Finding the best mens workout shorts shouldn’t be this hard, but here we are. Every brand claims their fabric is “revolutionary” and their fit is “engineered for performance.” Most of that is marketing.
I’ve spent the last year testing shorts from every major performance brand — in the gym, on the trail, and in the wash. Here are the 7 pairs that actually lived up to the hype.
What I Tested For
Every pair was evaluated on four criteria: fabric performance (moisture-wicking, quick-dry, weight), durability (how they held up after 30+ washes), fit and mobility (squats, lunges, running, sitting), and value (quality per dollar spent).
1. Ten Thousand Interval Short — Best Overall
The Interval Short is what happens when engineers, not fashion designers, make workout shorts. At 3.8 oz, they’re the lightest pair I tested, and the Odor-Free technology isn’t just marketing — these shorts genuinely don’t smell after multiple sessions.
Best for: Gym training, running, CrossFit | Price: ~$68 | With code LMM15: 15% off at Ten Thousand
2. Lululemon Pace Breaker — Best for Versatility
Lululemon’s most popular training short for a reason. The Pace Breaker works for everything from deadlifts to dog walks. The Swift fabric is smooth and breathable, and the fit is more fashion-forward than most gym shorts.
Best for: Mixed-use training and casual wear | Price: ~$78
3. Nike Dri-FIT Stride — Best Budget Pick
If you want solid performance without the premium price tag, Nike’s Stride shorts deliver. The Dri-FIT fabric is proven, the brief liner is comfortable, and at under $50 they’re half the price of boutique brands.
Best for: Runners on a budget | Price: ~$45
4. Vuori Kore Short — Best for Lifestyle Crossover
Vuori nails the gym-to-street transition better than anyone. The Kore Short looks like a normal pair of shorts but performs like activewear. The DreamKnit fabric is incredibly soft and the fit is flattering.
Best for: Light training, yoga, athleisure | Price: ~$68
5. Rhone Mako Short — Best for Hot Weather
Rhone’s Mako uses a perforated fabric that maximizes airflow. If you train outdoors in summer heat, these are hard to beat. The GoldFusion anti-odor treatment is effective, and the 4-way stretch handles every movement.
Best for: Outdoor training in heat | Price: ~$78
6. Under Armour Launch Elite — Best for Speed Work
UA’s Launch Elite is built specifically for running. The split-hem design provides maximum range of motion, the fabric is ultralight, and the reflective details are actually useful for early morning runs.
Best for: Dedicated runners | Price: ~$55
7. Ten Thousand Foundation Short — Best for Gym-to-Life
Ten Thousand makes this list twice because their Foundation Short solves a different problem than the Interval. It’s the short you wear to train and then keep wearing all day.
Best for: People who want one pair that does everything | Price: ~$78 | With code LMM15: 15% off at Ten Thousand
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose workout shorts with a built-in liner or go linerless?
What type of training shorts you wear ultimately boils down to personal choice and the type of activity you perform. Built-in liners offer optimal support and moisture management during intensive workouts or running; linerless shorts provide more versatility allowing them to be worn alongside compression gear or simply as casual attire without feeling restricted or limited by them.
What is the ideal inseam length for gym shorts?
Industry norms now favor shorts with 7-inch inseams as a balance of coverage and mobility; however, if you prefer something with more athletic features a 5-inch or shorter is preferable for running or leg day workouts; 9-inch or longer shorts could trap fabric between your knees during squats or lunges and can become cumbersome during training sessions.
How do I prevent my workout shorts from smelling over time?
Even high-end fabrics can harbor bacteria. When shopping, try brands like Ten Thousand or Rhone that use silver-ion or GoldFusion technologies as anti-odor solutions to keep odor at bay and extend the lifespan of any pair. However, fabric softeners “clog up” technical fibers, trapping sweat and odor within it – an unwise practice to extend wear life!
Can I wear performance workout shorts in the water?
While these shorts (particularly Vuori Kore shorts) utilize quick-dry fabrics that manage water quickly, they should not be considered swim trunks as chlorine and salt water can break down technical elastics faster than sweat. If you plan on transitioning seamlessly from gym to pool activities, Vuori or Ten Thousand Interval shorts offer ultralightweight fast drying shells which would be an ideal fit.
Are premium $70+ workout shorts actually better than cheap alternatives?
Durability and fit are at the center of footwear purchases; budget pairs like Nike Stride excel; while premium brands use stitch-less seams (instead of stitched) to reduce chafing as well as high twist fabrics that won’t pill after 50+ washes cycles; typically their “cost per wear” tends to be lower if used 4-5 days per week for training sessions.
The Final Verdict
For pure gym performance, the Ten Thousand Interval Short wins. For versatility across gym and life, it’s a toss-up between the Vuori Kore and Ten Thousand Foundation. For budget shoppers, the Nike Stride is the clear pick.
If you’re narrowing it down to one pair and you take training seriously, go with Ten Thousand. Code LMM15 gets you 15% off.
