NOBULL Drive Short Review | Great Liner and Linerless Option?

The NOBULL Drive Short is built as an all-around training short designed to tackle nearly anything you throw at it in the gym. I’ve lightly dabbled in NOBULL apparel over the last few years, but have recently started taking them more seriously as they’ve made more of a push to build out their performance catalog, hence the Drive Short pickup.

The Drive Short’s shell is built from a blend of 86% recycled polyester and 14% spandex, and tries to blend mobility, comfort, and security without feeling too heavy or restrictive. As someone who’s constantly on the quest for versatile workout shorts, I was pumped to give the Drive Short a try.

I tested the NOBULL Drive Short across heavy squat days up to 315 lbs, high-volume leg hypertrophy sessions, CrossFit metcons, short runs, and casual daily wear to see where it excels and where it falls short. Can it replace my beloved Ten Thousand Interval and Legends Luka Shorts?

Who Should Buy the NOBULL Drive Short?

• CrossFit & Cross-Training Athletes: If your workouts blend Olympic lifting, burpees, box jumps, and intervals, this short delivers good durability with a secure waistband. The internal drawstring is also a nice perk for CrossFit WODs.
• Lifters Wanting Barbell-Proof Fabric: If you are tired of your training shorts fraying and pilling from knurling friction on deadlifts and cleans, then these are worth a look. These have held up well.
• Athletes Who Love a 6-Inch Inseam: If 5-inch shorts feel too short and 7-inch shorts feel too long, this 6-inch cut hits the perfect aesthetic and functional middle ground. It’s a unicorn inseam length for me.
• Fans of Secure Zippered Pockets: If you hate pocket flare and want your phone, keys, and cards zipped away securely, then the Drive Short delivers.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the NOBULL Drive Short?

• Athletes Wanting a Loose, Casual Waistband: If you hate super compressive waistbands and prefer a relaxed, super-soft waist for lounging, you may find these too snug. If this is you, look into other shorts or size up.
• Athletes Who Prefer Open Hand Pockets: If you dislike unzipping pockets to quickly slide your hands or phone in and out, you’ll proably want to pass on these.

Sizing and Fit Suggestions

The NOBULL Drive Short fits fairly true to size around the waist, but it leans toward an athletic, performance-snug fit regarding its waistband. Its gusset is decent regarding accommodating more muscular, lean legs.

My Sizing Dimensions:

• Height: 6′ 0″
• Weight: 181 lbs
• Waist: 32-33″
• Hip (circumference around butt): 41″
• Mid-Thigh: 24.5″

My sizing dimensions are above, in this short I went with a size medium, which was recommended for 31-33 inch waistbands. Below are some thoughts I have on their fit and sizing.

Standard/Athletic/Lean Builds: Go with your true waist size. The waistband will feel comfortably compressive, the flat front will lay smoothly, and the internal drawstring allows you to tie it securely without external bulk.

Prefer a Relaxed/Casual Waistband: If you dislike snug waist compression or want to wear these primarily for casual wear, size up one size. Sizing up will provide a more relaxed fit through the midsection without making the legs feel excessively baggy. However, if you’re on the smaller end of their sizing recommendations, then sizing up may be a miss due to too much of a sizing spread.

The 6-Inch Inseam: This is arguably the sweet spot for training shorts. It avoids feeling excessively short like a 5-inch running split, but doesn’t feel overly long or heavy like a 7-inch short. It hits high enough to show off tasteful quad development while providing enough fabric coverage to protect your skin from barbell knurling.

Massive Quads/Bodybuilders: If you have exceptionally thick quads, the shell might feel a bit snug on you. The stretch will accommodate movement, but you will definitely fill out the leg openings.

Performance Assessment

• Best For: CrossFit, functional cross-training, barbell strength work, leg days, and athletes wanting a secure 6-inch inseam training short.
• Lifting & Barbell Performance: Exceptional. Accommodates 315+ lb squats and deep hip flexion with zero binding. The 86/14 shell resists knurling friction, showing no fraying, pilling, or ripping on cleans and deadlifts.
• Conditioning & Metcons: Fantastic. The compressive, lie-flat waistband and internal drawstring keep the shorts locked in place without slipping during burpees, box jumps, and plyometrics.
• Running & Cardio: Good for short runs, warm-ups, 5Ks, and HYROX-style intervals, though not a replacement for dedicated running split shorts.
• Pocket Security: 10/10. Dual zippered hand pockets keep phones, wallets, and keys completely locked down with zero pocket flare.

