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9 Best Men's Running Short Tights
(+ Buying Guide)
Don’t you love to try out new running gear? I know I do. It’s a great excuse for me to pound the pavement. And for today, I will be sharing the 9 best men’s running short tights for men.
These wear-and-run baddies keep you from over-sweating and fit nicely so you can conquer all weather.
We checked for stretch, compression, anti-odor tech, and sweat resistance to find the best running gear. Stay with us because we’ve tried on a bucket-load of shorts under $80 to make your buying smarter and wiser.
Related Article: “Should Running Shorts Be Tight Or Loose? (An Expert’s Take)“
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Quick Picks
- Best Overall – Zensah Recovery Compression Shorts: It’s a great buy for running and sports. It comes with 3D compression to support your mileage.
- Best Runner Up – Rhone 9″ Mako Mens Workout Shorts: This wear offers 4-way stretch. It can soak up sweat and comes with two hip pockets.
- Best Budget Option – McDavid Compression Padded Girdle Shorts: Great for crunches, and intense workout. Plus, the six-thread flat-lock tech supports the seams nicely.
1. Zensah Recovery Compression Shorts – Best For Athletes
The Zensah Recovery Compression Shorts offer ample support around the hamstrings and quadriceps, so you know their go-to picks for running and rugged workouts.
Made with 85% Polyamide and 15% Spandex, and if you’re dripping with sweat, this perfect pair can be 3d compressed. Whether you’re going for non-stop marathons or a regular run, they’re a great buy.
Related Article: “11 Best Running Shirts For Heavy Sweaters (Runner’s Opinion)”
Customers love its comfortable feel and its quality fit. It’s snug, breathable, and is a great alternative against the article that causes chafing. Some users complain about its wear and tear, saying that it’s quick to tear up around the seam.
Pros
- Solid support for hamstrings and quadriceps.
- Keeps you warm while running, workouts, basketball, and fitness activities.
- Moisture-wicking fabric for ultimate comfort
Cons
- Lack of diverse colors and size options
2. Rhone 9″ Mako Mens Workout Shorts – Best For Gym
With 4-way stretch and premium quality, the Rhone 9″ Mako Men’s Workout Shorts for Men is a great buy for everyday wear.
And the odor-resistant feature combined with the moisture-wicking feat, you stay fresh and dry post-run. And with cool pockets, it’s a great addition to your wardrobe
Buyers love the built-in underwear and how they go well with yoga and intense workouts is amazing. However, some users complain about the price and size options but love the sweat rapida-mente factor, and how they last longer than regular picks.
Pros
- Highly flexible and durable for intense running
- Keeps you fresh and dry throughout the day
- It comes with three pockets (2 hip pockets + zipper pockets).
- Built-in compression underwear
Cons
- Pricier than other shorts
3. McDavid Compression Padded Girdle Shorts – Best For Sports
For advanced protection, the McDavid Compression Padded Girdle Shorts are a great option. They come with pads on hips, thighs, and tailbone, and have solid crotch space.
You can rock them for soccer, hockey, snowboarding, and running. The hDc Moisture Technology keeps you cool and odor-free, while the 6-thread flatlock adds strength to the seams for durability.
Users have expressed a love-hate relationship with this article. One buyer is satisfied with its quality and fit wear, another had the problem with poor fabric at the first wear, and it’s pricey.
However, it’s a great pair for buyers who love to play soccer. Overall, it’s one of the 9 best men’s running short tights money can buy.
Pros
- Keeps your thigh muscles warm and stabilized.
- Features hDc Moisture Technology for cool, dry activity
- A versatile option for skiing, snowboarding, and running
Cons
- Thread issues might run up
4. GORE WEAR Men’s 2in1 Breathable Running Shorts – Best For Warm Weather
The GORE WEAR Men’s 2in1 Breathable Running Shorts come with a runner-specific cut and GORE Selected Fabrics promise comfort and breathability in warm weather. Plus, they come with a zip pocket for emergency energy gels, because even the best of us need a little pick-me-up on mile five!
Related Article: “9 Best 2-In-1 Men’s Running Shorts (Tested By Runners)”
While some users find these shorts decent for running, others question the price tag and quality as they tear up after a few runs. Overall, it promises ten miles of pure awesomeness wherever you run off.
Pros
- The breathable design keeps you cool during sweaty runs
- Comes with zipper pockets to hold essentials
Cons
- Pricier than regular picks
5. MIER Men’s Workout Running Shorts Quick Dry Active 5 Inches Shorts – Best Breathable Shorts
The MIER Men’s Workout Running Shorts Quick Dry Active 5 Inches Shorts is the best buy for breathable and lightweight running. They come with an adjustable waistband and four pockets so it’s a must-have for runners on mile five and beyond.
Related Article: “How Long Does It Take To Run 7 Mile? [The Ultimate Guide]”
Buyers love the stretch and the string closure. And comes with a thin fabric that makes it a comfy wear for seasonal runners and freshmans who are looking to buy men’s tight shorts with pockets.
