Ten Thousand has a wide variety of men’s workout shorts available. They have shorts for tackling a variety of tasks including general training, rucking, swim-land hybrid workouts, and much more. This can make it confusing for first-time buyers or those trying to find the right pair of Ten Thousand shorts for their specific workout needs.
Factor in that Ten Thousand shorts are a bit more on the premium side regarding their pricing, I think it’s important to make the right Ten Thousand shorts call the first time so you don’t wind up with a pair of shorts that don’t match your needs well. I’ve worn every Ten Thousand short and have a really good idea as to how each short is going to perform in certain settings.
In this review, we’ll tackle some of the bigger training categories that I get asked about with my Ten Thousand reviews on my YouTube channel.
- Best Ten Thousand Short for CrossFit: Interval Short
- Best Ten Thousand Short for Lifting: Foundation Short
- Best Ten Thousand Short for Running: Distance Short
- Best Ten Thousand Short for Athletes: Interval Short
- Best Ten Thousand Short for Outdoor Training: Tactical Short
- Best Ten Thousand Short for Swimming: Set Short
- Best Ten Thousand Short for Casual Wear: Foundation Short
- Ten Thousand Short FAQs
Outside of this round-up, if you ever have specific questions about any of the shorts mentioned or if you need help with sizing, feel free to reach out and I’ll assist to the best of my abilities!
Best Ten Thousand Short for CrossFit
If you’re a diehard CrossFit athlete or love tackling functional fitness workouts regularly, then you’re going to need a short that is lightweight, versatile, and durable.
When selecting the shorts below, I consider how a short works with lifting, plyometrics, shorter runs, and pretty much every task you may encounter in functional fitness training settings.
1. Ten Thousand Interval Short
The Ten Thousand Interval Short is by far the best option for tackling CrossFit and functional fitness style workouts. This model features a 4-way stretch outer shell and an internal waistband that does a really good job and staying secure.
Must Read: 10 Best Men’s Workout Shorts | Picks for Big Thighs, Running, and More
Outside of its lightweight build and overall mobility, this short is also fairly durable and should last you quite some time so your investment goes the distance. The last perk of this short is the pockets and how deep they are for holding your belongings in both workouts and on a more casual wear basis.
- Best For: CrossFit, Recreational Lifting, Versatile Training
- Inseam Options: 5″, 7″, and 9″
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $58 (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
2. Ten Thousand Tactical Short
The Ten Thousand Tactical Short is also another great option for the CrossFit-focused athlete who also likes to train outside. This short’s biggest pro is its shell and waistband construction. The shell on this short is built out of a ripstop material that is fantastic for resisting abrasion from sandbags and rope climbs.
The thicker waistband also provides a lot of security, so these shorts never really loosen up in things like burpees where your waist will be making a ton of contact with the ground. Other perks of the Tactical Short for CrossFit include its side slits for promoting mobility and zip pockets for securing your valuables when training outdoors.
- 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
Best Ten Thousand Short for Lifting
When talking lifting and Ten Thousand shorts — and workout shorts in general — I’m most concerned about a short’s ability to resist friction from knurling.
I regularly compete in powerlifting and train with weightlifting movements in my off-season, so I need a short that can stretch well and not rip, and not break down from knurling friction.
1. Ten Thousand Foundation Short
If you’re interested in maximal shell durability, then it’s tough to bet against the Foundation Short. I actually still have my first pair from 2018 and wear them regularly because they’re still going strong.
The Foundation Short’s shell features a double-weave construction which does a good job at resisting getting snagged on barbell knurling. They also feature a boardshorts drawstring which gives them a much more casual feel and deep pockets for keeping valuables secure in commercial gym settings if you keep your phone, keys, and wallet on you.
- Best For: Barbell-Focused Training, Recreational Lifting, Casual Wear
- Inseam Options: 5″, 7″, and 9″
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $58 (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
2. Ten Thousand Interval Short
The Interval Short is also a really good option for lifting. If you’re someone that likes a more traditional drawstring and lighter short overall, then I’d say go for the Interval over the Foundation despite this model being my second pick because it will match your short preferences better.
