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Men's Running Shorts & Half-Tights

The best running shorts are the ones you forget you're wearing. Our men's running shorts cover every length — from 3 to 9 inches, lined 2-in-1 or unlined — with pockets built for your phone and gels, in breathable fabrics that dry fast. Saucony, Brooks, ASICS, Salomon, Mizuno and more, picked by our runners.
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Finding the right men's running shorts changes the whole run: less chafing, better freedom of movement, easier handling of your phone, keys and gels. Whether you're after a light pair for the 10K, a 2-in-1 model with a built-in liner for the marathon, or trail shorts with multiple pockets for long outings, our selection gathers the brands Quebec runners actually wear: Saucony, Brooks, Asics, Salomon and Mizuno. Filter by brand, length or type to narrow your search.

How to choose men's running shorts

Four technical criteria set running shorts apart from a classic gym short: length, liner type, functional pockets and fabric.

Length: from 3 to 9 inches

3-to-5-inch shorts are the pick of fast runners and racers: less friction, ultra-fast drying. 5-to-7-inch models are the most versatile compromise for daily training. 7-to-9-inch shorts suit runners who want more coverage, technical trail running, or layering over tights in shoulder season.

Lined or unlined: the 2-in-1 debate

A 2-in-1 short integrates a compressive liner under the outer short: instant comfort and superior chafe management over long distances. Unlined models ventilate better and dry faster; the light brief liner is the classic compromise. For a marathon or long trail race, go 2-in-1; for intervals or humid heat, unlined breathes better.

Pockets: where your phone, keys and gels go

Check before buying: a zip pocket at the back or thigh for keys, mesh side pockets for gels (ideal on the trail) and a mini waistband pocket. If you carry your phone, aim for a thigh side pocket — more stable than the back pocket on the run.

Fabric: breathability and fast drying

The best shorts use recycled polyester or nylon-elastane blends that wick sweat and dry in minutes, sometimes with a DWR (water-repellent) treatment to shrug off light showers.

Which shorts for which kind of running?

  • Fast running and racing: 3 to 5 inches, unlined or brief liner, ultralight fabric — look at Saucony and Asics.
  • Daily training: 5 to 7 inches, 2-in-1, versatile — Brooks, Saucony and Mizuno cover this segment especially well.
  • Long runs and the marathon: 5 to 7 inches with a compressive liner and multiple pockets.
  • Trail and ultra: 7 to 9 inches, mesh pockets for gels and flasks — Salomon is the segment's reference.

Adapting your shorts to the Quebec climate

In humid midsummer, go unlined or brief-lined, short and very breathable. In shoulder season, the 2-in-1 is your best ally. Below 5°C, many runners wear a 7-to-9-inch short over light tights. In winter, shorts give way to thermal tights — though many keep a short on top for the pockets.

Running short brands at Boréal

Saucony and Brooks for unbeatable value on 2-in-1 training and long-distance models, Salomon for technical trail, Asics for race-day lightness, Mizuno for trim, durable cuts.

Complete your running outfit

Build the rest of your kit with our men's running apparel, including t-shirts and tanks and running socks. Shopping for her? Here are our women's running shorts and tights.

Frequently asked questions

What length of running shorts should I choose?
Fast runners and racers pick 3 to 5 inches. 5 to 7 inches suits daily training. Trail runners or those wanting more coverage go for 7 to 9 inches.
What's the difference between 2-in-1 and classic shorts?
A 2-in-1 integrates a compressive liner under the outer short, reducing friction over long distances and replacing a separate boxer. A classic short (unlined or brief-lined) ventilates better and lets you choose your own underwear.
Can I run in regular gym shorts?
For short runs, yes. Beyond 30 to 40 minutes, running shorts bring real advantages: sweat-wicking fabric, studied length, a liner that reduces chafing and pockets designed for running essentials.
What shorts should I wear for cold-weather running?
Between 0 and 8°C, a longer short (7 to 9 inches) alone or over light tights works very well. Below 0°C, most runners switch to thermal tights — some keep a short on top for the pockets.
How do I wash running shorts?
Cold or lukewarm water, inside out, no fabric softener (it clogs breathable fibres). Air dry: the dryer damages elastics and water-repellent treatments.
How much do good running shorts cost?
Expect $50 to $80 for a quality training short, and $80 to $120 for a 2-in-1 or trail model with multiple pockets. Above that, you're into specialized ultra models. Average lifespan: 2 to 3 seasons of heavy running.