Pros
- Super Comfortable Fabric for casual wear and serious runs
- Neat pockets to hold essentials
- Quick Dry & Breathable
Cons
- Lacks diverse color options
6. LANBAOSI Mens Compression Shorts – Best For Versatility
The LANBAOSI’s Men’s Compression Shorts keep you cool and comfortable. These lightweight and breathable shorts come with 4-way stretch and muscle support for injury-free sessions. Additionally, with a snug-fit waistband and a phone pocket, you can squat, sprint, or do yoga without a rip or tear.
Buyers instantly fall in love with this piece. They love how it works for swimming and running alike, and come with pockets to hold essentials. It is a top-tier pair of men’s running tights shorts with pockets.
Related Article: “7 Intriguing Reasons Why Running Shorts Are So Short”
Pros
- Flexible for athletic workouts
- Nice pockets to hold phones and essentials
Cons
- Hand Wash Only
7. 2XU Men’s Light Speed Compression Shorts – Best For Comfort
The 2XU Men’s Light Speed Compression Shorts for Running and Active Sports offer the right fit and breathability for runners who love pounding the pavement. With a nice drawstring and breathable form factor, you can run, rinse and repeat.
Customers rave about the 2XU Men’s Light Speed Compression Shorts for their solid pocket design and how their perfectly fit size snug the muscles nicely. But some buyers are seeing seam tear up on week 5. Overall, it’s a decent pick and certainly one of the 9 best men’s running short tights there is in the market
Pros
- Machine Washable
- Muscle Containment Stamping support enabled
- Sleek and offers aesthetic appeal
Cons
- A bit pricey
8. Nike Men’s Dri-FIT 2-in-1 Stride Athletic Training Shorts – Best for Marathons
Step up your running game with Nike Men’s Dri-FIT 2-in-1 Stride Athletic Training Shorts. Crafted for performance, these shorts are lightweight and come in breathable fabric with sweat-wicking technology for lasting comfort and a cool experience.
With neat storage options and a secure fit, these shorts offer competitive support and freedom for your best run.
What users rave about these 2-in-1 Stride Athletic Training Shorts Style CJ5471 is its ultimate support for marathons. Many customers love the quality fit and comfort, while some cannot get used to small pockets.
Pros
- Diverse color options
- Can soak up sweat nicely
Cons
- Shallow pockets, not suitable for phones and other essentials
9. Nike Dri-FIT Stride Men’s 7″ 2-in-1 Running Shorts – Best For Casual Days
While not as aesthetic as popular brands, the Nike Dri-FIT Stride Men’s 7″ 2-in-1 Running Shorts are highly fit for relaxed and easy runs. It comes with a drawstring to get the right feel when you hit the pavement.
Buyers have mixed emotions about this article, with some runners who picked it up for squats saying they roll up the lycra which sort of gives it a baggy feel. While some adore the inner boxer brief and Under Armour-type built.
Pros
- Lightweight and Breathable
- Secure Storage
- Freedom of movement
Cons
- Pricer than competitors
Buying Guide
You don’t want to stay behind the running leaderboards, do you? Here’s a solid buying guide to help you choose the right running short tights without having to break the bank:
1. Fit
Short tights should fit nicely without having to print stretch marks. Look for the size that fits solidly so you can run with confidence. And if you see running short tights with pockets, do try them out.
2. Material Quality
Your tight shorts should be lightweight, and breathable. If you’re in the aisle already, go for shorts made of high-stretch materials like spandex, polyester, or nylon as they offer free movement, and comfort and are super durable for intense workouts.
3. Weather Adaptability
Men’s running shorts should weather the storm. This means you should go for shorts with high-tech compression materials such as spandex-type fiber.
4. Design & Visibility
Not just aesthetic or retro looks, men’s half tights should be suitable for runners of all types. And should feature vibrant colors so you can run safely while passing through dark and dingy situations.
Related Article: “9 Benefits Of Running Before Sunrise (+ Tips To Know)”
5. Price
Good running short tights don’t mean breaking the bank. Infact, a good pair, with all premium features shouldn’t cost anywhere between $20 to $100. The branding might fluctuate the price but you should stick with quality, and the run for your money
Bottomline
It’s time to rebrand your wardrobe. We sweat-tested a stockpile of short tights and found the 9 best men’s running short tights that were runner-certified for a mile-to-mile run-down. For instance, Zensah Recovery Compression Shorts for Hamstring Support, & Rhone 9″ Mako Mens Workout Shorts are great for 4-way stretch.
Pair your men’s running shorts with our “9 Best Lightweight Running Jackets (Tried & Tested)” to run with style and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, they can. Short tights can be flexible and offer a range of movement that you won’t find in loose leggings. So, if you’re going for a nice pair of shorts that are tight, I’d recommend Nike Men’s Dri-FIT 2-in-1 Stride Athletic Training Shorts.
Both are great options. Some would argue that loose shorts are great for hitting the pavement as they have nice crotch space and don’t give off skin irritation. Some would say tights hold your waist muscles nicely and keep you from feeling bulky.
Yup. Just like female runners, male runners have started to wear tights. I would recommend trying out Zensah Recovery Compression Shorts that come with Hamstring Support.
