Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Fashion & Style

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The 7 Best Running Shorts for Every Type of Runner

By
A figure running with Baleaf Running Shorts.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Jumpstarting the running season this 2022 means buying a couple of new running gear to hit the pavement with. Whether you’re a runner or new to running, running shorts are a must for keeping your full range of motion on your treks. And if you’re unsure about getting a pair of those iconic, quad-revealing 3-inch inseams, there are still a wide range of solid options that’ll work just as well.

The running shorts below come in all shapes and sizes. These quality shorts brands own different cuts, different colors and designs, and even different purposes for those who take part in niche running(trail runners unite!) because there’s a running short out there for everyone.

Related Guides

Recommended Videos

Best Overall: Tracksmith Van Cortlandt

Blue Tracksmith Running Shorts on a white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Tracksmith is the crème de la crème when it comes to running shorts: 4-inch inseams, a comfortable mesh liner, and anti-microbial fabric, the list of features goes on. These shorts have stayed in the runner’s rotation for a reason. And for design, we love the Van Cortlandt’s. They’ve got a classic collegiate touch to them.

Related

Best for Hardcore Runners: New Balance Impact Running Short

Dark blue New Balance Running Short on a white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

New Balance is all about legacy in the runners’ world. Functionally superior, always trusted. Snag a pair of these iconic 3-inch Impact shorts — made with 100% polyester.

Best for Trail Running: Nike Running Dri-Fit Ripstop

Nike Running Shorts on a white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For the trail runner — or for the fashion-forward runner — Nike makes some great outdoor gear for all types of activities. These Ripstop ACG shorts are built to handle the most rugged trails. You’ll look good tackling the terrain, too.

Most Stylish: Acne Studios Black Jersey Running Shorts

Acne Running Shorts worn by a figure on a white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Vented outseams, tonal mesh lining, and made with premium stretch nylon, these jersey shorts from Acne Studios earn as many style points as they do road points. Honestly, we wouldn’t be mad if you grabbed these to wear as your casual shorts.

Three More Great Running Shorts

Janji 3-inch AFO Split Shorts

Janji Running Shorts worn by a model.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Janji makes these running shorts with a superbly lightweight and fast-drying AFO fabric — a blend of recycled polyester and elastane. Their split cut design is made for runners who want supreme movement and mobility. Other great features include a built-in liner and zippered back pocket big enough to fit your phone.

Asics Road Stretch-Shell

Asics Running Shorts on a white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Asics have spent years engineering products for all types of runners. Aside from their best running shoes, they also make quality apparel. These stretch-shell shorts are made with quick-drying materials and a compression mesh liner for added support. And if you want to run in a low-light environment, they’ve got just the right amount of reflective detailing.

Baleaf 3-inch Running Shorts

Baleaf Running Shorts worn by a model.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Baleaf running shorts can be described as offering extreme stretch and extreme affordability. Your grab-and-go running shorts come in all the colors under the rainbow. Run fast and far in these bad boys.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
John Thompson
John Thompson
Former Digital Trends Contributor
John Thompson is a copywriter and content creator specializing in men’s lifestyle and sports. He’s often on the ground…
The 6 best Nike shoes for the gym in 2024
An athlete wearing the Nike Free Metcon 5.

Ready to hit the gym in a sweet pair of Nike shoes? We thought so! But there are so many Nike shoes out there, it is hard to pick which are the very best for the gym. If you just plan on hitting the treadmill, you'll probably do well with a pair of the best Nike shoes for running, for instance, but what for your weight lifting grind or climbing exercise? Will you find the stability you need there? Here, we take a hard look at and find the best for whatever gym activity you're planning to conquer.
The best Nike shoes for the gym in 2024

Buy the for the best overall workout shoes from Nike.
Buy the for a lightweight shoe that's great for movement and cardio.
Buy the and their for your indoor bicycle.
Buy the if you want a great, stylish wrestling shoe.
Buy the if you want a sturdy shoe to pump iron in.
Buy the for affordable, high-quality workout shoes.

Read more
The 5 best Nike shoes for walking in 2024, chosen by walkers
Nike

Not every day is meant for running and not every body is meant to do things at a fast pace. Walking is a good exercise routine in and of itself and it’s something that’s required to some extent each day. A good pair of walking shoes are the kind of sneakers you should have in your wardrobe, and we’ve made our selections for the best Nike shoes for walking. There are several use case scenarios we considered when making our selections, and they include the best Nike walking shoes for long days on your feet and the best Nike shoes overall, among others. Read onward for our selections, and to get some details on which Nike walking shoes may be best for your needs.
The Best Nike Walking Shoes for Men In 2024

Buy the if you want the best Nike walking shoes overall.
Buy the if you want the best Nike walking shoes for long days on your feet.
Buy the for the best Nike walking shoes for around the house.
Buy the if you want the best Nike walking shoes for trail walking.
Buy the if you want the best Nike walking shoes for a budget.

Read more
The 4 best Nike running shoes for men in 2024
The Nike Pegasus 40 men's running shoes against a white background.

Nike is one of the biggest names in athletics, and it’s regularly considered one of the best workout brands on the market. Nike running shoes are a big reason for its popularity. Making quality running shoes is even how Nike first made a name for itself. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting to make a running routine part of your life, you may be wondering what the best Nike shoes for men are. We’ve rounded up our favorites, and among them you’ll find what we consider to be the best Nike running shoe for men in 2024. We’ve made some other selections as well, so read onward to see them all.
The Best Nike Running Shoes for Men In 2024

Buy the for the best Nike running shoes overall.
Buy the for the best Nike running shoes for distance running.
Buy the for the best Nike running shoes for trail running.
Buy the for the best Nike running shoes for a budget.

Read more