I buy and test the products featured on That Fit Friend using a regimen of training tests that I’ve developed over years of testing training shoes and gear. I may earn commissions on sales made through the links on my site.
If you’re a guy that trains hard in the gym, then you’re going to want to have the right gear to tackle your workouts. Personally, I don’t want to have to worry about my workout shorts while training, so I’m constantly looking for the best pairs.
Questions, I consider include, do you plan to tackle CrossFit workouts in your shorts, lift super heavy, or run? These are all important to think about. Plus, I like to break down workout shorts for different anatomical wants and needs.
In this best men’s workout shorts round-up, I’ve broken my favorite pairs of men’s workout shorts into different performance categories.
Best of the Best: The Ten Thousand Interval Short is my favorite all-around pair of workout shorts. These shorts can pretty much do it all and they’re what I wear the most. Whether I’m squatting over 400 lbs or tackling a CrossFit WOD, the Interval Short never disappoints.
My Top Picks for the Best Men’s Workout Shorts
- Best Men’s Workout Shorts for CrossFit: Ten Thousand Interval Short
- Best Men’s Workout Shorts for Big Thighs: GORUCK Indestructible Training Shorts
- Best Men’s Workout Shorts for Lifting: Legends Luka Short
- Best Men’s Workout Shorts With Liner: Ten Thousand Interval Short
- Best Men’s Workout Shorts for Comfort: Vuori Sunday Performance Short
- Best Men’s Workout Shorts for Running: Ten Thousand FAR Short
- Best Men’s Workout Shorts for Skinny Legs: Lululemon Pace Breaker Short
- Best Men’s Workout Shorts On a Budget: LRD Athletic Shorts
- Best Men’s Workout Shorts for Classes: Rhone Mako Short
- Best Men’s Workout Shorts for Outdoor Workouts: Ten Thousand Tactical Short
Author’s Note: This round-up was updated in May 2023 to reflect changes I’ve made in my big thighs and budget sections based on my continual testing of the shorts below. I’ve personally reviewed every pair of shorts featured in this article.
Best Men’s Workout Shorts for CrossFit
If you’re looking for great CrossFit shorts, then you need to prioritize three key asks for your shorts based on their intent of use. These tasks include a short with adequate durability, versatility, and aesthetics.
Since CrossFit workouts are so diverse in nature, you’ll want a pair of shorts that is mobile and abrasion-resistant from barbell knurling and rope climbs, and if you’re like me, then you’ll also want your shorts to look good because you’ll be wearing it a lot.
Top Choice: Ten Thousand Interval Short
The Ten Thousand Interval Short is my top pick for CrossFit for a few key reasons. For starters, this short is incredibly consistent and it works for a variety of training settings.
The 4-way stretch shell moves really well and if you’re hitting deep squats or attacking frontal plane movements, this short will move with and never feel restrictive.
On top of this, the Interval Short is also durable across the board and they should last you quite some time before having to invest in new shorts.
I’ve had a pair of Interval Shorts last two years before investing in a new pair, and mind you, I was training fairly hard in them and used them to prep for multiple powerlifting competitions. The final perk of the Interval Short for lifting is how good it is at sweat-wicking and anti-odor.
Must Read: 10 Best CrossFit Shoes | Picks for Rope Climbs, Flat Feet, and More
I admit I do not wash my workout shorts after every single use (oh, don’t you judge me!), and when I’m training in packed gyms I never want to be the smelly guy. The anti-odor tech in the Interval Short is solid and they dry fairly quickly.
- Best For: Recreational Lifting, Versatile Training
- Inseam Options: 5″, 7″, and 9″
- Liner Options: Liner and Non-Liner
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $64 (non-liner) and $68 (liner)
- Read My Review: Ten Thousand Interval Short Review
- Runner-Up Option: Chubbies Ultimate Training Short Review
Ten Thousand Interval Short
$68
Best For
- Shorter/Mid-Range Runs
- Recreational Lifting
- Agility Workouts
- Classes
- CrossFit
Falls Short
- For Cost-Efficiency
Best Men’s Workout Shorts for Big Thighs
If you have thick glutes, quads, hamstrings, and adductors, basically if you have big thighs (in a good way!), then you likely know how frustrating it can be to find a solid pair of workout shorts that fit correctly.