Lifting & Strength Training: 9/10

For weightlifting, barbell complexes, and bodybuilding leg days, the Drive Short performs at an exceptionally high level. During testing, I pushed squats up to 315 lbs and took them through high-volume, deep hip flexion leg workouts. The lightweight shell moves smoothly with the body and never gets caught on the knees or quads at the bottom of a lift.

Barbell abrasion resistance is another major highlight. When pulling cleans and deadlifts where the barbell knurling regularly scrapes directly against the thighs and waist, the 86% recycled polyester and 14% spandex fabric has held up well. I’ve experienced zero pilling, fraying, or fabric fuzzing as of yet. Whether you grab the lined or linerless version, they should deliver strong durability.

CrossFit, HIIT & Metcons: 8.8/10

Cross-training, CrossFit, and functional fitness are where these shorts truly hit their stride. The compressive waistband combined with the internal drawstring keeps the shorts secure anchored to your hips. Even during dynamic sets of burpees, box jumps, and plyometrics where other shorts slide down or bunch up, the Drive Short refuses to sag or shift.

The breathability of the shell and liner keeps air flowing, and the flat construction ensures nothing bunches up around your midsection when dropping to the floor. If you opt for the linerless version, the shell has enough structure that it doesn’t feel flimsy when layered over your favorite compression shorts, while the lined version offers solid internal support.

Short Running Intervals & Cardio: 8.3/10

For running, the Drive Short does an adequate job for short-distance runs, treadmill warm-ups, 5Ks, and HYROX-style 1k running intervals. The fabric breathes well enough, and it sheds moisture rather easily.

However, because the zippered hand pockets sit over the front of the hip, running with a heavy modern smartphone will cause some minor thigh slap. If your main goal is logging high road mileage, a dedicated running short with a rear bounce-free waistband pocket will serve you better; but for short, high-cadence intervals tacked onto a gym workout, the Drive Short handles the workload without issue.

Daily Wear & Lounging: 7.5/10

As a casual, everyday athleisure short, the Drive Short does a respectable job. The 6-inch inseam looks sharp, the fabric has a clean drape, and the zippered pockets mean you can carry your keys and wallet without worrying about them sliding out when sitting in the car. Furthermore, because the pockets are zipped flat, you avoid the awkward “pocket flare” that often plagues training shorts like the Ten Thousand Interval Short or Vuori Kore Short.

The only real limitation for daily wear is the waistband tension. Because it is designed to stay locked during intense training, the waistband feels noticeably snug and compressive. If you want a loose, ultra-relaxed waistband for lounging on the couch, models like the Vuori Kore Short or Rhone Short offer a much softer, more laid-back feel.

The Performance Takeaway

The NOBULL Drive Short is a stellar, highly versatile cross-training short that excels across strength, hypertrophy, and high-intensity metcons. Its shell hits the sweet spot between lightweight mobility and durability. The lie-flat waistband stays locked on your hips and the dual zippered pockets help eliminate the dreaded pocket flare.

However, the shorts’ primary strengths can also be its trade-offs. The waistband runs distinctly compressive and snug; while that is phenomenal for keeping the shorts up during burpees, it can feel a bit too tight for relaxed, all-day casual lounging. Additionally, bodybuilders with massive, tree-trunk quads might find the shell cut slightly snug around the thighs, and athletes who dislike zippered hand pockets will want to look elsewhere.

If you are a cross-training, CrossFit, or strength athlete looking for an athletic, secure short with a flattering 6-inch cut that won’t fall down or tear under load, the NOBULL Drive Short is an easy recommendation.

Final Remarks: Is the NOBULL Drive Short Worth It?

The NOBULL Drive Short does a good job across the board for most training styles. For my lifting and CrossFit-focused sessions, this short has rivaled my Legends Luka and Ten Thousand Interval Short. I also appreciate the stretch and security of the waistband. This is an easy short to “set and forget”.

That said, the compressive waistband and zipper pockets can bring down some of this short’s daily wear friendliness, so keep that in mind before you buy. If you have additional questions on this short, drop a comment below.