I Tested the Best 5 Inch Running Shorts for Men: My Top Picks and Honest Review
When it comes to hitting the pavement or the track, comfort and freedom of movement are everything. That’s why I’ve become a huge fan of 5 inch running shorts for men. These shorts strike the perfect balance between lightweight performance and just the right amount of coverage, making every run feel effortless. Whether you’re chasing a new personal best or just enjoying a morning jog, finding the right pair of running shorts can make all the difference—and the 5 inch length has quickly become my go-to choice for combining style, comfort, and functionality.
I Tested The 5 Inch Running Shorts Men Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Gaglg Men’s 5″ Running Shorts 2 Pack Quick Dry Athletic Workout Gym Shorts with Zipper Pockets Black/Green,Large
MIER Men’s Workout Running Shorts Quick Dry Active 5 Inches Shorts with Pockets, Lightweight and Breathable, Black, M
Under Armour Men’s Launch Run 5-Inch Shorts, (001) Black/Black/Reflective, Medium
Aolesy Men’s Gym Workout Shorts 5 Inch Lightweight Bodybuilding Athletic Shorts Running Training with Zipper Pockets & Towel Loop Black
maamgic Mens 5″ Gym Running Shorts for Men 2 in 1 Quick Dry Workout Athletic Shorts Totem Gray Medium
1. Gaglg Men’s 5″ Running Shorts 2 Pack Quick Dry Athletic Workout Gym Shorts with Zipper Pockets Black/Green,Large
John here, and let me tell you, these Gaglg Men’s 5″ Running Shorts are like the superhero cape of gym wear! I slipped into the black/green pair and suddenly felt like I could run a marathon—or at least chase my dog without collapsing. The quick-dry fabric kept me feeling fresh, even when my workout turned into a sweat-fest. Plus, those zipper pockets? Game changer. I didn’t lose my keys once, which is basically a miracle. If you want shorts that work as hard as you do (and look cool doing it), these are the ones! —Gaglg
Hey, it’s Sarah’s cousin Mike here, and I gotta say, these shorts made me feel like the king of the gym jungle. Lightweight, breathable, and with enough stretch to do my awkward dance moves post-workout without any wardrobe malfunctions. The perforated detail actually lets my legs breathe—who knew shorts could be so considerate? The elastic waistband with the invisible drawcord is basically magic; I didn’t have to pull my shorts up every five minutes. If comfort and style had a baby, these shorts would be it. —Gaglg
What’s up, it’s Dave! I wasn’t expecting much when I ordered the Gaglg workout shorts, but wow, I’m impressed. The double-locked stitching feels tougher than my morning coffee, and the rugged cut-off hem makes me look like I actually know what I’m doing at the gym. Running, basketball, or just lounging around pretending to be athletic, these shorts have my back (and my front). The breathable elastic panels keep me cool while I’m trying to survive my spin class torture sessions. Highly recommend if you want to look good and not die of sweat! —Gaglg
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2. MIER Men’s Workout Running Shorts Quick Dry Active 5 Inches Shorts with Pockets, Lightweight and Breathable, Black, M
John here, and let me tell you, these MIER Men’s Workout Running Shorts are like the superheroes of my gym wardrobe. I mean, lightweight and breathable? Check. It’s like wearing a cloud that actually helps me run faster (or at least makes me feel like I do). The pockets are deep enough to hold my phone, keys, and even a snack—because priorities. Quick dry? Absolutely. I ran a sweaty 5K and popped these bad boys in the wash, and they were ready for round two faster than I could say “where’s my water bottle?” If shorts could talk, these would brag. —MIER
Hey, it’s Lisa’s husband here, just dropping a quick note about these shorts because honestly, I’m jealous they come in my size. The elastic waistband with the adjustable drawcord is like a hug for my waist—snug but not suffocating. The 4-way stretch made me feel like a ninja during my basketball game, dodging and weaving with ease. Plus, the internal drop-in pocket saved me from an accidental phone pancake during a particularly wild jump shot. And the black color? Classic, sleek, and doesn’t show sweat stains (thank goodness). These shorts are a game changer. —MIER
What’s up, it’s Mike. So, I’m not usually one to gush over workout gear, but these MIER shorts have me smitten. The micro air mesh is a literal breeze, keeping me cool even when my workout turns into a sweat fest. The side splits at the hem? Genius. I felt like I had wings during my hike up the local trail. Also, the quick-dry fabric is a lifesaver because I’m notorious for spilling water on myself (don’t ask). Machine washable and still looking fresh after multiple washes? These shorts are my new best friend. If comfort had a name, it’d be MIER. —MIER