I don’t have the biggest and meatiest legs in the game by any means, but I’m constantly running into shorts that feel limiting due to a lack of short width and gusset construction.
Top Choice: GORUCK Indestructible Training Shorts
The GORUCK Indestructible Training Shorts have proven to be a really strong option for guys with bigger thighs and glutes. These shorts have a lot more stretch in their shell than most of their peers and the leg gusset isn’t super aggressive.
With their more spacious shell and compression liner that isn’t super restrictive, I could see these shorts working well for muscular legs. I have found that the liner can ride up when you’re first beginning sessions, but it soon settles in and becomes a non-issue.
These shorts have proven to be really strong performers for lifting, cross-training, and outdoor workouts. I think if you want shorts for doing a little bit of everything on a weekly basis, then you’ll enjoy the Indestructible Training Shorts.
On top of this, these shorts are made in the USA and they come with GORUCK’s Scars Lifetime Guarantee. This essentially covers the shorts from manufacturers’ defects and you break them down you can send them back to GORUCK to be fixed or replaced at their discretion.
- Best For: Lifting, CrossFit, Athletic-Focused Sessions
- Inseam Options: 7.5″
- Liner Options: Lined and Non-Lined Options
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $75 (liner)
- Read My Review: GORUCK Indestructible Training Shorts Review
- Runner-Up Option: Ten Thousand Foundation Short
GORUCK Indestructible Training Shorts
$75
Best For
- Cross-Training
- Lifting
- Rucking/Hiking
- Short Runs
- Stretchy Short Lovers
Falls Short
- For Phone Storage
- For Cost-Efficiency
Best Men’s Workout Shorts for Lifting
Great workout shorts for lifting should have two key construction characteristics. First, they should be durable to withstand abrasion from knurling during deadlifts, clean & jerks, and other exercises.
Second, they should be mobile enough to accommodate the various range of motion you’re going to train in the gym. When assessing workout shorts for lifting, these are the two aspects I’m constantly testing and looking for.
Top Choice: Legends Luka Short
The Legends Luka Short is taking my top pick as the best men’s workout shorts for lifting. In the context of lifting performance, there’s a lot to like with the Legends Luka Shorts and these have quickly become one of my go-to’s for strength training.
The first thing to like about the Legends Luka Shorts is their lightweight shell construction. I enjoy the weight of these shorts’ shell because it doesn’t get hung up on the legs that much when squatting and they have a nice level of breathability.
In addition to their wispier shell weight, I also like the perforation on the back of these shorts and the split-curve hem. The combination of these gives the Luka Shorts a really nice feel for CrossFit and athletic-style training sessions where you’re varying your exercises a lot.
Must Read: 9 Best Cross-Training Shoes | Picks for CrossFit, Lifting, and More
I think if you’re wanting a training short for a little bit of everything, but you have a heavy bias towards lifting on a weekly basis, then you’ll enjoy the Luka Shorts. Their durability tends to be good for weight training and they have a nice athletic feel to them.
- Best For: Recreational Lifting, Athletic Training, and Daily Wear
- Inseam Options: 5″, 7″, and 9″
- Liner Options: Liner and Non-Liner
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $65 (liner and linerless)
- Read My Review: Legends Luka Shorts Review
- Runner-Up Option: Lululemon License to Train Short Review
Legends Luka Shorts
$65
Best For
- CrossFit and Functional Fitness
- Recreational Weight Lifting
- Short Runs
- Athletic-Style Training Sessions
- Casual Wear
Falls Short
- For Long-Distance Runs
- For Long-Term Durability
Best Men’s Workout Shorts With Liner
Personally, I love training with workout shorts that have compression liners built-in. It saves me the trouble of bringing additional apparel with me to the gym, and honestly, not every compression liner works with every pair of shorts’ waistbands.
A great pair of gym shorts with a liner built-in will feel seamless and allow the shorts to move and breathe well without getting overly uncomfortable.
Top Choice: Ten Thousand Interval Short (Lined)
The Ten Thousand Interval Short with the built-in liner is taking my top pick for the best men’s workout shorts with a liner. Over the course of my last three years of training, the lined Interval Short is one of my most worn shorts.
