Whether you’re a beginner or an ultramarathoner, there isn’t much that beats the feel of your favorite pair of running shorts on a brisk morning. But your shorts need to be lightweight and breathable so that they won’t hang down too low over your waistband and interfere with your movement, but also durable enough to survive the occasional snag on overgrown trails. Depending on your workouts, you might want to choose a fabric with a ripstop nylon weave that’s both abrasion-resistant and quick-drying. And, if you’re prone to blisters, look for pairs with a soft, comfortable liner.
The best mens purple running shorts combine comfort and performance at a great price. The Nike Dri-FIT Fast 2” Short combines a soft, stretchy fabric with Nike’s classic sweat-wicking tech to help you go further in your training and race-day performances. These barely-there shorts have deep slits on the legs for ventilation and come in a rainbow of colors, including this purple. They’re a good choice for any type of running, from trail to road and speedwork. But if you’re on the thicker-thighed side, be sure to size up.
Boston-based running brand Tracksmith offers stylish, unfussy activewear that focuses on comfort and performance. These lined shorts are built with the company’s Air Flat Out fabric, which is both abrasion-resistant and super-light. Our reviewers found that they cling to the skin without feeling tight or restrictive, and the internal drawstring provides adjustability. They’re ideal for running, but you can also wear them for “sweaty aerobic gym sessions and even some stretching at home to improve my golf game,” says a tester.
If you’re a minimalist who prefers to run in a single layer, these ultralight shorts from New Balance are an excellent option. Made from recycled polyester, these shorts are incredibly lightweight and breathable, but still offer an inner liner that’s surprisingly durable. They’re also quick to dry and feature a water-repellent coating that helps repel moisture, making them ideal for rainy runs or humid training sessions.
While these shorts are a little heavier than some of the others in this guide, they offer excellent versatility at an affordable price. They’re made just for you as soon as you order them, which helps reduce waste and overproduction. And, unlike many cheap men’s shorts, they’re not flimsy and will hold up to multiple workouts and washings.
The Lululemon Surge running shorts are a top pick among our reviewers for their combination of performance, style and affordability. These breathable, sweat-wicking shorts are a perfect match for the brand’s legendary Durable Shirt. They’re designed and tested by hardcore runners, and the outer Swift Fabric layer and clever OOM liner are abrasion-resistant and quick-drying. They’re also available in a rainbow of colors, and include two back pockets and a handy waistband pocket large enough to stash your keys. But, if you don’t like carrying a wallet in your pockets, the clever waistband loop is plenty big to fit most phones and other gear.
Milena Estêvão is a YouTuber passionate about sharing her experiences (challenges, successes and motivations) in the fitness activities she is involved in.
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