The Interval Short’s 4-way stretch shell flows well with you in all lifting settings. What I will say though, is if you have a sick leg pump, then the lighter shell can get hung up here and there if you have really beefy quads, hamstrings, and adductors — which is not always a bad thing for my hypertrophy-focused friends.
- Best For: CrossFit, Recreational Lifting, Versatile Training
- Inseam Options: 5″, 7″, and 9″
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $58 (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 Ten Thousand Short for Running
Ten Thousand has come a long way for my diehard runners when it comes to building shorts for the mid-range and long-distance runners out there.
When talking running shorts, I’m looking for something lightweight, doesn’t cause chafing, and has a secure waistband that I don’t need to adjust mid-run.
1. Ten Thousand Distance Short
The Ten Thousand Distance Short features a lightweight construction with large side slits and mesh briefs to prevent chafing. If you’re longer distances the blend of these two do a really good job at making this short feel comfortable in pretty much every running setting.
Another pro of this short is its lightweight waistband which feels super minimal in nature. The Every Session Carry pocket system also does a fairly good job at keeping your valuables secure and if you like running with your phone for music, then this system does a fairly good job at preventing a ton of phone bounce.
- Best For: Mid and Long Distance Running
- Inseam Options: 3″ and 5″
- Pockets: Every Session Carry Pocket System
- Price: $72 (mesh brief)
Ten Thousand Distance Short
$72
Best For
- Mid-Range Runs
- Long-Distance Runs
- Track Workouts
Falls Short
- For Barbell Training
- For Those That Like Longer Inseams
2. Ten Thousand Session Short
The Ten Thousand Session Short is what I’d consider Ten Thousand’s OG running short. This model features a perforated waistband for a lightweight and breathable feeling and a cling-free shell for maximal mobility.
Personally, I like using the Session Short for my mid-range runs and have never really had issues with durability. The Every Session Carry pocket system is also a nice perk for securing your valuables and phone. My only gripe about this short compared to the Distance is that the Session Short’s brief can get hung up here and there if you have bigger legs (not the biggest deal for most, but worth noting!).
- Best For: Mid and Long Distance Running
- Inseam Options: 5″ and 7″
- Pockets: Every Session Carry Pocket System
- Price: $58 (non-liner) and $68 (liner)
Ten Thousand Session Short
$68
Best For
- Cardio Training
- Long Outdoor Sessions
- Agility Workouts
Falls Short
- For Barbell Training
- For Cost-Efficiency
Best Ten Thousand Short for Athletes
Technically, every section in this article is for “athletes”, but I wanted a section to differentiate training sessions that sports athletes will regularly go through.
This could include sessions that have resistance training, workouts on the field which could include plyometrics, sprints, and shorter runs, basically, what short can tackle the demands that a sport’s versatile training will require?
1. Ten Thousand Interval Short
The Interval Short is making our list once again as a viable option for athletes from all sports. This short’s overall versatility makes it a really safe bet for anyone that might be on the fence as to which Ten Thousand to reach for.
I love the Interval Short’s ability to support all types of activity and it’s decently durable in most settings. If you’re cutting laterally, jumping, lifting, or tackling shorter runs, the Interval Short is a good “all-arounder”. Plus, the sweat-wicking and anti-odor component is also a nice perk in team settings where you don’t want to be the overly smelly guy.
- Best For: Athletic-Focused Training, Recreational Sports, CrossFit, Lifting, Versatile Training
- Inseam Options: 5″, 7″, and 9″
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $58 (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
2. Ten Thousand Set Short
The Set Short is what I would call the Interval Short’s more swim-focused little brother. The Set Short offers a similar feel to the Interval Short regarding its overall mobility and 4-way stretch shell. The main difference though is that this short is specifically designed for supporting land-swim hybrid workouts.