The liner in this short does a really good job of providing you with enough security while not suffocating the legs. Plus, the liner in my Interval Shorts has typically lasted quite a while and their durability tends to be really great.
The liner in the Interval Short doesn’t feature pockets or a ton of frills like other compression liner training shorts, but I almost see that as a plus because it’s a tried and true liner that is bombproof for training.
Whether you’re doing CrossFit, lifting, or short runs, the Interval Short with the built-in liner should perform well and provide you with the security you need to keep the guys safe and sound.
- Best For: Recreational Lifting, Versatile Training
- Inseam Options: 5″, 7″, and 9″
- Liner Options: Liner and Non-Liner
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $64 (non-liner) and $68 (liner)
- Read My Review: Ten Thousand Interval Short Review
- Runner-Up Option: Chubbies Ultimate Training Short Review
Ten Thousand Interval Short
$68
Best For
- Shorter/Mid-Range Runs
- Recreational Lifting
- Agility Workouts
- Classes
- CrossFit
Falls Short
- For Cost-Efficiency
Best Men’s Workout Shorts for Comfort
When I’m assessing a short’s comfort, I’m mostly concerned with how a short’s materials feel and fit in different settings. When I’m really going for comfort, I want my shorts to feel comfortable for doing pretty much everything and look casual.
Also, when it comes to comfortable workout shorts, I’m also assessing a short’s pocket system. Do the shorts have deep enough pockets for daily wear and for keeping your valuables safe? Because more than likely you’ll want to wear these outside of the gym.
Top Choice: Vuori Sunday Performance Short
The Vuori Sunday Performance Short is taking my top pick as the best men’s workout short for comfort. It’s funny when I first invested in the Sunday Performance Short I was a little apprehensive of their higher price, but I’ve since become a big fan of them.
More specifically, I like the Vuori Sunday Performance Short because outside of their comfort, they work pretty well in a wide range of contexts. You can wear them to run errands, casually, and in more relaxed settings and they fit the bill well.
Compared to other “gym-focused” shorts, the Sunday Performance Short has a much more casual vibe, which I like. The deeper pockets are great for carrying around your belongings and the knit material is soft on the skin.
These shorts are also great for rocking with or without underwear. If you like to wear shorts like this commando on a daily wear basis, then you shouldn’t have issues with revealing too much as the material typically is heavy enough to keep things incognito.
- Best For: Recreational Lifting, Comfort, and Athletic Training
- Inseam Options: 7″, and 9″
- Liner Options: Non-Liner Only
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $78 (non-liner and liner)
- Read My Review: Sunday Performance Short Review
- Runner-Up Option: Rhone Versatility Short Review
Vuori Sunday Performance Short
$84
Best For
- Daily Wear
- Lounging and Relaxing
- Casual Workouts
Falls Short
- For Serious Training
- For Cost-Efficiency
Best Men’s Workout Shorts for Running
A great workout short for running needs to be built in a means that is optimized for this style of activity. This short needs to be lightweight, breathable, and never cause chafing.
If you’re tackling longer runs and want a short designed for excelling in long-distance runs, races, and your general running training, then check out the model below.
Top Choice: Ten Thousand FAR Short
The Ten Thousand FAR Short is a great model for the serious runner who’s putting in a ton of mileage on a weekly basis. This short delivers all of the elements that you’ll want from a running short and it’s designed with sustainable materials.
Personally, that’s what earns this short as my top pick for running. In the world of fast fashion, it’s really cool to see models that utilize more environmentally-conscious materials while also performing at a high level.
Outside of the materials used in this short, I also love its light shell and its internal brief liner feels supportive but never restrictive. In some shorts, brief liners can ride up on me, but I never really have that issue in the FAR Short. The last aspect to like about the FAR Short is the posterior phone pocket.
This is one of the better phone pockets I’ve experienced in running shorts and it beats the internal waistband phone pocket that comes on the Ten Thousand Distance Short for security. If you run with your phone, then you’ll like the FAR Short’s phone pocket.
