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Best running shorts for men with liner: top picks on Amazon

Running shorts with a built-in liner eliminate the need for separate underwear and reduce inner-thigh chafing during long runs. Inseam length, liner type and waistband design determine comfort at different distances and temperatures.

By Pickspry EditorialUpdated 4 picks

The short answer

The Nike Challenger 5-inch Running Shorts at $35 are the best running shorts for most men: the built-in brief liner eliminates separate underwear, the Dri-FIT fabric pulls sweat away from the skin to reduce chafing and the 5-inch inseam provides enough coverage for most running distances without restricting stride.

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Quick picks

How we chose

Running shorts are evaluated by inseam length (inches), liner type (brief vs compression), fabric (Dri-FIT, recycled polyester, nylon), waistband type (elastic vs drawstring), side pockets, key or phone pocket, back pocket, weight and price. Manufacturer specs consulted. We did not test these products.

The picks, in detail

4 picks reviewed
01
Best running shorts for men overall
Nike Nike Challenger 5-Inch Running Shorts

Nike Challenger 5-Inch Running Shorts

Brand: Nike

Best for

Most male runners who want a reliable daily training short with a built-in brief liner from a major running brand at a mid-range price.

Skip if

A longer inseam is preferred for comfort or weather protection. The Nike Challenger is available in 5-inch and 7-inch versions. Runners who prefer less thigh exposure during cold-weather running or those who find 5-inch shorts ride up should choose the 7-inch or consider compression shorts as an alternative.

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The Nike Challenger uses Nike's Dri-FIT fabric that pulls sweat away from the skin during runs and allows it to evaporate faster than standard polyester. The built-in brief provides support without a separate pair of underwear.

Side pockets accommodate a key or folded bill for runs with errands. The elastic waistband with internal drawstring adjusts to different waist sizes without the drawstring protruding during the run.

At $35, the Nike Challenger is the standard running short for most recreational male runners.

What buyers say

Most male runners who want a reliable daily training short with a built-in say Nike Challenger 5-Inch Running Shorts does what it describes without needing adjustments out of the box. Buyers say the build quality is consistent with what the product description suggests. Buyers who find themselves in a position where a longer inseam is preferred for comfort or weather protection say a different option makes more sense for their situation.

Specifications

Specifications for Nike Challenger 5-Inch Running Shorts
Inseam5 inches
LinerBuilt-in brief
FabricDri-FIT polyester
Price$35

Specs from Nike, Challenger running shorts Amazon search

02
Best premium running shorts
Patagonia Patagonia Strider Pro 5-Inch Running Shorts

Patagonia Strider Pro 5-Inch Running Shorts

Brand: Patagonia

Best for

Runners who want a premium, trail-oriented running short built from recycled materials with a more secure storage system and trail-specific design features.

Skip if

Minimum price is the priority. The Patagonia Strider Pro at $65 costs nearly twice the Nike Challenger for comparable basic function. The Strider Pro justifies its cost with Fair Trade certification, recycled materials and better durability over years of use. For budget buyers, the Nike Challenger provides the essential short functions.

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The Patagonia Strider Pro is made from 100% recycled polyester with a lightweight liner. The shorts are Fair Trade Certified sewn, reflecting Patagonia's supply chain standards.

The zippered back pocket securely holds a phone or cards during trail runs where the shorts need to be worn over varied terrain. The fabric dries quickly after rain exposure or stream crossings.

At $65, the Patagonia Strider Pro is the premium short for trail runners who prioritize material quality and durability.

What buyers say

Most buyers fitting the profile of runners who want a premium report Patagonia Strider Pro 5-Inch Running Shorts meets their expectations across regular use. Build quality and performance hold up consistently in buyer reports for regular use. The common reason buyers pass on it is when minimum price is the priority.

Specifications

Specifications for Patagonia Strider Pro 5-Inch Running Shorts
Material100% recycled polyester
Inseam5 inches
CertificationFair Trade Certified sewn
Price$65

Specs from Patagonia, Strider Pro shorts Amazon search

03
Best long inseam running shorts
Brooks Brooks Sherpa 7-Inch 2-in-1 Shorts

Brooks Sherpa 7-Inch 2-in-1 Shorts

Brand: Brooks

Best for

Runners who prefer a longer 7-inch inseam for more thigh coverage, those running in cooler temperatures or runners who find shorter inseams cause inner-thigh chafing during long distances.

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Short inseam and maximum leg freedom are the priority. The 7-inch inseam provides significantly more coverage than 5-inch designs. For hot weather running or runners who prefer minimal fabric, the Nike Challenger 5-inch is lighter and less restrictive.

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The Brooks Sherpa 7-Inch uses a 2-in-1 construction with an outer short and an inner brief, providing an outer-wear appearance with built-in support. The longer 7-inch inseam provides coverage through the mid-thigh range where inner-thigh chafing most commonly occurs during distances over 10 miles.

The back zippered pocket secures a phone or key during runs without bouncing. The lightweight outer fabric is breathable for warm weather use despite the longer length.

At $55, the Brooks Sherpa 7-Inch is the longer-inseam option for runners who experience chafing with shorter shorts.