In the context of athletes, not every athlete will be training in a pool, but the reason I like this short for athletes is how lightweight it is and how fast it dries. If you’re pushing hard on the field and in the gym, then you can be confident that this short will dry fast and be good at sweat-wicking.
- Best For: Athletic-Focused Training, Swimming, Shorter Runs, Versatile Training
- Inseam Options: 6.5″
- Pockets: Perfect Pocket System
- Price: $72 (only comes with liner)
- Read My Review: Ten Thousand Set Short Review
Ten Thousand Set Short
$72
Best For
- Versatile Training
- Swimming
- Shorter Runs
- Day-to-Day Wear
Falls Short
- For Cost-Efficiency
Best Ten Thousand Short for Outdoor Training
If you love hitting hikes, rucking, and training outdoors in general, then you’ll need a short to tackle these tasks without breaking down due to external elements.
When considering Ten Thousand shorts for outdoor training, I’m most concerned with durability and functionality. The last thing you want is an expensive pair of shorts ripping fast due to getting snagged on something like a tree branch.
1. Ten Thousand Tactical Short
The Ten Thousand Tactical Short is tough to beat for outdoor training and long-term durability. There’s a reason multiple companies and outdoor-focused use ripstop materials like this short’s shell. If this short gets snagged on anything, generally, it does a really great job at resisting tears.
On top of that, the thicker waistband is great for security and the zip pockets are also a nice perk when you bring your keys with you on hikes. I’ve used these shorts to tackle long hikes, rock scrambles, and tougher outdoor sessions and they’ve done exceptionally well across the board.
- Best For: Rucking, Outdoor Workouts, CrossFit, Recreational Lifting, 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
2. Ten Thousand Foundation Short
The Ten Thousand Foundation Short is my runner-up for outdoor training for two key reasons. First, its thicker outer shell is pretty much snag proof and you’ll get a lot of durability out of this short despite it not necessarily being said to be an “outdoor-focused” training short.
Second, the deeper pockets and boardshorts drawstring also make it a nice casual option for someone who wants to hike, train, and wear this short out daily. Of all the shorts in the list, the Foundation Short does the best at not looking overly gym-focused in nature.
- Best For: Outdoor Training, Barbell-Focused Training, Recreational Lifting, Casual Wear
- Inseam Options: 5″, 7″, and 9″
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $58 (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 Ten Thousand Short for Swimming
When discussing swimming, I often break this category into two sections. The first is for the athletes that swim regularly and need a pair of shorts for tackling programmed swim workouts.
The second group is for the guys like me who are much more casual with their swimming and want a pair of shorts for casual swim and beachwear along with tackling pool workouts once in a blue moon. Basically, those who want a pair of gym shorts to replace their trunks.
1. Ten Thousand Set Short
Of all the Ten Thousand shorts, the Set Short is by far the best model for swimming. This short features saltwater and chlorine repellent tech for long-term durability and does a fairly good job at not holding the smell of chlorine compared to other short models.
This short also features water repellent and quick-drying features, which are clutch for my hybrid friends who need their shorts to dry promptly when moving from the pool to a dryland setting. The waistband and Perfect Carry Pocket system in this model also make it a viable option for casual beach and pool wear. To be honest, these have replaced my swim trunks.
- Best For: Athletic-Focused Training, Swimming, Shorter Runs, Versatile Training
- Inseam Options: 6.5″
- Pockets: Perfect Pocket System
- Price: $72 (only comes with liner)
- Read My Review: Ten Thousand Set Short Review
Ten Thousand Set Short
$72
Best For
- Versatile Training
- Swimming
- Shorter Runs
- Day-to-Day Wear
Falls Short
- For Cost-Efficiency
2. Ten Thousand Tactical Short
The Tactical Short is also a viable option for swimming and I’ve used this model in a few swims at the creek without issues. The ripstop shell dries fast and zip pockets are clutch for keeping your belongings secure. For swims in lakes, creeks, and rivers, this short is a good bet.
