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 to perform in various contexts. If we can get the right pair of men’s workout shorts for our needs, then we train hard without worries.
There are countless men’s training shorts on the market, and it can be incredibly important to figure out how you plan to use your training shorts to get the most out of them.
Do you plan to tackle CrossFit workouts in your shorts, lift super heavy, or run? These are all important to consider. Plus, we could also break up shorts based on different anatomy wants and needs (big thighs, skinny legs, etc.).
In this best men’s workout shorts round-up, I’ve broken my favorite pairs of shorts into different categories where I think they perform the best. This way, you as an active guy, can make the best buying decision based on the context of your training goals.
Contents
- Best Men's Workout Shorts for CrossFit
- Best Men's Workout Shorts for Big Thighs
- Best Men's Workout Shorts for Lifting
- Best Men's Workout Shorts With Liner
- Best Men's Workout Shorts for Running
- Best Men's Workout Shorts for Comfort
- Best Men's Workout Shorts for Skinny Legs
- Best Men's Workout Shorts On a Budget
- Best Men's Workout Shorts for Classes
- Best Men's Workout Shorts for Outdoor Training
Also, are you looking for new cross-training shoes? Make sure you check out my TF2 Cross-Training Shoe Calculator to be matched with the best cross-training shoes for your needs.
Author’s Note: Some of the sizing dimensions in the images below change slightly based on my training cycle. Typically, I’ll have fluctuations in waist and thigh size depending on if I’m in hypertrophy or competition prep cycles.
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 asks 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 and 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.
Must Read: 9 Best CrossFit Shoes | Picks for Rope Climbs, Flat Feet, and More
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 its anti-odor.
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″
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $64 (non-liner) and $68 (liner)
- Read My Review: Ten Thousand Interval 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: HYLETE Verge III
The HYLETE Verge III short can be a good workout short to look into if you have big thighs. When training, I’ve noticed that the HYLETE Verge III Short does a good job at not riding up my legs even when tackling deep squats.
These shorts feature a gusseted construction which I think will accommodate most guys’ big thighs pretty well. That’s not to say this short will never ride up, but compared to other shorts on the market the gusset and material in the Verge III do a good job at not getting caught and stuck up on the thighs.
I also like this shorts’ waistband construction and more casual look. Both of these features make this an easy model to wear out and about on a daily wear basis. Note, this model does not come with an internal compression liner so you’ll need to have or invest in a separate compression liner when training in these shorts.
- Best For: Lifting, CrossFit, Athletic-Focused Sessions
- Inseam Options: Quad-Cut, Above-Knee, Long, Regular
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $78 (non-liner)
- Read My Review: HYLETE Verge III Review
HYLETE Verge III Short
$78
Best For
- Lifting and Cross-Training
- Daily Wear
- Short Runs
- HIIT Workouts
- Bigger Thighs
Falls Short
- For Cost-Efficiency
- For Long-Distance Runs
- For Hiding Water and Sweat
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. I train in a variety of ways so I need shorts that will last a while and be durable long-term for my lifting needs.
Top Choice: Ten Thousand Foundation Short
The Ten Thousand Foundation Short is tried and true and this was actually the first pair of shorts I ever got from Ten Thousand. My first pair from 2018 is still kicking and I’ll them not and then for tackling lifting sessions. That being said, the durability of the Foundation Short is what originally won me over for them.
This short features a boardshorts-style drawstring which also makes this short a solid day-to-day model, too. Now, it’s worth noting that this style of short drawstring and waistband is not everybody’s favorite.
Must Read: 8 Best Cross-Training Shoes | Picks for CrossFit, Lifting, and More
However, if you don’t mind it, then it’s tough to beat the Foundation Short for lifting. This short’s shell is highly abrasion resistant and has a double-weave construction which delivers a sturdy feel while also providing a little stretch. For sessions where I’m tackling heavy deadlifts or cleans, I’m constantly reaching for the Foundation Short for this reason.
On top of this, the Foundation Short comes with silver-ion technology for anti-odor which is perfect for guys like me who don’t wash their shorts after every single training session.
- Best For: Recreational Lifting, Daily Wear
- Inseam Options: 5″, 7″, and 9″
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $64 (non-liner) and $68 (liner)
- Read My Review: Ten Thousand Foundation Short Review
Ten Thousand Foundation Short
$68
Best For
- Barbell Training
- Day-to-Day Wear
- Tough Gym Sessions
Falls Short
- For Longer Runs
- For Agility Training
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 liner built-in will feel seamless and allow the shorts to move and breathe well without getting overly uncomfortable.
Top Choice: Vuori Kore Short
The Kuori Kore Short is one of the better workout shorts with a liner built-in and that’s due to the Kore Short liner’s comfort. The Kore Short’s liner is lightweight and it stretches really well.
