Running shorts for men are having a moment, on and off the track. And, in our opinion, the shorter they are, the better they look.
Just this month Donald Glover was spotted in Manhattan running in Brooks short shorts, whilst Paul Mescal’s viral lockdown running look in a pair of O’Neills continues to live in our minds rent free, and don’t get us started on JFK Jr, the spearheader of the trend who was routinely spotted exercising in his own little trunks…swoon.
Whether you go for a bright Seventies-inspired look or stick to a classic black and white, look for those that are lightweight, made with moisture-wicking fabric, and airy enough to allow for maximum movement and flexibility. The shorter styles are designed for a faster pace, so buckle in if you’re partial to a bit of thigh action.
Match them with your running T-shirt for maximum impact and for a boost in motivation when you want to go the extra mile. Some designs come with a complimenting top, à la Michael Cera in Juno, so look out for co-ords for a head to toe look that will have you pounding the pavement in style - bonus points if your trainers fit the colour story too.
Pockets can be troublesome when running with your belongings jangling about every step you take, so keep an eye out for options that feature an inner pocket to neatly store a smartphone, and mini-pockets for essentials like house keys and headphones. For the lining, the best are anti-bacterial, sweat-wicking, and chafe-avoiding.
If you err on the more part-time side of running, don’t fret about investing in a quality pair as they’ll look great and feel comfortable off-track too, worn with a T-shirt for a casual day in the park or layered under a linen shirt on holiday.
So, take a look at our edit below a selection to suit every style and budget.
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Brooks Sherpa 3" Split Short
Fit for speed, Brooks’ running shorts feature a flat waistband, side splits, and four-way stretch. They boast two oversized hip pockets for all your essentials, a bungee loop for your keys, and are made in a breathable shell fabric with a sweat-wicking liner to keep you comfortable on race day. Perfect for a warm weather run.
Buy now £28.00, Brooks
Adidas Break The Norm Shorts
Taking style cues from iconic Seventies running shorts, Adidas’ subtle striped design will see you pelting along the track in style. Cut from the breathable and moisture-wicking AEROREADY fabric, featuring a back zip pocket, and made from 40 per cent recycled materials, they’re a sustainable choice for a comfortable run.
Buy now £43.00, Adidas
Allbirds Men’s Natural Run Shorts
Break a sweat, not the planet with Allbirds’ carbon neutral running shorts. Made using merino wool, recycled nylon and elastane, they’re airy, quick drying, and have the perfect hint of stretch. Cut with a 7” inseam, they’ll hit your mid-thigh, and they feature a drawcord waistband, front and back pockets, and side vents for maximum breathability. Coming in seven colours, there’s an option to suit any running look.
Buy now £68.00, Allbirds
Nike AeroSwift Men's 4"/10cm Running Shorts
Pink to make the runners wink! Barbiecore is the trend of the moment (thanks Ryan Gosling…), and who’s to say it can’t be worn track-side? These bright shorts from Nike are on the shorter side, with high side splits for extra mobility and speed, and a hidden pocket for your valuables. They’re made with 75 per cent recycled polyester in a fabric that will keep you cool and dry on even the hottest of days. Pair with their pink vest for the full look.
Buy now £50.97, Nike
Tracksmith Twilight Shorts
A part of Tracksmith’s Twilight collection, these shorts offer a slightly longer silhouette and more relaxed fit than the split shorts, so you won’t feel self-conscious popping to the shops after your Saturday morning run.
Crafted from the brand’s floaty Bravio Blend four-way stretch fabric, with an anti-odour, anti-microbial lining, and three internal pockets, they’ve got all the mod cons of a modern running short with a collegiate design that wouldn’t look out of place in Seventies America.
Buy now £70.00, Tracksmith
Gymshark Arrival 7” Shorts
Adding a pair of white shorts to your arsenal is never a bad idea because you can pair them with any of your running tops and they’ll look good - but go for a black tee for a sleek monochrome aesthetic. Gymshark’s 7” shorts are a little longer with two main external pockets, so they’re perfect for a casual jog, and the high-stretch fabric means they’re great for training in the gym.
Buy now £20.00, Gymshark
Castore Mango Pace Shorts
From a brand borne out of the passion to create high performing sportswear, Castore’s shorts can go the distance. Designed with a classic track running silhouette, featuring an elastic mesh waistband, a back pocket for your running essentials, and made from a highly breathable fabric that will keep you fresh and dry, they’ll make your run all the more enjoyable. Pair them with a navy top for a contrasting yet co-ordinating look.
Buy now £55.00, Castore
Falke Ergonomic Sport System Colour-Block Stretch Shorts
This colourblocked style from Falke is designed to move with you whilst you run thanks to the slim silhouette and high-stretch fabric. Featuring a secure elasticated waistband, easy slash pockets and a zipped section for your phone, all of your belongings will be taken care of whilst you’re sprinting along your route. The light-as-air fabric means you’ll barely know you’re wearing them - scandalous!
Buy now £130.00, Mr. Porter
SOAR Running Marathon 2.0 striped running shorts
Founded in Hackney in 2015, SOAR Running combines cool design with textile innovation to create kit that looks great and feels even better. These graphic marathon running shorts are a case in point, with super-lightweight construction, a plush liner that’s aloe-vera-infued to stop chafing, and ample space for gels and mid run essentials, they’ll take you 26.2 miles and beyond in style.
Buy now £128.00, MatchesFashion
Under Armour Men's UA Launch 5'' 2-in-1 Shorts
Designed with built in compression shorts, Under Armour is offering two for the price of one. Ultra-light, with mesh side panels and a sweat-wicking fabric, they’ll make sure you stay cool and dry, whilst offering maximum support thanks to the added layer. With two external pockets that provide more than enough space for the running essentials as well as a nifty mesh lining to safely stash a smartphone, they’re a streamlined option that will allow you to run like the wind.
Buy now £42.00, Under Armour
