Best Lightweight Running Shorts for Men of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 7 Feb 2025

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These lightweight running shorts are designed for men who are seeking comfort and functionality during their workouts. Made from breathable materials, these shorts provide optimal ventilation to keep the body cool during intense physical activities. The lightweight fabric allows for unrestricted movement, ensuring a comfortable fit. With features such as an adjustable waistband and moisture-wicking properties, these running shorts are perfect for any fitness enthusiast looking to enhance their performance.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Niksa 2 in 1 Running Shorts with Pockets Cover #TOP 1
Niksa 2 in 1 Running Shorts with Pockets
ftb score rating icon 9.9
RDX Men's 2-in-1 Running Shorts with Pockets Cover #TOP 2
RDX Men's 2-in-1 Running Shorts with Pockets
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Time To Run Men's Lightweight 3" Shorts Cover #TOP 3
Time To Run Men's Lightweight 3" Shorts
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Lightweight Running Shorts for Men

#TOP 1

Niksa 2 in 1 Running Shorts with Pockets

Black(2pack)
Niksa 2 in 1 Running Shorts with Pockets Cover
Niksa Running Shorts Men 2 in 1 Gym Shorts with Phone Pocket 7”Sports Shorts Lightweight Quick Drying,Black,L

The Niksa Running Shorts are crafted from high-quality, quick-drying fabric that keeps you comfortable during workouts by wicking away sweat. The multi-pocket design allows you to securely store your essentials, like your phone, cash, and keys, freeing your hands while you exercise. An adjustable drawstring ensures a perfect fit, while the towel loop provides a convenient place for your towel. Additionally, the reinforced lining offers built-in compression, supporting your muscles and preventing chafing, making these shorts ideal for various activities.

What We Like
Quick-drying fabric
Multiple secure pockets
Adjustable and comfortable fit
Reinforced compression lining
Versatile for many activities
#TOP 2

RDX Men's 2-in-1 Running Shorts with Pockets

RDX
Black
RDX Men's 2-in-1 Running Shorts with Pockets Cover
RDX Men’s Running Shorts, 2 in 1 Athletic Breathable Short Compression Liner, 2 Zipper and 2 Phone Pockets, Lightweight Quick Drying Elastic Shorts for Sports Workout Jogging Cycling Gym Bodybuilding

The RDX T16 Running Shorts are designed for the active individual, featuring an innovative 2-in-1 design that combines compression support with classic shorts. The integrated 4-way stretchable material enhances your movement, making them perfect for running or intense workouts. Side slits provide additional flexibility, allowing for a more comfortable experience during activities like yoga or stretching. With four practical utility pockets, you can securely store your essentials such as keys and your phone, ensuring you can focus on your workout without distractions.

What We Like
Comfortable 2-in-1 design
Excellent flexibility and mobility
Practical pockets for storage
Breathable fabric for cooling
Reflective details for visibility
#TOP 3

Time To Run Men's Lightweight 3" Shorts

11421
Lime
Time To Run Men's Lightweight 3" Shorts Cover
Time To Run Men's Split Pace Spirit Active Lightweight Running/Gym/Athletics 3" Shorts with Quick Dry Liner & Zipped Phone Pocket Medium Lime

The Time To Run Shorts are designed for optimal performance during your runs or gym sessions. With a short 5.5 cm inseam, these shorts provide excellent freedom of movement, making them ideal for races or workouts. The lightweight, water-resistant fabric enhances comfort and protects you from unpredictable weather. Additionally, the drawcord closure ensures a perfect fit around your waist, while the zippered rear pocket keeps your keys and phone secure, allowing you to focus on your training without distraction.

What We Like
Maximum freedom of movement
Lightweight and water-resistant
Secure zippered pocket
Comfortable built-in brief
Quick-drying fabric
#TOP 4

Under Armour Men's UA HG Armour Long Shorts

1361602
Black
Under Armour Men's UA HG Armour Long Shorts Cover
Under Armour Men's UA HG Armour Long Shorts, Lightweight Men's Running Shorts, Sweat-Wicking and Quick-Drying Base Layer, Compression Shorts for Men

The UA HG Armour Long Shorts are designed to enhance your performance during workouts. With HeatGear technology, these shorts provide superior coverage without adding weight, allowing you to move freely. The breathable mesh panels offer ventilation where you need it most, ensuring comfort as you exercise. Additionally, the sweat-wicking fabric keeps you dry even during intense sessions, making these shorts perfect for rigorous training. You'll appreciate the flat-lock seams that minimise chafing, allowing you to focus fully on your workout.

What We Like
Lightweight and comfortable
Excellent sweat-wicking properties
Breathable mesh for ventilation
Flat-lock seams reduce chafing

Danfiki 2 in 1 Men's Running Shorts

Grey
Danfiki 2 in 1 Men's Running Shorts Cover
Danfiki Men Running Shorts Men's Shorts Workout with Phone Pocket 2 in 1 Gym Training Shorts Lightweight Quick Drying Grey

The Danfiki Running Shorts are designed with your active lifestyle in mind. Made from a lightweight blend of 95% polyester and 5% elastane, these shorts offer maximum stretch for unrestricted movement during workouts. Their quick-drying fabric ensures you stay comfortable and dry, even during intense training sessions. With multiple pockets, including a hidden phone pocket, you can securely carry your essentials like keys and cards without worry. The fitted design provides support to your thigh muscles, reducing friction and enhancing flexibility as you run or train.

