10 best men’s running shorts for clocking up the kilometers

The built-in compression liner in these shorts means there’s no faffing around before you run and you can just get them on and go. The liner provided an extremely comfortable layer next to the skin while the outer extended the use of the shorts into the colder months. The fabric is wonderfully soft which produced a nice fluid movement when running and there is a small security pocket in the back, which is just the right size for some car keys, while there are slip pockets for any gel packets that you’re taking out with you.

These shorts are made from a breathable material which wicked sweat away from my body well and offered a really comfortable fit. They sat close to the body when running ran so there was minimal risk of chafing. There’s an inner brief for extra support too.

In terms of storage, there’s a pocket for security as well as easy access pockets for energy gels and bars, which I had no problem getting into on the move.

But they’re definitely running shorts first and foremost. You can wear them to the gym if you like, but they’re built to excel when you’re pounding the pavements.

These five-inchers offered good breathability and a liner to provide support and keep everything in the right place when I picked up the pace.

What I really liked about these shorts was the fit, which skimmed the hip and thigh as I ran, proving really comfortable.

Two big front pockets and a zipped back pocket provide plenty of options for storage too, and despite specialising in running I found they were more than capable of doubling up as a gym short.

These are the same shorts worn by Eliud Kipchoge when he smashed the marathon world record in Berlin and we didn’t hear him complain about chafing when he crossed the finish line. If you’re particularly susceptible then these half-length shorts will ensure that no matter how fast your stride you’ll stay comfortable with good compression that will help with muscle fatigue when the miles start to mount up. There isn’t any storage so these really are a race day short, although you can layer them under another pair of shorts for more versatility.

A very popular brand within the running community, these shorts are designed to straddle the seasons with an excellent mix of multi-holed ventilation up the side, which worked well on warmer days, while the double layer of fabric won’t leave you feeling exposed on early morning runs. There’s no rubbing at the hem edges and the inner is made from Italian knitted fabric that was barely noticeable, while also providing just the right amount of compression. A small back zipper provides storage for keys and nutrition.

If you’re looking to lighten the load when you’re running and shave some seconds from your Strava post then these featherlight, versatile shorts from On could be the perfect match. The comfortable, light and stretchy fabric blend used for the inner is also utilised for the front half of the shorts, while the polyester back panels are perforated for good breathability. If you’re not so worried about weight, there’s a good pocket pouch on the back, which can hold your phone securely in place.

When things start to hot up, these shorts use “Ceramicool” fabric for the inner, which does a really good job at regulating your temperature as you run. The outer is made from woven mesh which moved really well with our stride and didn’t hinder any movement, while the zippered back pocket kept its contents secure and in place so we could just stash keys and gels and forget about them until we needed them.

If you like a slightly longer pair of shorts, these eight-inchers are made from Repreve yarns, which are recycled from plastic bottles. As well as doing their part for the environment, they are also high performance and allowed for good breathability and sweat-wicking, with the longer leg not restricting movement or causing any discomfort. Personal items can be stored in a zippered back pocket under the waistband.

These off-roaders feature panels of stretchy side mesh, which are both comfortable and adaptable to any kind of stride length, as you have to change your running style to react to different types of terrain. The mesh inner brief is really comfortable and breathability was good throughout the run. Good detailing includes waistband pole straps and a zipped back pocket. The prominent reflective bar down one leg also means that you’ll be seen if you need to run some road before you get to the trailhead. 

If you need your phone when you’re running, but don’t run with a belt, then these 7-inch shorts offer an internal pocket that secures even a plus-sized phone so that it doesn’t bounce around and distract you from your run. The inner lining is comfortable, breathable and the panelled construction allows the shorts to move with you as you go.