If your training involves more dryland-focused work and outdoor sessions, and only casual bouts in water, then I’d suggest going with the Tactical Short. The only swimming drawback with this model is that the waistband does take a little bit longer to dry due to its heavier, secure nature.
- Best For: Rucking, Outdoor Workouts, CrossFit, Recreational Lifting, 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
Best Ten Thousand Short for Casual Wear
When it comes to casual wear, it’s important to note that casual does not mean that a short cannot tackle workouts. More so, that if you want a short that doesn’t overly like a gym short, then the models below are good options.
Yes, I know, they’ll always look like gym shorts to some degree, but you know what I mean — they don’t like some bridge over the top basketball shorts that shouts “GYM!”.
1. Ten Thousand Foundation Short
The Foundation Short’s boardshorts drawstring and overall heavier shell give this model a much more casual fit and feel. It’s a good short for tackling errands in and wearing out and about when you want to look somewhat put together, but also not slap on some more formal wear.
The best part about the Foundation Short is that if you’re only wearing it for casual wear and workouts here and there, then it will last a long time. This short should have no issues lasting you at minimum a year if you wear it exclusively in these settings.
- Best For: Casual Wear, Outdoor Training, Barbell-Focused Training, Recreational Lifting
- Inseam Options: 5″, 7″, and 9″
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $58 (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
2. Ten Thousand Interval Short
The Interval Short is also a viable option for casual wear. I’ll wear these on slower weekends when I’m taking it easy and going on errands and long dog walks. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and have a good level of breathability well in hotter settings.
If you want shorts for tackling a little bit of everything, then it’s tough to fault the Interval Short. They have deeper pockets, too, which are also nice for carrying your phone, wallet, and keys on a casual basis. If you go linerless, they’re also super comfortable for letting the boys breathe. Pro Tip: opt for darker colors if you plan to free ball in the linerless option.
- Best For: Casual Wear, Athletic-Focused Training, Recreational Sports, CrossFit, Lifting, Versatile Training
- Inseam Options: 5″, 7″, and 9″
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $58 (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
As mentioned above, if you have any questions about Ten Thousand shorts and need help contextualizing which to go with for your needs, drop a comment below or reach out via Instagram (@jake_boly)!
Ten Thousand Short FAQs
Outside of questions about which shorts work best for certain activities, I also get a lot of questions about sizing and how to clean and care for Ten Thousand Shorts.
Below, I’ve included some of the most commonly asked questions I get about Ten Thousand Shorts.
1. How should I clean my Ten Thousand shorts?
If you want your shorts to last even longer, then do the following. Wash them on cold and delicates, then let them air dry. You can put them in the dryer and they’ll be fine, but if you airdry them and run them on cold and delicates, then you’ll hedge your bets for having them 1) shrink and 2) break down quicker in a harsh washer and dryer environment.
2. Do Ten Thousand short fit true-to-size?
Before buying any pair, I’d highly suggest checking out Ten Thousand’s sizing guide before investing. On top of that, I wanted to also provide my measurements and some thoughts below for which shorts I like to stay true-to-size in and size up for.
- Waist: 33″
- Hip Width: 38″
- Mid-Thigh: 23.5″
- Height: 6′ 0″
Ten Thousand Shorts and How I Like to Size Them Per My Measurements
- Foundation Short: Medium
- Interval Short: Medium
- Tactical Short: Medium and Large
- Set Short: Large (Medium is way too tight for my thighs)
- Session Short: Medium
- Distance Short: Medium
3. Does Ten Thousand gear have a warranty?
Ten Thousand offers a lifetime guarantee on their products for manufacturer defects and issues with materials and craftsmanship.
4. Does Ten Thousand ship internationally?
Not yet! They do offer free shipping for their gear within the United States and now offer to ship to Canada, but shipping overseas is still not something they offer.
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.