What We Like
Lightweight and stretchy material
Quick-drying for comfort
Multiple secure pockets
Fitted design for support
#TOP 6

TCA Elite Tech Men's Gym Shorts with Pockets

TCA
Black Stealth
TCA Elite Tech Men's Gym Shorts with Pockets Cover
TCA Elite Tech Men Gym Athletic Workout Running Shorts for Men with Zipper Pockets - Black Stealth, L

The TCA Men's Gym Shorts are crafted from lightweight, breathable fabric, ensuring maximum comfort during your workouts. With secure storage provided by two zip pockets, you can safely keep your essentials without worrying about them bouncing around. The breathable moisture-wicking technology quickly evaporates sweat, helping you stay dry and focused during intense sessions. For added comfort, consider ordering a size up for a looser fit, allowing you to move freely and perform at your best.

What We Like
Lightweight and breathable fabric
Secure zip pockets for storage
Moisture-wicking for dryness
Comfortable fit for workouts
#TOP 7

TCA Men's Lightweight Running Shorts with Pockets

TCA
Black
TCA Men's Lightweight Running Shorts with Pockets Cover
TCA Men's Laser Lightweight Running Shorts with Pockets - Black, L

The TCA Running Shorts are designed for comfort and performance. Made from lightweight stretch woven fabrics, they are perfect for running or gym workouts. The ventilation holes across the lower leg enhance breathability, helping you stay cool during intense sessions. With subtle slimline pockets, you can easily store small items, providing convenience on the go. Additionally, the moisture-wicking fabric ensures quick drying and absorbs sweat, keeping you dry and comfortable throughout your activities.

What We Like
Lightweight and breathable fabrics
Convenient storage pockets
Moisture-wicking for comfort
Designed with athlete input
#TOP 8

HMIYA Men's Quick Dry Sport Shorts

FBA-CCDK-Black-M
Black
HMIYA Men's Quick Dry Sport Shorts Cover
HMIYA Men's Sport Shorts Quick Dry Running Gym Casual Short Lightweight with Zip Pockets(Black,EU-L/US-M)

The HMIYA Sport Shorts are crafted from a quality fabric blend of 95% polyester and 5% spandex, ensuring they are skin-friendly and lightweight for maximum movement. Their quick-drying feature helps you stay comfortable during workouts, as sweat is absorbed and removed quickly. With two secure zipper pockets, you can safely store your essentials like your phone and wallet while exercising. Additionally, reflective lines enhance your visibility during night workouts, keeping you safe while you stay active.

What We Like
Quick-drying fabric
Secure zipper pockets
Reflective safety lines
Comfortable elasticated waist
Lightweight and breathable
#TOP 9

Ronhill Men's Tech 5" Running Shorts

RH-005465
Ronhill Men's Tech 5" Running Shorts Cover
Ronhill Running, Men's Tech 5" Short, All Black with Reflect, L

The Ronhill Tech Running Shorts are designed for the eco-conscious runner, made from recycled yarns. You will appreciate the stretch fabric, which allows for added comfort and freedom of movement, while the supportive inner brief ensures you stay comfortable throughout your run. There's also a secure zip pocket for your essentials, making it easy to carry items such as keys or snacks. Additionally, the lightweight, breathable fabric with ventilating tabs keeps you cool during those hot summer runs.

What We Like
Eco-friendly materials used
Comfortable stretch fabric
Secure zip pocket
Lightweight and breathable
Ventilation for hot weather
#TOP 10

Suwangi Men's Quick Dry Running Shorts

Blue
Suwangi Men's Quick Dry Running Shorts Cover
Suwangi Men's Running Shorts 2-in-1 Quick Dry Workout Gym Fitness Training Short with Zip Pockets Blue

The Suwangi Running Shorts are crafted from lightweight, elastic fabric that dries quickly, keeping you comfortable during intense workouts. With two side zipper pockets, you can securely store your mobile phone and keys, allowing you to keep your hands free while exercising. The soft mesh lining reduces friction against your thighs, providing added comfort for runners. Additionally, the elastic waistband with an internal drawcord ensures a personalised fit, so you can enjoy unrestricted movement in every activity.

What We Like
Quick-drying fabric
Convenient zip pockets
Comfortable mesh lining
Personalised fit
Great for various activities
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What kind of shorts are best for running?

Some better options are technical fabrics that blend various materials—like polyester, elastane, spandex, and nylon. If you want shorts that really wick sweat fast, choose a mix with a higher percentage of nylon. Or if extra stretchiness is a must-have, seek out more spandex.

2. Why do men's running shorts have liners?

Liners provide moisture-management to wick sweat away, which helps keeps things cool, comfortable and dry, and prevents infection and chafing. Additionally, liners are built to provide enough support and compression for men so they don't need a jock strap.

3. Are 5 inch shorts good for running?

A 5" inch short for running has its perks and is the most preferred shorts by runners. These shorts are ideal to run effectively and comfortably. These keep you chafe-free and provide the muscle compression you need to turn a good run into a great one!

Editor's Notes

During our lightweight running shorts for men research, we found 306 lightweight running shorts for men products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 136,745 customer reviews through our big data system to write the lightweight running shorts for men list. We found that most customers choose lightweight running shorts for men with an average price of £18.89.

The lightweight running shorts for men are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of lightweight running shorts for men, including Niksa, RDX, Time To Run, Under Armour, Danfiki. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 527 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.