- Best For: Running and Conditioning
- Liner Options: Brief-Only Option
- Inseam Options: 5″
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $78 (brief liner)
- Read My Review: Ten Thousand FAR Short Review
- Runner-Up Option: Lululemon Pace Breaker Short Review
Ten Thousand FAR Short
$78
Best For
- Mid-Range Runs
- Long Distance Runs
- Eco-Friendly Minded Athletes
Falls Short
- For Cost-Efficiency
- For Anything Other Than Running
Best Men’s Workout Shorts for Skinny Legs
I write this section cautiously because I don’t want the term “skinny legs” to come with any form of negative connotation. If you have smaller legs and you find it tough to find shorts, then this section is for you.
In this context, you’re not going to want a pair of shorts that has large leg gussets that make you look like you’re swimming in your shorts. Below, is my favorite short for skinny legs that fit pretty snugly.
Top Choice: Lululemon Pace Breaker Short
The Lululemon Pace Breaker Short is an awesome workout short for a variety of needs and they fit a bit more slimly than other competitors on the market. Their shell construction in both the liner and linerless options doesn’t feel so huge that you’re swimming in this short.
The compression liner in the lined shorts fits a bit more snugly around the legs so even if you have skinny legs, these shorts should provide adequate security for your training and daily wear.
Personally, I’ll rock the Pace Breaker Short more for daily wear and for casual training sessions since they can be a bit more prone to riding up as the fit for them is slightly slimmer.
Outside of their fit, I also like the Pace Breaker’s overall appearance and comfort. This is definitely a good short for a wide array of activities and if you have thinner legs, then if I had to guess this short will likely become one of your “all-in-one” style shorts.
- Best For: Daily Wear, Classes, Casual Training, and Conditioning
- Inseam Options: 5″, 7″, and 9″
- Liner Options: Liner and Non-Liner
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $68 (non-liner and liner)
- Read My Review: Lululemon Pace Breaker Short Review
- Runner-Up Option: Vuori Kore Short Review
Lululemon Pace Breaker Short
$68
Best For
- Outdoor Training
- Lightweight Training
- Agility Workouts
- Class/HIIT Workouts
Falls Short
- For Heavy Barbell Training
- For Long-Term Liner Durability
Best Men’s Workout Shorts On a Budget
Who else remembers the days when our workout shorts only cost $40 max? While it makes sense that materials and construction have improved, paying $70+ USD for a pair of workout shorts is certainly not for everyone.
Below is my favorite pair of budget-friendly workout shorts for men. These are shorts that cost under $50 USD and are a strong performer across the board in the gym.
Top Choice: LRD Athletic Shorts
The LRD Athletic Shorts are a popular budget training short sold through Amazon. These shorts have a price point of $32.99 USD and have a lot of great features for their overall price.
I try to keep in mind that cheaper workout shorts typically won’t deliver the same quality as premium shorts, so when assessing budget shorts I’m constantly looking for which pairs give me the most “premium feel” which is an area where the LRD Athletic Shorts deliver on.
These shorts have a lot of the same bells and whistles as some of the more premium training shorts on this list. For example, these shorts have a compression liner with a phone pocket, a back zipper pocket, and a shell with decent mobility.
For the guy on a budget, I think the LRD Athletic Shorts work pretty well for lifting and cross-training. My pair have done a pretty good job throughout all of my tests and they do have a slightly more premium look to them which I like.
- Best For: Daily Wear, Classes, Casual Training, and Conditioning
- Inseam Options: 7″
- Liner Options: Liner
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $32.99 (lined)
- Read My Review: LRD Athletic Shorts Review
- Runner-Up Option: Leidowei 2-in-1 Gym Shorts
LRD Athletic Shorts
$32.99
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- Cross-Training
- Budget Shoppers
- Thin/Moderate Muscular Legs
Falls Short
- For Running
- For Long-Term Durability
- For Thicker Thighs
Best Men’s Workout Shorts for Classes
If you’re looking into shorts for primarily going to and tackling workout classes, then you’ll want something lightweight with adequate mobility and anti-odor tech.
Since most classes are in packed settings, it’s always nice to ensure your short is going to brand you as the smelly one in class.
Top Choice: Rhone Mako Short
The Rhone Mako Short has a lot going for them and I really enjoy this short for classes, HIIT workouts, and athletic-focused training. This short has a 4-way stretch shell that promotes seamless movement across multiple movement planes and the material overall is very lightweight.
