We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Mens Workout Shorts 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Running Shorts Quick Dry Workout Shorts 7"/ 5"/ 9" Lightweight Sports Gym Basketball Shorts Hiking Exercise ARMYGREEN-5inch L

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,192
Material
Fit
Length

Most important from
14134 reviews

Material
Water slides right off, preventing stains and keeping them looking fresh.
Fit
Snug fit where needed, yet comfortable enough for free movement.
Length
Perfect length and lightweight design, ideal for both gym workouts and lounging around.
Pockets
Zipper pockets with breathable mesh make them versatile for any situation.
Breathability
Comfortable enough for running, hiking, or casual wear, they don't smell even after multiple uses.

The NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Running Shorts are designed with the active man in mind, offering a mix of comfort, durability, and functionality. Made from a blend of 90% polyester and 10% spandex, they provide a good balance of durability and stretch. The material is quick-drying and breathable, which is great for intense workouts as it helps keep you cool and comfortable.

The shorts also feature a unique design with breathable holes and two stylish reflective strips for added safety in low-light conditions. The elastic waistband with an adjustable drawstring ensures a custom fit, while flatlock seams reduce chafing for extra comfort during movement. With three zipper pockets, these shorts offer convenient and secure storage for small essentials.

The UPF 50+ fabric provides excellent protection against harmful UV rays, making them suitable for outdoor activities. However, the shorts are imported, which might raise concerns about their long-term durability compared to locally-made options. Additionally, some users might prefer lined shorts for extra support, which these do not offer. These shorts are versatile and perfect for a range of activities like running, hiking, gym workouts, and even casual wear, making them a solid choice for active men looking for functionality and style.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,192
Material
Fit
Length

Most important from
14134 reviews

Material
Water slides right off, preventing stains and keeping them looking fresh.
Fit
Snug fit where needed, yet comfortable enough for free movement.
Length
Perfect length and lightweight design, ideal for both gym workouts and lounging around.
Pockets
Zipper pockets with breathable mesh make them versatile for any situation.
Breathability
Comfortable enough for running, hiking, or casual wear, they don't smell even after multiple uses.
#2

NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Running Shorts Quick Dry Workout Shorts 7"/ 5"/ 9" Lightweight Sports Gym Basketball Shorts Hiking Exercise GREY-5inch L

Rating
10.0
Length
Breathability
Pockets

Most important from
14134 reviews

Length
The shorts offer a perfect balance in length, hitting around the middle of the knee for a comfortable and modern fit that feels neither too long nor restrictive.
Breathability
The fabric is lightweight, stretchy, and quick-drying, providing excellent comfort and breathability during warm weather or intense workouts.
Pockets
Zippered pockets are deep and secure, ideal for safely carrying essentials like keys or a phone, especially appreciated during activities like biking.
Material
The material feels durable yet soft, with enough stretch to allow freedom of movement without feeling tight or constricting around the thighs.
Durability
The shorts maintain a neat appearance without wrinkling and handle moisture well, making them versatile for both active use and casual wear.
Fit
The shorts are highly praised for their comfort and fit, encouraging repeat purchases in multiple colors to match different activities and styles.

The NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Running Shorts are designed with workout and active use in mind, made from a blend of polyester and elastane that offers durability, stretch, and quick drying. This fabric mix supports breathability and moisture-wicking, keeping you cool during exercise or outdoor activities. The shorts come in a 5-inch inseam length, which is a good balance for freedom of movement without feeling too long or restrictive. The fit is adjustable thanks to a soft elastic waistband combined with a built-in drawstring, allowing for a comfortable and customizable fit.

These shorts have three zippered pockets—two on the sides and one at the back—that are deep enough to securely hold essentials like keys or a phone, which is convenient for active use. The shorts also feature reflective strips on the front and back, enhancing visibility during low-light conditions, adding a safety element. Additionally, the fabric offers UPF 50+ sun protection, making them suitable for outdoor activities in sunny weather. The shorts include casual mesh holes on the sides, improving ventilation further.

A minor downside is the absence of belt loops, which some users might prefer for extra waist support or style options. These shorts make a strong choice for running, gym workouts, hiking, and other sports, especially if you prioritize lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying gear with practical storage and sun protection.

Rating
10.0
Length
Breathability
Pockets

Most important from
14134 reviews

Length
The shorts offer a perfect balance in length, hitting around the middle of the knee for a comfortable and modern fit that feels neither too long nor restrictive.
Breathability
The fabric is lightweight, stretchy, and quick-drying, providing excellent comfort and breathability during warm weather or intense workouts.
Pockets
Zippered pockets are deep and secure, ideal for safely carrying essentials like keys or a phone, especially appreciated during activities like biking.
Material
The material feels durable yet soft, with enough stretch to allow freedom of movement without feeling tight or constricting around the thighs.
Durability
The shorts maintain a neat appearance without wrinkling and handle moisture well, making them versatile for both active use and casual wear.
Fit
The shorts are highly praised for their comfort and fit, encouraging repeat purchases in multiple colors to match different activities and styles.
#3

NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Running Shorts Quick Dry Workout Shorts 7"/ 5"/ 9" Lightweight Sports Gym Basketball Shorts Hiking Exercise LODENFROST-5inch L

Rating
9.9
Material
Fit
Length

Most important from
14134 reviews

Material
The material is lightweight, quick-drying, and offers a nice stretch—providing comfort without feeling restrictive during workouts or outdoor activities.
Fit
The shorts deliver a perfect fit with a comfortable length that suits both active use and casual wear, making them versatile for different preferences.
Length
The shorts deliver a perfect fit with a comfortable length that suits both active use and casual wear, making them versatile for different preferences.
Pockets
Zippered pockets are a standout feature, securely holding essentials like keys or phones, which is especially appreciated during biking and running.
Breathability
The fabric’s breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities keep you cool and dry, enhancing overall comfort on warm days.
Durability
The shorts maintain their shape well and resist wrinkling, adding to their practicality for both exercise and casual use.

The NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Running Shorts are designed to offer comfort and functionality for various workouts and outdoor activities. Made from a blend of polyester and elastane, these shorts provide good durability and flexibility thanks to their 4-way stretch fabric. This material also dries quickly and wicks moisture away, helping keep you cool during intense exercise. The fit is customizable with a soft elastic waistband and an adjustable drawstring, which ensures they stay in place without being too tight. They come in a 5-inch inseam length, which is a popular choice for those who want freedom of movement without excessive coverage.

Breathability is enhanced by small mesh-lined holes on the sides, promoting airflow and added comfort during hot days. A standout feature is the three zipper pockets – two on the sides and one at the back – that securely store essentials like keys or a phone, which is very handy during runs or gym sessions. Additionally, reflective strips on the front and back improve visibility in low-light conditions, adding a safety benefit. The shorts also offer UPF 50+ sun protection, making them suitable for outdoor use under strong sunlight.

On the downside, these shorts do not have belt loops, which might limit styling options outside of active use. Also, since the fabric is synthetic, some users might find it less soft compared to natural fibers. Nonetheless, these shorts cover the essentials well for people looking for lightweight, breathable, and practical workout shorts that work across a variety of sports and casual activities.

Rating
9.9
Material
Fit
Length

Most important from
14134 reviews

Material
The material is lightweight, quick-drying, and offers a nice stretch—providing comfort without feeling restrictive during workouts or outdoor activities.
Fit
The shorts deliver a perfect fit with a comfortable length that suits both active use and casual wear, making them versatile for different preferences.
Length
The shorts deliver a perfect fit with a comfortable length that suits both active use and casual wear, making them versatile for different preferences.
Pockets
Zippered pockets are a standout feature, securely holding essentials like keys or phones, which is especially appreciated during biking and running.
Breathability
The fabric’s breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities keep you cool and dry, enhancing overall comfort on warm days.
Durability
The shorts maintain their shape well and resist wrinkling, adding to their practicality for both exercise and casual use.

Buying Guide for the Best Mens Workout Shorts

Choosing the right men's workout shorts can significantly enhance your exercise experience. The right pair will provide comfort, flexibility, and durability, allowing you to focus on your workout without distractions. When selecting workout shorts, consider the type of exercise you'll be doing, your personal comfort preferences, and the specific features that will best support your activities. Here are some key specifications to consider when picking the perfect workout shorts for you.
MaterialThe material of workout shorts is crucial as it affects comfort, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties. Common materials include polyester, nylon, and spandex. Polyester is durable and moisture-wicking, making it great for high-intensity workouts. Nylon is lightweight and breathable, ideal for running or cardio. Spandex offers excellent stretch, perfect for activities requiring a wide range of motion like yoga or weightlifting. Choose a material that aligns with your workout type and personal comfort.
FitThe fit of your workout shorts can impact your performance and comfort. There are generally three types of fits: loose, regular, and compression. Loose fit provides maximum airflow and is great for casual workouts or gym sessions. Regular fit offers a balance between comfort and support, suitable for most activities. Compression fit enhances blood flow and muscle support, ideal for high-intensity training and recovery. Select a fit based on your activity level and comfort preference.
LengthThe length of workout shorts can vary and is often measured by the inseam. Shorter lengths (5 inches or less) offer more freedom of movement and are great for running or high-intensity interval training. Medium lengths (6-8 inches) provide a balance of coverage and mobility, suitable for general gym workouts. Longer lengths (9 inches or more) offer more coverage and are ideal for activities like basketball or if you prefer more modesty. Choose a length that matches your activity and comfort level.
WaistbandThe waistband of workout shorts affects how securely they stay in place during exercise. Elastic waistbands with drawstrings offer adjustable fit and are common in most workout shorts. Some shorts feature a flat waistband for a sleeker look and added comfort. Consider your preference for adjustability and how the waistband feels during movement. A good waistband should stay in place without digging into your skin.
PocketsPockets can be a useful feature in workout shorts, especially if you need to carry small items like keys, cards, or a phone. Some shorts have zippered pockets for added security, while others have open or mesh pockets for easy access. Consider the type and number of pockets based on what you need to carry during your workouts. If you prefer minimal distractions, opt for shorts with fewer or no pockets.
BreathabilityBreathability is important to keep you cool and comfortable during workouts. Look for shorts with mesh panels or ventilation features that enhance airflow. Breathable materials like mesh or moisture-wicking fabrics help to regulate temperature and reduce sweat buildup. If you tend to sweat a lot or exercise in hot environments, prioritize breathability in your workout shorts.
DurabilityDurability ensures that your workout shorts can withstand frequent use and washing. High-quality materials and reinforced stitching contribute to the longevity of the shorts. Consider the intensity and frequency of your workouts when assessing durability. If you engage in high-impact or outdoor activities, look for shorts with added durability features like double-stitched seams or abrasion-resistant fabrics.

FAQ