The best men’s running shorts for your most comfortable PB yet

Satisfy’s wares may be expensive, but these are the kind of beautiful quality shorts that your most comfortable personal bests are made of. In its Space-O model, a 2.5 inch inseam holds a world of race-winning tech within. Multi-perforated jersey and silk not only look fly but keep you cool, while four pockets have all been optimised for their specific duty (including a sweat-proof phone pouch and jingle-free key pocket). Our favourite touch? Information labels have been attached to the outside so as to avoid any annoying rubbing when you remove them.

Here's a wallet-friendly option that offers much the same careful engineering as those at the more premium end of the running shorts price scale. Along with laser-cut holes and an excellent fit for ventilation, the headline feature of these shorts are in the name: they're a top choice for running in low light, with reflective strips you'll spot a mile off.

Bringing timeless American track and field style to Blighty, Tracksmith is the kind of activewear brand that makes you want to live your entire life in sports attire. Coming in a range of rich collegiate colourways, these Italian-engineered running shorts come in a super-lightweight Bravio micro-polyester with small pointelle holes to enhance airflow and quick-drying abilities. And at a three-inch split silhouette, they'll remain out of your way in that home stretch and more than adhere to our penchant for a short-short this summer.

Pick up the pace with Asics’ silver split shorts. The deep split of this pair makes for excellent freedom of movement, while the inner brief keeps things snug and comfortable. A hidden inner pocket is particularly useful considering these shorts' sparing use of material, while that signature reflective branding will keep you in sight when the sun sets.

Not just a pretty face, cult streetwear-cum-gym-outfitter, P.E. Nation serves high-tech realness alongside appealing designs you could realistically wear while exploring the local area on holiday this summer. In electric blue and tomato red, these shorts aren’t just sweat-resistant but sustainably made. An internal drawstring and three zippered pockets complete the practical specifications so you can be comfortable on your jog without compromising on style.

A pair of Rhone shorts for those who prefer their bottoms unlined, the 5-inch mako tech features a Pride rainbow touch to the logo here. Apart from the subtle aesthetic enhancement, these Makos have anti-odour tech built into their four-way stretch fabric with moisture-wicking quick-drying capabilities as you should rightly expect from your running shorts.

A cheerful, simple pair of shorts that function just as well in your gym clothes wardrobe as your running one, these Gymshark 4” shorts are ideal for shorter runs and treadmill blitzes. A drawcord, stay-put waistband, side splits and breathability perforations make these everyday reliables more than just a pretty face.

Unusually for Lululemon, these shorts show some branding detail, adding a futuristic bent to what is one of the brand’s most utilitarian running short designs. The Pace Breaker gets a linerless iteration here, shaving previous grams off its total weight and giving even more breathing room to thighs and glutes. A perfect summer running short that doubles as a gym companion for HIIT workouts and lifting sessions, too.

For the off-road runner who'll happily spend hours tackling climbs and darting through trees, the Agravic Pro is your short. Using a mix of nylon and stretchy elastane plain weave to keep things nice and light, the in-built briefs deliver on comfort close to the body. A trio of pockets provide ample storage options, and they're joined by dedicated pole loops for those that are planning to tackle the kind of terrain that may require breaking into the odd walk in between that running time.

To go soaring ahead of everyone at the weekly Park Run, Soar has your back. Its classic run shorts promise a swift run that’s cool and breezy in the day and reflective at night. Apart from that striking green, there’s some neat perforating to the sides to help your new strides stand out, and you’re all secure thanks to a jersey liner brief as well.

Another running short option for those who prefer a loose fit and longer inseam, Reebok’s performance-optimised shorts tick the necessary lightweight and sustainable boxes with their recycled, sweat-wicking material. Breezy and powerfully dry-fitting, they're ideal for even the toughest of interval sessions.

If you wouldn’t be caught dead leaving your style chops at the door just because you’re heading out for a half marathon, District Vision's exceptionally fashionable active wares are for you. This zingy green pair of shorts combine comfort — ergonomic front pouch, zipped pockets, four-way stretch — and bold design: the illustration you see here was created by spiritual leader and marathon runner Sri Chinmoy. Never let it be said again that running shorts can’t be handsome.

If you want your running shorts simple but classic, Puma has you covered. This utilitarian pair comes in jet black with elasticated, drawstring waist, hidden zipped inner pocket and comfort-essential inbuilt briefs. Not a fussy runner? Bish, bash, bosh, these are your shorts.

All jokes aside, there's more to a three-inch inseam than mere Milo Ventimiglia styling. Brooks Sherpa short is designed so nothing gets in the way between you and your personal best ambitions. The logic goes: the shorter the short, the speedier the run and it's pretty much as simple as that. Miraculously, given their minimal construction, Brooks has also managed to build in two expandable hip pockets and a bungee loop for your keys.

Those of you who prioritise function over form will love New Balance’s 5-inch running shorts, which are woven from polyester for the lightest possible effect and are packed with convenient features despite an overall understated and utilitarian design. The moisture-wicking properties are a given, but these shorts also boast pockets to the back and sides, chafe-resistant inner shorts, and a hidden drawstring elastic waistband for when all that running helps you drop pounds.