On top of the stretch of the shell, this short has a solid pocket system for both daily wear and training sessions where you want to bring your phone and belongings with you.
The waistband provides adequate security and I never have issues with this short sliding around, so if you’re jumping, sprinting, or doing lifters in class, then you should have no issues with this short’s security.
If you go with the Mako Short with the compression liner, then you’ll also get Rhone’s GOLDFUSION tech. Of all the shorts on this list, I’ve found Rhone’s anti-odor tech to be a consistently strong performer and I think most athletes and lifters will enjoy how these shorts do in this regard.
- Best For: CrossFit, Recreational Lifting, All Day Wear
- Inseam Options: 7″ and 9″
- Liner Options: Liner and Non-Liner
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $68 (liner and linerless)
- Read My Review: Rhone Mako Short Review
Rhone Mako Short
$68
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- Lighter Runs
- Class Workouts
- HIIT Training
Falls Short
- For Cost-Efficiency
- For Maximal Waistband Security
Best Men’s Workout Shorts for Outdoor Training
If you bias your training towards working out outside, hiking, and rucking, then you’re going to need a short that features a bit more durability for your training asks.
When assessing workout shorts for outdoor sessions, I’m mostly concerned with versatility and the long-term durability of the short’s shell and other elements that can run into abrasion during outdoor sessions.
Top Choice: Ten Thousand Tactical Short
The Ten Thousand Tactical Short is a solid model for outdoor sessions and it was designed in partnership with the United States Special Operations Forces. If you’re into outdoor workouts, and more specifically hiking and rucking, then you’ll enjoy this short.
This is one of my favorite shorts for tackling these tasks and that’s for three key reasons. First, the Tactical Short comes with a ripstop shell which I think is fantastic for resisting abrasion and snags from things like branches and rocks.
Plus, this material is lightweight and dries fairly fast so this is also a great model for doing light swims if you have creeks, rivers, or lakes around. Second, the thicker waistband on this model provides a nice secure fit across the board and the internal drawstrings never tend to come undone during outdoor sessions.
Third and lastly, the zipper pockets in this model are pretty clutch when you bring your phone, wallet, and keys with you during these sessions as security is huge to ensure you don’t lose your stuff when exploring and training.
- Best For: CrossFit, Recreational Lifting, Rucking, Outdoor Workouts, Versatile Training
- Inseam Options: 5″ and 7″
- Liner Options: Liner and Non-Liner
- Pockets: Yes (zip pockets on both sides)
- Price: $72 (only comes with liner)
- Read My Review: Ten Thousand Tactical Short Review
- Runner-Up Option: HYLETE Verge III Short Review
Ten Thousand Tactical Short
$74
Best For
- Outdoor Training
- Barbell Training
- Rucking and Hiking
Falls Short
- For Cost-Efficiency
Compression Liner Vs Non-Liner
If you’re wondering whether you should go for a short with a compress liner or if you should go linerless, then it’s a good idea to consider two things. First, do you like bringing less with you to the gym? Personally, I love having compression liners built into my shorts because it helps me worry about fewer articles of clothing when I’m packing my gym bag.
Plus, I never have to worry about losing compression liners in the wash or my other clothes. Additionally, not every compression liner waistband works with different shorts, so this helps take the thought out of planning gym outfits. If you’ve ever run into this, then you know how annoying it can be to constantly adjust your shorts while training.
If you want to hedge your bets for your shorts fitting well and being a minimalist with apparel, then I’d suggest going with a liner if you can. The only caveat to shorts with liners built-in is that they’re often not the most comfortable for daily wear as the liner can feel a bit restrictive.
Second, do you prefer a compression liner for a specific reason? A lot of times when I talk to lifters and athletes that prefer having their own compression liner it’s for a specific reason. This may be an internal phone pocket on the leg, a preferred fit, or another reason. If this sounds like you, then a linerless short will likely be your best call.
Should I go 5″, 7″ or 9″ Inseam?
When looking into different inseam options there are two aspects to consider. The first is obviously your preference and what you like with your shorts. The second is how the inseam can support or hinder performance.