On a daily basis and for casual training this liner feels awesome and it breathes so you never get that overly hot feeling. Additionally, the liner never feels like it’s overly squeezing the quads a ton and even if you have bigger thighs, then I think you’ll enjoy how the Kore Short’s liner feels.
As opposed to the standard spandex and polyester liners that hug fairly tight, the boxer-like liner in the Kore Short delivers a lightweight and more casual.
The Kore Short also comes equipped with anti-odor and sweat-wicking properties to further its case as a top-performer for shorts with liners built-in. If you want comfort, breathability, and only a light liner for going commando in, then the Kore short is worth looking into.
- Best For: Casual Training, Daily Wear, and Comfort
- Inseam Options: 7.5″
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $64 (non-liner) and $68 (liner)
- Read My Review: Vuori Kore Short Review
Vuori Kore Short
$68
Best For
- Casual Training
- Day-to-Day Wear
- Recreational Lifting
- All Day Comfort
Falls Short
- For Maximal Durability
- For Sprints and Plyometrics
Best Men’s Workout Shorts for Comfort
When I’m assessing a short’s comfort, I’m not only looking at how the short feel in general, but also it feels in a variety of settings. If I’m going for comfort, I want my shorts to feel great lounging, training, and
Top Choice: Rhone Versatility Short
The Rhone Versatility Short is a fantastic option for a little bit of everything and it’s one of my favorites in regard to comfort as well. This short has a light warp-knit fabric and it stretches really well so it feels casual and comfortable in every setting.
Whether you’re hitting a deep squat or laying around the house, you’ll enjoy the Versatility Short’s overall fit and feel. This short also has leg gussets to accommodate legs that are a bit thicker in nature which also helps add to this short’s comfort.
I’m not the biggest fan of my shorts riding up in any setting and the Versatility Short does a good job at making sure this never happens when doing yoga, during training, and when laying around.
I also enjoy the deeper pockets on the Versatility Short. If you’re heading out and about for the day, then you likely keep your phone and wallet in your pockets. I enjoy the deep pockets on this short for phone security and holding onto my belongings. This short is also a good option for anyone that enjoys 9″ inseam shorts.
- Best For: Recreational Lifting, Comfort, and Athletic Training
- Inseam Options: 7″, and 9″
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $78 (non-liner and liner)
- Read My Review: Rhone Versatility Short Review
Rhone Versatility Short
$78
Best For
- Daily Wear
- Recreational Lifting
- Yoga and Classes
- Light Runs
Falls Short
- For Strength Sports
- For Shorter Inseam Lovers
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 for 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
- Inseam Options: 5″
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $78 (brief liner)
- Read My Review: Ten Thousand FAR 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 snug and true.
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 slim than other competitors on the market. Their shell construction in both the liner and linerless option doesn’t feel so huge that you’re swimming in this short.
The compression liner in the liner short fits a bit more snug around the legs so even if you have skinny legs, this short 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″
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $68 (non-liner and liner)
- Read My Review: Lululemon Pace Breaker 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
A lot of the most popular workout shorts for men are far from cost-efficient. Who else remembers the days when our workout shorts only cost $30 max? While it makes sense that materials and construction have improved, paying $70+ USD is certainly not for everyone.
Below is my favorite pair of budget-friendly workout shorts for men. These are shorts that crack $50 USD and are a top performer across the board.
Top Choice: Gymshark Apex Perform Short
The Gymshark Apex Perform Short is one of my favorite workout shorts for a few key reasons. The first is obviously the price point, this comes in at $45 USD which is saving many over $20 USD compared to other top shorts on this list. Another aspect to like about this short is the breathability of the shell and perforated waistband.
Despite costing less than the other models on this list, this short features a comparable 4-way stretch shell that has a high degree of mobility. I never feel limited when training in this short and the 87% Polyester and 13% Elastane blend also does a good job at not riding up or getting stuck up on the thighs.
The zip pockets on this short are also a solid addition for keeping your phone and valuables secure when training. Do note, that this short does have a slightly more thin fit to it, so that may be something to consider for lifters and athletes with bigger legs.
- Best For: CrossFit, Lifting, Outdoor workouts, and Versatile Training
- Inseam Options: 7″
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $45 (non-liner)
Gymshark Apex Perform Shorts
$45
Best For
- Casual CrossFit Training
- Recreational Lifting
- Athletic-Focused Training
- Cost-Efficiency
Falls Short
- For Guys With Thicker Legs (they fit more slim)
- For Built-In Compression Liner Lovers
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 consistently strong performers 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″
- 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″
- Pockets: Yes (zip pockets on both sides)
- Price: $72 (only comes with liner)
- Read My Review: Ten Thousand Tactical 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 liner 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 every short, 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).
That Fit Friend is a site that is supported by myself (Jake Boly) and its readers. If you purchase products through affiliates links on this site, then I may receive a small commission on the sale. These commissions help keep the lights on here at That Fit Friend so I can continue to create content and they help me purchase new models to review!
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!