A longer option of the hybrid running short for those who prefer their shorts with more coverage than a 2.5-inch, Saucony’s Outpace combine cut-off running tights with a breezy top layer replete with pockets. Ideal for longer runs that require a small stash of running gels, these also pack in all of the positives you’d expect: breathability, lightness and comfort-enhancing materials.

Always a brand that goes bold whenever possible, Nike’s Stride D.Y.E runners are draped in a neuron print with reflective elements including that iconic swoosh to help keep you seen at night. They've also been given a water-repellent finish to fight off the rain. Elsewhere, the big rear pocket is lined to make sure you’re not picking out a sweaty phone screen at the end of your run.

A collaboration between On Running and French brand Distance, these short tights have been crafted with weight as an absolute priority. The Emperor’s Clothes of running shorts, this circle-detail piece weighs in at 106g, meaning that you’ll be more aerodynamic than ever before: whether that means a faster 100m or 10,000m is up to you.

Satisfy Running’s Rippy shorts made for off-road runs go big on dedicated pockets to stop house keys from jingling, your smartphone screen from getting sweaty and has room to squeeze in just the six energy gels. A reflective print keeps you seen on nighttime runs and there’s even room for a carabiner to securely store more items in the waistband.

Under Armour’s shorts may have the word ‘Elite’ in the name, but these are unequivocally made for everyone. Anyone who wants a pair of shorts that move with them and that give you room to pack away some mid or post-run essentials, that is. The stretchy woven fabric used here will wick away sweat, while a mesh liner lets the moisture back out. A water-resistant version of UA’s SpeedPocket at the rear, meanwhile, keeps your phone protected from the rain and stops it becoming a bouncing nuisance when you pick up the pace.

With a palette of neutrals ranging from black to khaki, Rhone’s 7” running shorts are built to do everything you’d expect — but to the highest of standards. That means that sweat resistance is high, the inside liner doesn’t budge, and the pockets can be relied upon to not spill out their contents when you’re walking around between runs. If you’re seeking a solid reliable, these could well be your shorts.

Our favourite destination for vintage-indebted running gear inspired by a time when every track was cinder, while Tracksmith designs exceptionally lovely track shorts built for racing, it also provides half-leg running tights for more support where it’s needed. In seven different colours, they allow for personal style, while crucially reducing the risk of chafing over long distances. All that and they don’t ride up, meaning you’ll be comfier and more ergonomically protected throughout the extent of your mileage.

Running shorts with a print that will get you noticed when you’re darting in and out of the commuting crowds, The North Face helps keep things breathable in toasty conditions with a perforated look and drops in a brief liner to deliver comfort where things can chafe. There’s ‘FlashDry’ fabric to keep you cool, and it’s stretchy in four ways, which means it’s not going to work against you as you pick up the pace. You’ve got pockets here too, with room to slip in a big phone and something to keep you fueled on longer run outings.

This is what fitness technology is always aiming for; ergonomic workout wear that works like a second skin. Lululemon’s SenseKnit collection is built to give unrestricted mobility that operates with you to your fullest extension, as well as on your most intense training sessions. Reflective details help these to flourish on evening runs, while the pouch, like the best running underwear, is optimised to keep everything in place.

Patagonia’s Strider Pro short is made from 100 per cent recycled polyester that gets dry quickly when things start to heat up, and tucks away a loop to make them easier to hang up when they need a gentle airing. The brief liner keeps any chafing and odour in check while there are four envelope pockets to give you plenty of room to store away those running essentials.

Janji is not shy about going big on colour for its AFO short, which comes in such iterations as purple and orange, neon ‘80s flower and high-vis green as well as classic black. Light in weight and heavy on the use of sustainable recycled polyester, there’s no compromise on effectiveness: the attached brief liner will wick away unwanted moisture, while you'll find pockets on the inner and the outer to separate spots for phone and keys.

Bornbound is for those who love to run, ride and swim, and its Rekord shorts are fit to handle everything from training sessions to what follows after you step on that start line. Four-way stretch fabric means these shorts won’t stop you in your tracks, while an inner short and seams aim avoid any chafing situations. An anti-perspiration treatment is used to deal with sweat while a foldaway rear pocket makes it easier to get to your keys or grab a gel when you need a carb boost and don’t have the patience to deal with a zip.

Montreal outfit Achilles Heel has added to its strong running hat game with a new apparel line. Included in the deal? A short built for racing. The Ciele Elite uses Coolmatic.EXP fabric at the back to tick the breathability box and employs carbon fibre to keep temperature and odour under control. There are no stitches on the inside to rub against you on longer runs, either, but that doesn't mean you won't be furnished with a trio of pockets on the inside designed to keep your running fuel clearly out of sight.

On's most lightweight shorts to date will help you reach your top speed in the summer months without breaking a sweat. But don't let the barely-there feel fool you into thinking these aren't durable. The perforated polyester is supported by a strong elasticated waistband and a quick-drying inner brief to keep everything in place without obstructing your stride. The rear pocket and key loop ensure you can do it all without the need for a running backpack, too.

Lululemon’s Pace Breaker shorts come in "just" fifteen colour options, so once you’ve managed to settle on your shade you’ll get something made from recycled polyester that keeps the fit relaxed enough to work for quicker runs and some strength and conditioning time back indoors. They’re sweat-resistant and quick-drying for when you up the intensity or the rain starts pouring, and include a zipped pocket to protect your valuables from ejecting mid-run.

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