An example here would be a long inseam short used for long-distance running. In this context, the short could hinder performance due to chafing and feeling heavy after longer sessions. This is also why you never see marathoners running in long shorts.
In the image above, I’m wearing a 7″ inseam and in all of my individual men’s workout shorts reviews, I discuss sizing to give you an idea of how certain shorts will look.
Below are the most popular inseam options and some of my thoughts on each in regard to workout performance.
- 5″ Inseam
- Pros: Great for running, mobility, and being a breathable, minimalist option.
- Cons: Not always the best for strength work including deadlifts, cleans, and snatches.
- 7″ Inseam
- Pros: Best of all worlds type of short and long enough to be versatile, but short enough for cardiovascular training.
- Cons: It may also be too short for some tall lifters doing things like deadlifts and cleans.
- 9″ Inseam
- Pros: Best for protecting the thighs from friction.
- Cons: Not the lightest or most versatile option compared to 5″ and 7″.
If you want to get an idea of the inseam in a new pair of shorts that you’re thinking about investing in, then do the following.
Take a pair of your current shorts and lay them on the ground. Grab a measuring tape and measure from the crotch to the end of the short. This is your current inseam and now you can mentally take or add inches accordingly.
How I Test Men’s Workout Shorts
With reviewing and testing training shoes and apparel, I have similar means of assessing different products. For men’s workout shorts specifically, I consider how a short is intended to be used, then I train in them — a lot.
With my training, I’m constantly shifting gears between cross-training workouts, heavier strength work, running, and athletic-style training. This is due to the breadth of shoe reviews I do, but also because I train as a hybrid athlete.
In my training sessions where I’m specifically assessing shorts, I’m considering three key performance and construction components which include:
- Mobility: How much does a short stretch when training? Is it limiting for certain workouts or activities? Will it be restrictive for certain anatomies?
- Durability: How does the short do in settings where it’s intended to perform well? For example, if a short is designed to be abrasion-resistant for lifting, then does it actually hold its own for this ask? What construction elements could cause a short to perform poorly?
- Versatility: How well does the short perform for different activities? If it’s a more pricey short, can it hold its own for different means of training or is it hyper-specific and should it be limited to only certain training settings?
These are the main components of many others that I’m constantly trying to assess when reviewing men’s workout shorts. Most shorts will work well for the recreationally active guy, so I try to be a bit more granular in my assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q:What is a short's compression liner made out of?
Q:What inseam is best for lifting?
Q:Why do runner's use short inseams?
Takeaway Thoughts
There are a lot of great men’s workout shorts on the market and it can be overwhelming sifting through all of the options. These are some of my favorite training shorts to date and every model included in this list I’ve personally trained in and thoroughly enjoy.
If you have any questions about the shorts above or have additional questions on sizing, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).
The answer is probably “whatever tshirt fits you and feels comfortable” but do you have any recommendations for shirts for training, particularly weight training? I had to toss all the slick synthetic shirts because they just didn’t give me enough grip in back squats and it was messing up my form. I’ve tried A7 grip shirts but they’re pricey. Is there a durable shirt that’s some blend, fits an athletic build without being too baggy, and comes in cheap?
Hey Matt! Man, you’re not alone here — I feel like the market is seriously lacking for a shirt that tackles strength training specific asks while also not costing an arm and a leg. Tbh, when I’m squatting or benching, I’ll just wear normal cotton/polyester shirts and these do a pretty good job at preventing slip especially if you get the right blend. I’m not a fan of the pricier grip shirts either. Let me rack my brain and look around at what’s worked for me in the past and I’ll get back to you!
Hi,
Thanks for your reviews! Quick question on the Legends Luka shorts… I know you said you were a 32-33 waist and the medium was a good fit. I’m a 33-34 and was wondering if you think the medium would be best, or should I size up??? I’ve been boarder line medium/large with all of my shorts lately and if I’m going to spend this much money on a pair of shorts, I want to make sure the fit will be right.
Thanks for your help! It’s appreciated much!!
Dan
Hey Dan — I’d probably go with the large in the Luka. I feel like the medium may run too snug for you. Def keep me posted regarding your sizing, please! Helps me with future suggestions, too!