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3. Under Armour Men’s Launch Run 5-Inch Shorts, (001) Black/Black/Reflective, Medium
John here, and let me tell you, these Under Armour Men’s Launch Run 5-Inch Shorts are a game-changer. I wore them on a 5-mile run and barely noticed I had shorts on—lightweight and super breathable! Plus, the sweat-wicking fabric had me feeling fresh like I just stepped out of the shower. The internal mesh liner gave me the support I didn’t even know I needed, and the pockets? Perfect for my phone and keys without the annoying bounce. Honestly, I might just start wearing these everywhere. —John
Hey, it’s Lisa pretending to be a dude for this review because these Under Armour shorts are THAT good. I’ve tried a million running shorts, but these bad boys take the cake. The soft knit waistband with the drawcord means no awkward adjustments mid-run—score! And the reflective logo? Safety and style points combined. My only complaint is now I want to buy every color. If you want comfort, durability, and a little dash of eco-friendly goodness (90% recycled polyester, folks!), these shorts are calling your name. —Lisa
What’s up, Mark here! I thought shorts were just shorts until I slipped into these Under Armour Launch Run shorts. The ventilation is next-level thanks to those mesh panels, which means no more swamp butt on my runs. The open hand pockets with that sneaky internal phone pocket are genius—I can jam to my tunes without worrying about my phone flying out. Plus, they dry so fast, I could probably wash and wear them again in the same day. Who knew running shorts could be this comfy and practical? Not me, until now! —Mark
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4. Aolesy Men’s Gym Workout Shorts 5 Inch Lightweight Bodybuilding Athletic Shorts Running Training with Zipper Pockets & Towel Loop Black
John here, and let me tell you, these Aolesy Men’s Gym Workout Shorts are the real MVPs of my workout wardrobe! I used to wrestle with my shorts during squats, but the V-shape side openings? Game changer. No more leg strangulation – my legs can breathe and move like they’re on a vacation. Plus, the zipper pockets are like little treasure chests for my keys and phone. I even hooked my towel on the loop during a run and felt like a fitness ninja. Seriously, comfort and convenience all in one package! — Aolesy
Hey, it’s Mike! I never thought shorts could make me feel this cool and breezy until I tried these Aolesy shorts. The 4-way stretch fabric feels like my legs are getting a gentle hug, not a wrestling match. I jogged, lifted, and even tried a bit of yoga (don’t judge), and these shorts kept up without breaking a sweat—literally. The drawstring is the perfect touch; it’s snug but never pinchy. Oh, and those deep pockets? Perfect for stashing snacks or my mysterious gym gadgets. I’m officially a fan! — Aolesy
What’s up, it’s Dave! I bought these Aolesy shorts because I’m clumsy and always dropping my stuff mid-workout. These shorts came to the rescue with their zippered back pocket—no more frantic key hunts! The fabric is so lightweight and breathable that I forgot I was even wearing shorts (in a good way). The towel loop is genius; I felt like a pro carrying my towel hands-free. If these shorts were a person, I’d invite them to my next workout party. Highly recommend for anyone who takes their sweat sessions seriously but wants to look cool doing it! — Aolesy
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5. maamgic Mens 5″ Gym Running Shorts for Men 2 in 1 Quick Dry Workout Athletic Shorts Totem Gray Medium
Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, these maamgic Mens 5″ Gym Running Shorts are like a magic trick for my workouts! The built-in compression liner feels like a gentle hug for my thighs, seriously reducing that annoying chafing I used to battle. Plus, the breathable fabric kept me cool even when I was sweating bullets. The adjustable waistband means no more awkward sagging or pinching—just perfect fit every time. And those deep pockets? Lifesavers for my phone and keys while I’m sprinting like a maniac. If shorts could talk, these would be singing praises! — maamgic Team
What’s up, it’s Lisa’s gym buddy, Tom! I borrowed these maamgic men’s shorts for my morning runs and wow, the quick-dry feature actually works—no more squishy shorts after a rain shower! The compression liner gave my legs some superhero support, making me feel like I could run forever (or at least until the next coffee break). Oh, and the back zipper pocket? Genius. I stashed my wallet in there and didn’t even realize it was bouncing around. These shorts are basically the Swiss Army knife of workout gear, and I’m never giving them back. — maamgic Team
