Best Men’s Running Underwear 2026: Anti-Chafe Picks for Long Runs
Updated buyer guide
Best Men’s Running Underwear for Comfortable Miles
Running underwear is one of those things you only notice when it goes wrong. A waistband that rolls, a leg that creeps up, or a seam in the wrong place can turn an easy run into a long shuffle home. This guide keeps the same core picks from the current article, but makes the advice clearer for long runs, hot days, marathon training, bigger thighs, and runners who want better support without wearing full tights.
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Under Armour Performance Tech Mesh 6 Inch Boxerjock
The Under Armour 6 inch Boxerjock is the safest first pick because it covers the main things most runners need: a close fit, breathable fabric, sweat control, and enough leg length to reduce rubbing. It is not fancy, but that is part of why it works. For daily runs, gym days, and travel, this is the pair I would try first before spending more.
- Best for: most daily runs, warm weather, and runners who want a secure boxer brief fit.
- Fit feel: fitted, but not full compression.
- Watch out for: the exact Amazon listing can change, so check that you are getting the 6 inch performance version.
Best Running Underwear for Men Compared
This table is the quick way to choose. For short easy runs, most of these will work. For long runs, pay closer attention to leg length, seam placement, and how much support you like. A soft pair that feels good for walking around can still fail once it is soaked with sweat.
| Pick | Best for | Fit and fabric notes | Why it works for running | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Under Armour Performance Tech Mesh Boxerjock Best overall Check price | Most runners, daily training, warm weather | Fitted 6 inch boxer brief. Current UA version uses a polyester and elastane mesh blend. | Good balance of support, breathability, and leg coverage without feeling like a full compression short. | Make sure the listing is the performance mesh version and not a cotton everyday pack. |
 Adidas Performance Mesh Boxer Briefs 3 Pack Best budget pick Check price | Runners who want a lower cost multipack | Performance mesh boxer brief style. Some Adidas listings vary by colour, fabric, and pack size. | A good value when you want several pairs for weekday training and gym use. | Adidas has moved toward current Performance Mesh listings, so check the exact product photo and pack before buying. |
 Nike Pro Dri FIT Fitness Shorts Best compression style Check price | Support, lifting days, speed work, under unlined shorts | Body hugging training short with Dri FIT fabric and a snug waistband. | Stays close to the body and works well when loose boxer briefs feel sloppy. | It feels more like a short than underwear. It can be too much under tight running shorts. |
 New Balance Premium 6 Inch Boxer Brief Best everyday trainer Check price | Everyday runs, bigger thighs, rotation pairs | 6 inch boxer brief with NB DRY fabric and a polyester stretch build. | Long enough to reduce thigh rub for many runners, and usually easy to buy in multipacks. | Not as premium feeling as Smartwool or SAXX, but that may not matter for daily miles. |
 Smartwool Men’s Merino Boxer Brief Best wool option Check price | Cool weather, travel, runners who like natural fibre | Merino wool next to skin with a 4.75 inch inseam on the current boxer brief. | Soft, low odour feel for easy runs, travel days, and cooler conditions. | Costs more, and the shorter inseam may not protect enough if your thighs rub. |
 SAXX Kinetic Light Compression Mesh Boxer Brief Best for long runs Check price | Long runs, marathon training, runners who want more structure | Light compression fit, micro mesh fabric, and a support pouch design. | Designed to hold everything in place better when pace, sweat, and distance all go up. | The pouch feel is personal. Some runners love it, others prefer a simpler front panel. |
Quick Picks by Runner Type
Start with the Under Armour Performance Tech Mesh 6 Inch Boxerjock. It has the most balanced fit for normal training.
Try a 6 inch leg first. New Balance and Under Armour are the easiest picks here because the extra length helps limit skin on skin rubbing.
Use SAXX if you want more support on long runs. Use Smartwool if your main issue is odour and comfort during travel or cool weather.
The Adidas pick makes sense when you need several pairs and do not want to spend premium money on every training run.
Nike Pro is the closest to a compression short. It works well when your shorts do not have a built in liner.
Choose breathable mesh or lightweight synthetic fabric first. The Under Armour and SAXX picks are the safer starting points.
How to Choose Running Underwear
The best running underwear is not always the softest pair in the drawer. For running, I care more about what happens after 30 to 60 minutes: does it stay put, does it dry fast, and does anything rub once sweat builds up?
1. Start with leg length
A 5 to 6 inch inseam is the safest length for most men. It gives enough thigh coverage without feeling bulky. Shorter briefs can work, but they leave more room for thigh rubbing. Longer compression shorts can work too, but they may feel hot under fitted running shorts.
