10 Best Running Shorts for Men 2026: Lined and Unlined Picks

The Patagonia Strider Pro 5″ is the unanimous favorite from runners. What makes them work is the combination of details: an external drawstring that prevents waistband chafing, a DWR coated shell that sheds rain and keeps pockets dry, five pockets that carry gels, keys, and a phone without excessive bounce, and HeiQ anti odor treatment that keeps the shorts fresh. The brief liner is secure and chafe free. Available in 5 and 7 inch inseams, made from recycled ocean plastic in a Fair Trade certified factory.

The ASICS Road 5″ is what I reach for on most of my daily runs. It is a straightforward, well made running short that does everything right at about half the price of the Patagonia. The woven shell has four way stretch, side mesh panels for airflow, and a soft mesh brief liner that provides support without feeling constrictive. The zippered back pocket includes a moisture barrier that keeps your phone dry from sweat. I have been running in mine for over a year and the liner still has its shape and the elastic has not stretched out. ASICS also makes a 2 in 1 version (Road 2N1) with a longer compression liner for more coverage.

The CRZ YOGA 2 in 1 is the budget pick that punches above its price. At $28 to $35 on Amazon it is a fraction of the cost of the Patagonia or Lululemon options, and That Fit Friend’s reviewer called them “not just a good budget short but a good short, period.” The compression boxer brief liner is the standout feature, providing medium compression that holds everything securely during sprints, squats, and box jumps. CNN Underscored compared them directly to Lululemon’s Fast and Free and found the silhouette nearly identical, though the Lululemon liner stayed in place better during longer runs. The honest tradeoff is that the shell holds sweat more than premium fabrics and the leg openings run snug for larger thighs.

Brooks redesigned the waistband to be lower and thinner than previous versions, giving it a barely there feel. The six pockets are the most on this list: a back phone pocket, four expandable hip pockets for gels and nutrition, and a liner key pocket. The stretch brief liner uses soft seams and lightweight breathable fabric that Trail & Kale specifically highlighted for chafe prevention on long efforts. At $58 the Journey is a strong mid range pick for runners who carry their essentials without a running vest. I own the non lined version and and they are great shorts, the lined version would be even better.

Men’s Fitness named the Lululemon Fast and Free their best overall running short for 2026. The recycled polyester shell feels lighter and more breathable than comparable fabrics, the mesh liner stays in place better than budget alternatives during long runs, and the streamlined fit gives glutes and thighs room without being baggy. Moisture management is excellent, drying faster than any other short I have tested. Over 20 colorway options from classic black and navy to bolder shades. Only available in a 6 inch inseam (the linerless Pace Breaker comes in 5 and 7 inch).

The Pace Breaker Linerless is lightweight, four way stretch, genuinely sweat wicking, and cut at a 5 inch inseam that works for the vast majority of runners. The linerless design is engineered to be worn with your own underwear or compression shorts, giving you complete control over the support and coverage underneath. For runners who find built in liners uncomfortable or too warm in summer, this is the better option. Available in over 20 colors from classic black to Lotus Lavender and Walnut Crunch.

Path Projects Graves PX is a top linerless pick, highlighting the Toray Prime Flex fabric as the standout. It is partially corn based, tremendously breathable, quick drying, and impressively durable. One iRunFar tester tripped and landed directly on his hip against a slab of rock, bloodying himself but leaving the shorts completely undamaged. The three zippered pockets carry ample gear including a phone in the rear pocket. Path Projects recommends pairing these with their own purpose built liner, but any quality running underwear works. Available in 5 and 7 inch lengths.

The Nike Stride Unlined is the most widely available unlined running short on this list and one of the best looking. The Dri-FIT fabric moves sweat away from your skin quickly, the breathable upper back panel keeps you cool, and the shallower rise gives you unrestricted movement at faster paces. The dual functioning drawstring can be worn internally or externally for a secure fit. Gusseted side pockets prevent items from falling out when you sit down, and the zippered back pocket fits most phones. At $55 to $60 with recycled polyester construction, this is a strong everyday option that you can find at most major retailers. Also available in a brief lined and a 2 in 1 version if you decide you want a liner after trying linerless.

The Patagonia Trailfarer is one of the top worn shorts in long distance races. The recycled nylon and elastane shell is ultralight and has Patagonia’s PFC free DWR coating for water resistance. The 6 inch inseam sits comfortably between the 5 and 7 inch standards. Storage is adequate with a zippered back pocket and side stash pockets, though not as generous as the Strider Pro’s five pocket setup. This short pairs well with Patagonia’s own running underwear or any quality compression layer. Same Fair Trade and bluesign certifications as the Strider Pro.

The Baleaf Laureate is the budget entry point for runners who want to try linerless shorts without a big investment. At $18 to $22 on Amazon you can buy three pairs for the price of one Lululemon. Treeline Review tested the Baleaf Laureate paired with Under Armour HeatGear compression shorts underneath and found the combination worked well for both training runs and trail efforts, with the UA compression pocket holding a phone securely against the thigh. The shell is lightweight quick dry polyester with casual side pockets and a zippered back pocket. It will not match the premium feel of Patagonia or Nike fabrics, but for the runner who goes through shorts quickly or wants a cheap option to rotate through the week, the Baleaf delivers functional basics at a price that is hard to argue with.