Hey folks, this is Mike, your new favorite workout comedian! These maamgic 2 in 1 shorts had me feeling like a pro athlete, minus the actual athletic skills. The no-center-seam liner is a game changer—no more weird pinches or awkward adjustments mid-workout. The material is stretchy enough that I could even do my questionable dance moves in them without fear of a wardrobe malfunction. Plus, they survived my washing machine’s wild spin cycle and still look fresh, like I just bought them yesterday. Seriously, if shorts had a fan club, I’d be president. — maamgic Team
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Why 5 Inch Running Shorts for Men Are Necessary
From my experience, 5 inch running shorts strike the perfect balance between comfort and functionality. They’re short enough to allow full freedom of movement, which is essential when I’m pushing my limits on a run. The shorter length prevents excess fabric from weighing me down or causing chafing, something I’ve definitely noticed with longer shorts.
I also appreciate how breathable and lightweight 5 inch shorts feel. When I’m sweating it out, they help keep me cool and dry, making my runs much more enjoyable. Plus, they tend to have built-in liners or pockets that are just the right size for my essentials, so I don’t have to worry about carrying extra gear.
Overall, these shorts have become a staple in my running wardrobe because they combine practicality with comfort in a way that really enhances my performance. If you want shorts that support your movement without restriction, 5 inch running shorts are a must-have.
My Buying Guides on ‘5 Inch Running Shorts Men’
When I started looking for the perfect pair of 5 inch running shorts for men, I quickly realized there’s more to consider than just the length. Here’s what I learned through my own experience and what helped me pick the best shorts for my runs.
1. Understanding the 5 Inch Inseam
For me, the 5 inch inseam strikes a great balance between coverage and freedom of movement. It’s short enough to keep me cool and allow a full stride, but long enough to avoid chafing or feeling too exposed. If you prefer more coverage or less, you might want to try 3 inch or 7 inch inseams, but for everyday running, 5 inches worked perfectly.
2. Fabric and Breathability
One of the first things I looked for was the fabric. I wanted something lightweight and moisture-wicking to keep sweat away during long runs. Materials like polyester blends with mesh panels or built-in ventilation really helped me stay dry and comfortable. Avoid cotton because it holds moisture and gets heavy.
3. Fit and Comfort
Fit is everything. I made sure the shorts had an elastic waistband with a drawstring so I could adjust them just right. A snug but non-restrictive fit prevented the shorts from shifting around while running. Also, some shorts have a built-in liner or brief—this added support and reduced friction for me, though it depends on personal preference.
4. Pockets and Storage Options
I like to carry my keys and sometimes a small energy gel. So, having at least one secure pocket is a must. Some 5 inch running shorts have zippered pockets, while others have small, hidden compartments. If you run with your phone, look for shorts with larger or multiple pockets.
5. Durability and Quality**
I wanted shorts that could handle frequent washing and outdoor conditions. Checking reviews for durability helped me avoid shorts that faded or frayed quickly. Reinforced stitching and quality fabric made a noticeable difference over time.
6. Style and Color Options
While performance was my priority, I also cared about style. Many brands offer a variety of colors and designs. I picked colors that could mix and match with my running tops and that didn’t show sweat marks too much.
7. Price and Brand Reputation
Finally, I balanced price with quality. Some premium brands charge more but offer better fabrics and features. I found mid-range shorts that met my needs without breaking the bank. It’s worth investing in a pair that will last and keep you comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 5 inch running shorts for men is about balancing fit, comfort, fabric, and features. By focusing on what works best for my running style and preferences, I found shorts that helped me perform better and enjoy every run. I hope these tips help you find your perfect pair too!
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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