2. Avoid loose cotton for runs
Cotton can feel fine at home, but it holds sweat. For running, look for synthetic fabric, merino wool, mesh, or a blend that dries faster. This matters more in summer, during treadmill runs, and on long runs.
3. Check the seams
The front panel, inner thigh, and leg opening are the places that usually cause trouble. Flat seams, smooth stitching, and no bulky tags make a real difference once you add sweat and repetition.
4. Choose support based on the run
Easy miles do not always need compression. Long runs, strides, gym sessions, and race days may feel better with a closer fit. The goal is secure, not squeezed.
Simple fit test before a long run
- Do a few bodyweight squats. The legs should not roll up right away.
- Jog in place for 30 seconds. The waistband should not fold over.
- Wear the pair on an easy run before using it for a race or long run.
- Do not test a new pair on marathon morning. That is how small problems become big ones.
Building the rest of your kit matters too. If your shorts already have a good liner, you may not need separate underwear for every run. If you prefer unlined shorts, this guide pairs well with our best running shorts for men. For cold days, check our best running tights for men. For hot or cold weather questions, the running temperature outfit calculator can help you dress without guessing.
Product Reviews
Under Armour Performance Tech Mesh 6 Inch Boxerjock
Best for: daily running, warm weather, and most first time buyers
The Under Armour Boxerjock is the pick I would send most runners to first. The current Performance Tech Mesh version has a 6 inch inseam, fitted shape, sweat wicking fabric, and a mesh build that is meant for workouts. That combination is practical for real running because it gives you coverage without feeling like a heavy compression layer.
For shorter easy runs, the main benefit is that it feels simple and secure. For longer runs, the 6 inch leg is the useful part. It helps reduce the chance of the fabric riding high and leaving your thighs to rub. I also like that this style can handle gym days and travel, so it is not a one use purchase.
What works
- Good balance of support and breathability
- 6 inch leg gives useful thigh coverage
- Works for running, gym, and daily wear
What to check
- Amazon listings can mix different UA underwear styles
- Not as structured as SAXX for long run support
- Not a wool option for cold weather or travel odour control
Adidas Performance Mesh Boxer Briefs 3 Pack
Best for: low cost training pairs and runners building a rotation
The Adidas pick is about value. Not every run needs premium underwear. If you are training several days a week, having enough clean pairs matters. A lower cost performance boxer brief can be the difference between wearing the right layer and grabbing a cotton pair because everything else is in the wash.
This is the pair I would use for short to medium daily runs, gym sessions, and general active days. It is not the most refined option on the list, and Adidas listings can vary, but it still fills a useful spot: affordable athletic underwear that is better suited to sweat than basic cotton boxers.
What works
- Good value when sold in multipacks
- Easy choice for normal weekday training
- Less expensive than wool or premium support styles
What to check
- Adidas listings are not always consistent across retailers
- Less long run specific than SAXX or Under Armour
- Check fabric, pack size, and return options before buying
Nike Pro Dri FIT Fitness Shorts
Best for: runners who want a compression short feel under unlined shorts
The Nike Pro is different from the other picks because it feels more like a training short than a normal boxer brief. That can be a good thing if you want a locked in feel for speed work, lifting, or running in unlined shorts.
Nike lists this style with Dri FIT technology, a body hugging stretch fabric, and a snug waistband. For running, the benefit is simple: less loose fabric moving around. I would not choose it under already tight shorts, but it makes sense when your outer short is light, loose, or unlined.
What works
- Secure fit for speed work and gym days
- Good under unlined running shorts
- Less fabric movement than relaxed boxer briefs
What to check
- Can feel too warm under thicker shorts
- More compression feel than some runners want
- Not the best choice if you want an everyday underwear feel
New Balance Premium 6 Inch Boxer Brief
Best for: daily miles, larger thighs, and runners who like 6 inch coverage
The New Balance 6 inch boxer brief is a good middle pick. It is not as premium as Smartwool and not as structured as SAXX, but it gives you the two things many runners need most: a 6 inch leg and a sweat focused fabric.
The current New Balance Premium 6 Inch Boxer Brief uses NB DRY fabric, a breathable polyester knit, stretch material, and a 6 inch inseam. That makes it a sensible choice if you want several pairs for regular training. It is also a good place to start if shorter boxer briefs always ride up on you.
What works
- 6 inch inseam helps with thigh coverage
- Good daily training value
- Often sold in multipacks
What to check
- Less technical than premium running specific underwear
- Fit can vary by pack and retailer
- Not as cool feeling as the lightest mesh options
Smartwool Men’s Merino Boxer Brief
Best for: cool weather, travel, easy runs, and runners who prefer merino
Smartwool is the pick for runners who do not want every base layer to feel synthetic. The current Men’s Merino Boxer Brief uses merino wool next to skin with a recycled nylon core and flatlock seams. It is a nice option for cooler runs, travel, and easy days when comfort matters more than a locked down compression feel.