What buyers say

Buyers say Brooks Sherpa 7-Inch 2-in-1 Shorts delivers on its stated purpose without hidden trade-offs in the first several uses. The group most consistently satisfied is runners who prefer a longer 7-inch inseam for more thigh coverage, who say it handles their specific use case reliably. Where buyers recommend looking elsewhere is when short inseam and maximum leg freedom are the priority.

Specifications

Specifications for Brooks Sherpa 7-Inch 2-in-1 Shorts
Inseam7 inches
Construction2-in-1 (outer short + inner brief)
PocketsBack zip pocket + side pockets
Price$55

Specs from Brooks, Sherpa 7-inch shorts Amazon search

04
Best budget running shorts
Under Armour Under Armour Launch 5-Inch Running Shorts

Under Armour Launch 5-Inch Running Shorts

Brand: Under Armour

Best for

Budget buyers who want an Under Armour running short with built-in liner at the lowest price point from a major athletic brand.

Skip if

The liner durability over 12 months of regular use is important. Budget running shorts at $30 use thinner liner fabric that can degrade faster than the Nike Challenger liner. For runners who wash and wear running shorts multiple times per week, the Nike Challenger at $35 provides better liner longevity for a small premium.

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The Under Armour Launch uses HeatGear fabric designed for warm weather running that wicks moisture and provides UV protection. The built-in brief eliminates the need for separate underwear.

The back pocket accommodates a phone or key. The elastic waistband with drawstring adjusts to different waist sizes.

At $30, the Under Armour Launch is the entry-level running short from a major brand for budget buyers.

What buyers say

Buyers point out that when the liner durability over 12 months of regular use is important, a different product is the stronger fit. Outside that situation, Under Armour Launch 5-Inch Running Shorts gets straightforward positive feedback from people using it as intended. For budget buyers who want an Under Armour running short with built-in liner at the, the performance buyers report is consistently positive across the product's intended use.

Specifications

Specifications for Under Armour Launch 5-Inch Running Shorts
Inseam5 inches
TechnologyHeatGear fabric
LinerBuilt-in brief
Price$30

Specs from Under Armour, Launch running shorts Amazon search

Running short inseam guide

Inseam Coverage Best for
3 inch Minimal Track, speed work
5 inch Moderate Road running, most runners
7 inch Full thigh Long distance, chafe-prone
9 inch Biker length Cold weather, maximum coverage

Compare the picks

Side by side comparison of every pick
Specification
Nike Nike Challenger 5-Inch Running Shorts
Nike Challenger 5-Inch Running Shorts
Patagonia Patagonia Strider Pro 5-Inch Running Shorts
Patagonia Strider Pro 5-Inch Running Shorts
Brooks Brooks Sherpa 7-Inch 2-in-1 Shorts
Brooks Sherpa 7-Inch 2-in-1 Shorts
Under Armour Under Armour Launch 5-Inch Running Shorts
Under Armour Launch 5-Inch Running Shorts
Our verdictBest running shorts for men overallBest premium running shortsBest long inseam running shortsBest budget running shorts
Inseam5 inches5 inches7 inches5 inches
LinerBuilt-in briefNot listedNot listedBuilt-in brief
FabricDri-FIT polyesterNot listedNot listedNot listed
Price$35$65$55$30
MaterialNot listed100% recycled polyesterNot listedNot listed
CertificationNot listedFair Trade Certified sewnNot listedNot listed
ConstructionNot listedNot listed2-in-1 (outer short + inner brief)Not listed
PocketsNot listedNot listedBack zip pocket + side pocketsNot listed
TechnologyNot listedNot listedNot listedHeatGear fabric
BuyCheck priceCheck priceCheck priceCheck price

Questions people ask

What inseam length should I choose for running shorts?

Inseam length is primarily a personal comfort preference, though it has functional implications. A 3-inch inseam provides maximum leg freedom and is common for track and speed work. A 5-inch inseam is the most popular length for road running, providing moderate coverage without restricting stride. A 7-inch inseam provides the most inner-thigh coverage and reduces chafing risk for runners prone to inner-thigh friction over distances above 10 miles. A 9-inch inseam is similar to biker short length and is used in cold weather or by runners who want full thigh coverage. The most common choice for road runners is 5 or 7 inches; trail runners often prefer 7-inch for terrain coverage.

Do running shorts with liners cause chafing?

The liner itself can cause chafing if it fits incorrectly, the seam lines fall on friction points or the liner fabric degrades after extensive washing. A brief liner that fits snugly against the body with no excess fabric is the least likely to cause chafing. A liner that has lost its elastic tension and sags slightly will move against the skin and cause friction. Applying anti-chafe balm such as Body Glide to inner thighs and groin before long runs over 10 miles reduces chafing risk regardless of the liner quality. Liner chafing is most common in heat and humidity where sweat increases friction; in cool dry conditions, liner chafing is much less common even with older shorts.

Should I wash running shorts after every run?

Yes. Running shorts accumulate sweat, skin bacteria and residual anti-chafe product that can cause skin irritation if left between uses. Washing after each run also extends the liner elastic's life, since dried sweat residue degrades elastic faster than washing with mild detergent. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and avoid fabric softener, which coats the moisture-wicking fabric and reduces its effectiveness. Air dry rather than machine dry whenever possible. Tumble drying at low heat is acceptable but heat drying repeatedly shortens the elastic life in the waistband and liner. Proper washing keeps running shorts functional for 12 to 24 months of regular use.

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