>\n Editor’s Note: For our April 10, 2024, update, we noted updated versions of some products and added the Adidas Adizero Control Running Tights and the Diadora Super Light Shorts. <\/em><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExtremely lightweight and airy<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSecure, bounce-free main pocket<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNext-to-nothing feeling<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSmall zippered pocket opening<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n This is the second iteration of REI-branded running shorts that we\u2019ve tested, and we have to give a hats-off to the design team \u2014 these are top-notch running shorts. Offered in both a 5-inch and 7-inch inseam, the REI Co-op Swiftland running shorts<\/strong><\/a> ($60) checked all the boxes that we look for in a quality pair of running shorts \u2014 comfortable, supportive, and moisture-wicking with plenty of carrying capacity.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The 73% nylon and 27% spandex shell is remarkably light and airy with excellent mobility. Not once was the stretchy fabric confining. The shorts pretty much felt unnoticeable, and the brief-style liner was comfortable, offering a good amount of support without feeling restrictive.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n A wide but comfortable waistband securely anchors the shorts around your waist. The rear zip pocket on the waistband is capable of holding a smartphone, and two drop-in side pockets can hold snacks or keys \u2014 all bounce-free.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n If we had to nitpick, one concern is their long-term durability. Take this with a grain of salt, as we haven\u2019t put them through a long-term durability test yet. We only mention this because the shell fabric is really thin \u2014 much thinner than most of the shorts tested \u2014 and they softened up a bit with each wash cycle.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n We’d also like to see the rear zippered pocket have a slightly larger opening. Stuffing a large Samsung smartphone in the pocket took a little force, and we could certainly imagine busting a seam trying to fit it in if you’re not careful. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n It\u2019s clear REI put a lot of thought into the Co-op Swiftland running shorts<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/a>. No matter what type of running you do, whether it\u2019s road, trail, or track, everything about these is designed for comfort and functionality \u2014 you\u2019ll put them on and forget about them. They\u2019ll work for beginners and elite runners alike, and we’re confident you’ll appreciate having them in your drawer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWell-priced<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tStretchy<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBaggy<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n If you\u2019re looking for well-priced running shorts for basic running and gym sessions, the Baleaf 5″ Running Athletic Shorts<\/strong><\/a> ($22) will provide the most bang for your buck. There\u2019s nothing particularly special about them — they just work.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The shell is extremely lightweight with a moderate amount of stretch, and the liner provides a moderate amount of support and adequate comfort for short outings. The rear-zip pocket was one of the largest tested, easily fitting a super-large smartphone, but it did bounce a bit more than other shorts.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n We could go down a long list of features we\u2019d like to see, but for under 20 bucks, we wouldn\u2019t expect them anyway. The biggest knock is fit. They size extremely large and baggy, nearly two sizes too big.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n If you\u2019re typically a large, go at least to a medium \u2014 maybe even a small. If you struggle to find running shorts with enough volume, these should work really well for you.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n If you\u2019re doing any amount of volume, we\u2019d steer toward other shorts listed here. But if you\u2019re not picky on the finer details and just need a pair of treadmill shorts, or shorts for quick, hassle-free runs, the Baleaf 5″ Running Athletic Shorts<\/strong><\/a> are for you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUnbelievably comfortable<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPolygiene anti-odor, antimicrobial treated<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGreat for post-run outings<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSomewhat heavyweight fabric compare to others tested<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Imagine taking the most comfortable pair of sweatpants (or shorts, for that matter) and infusing them with a highly technical moisture-wicking fabric. That only begins to paint the picture of how comfortable the Tracksmith Session Shorts<\/strong><\/a> ($70) are.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The lightweight four-way stretch nylon and elastane blend shell is freaking amazing. Beyond running, these are the type of shorts ideal for lounging around the house in. As a bonus, they\u2019re Polygiene anti-odor, antimicrobial treated.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n While these are one of the most comfortable running shorts we’ve tested, we wouldn’t wear them on race day or on a big mountain run. Instead, we’d want something that\u2019s more lightweight and with better pockets. Speaking of pockets, while the rear pocket will fit a phone, it takes a little work to shove it through the small zippered opening, which we wish was a little larger.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Still, the Tracksmith Session Shorts<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/a> have a place in every runner’s rotation based on comfort alone. If you ever find yourself with a social event after a run or workout, these are the perfect shorts for the occasion. With eight colors to choose from, you\u2019re bound to find a pair to match your shirt.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n For comfort and functionality from the track to the pub, these are some of the best running shorts available.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nThe Best Running Shorts for Men of 2024<\/h2>\n
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\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Overall Running Shorts\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tREI Co-Op Swiftland Running Shorts\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t5" and 7"<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t73% nylon, 27% spandex; Bluesign approved<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBrief (80% nylon, 20% spandex; Bluesign approved)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1 rear zipper, 2 side drop-ins<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/REI-Co-Op-Swiftland-Running-Shorts.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\tCory Smith<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t$60 at REI<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Budget Running Shorts\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBaleaf 5″ Running Athletic Shorts\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t5" and 7"<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t89.7% polyester, 10.3% spandex<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBrief (91.7% polyester, 8.3% spandex)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1 rear zippered<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Baleaf-5-Running-Athletic-Shorts.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\tCory Smith<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t$22 at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Running Shorts for Comfort\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTracksmith Session Short\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t5"<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t86% nylon, 14% elastane<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBrief (89% polyester, 11% spandex)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1 rear zipper<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Tracksmith-Session-Short.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\tCory Smith<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\tCheck Price at Tracksmith<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Pockets on Running Shorts\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBlack Diamond Distance Short\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t5" and 7"<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t88% nylon, 12% elastane w\/DWR<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBrief (100% polyester)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t2 rear zippered, 3 drop-in<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/mens-distance-shorts.jpg\")
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