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We all know one of those guys who wears shorts all year, even when there’s a hailstorm or snow falling outside.
For the rest of us summer is shorts season. Running shorts in particular need to have a few key features to make the grade.
We’ve tested the best men’s running shorts on the market for summer 2025 with our own list of criteria.
Inseam length
We favor running shorts with an inseam between 7” and 9” to get the right range of movement, flexibility and comfort. Some runners prefer shorter inseams, all the way down to as short as 3”. Generally runners don’t like anything that hangs down too low below the knee as it just gets in the way and starts to add weight and restrict movement.
Splits or 2-in-1
Running shorts are specifically designed to offer you the best range of motion. The traditional design includes a split in the side of the shorts so the fabric can move with your body movements as you stride forward without restriction. Another design is the 2-in-1 which has a tighter layer of shorts underneath with looser fitting fabric layer on top.
Sweat-wicking
A sweat-wicking design is crucial to move moisture away from the body quickly to increase comfort during long runs and warm weather.
Pockets
A good running shorts design will include pockets for at least a key, and perhaps a phone or even some running energy gels to replenish your body during long distance runs.
Liners
Built in liners include underwear, which can help to reduce weight, friction and provide a more comfortable running experience with less irritation and risk of chafing.
We inspect each pair of shorts for quality, and test them out in real world running conditions on the road or trail. We also compare comfort, practicality, durability, materials and price points to give you our honest verdict.
£75 / vuoriclothing.co.uk
The Vuori Kore shorts have been designed with versatility in mind. The one short for every sport approach has led Vuori to give the Kore Shorts a classic athletic fit, falling just above the knee. There’s also a built-in boxer-brief liner alongside the outer lining to add comfort.
Vuori shorts arrive nicely packaged in a well designed box with inspirational artwork offering a glimpse of the thought and quality that is put into Vuori product design.
Both the inner lining and outer fabric of the Vuori Kore Shorts is light but well constructed giving confidence they will last for a long time.
The Vuori Kore shorts are extremely comfortable and the materials feel soft and super stretchy and that adds to the ergonomic feeling, especially when moving around.
The inseam fits around 3 inches above the kneecap – a nice length for both running and strength workouts in the gym.
The elasticated waistband is secure and doesn’t cause any irritation during movements and there’s a drawcord to tighten in and fasten the waistband if required. The shorts managed to stay dry and remain lightweight enough even during an intense cardio workout.
There are two side pockets with a slash design opening so it’s easy to slide in and put your phone, cards, and keys away and the pockets are pretty deep so items feel secure. There’s also one back pocket that has a velcro fastening that could be ideal for taking a key with you while out running.
Vuori Kore is an all in one short that offers comfort and versatility.
Pros
Comfort: 5/5
Movement: 4.5/5
Overall: 4.5/5
£70.00 / on-running.com
The Lightweight Shorts from On Running are ultralight and versatile with a perforated back to allow airflow and breathability.
They arrived nicely packaged in branded and protective coverings, and as you’d expect from On, it was all beautifully designed. Following on from the company’s use of recycled materials in its products, the packaging was also made from 99% recycled packaging. This is now the same for all apparel packaging On produces.
After unpacking the item the quality feel and construction of the shorts was quickly obvious, likewise the stylish Swiss sense of product design. The initial impression was that the material felt soft, strong and quite stretchy, as if it would be comfortable but robust during gym and running workouts. As promised, both the inner lining and outer of the shorts were incredibly thin and light.
The athletic fit was true to size and the shorts added the right balance between being fitted and allowing freedom of movement. The almost weightless feel is due to the 150g construction of the shorts which is most welcome in humid conditions during the summer. These shorts don’t have a typical drawstring fastening but there is a pull loop inside the waistband that can tighten them. Hiding it inside the shorts in this way adds to the overall sleek and lightweight feel.
There’s a rear pocket big enough for a phone and a small key loop inside the pocket to take the essentials with you. The pocket is very secure even when sprinting, thanks to the elasticated fold, albeit the pocket in an unusual location in the center back of the shorts high up near the waistband.
The fact that the shorts don’t have any hardpoints such as zips or buttons on the pockets should make them an excellent choice for floor and bodyweight workouts too.
Pros
Cons
Comfort: 5/5
Movement: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
£78.00 / lululemon.co.uk
Lululemon started out in Yoga apparel and there’s a focus on flexible and resilient fabrics. The company says the License to Train Lined shorts will help you ‘Train hard, adventure harder.’ with an abrasion-resistant fabric adding ‘protection against barbells and branches.’ This hints at a versatile pair of shorts that is equally as useful in the gym as out on a hiking trail.
Upon unpacking you first notice the heavy duty and solid feel of the shorts. The majority of the weight feels as though it comes from the waistband and the inner lining shorts. The lining is stretchy fabric and it acts like a pair of compression tights on your thighs. The outer layer of the shorts is a lighter material that feels soft to touch and well constructed.
The waistband is elasticated and very secure, but it also features a drawstring fastening so you can tighten and secure around the waist if needed. The drawstring can also be reversed so it is on the inside of the waistband to reduce bulk.
There’s plenty of pockets so you’ll have no issue taking items with you. There are two zipped pockets on the side, plus a zipped pocket on the back of the shorts, which features a fabric loop for fastening a key. The inner short lining also features a secret elasticated pocket which is perfect for securing a phone while you are exercising. Even tested with a large smartphone (a Samsung Galaxy Ultra) it’s a perfect fit with the elastic holding it firmly in place even during fast movements and changes of direction.
These shorts offer a nice streamlined fit, without being overly tight. The lining shorts fit snugly and hang about an inch above the knee.
The flexibility of the shorts will also work perfectly for a full range of movements and provide comfort when performing upper and lower body exercises.
There’s a 2.5 inch split in the outer seam of the shorts to allow greater movement.
Pros
Cons
Comfort: 4.5/5
Movement: 4.5/5
Overall: 4.5/5
£45.00 / underarmour.co.uk
If you like running, crossfit, or gym workouts the Launch 2-in-1 shorts from Under Armour might be a great choice for you.
With a liner short with 7” inseam they give your legs the cover you want from 7” shorts, along with some compression support and skin cooling capabilities. The outer shorts themselves only have a 5” inseam but when combined with the 7” inseam liner the overall effect is flexibility and comfort while still getting that above the knee cap look we want from 7” shorts.
The shorts from Under Armour arrived adequately packaged and protected from any damage in transit. The shorts were enclosed in a recyclable plastic bag.
Once opening the product it was clear these are very sleek and streamlined shorts, and they feel very well fitted and aerodynamic when you try them on. There is a phone pocket in the outer shorts which helps to add the practicality but it’s clear the Launch shorts have been designed with running in mind first and foremost. They work well for both short and long distance running because there’s no restrictions around the lower thighs and knees that will bother you. There’s also a large split in the outer seam so you can move freely, and stride forward without restriction.
The shorts also work well for circuit training and gym workouts and feel equally comfortable in all settings.
You’ll buy these for running and cardio workouts and be surprised at how well they work in the gym too.
Pros
Cons
Comfort: 4/5
Movement: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
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