The 12 best men's running shorts for summer 2025

A simple pair of running shorts, with a fitted under-layer to prevent any chafing on the move and a baggier outer layer for coverage as you run. There's a drawcord waistband that allows you to customise the fit, side pockets help keep items like a key or card close and a zip back pocket large enough to hold a phone.

What’s the best way to store gels on the move? Waist belts can add some unwelcome jiggle, while too many shorts have pockets that are either too small, too hard to open or located on the side (meaning that the gels bounce around). The Adizero Gel Pocket Shorts absolutely nail it with a large, easy-to-open pocket at the back of the shorts that can house three gels with no movement. For this alone, the shorts are worth considering. Add to this the genuinely effective Climacool materials that wick away sweat and keeps things nice and airy, and you have a seriously impressive product.

Our only suggestion? As all available lengths come with a prominent slit up the side, go for one of the shorter options (two-, three- or five-inch). The seven-inch option looks like the strange lovechild of a basketball short and a split short – and no one wants that.

These Gymshark shorts will be comfortable on the run and in the gym. The 7-inch leg-length sits mid-thigh and the slim fit means they don't look overly baggy. There are two leg pockets, but they aren't zipped, so you'll probably still need your running vest or run belt.

They are the kind of shorts that form a staple of your running wardrobe as they’re durable, anti-odour, fast wicking and quick drying – and lightweight too making them a very good multitasker, and a good option for warm weather runs or any sessions where you’re getting a massive sweat on.

For those who prioritise aerodynamics, these body-hugging half-tights fit the brief. Made from soft, stretchy, woven fabric, the second skin security makes you feel like you’re suiting up in muscle-protecting running armour. There’s a built-in brief liner and seamless front for preventing chafing, a vented waistband and six pockets, including two side pockets with moisture barriers to keep your gear dry.

Once you get above £50 for a pair of shorts, the value is often in the less-obtrusive details. In this case it's the four-way stretch in the weave, which not only allows amazing freedom of movement but is also lightweight and feels cool on the skin. The waistband is elasticated with a drawcord for adjustability, and there's a large zipped back pocket for a phone, too. A delight to train in.

Available with a mid-length 5-inch inseam or a longer 7" inseam, the RC short from New Balance is ideal for easy runs through to hard track workouts. The four-way stretch woven shell offers fantastic mobility and breathability, and the split hem gives some extra flex for intense sprints.

A drawcord helps you to cinch these down for a secure fit, and like a lot of the picks in this round-up, there's a rather handy zipped pocket on the waist for your phone.

Competitive runners don’t want bells and whistles on race day. Looking slick doesn’t hurt, either. Tracksmith’s Van Cortlandt shorts deliver on both promises with a classic tailored cut that’s lightweight, and breathable.

Bare-bones by design, these shorts get out of your way so you can perform your best. That said, they also have a small hidden pocket for keys and cards for when you aren’t racing.

Oh and FYI, these are the shorts that A-lister Harry Styles wore to run the 2025 Tokyo Marathon in a very respectable 3:24.

Some runners prefer the skin-tight support and enhanced range of motion you get from compression shorts. This pair from Brooks Compression hugs snugly in all the right places, with a pair of slim pockets capable of holding a phone and little else, which is kind of the point. Though they’re made to grip, they still have a drawcord at the waist so you can adjust the fit.

Good for trail, track or your local park loop, these minimal shorts are made from a stretchy, sweat-wicking FlashDry XD fabric that’s designed to sit close to the skin to lift moisture off the body to where it can evaporate faster. The thin split hem outers hang loose for good airflow, while the liner briefs add support without cooking up too much heat.

If you’re tired of a running belt jostling on your hips as you run, the Brooks High Point is the short for you. The short has 360-degree pockets along the waistband for storing the essentials. An envelope pocket on each hip keeps small items like keys secure, while mesh front and rear drop-in pockets — separated as compartments — let you organise different kinds of fuel so you’ll stay energised on long runs.

Our tester found the High Point ‘exceptional’: ‘They were the most unique pair I’ve ever worn, thanks to the combination of the boxer-brief liner, high waist, and 360-degree pockets.’ He praised the lightweight material and über-comfort of the liner.

The 2-in-1 has a comfy brief for runners who want more core coverage. Thick-thighed runners, however, may desire a longer inseam.

Whether you’re planning runs on the beach, dips in the sea, or just want to step off a hotel treadmill straight into the pool, Ciele’s hybrid run/swim shorts handle it all. The five-inch men’s shorts are cut from a quick-drying, hard-wearing ripstop with a PFC-free water and chlorine- or saltwater-resistant finish. So you can switch seamlessly from run to swim to lounger and back.