I would not make this my first choice for hot summer speed work, and the 4.75 inch inseam may not be long enough for runners who need full thigh protection. But for low odour comfort, merino still has a place in a running drawer. It is also useful on trips when you are trying to pack fewer layers.
What works
- Comfortable merino feel next to skin
- Flatlock seams for less irritation
- Good for travel and cool weather running
What to check
- Shorter inseam than most 6 inch picks
- Higher price than basic multipacks
- May not feel supportive enough for fast workouts
SAXX Kinetic Light Compression Mesh Boxer Brief
Best for: long runs, marathon blocks, and runners who want more front support
SAXX Kinetic is the most structured pick in this guide. The current Kinetic Light Compression Mesh Boxer Brief is built for sport use with a light compression fit, breathable micro mesh, a no roll waistband, and the SAXX BallPark Pouch Pro design.
This is the pair I would consider for the longest run of the week, especially if normal boxer briefs feel loose or need constant adjustment. The pouch design is the big reason to buy it, but it is also the reason fit is more personal. If you have never worn SAXX before, test it on an easy run before you use it for a race.
What works
- More structured support for long runs
- Light compression fit without a full tight feel
- Breathable mesh and sport focused design
What to check
- Pouch fit is personal
- Costs more than basic multipacks
- The Amazon result may show a related SAXX sport style, so check the listing carefully
Running Underwear Fit Checklist
Use this before you buy, and again before you wear a new pair for a long run.
Choose this style if…
- 6 inch boxer brief: you want the safest fit for most running.
- Compression short: you wear unlined shorts or want more hold.
- Merino boxer brief: you want soft comfort for cool weather or travel.
- Support pouch design: you need more structure on longer runs.
Avoid this if…
- Loose cotton boxers: they can bunch and hold sweat.
- Very short legs: not ideal if your thighs rub.
- Thick seams: they can irritate during sweaty runs.
- New race day gear: always test first on an easy run.
What about lined running shorts?
If your shorts already have a good brief or boxer liner, you may not need separate underwear. I usually treat lined shorts as their own system. Wear separate running underwear when the liner is loose, scratchy, worn out, or not supportive enough. For more outfit help, see our running clothing and gear hub.
FAQ About Men’s Running Underwear
What is the best underwear for running?
For most men, the best running underwear is a fitted 5 to 6 inch boxer brief made from sweat wicking synthetic fabric or lightweight merino wool. The Under Armour Performance Tech Mesh Boxerjock is the best first pick in this guide because it balances support, breathability, and coverage.
Should men wear underwear under running shorts?
It depends on the shorts. If your running shorts have a comfortable built in liner, you usually do not need extra underwear. If your shorts are unlined, loose, or the liner rubs, wear running underwear or compression shorts underneath.
Are compression shorts better than boxer briefs for running?
Compression shorts are better if you want more hold or if you run in unlined shorts. Boxer briefs are better for most daily runs because they are lighter, easier to wear, and feel more natural. The right choice is the one that stays put without rubbing.
What underwear helps prevent chafing while running?
Look for smooth seams, a secure waistband, moisture wicking fabric, and enough leg length to cover the part of your thighs that rub. For many men, that means a 6 inch boxer brief. If you still chafe, add an anti chafe balm before long runs.
What is best for larger men or runners with bigger thighs?
Start with a 6 inch boxer brief that fits close to the thigh without squeezing. The New Balance and Under Armour picks are good starting points. Avoid very short legs if they roll up or leave your thighs exposed.
Can men run in thongs?
Some runners prefer very minimal underwear, but most men will be more comfortable in a fitted boxer brief or compression short for longer runs. Boxer briefs give more thigh coverage and reduce skin on skin rubbing.
How many pairs of running underwear do I need?
If you run three to five days per week, aim for at least four to six running ready pairs. That gives you enough clean options without relying on laundry every day. Use cheaper pairs for short runs and save your best pair for long runs.
Bottom Line
For most men, the Under Armour Performance Tech Mesh 6 Inch Boxerjock is the best first pair to try. It has enough support for daily running, enough leg length for thigh coverage, and enough breathability for warm training days. Choose New Balance if you want a simple 6 inch multipack, Nike Pro if you want a compression short feel, Smartwool if you prefer merino, and SAXX if long run support is your main issue.
Do one easy test run before trusting any pair for race day. Running underwear is small gear, but once it rubs, it becomes the only thing you can think about.
