At first, I thought it was just the way runners dress, but as I’ve run a couple of miles in different short lengths, I came to realize that I also prefer shorter shorts myself. Offers the most range of motion. A very performance-based style of running shorts that are used in professional races. Sometimes referred to as ‘short shorts’ or ‘split shorts’, 3-inch running shorts tend to be the shortest running shorts going. They also mainly come out when it’s time to run fast and are generally reserved for racing. If you’re someone who struggles with between-the-legs chafing, we recommend looking at a 2-in-1 short such as the S AXX Hightailor a half tightlike the Nike. Having a built-in quarter-length compression liner will protect your legs from rubbing together.

The main reason to squeeze into a pair of 3-inch shorts is the minimal, barely-there race feel that makes you feel like running fast, unencumbered. They’re lightweight, offer loads of ventilation and breathability, plus maximum freedom to move. They can also help reduce chafe risk and they generally come with built-in liner briefs to preserve your dignity and prevent any accidental exposures. She likes the Lululemon T.H.E Short with a liner and the Vuori Banks Short, which comes without a liner and works especially well for swimming. Basketball and Lounging After months of testing, even years in some cases, we’ve managed to narrow down the best of the best for whatever type of running you’re into. The shorts on this list are the ones we kept reaching for time and time again. Cory Smith has been a runner since 1992. He’s a full-time running coach who has been reviewing running gear since 2014. In addition to running shorts, he covers road running shoes and GPS watches, and he writes training articles for GearJunkie.Now we know why running shorts are so short. They provide a freer range of motion and they are more breathable.

The 9-inch short used to be a very popular length, but as men got more comfortable wearing shorter lengths, the appeal started to die down, she explains. We’re pleased to report that Patagonia has once again updated its flagship running shorts, and we can confidently say that this is their best version yet. Patagonia replaced the tough, non-stretchy DWR coated 100% recycled polyester with 90% recycled polyester blended with 10% four-way stretch spandex. That little bit of spandex and dropping the DWR made all the difference. The new shell is soft and offers excellent mobility. These shorts are night and day compared to the previous version. If you’re typically a large, go at least to a medium — maybe even a small. If you struggle to find running shorts with enough volume, these should work really well for you.Brands like Nike and Lululemon carry these shorts and you can search for them by looking for 4-inch shorts in an online filter or asking in store,” she says. Most running shorts have two layers: an outer shell and an inner liner. The inner liner’s primary focus is built-in support and is either a mesh brief or spandex-type compression tight, called a 2-in-1.