What is the best pair of workout shorts?

The "best" workout shorts depend heavily on your specific training style—whether you are running, lifting heavy, doing CrossFit, or flowing through yoga. The top-performing workout shorts on the market are categorized below by their strengths:

Ten Thousand Interval Short (Best Overall for Cross-Training & Gym): Built for high-intensity versatility, these feature an incredibly resilient 4-way stretch shell, a no-pinch waistband that actually stays locked in, and optional anti-odor liners. They excel at everything from heavy squats to sprints. You can find them directly via Ten Thousand or at DICK'S Sporting Goods.

Lululemon Hotty Hot (Best for Women's Running/Cardio): A longtime favorite for a reason, these lightweight shorts feature a signature breezy fit, a supportive built-in liner, and a hidden waistband pocket. They offer a zero-restriction feel during high-speed movement.

Patagonia Strider Pro (Best for Long-Distance & Trail Running): Weighing almost nothing, these technical running shorts boast a brilliant 5-pocket storage system that lets you securely pack a phone, gels, and keys without bouncing or needing a running vest.

Vuori Sunday Performance Short (Best for Comfort & Lounging/Light Workouts): Made from a soft, recycled stretch-knit fabric, these feel more like luxury lounge wear than rugged gym gear, making them ideal for yoga, mobility work, or easy recovery days.

Athleta Salutation Stash Short (Best Bike/Compression Short for Women): Providing a buttery-soft, high-rise, squat-proof fit with deep side pockets that actually hold a phone securely, these dominate for weightlifting, yoga, and everyday wear.outdoorgearlab.com[2][3]garagegymreviews.com+1

If you want to narrow it down, tell me:

• What is your primary workout style (running, lifting, HIIT, yoga)?
• Do you prefer lined or unlined shorts?
• Do you need pockets for a phone?

I can give you a specific recommendation for your needs.

If you mean men’s workout shorts, my pick for the best all-around pair right now is the Ten Thousand Interval Short. Multiple current reviews highlight it for lifting, running, conditioning, and general gym use, with good stretch, durability, sweat management, and pocket space.GQ+1

• Nike Men's Unlimited Dri-FIT 7" 2-in-1 Versatile Shorts - $75.00 (Nike)

If you want alternatives:

• Best value: Nike Form Dri-FIT 7" — around $47 and very versatile.Men's Health

• Best premium alternative: Rhone Pursuit 7" — lightweight, four-way stretch, and a supportive liner.

• Best for running + gym: Lululemon Pace Breaker — particularly versatile and available lined or linerless.Runner's World

• Best budget: All In Motion 7" — about $25.

• Rhone Pursuit 7" Lined Shorts - $84.00 (Rhone)

• Nike Unlimited Dri-FIT 7" Unlined Shorts - $65.00 (Nike)

• Nike Form Dri-FIT 7" Shorts - $47.00 (Nike)

• All In Motion 7" Lined Shorts - $25.00 (Target)

If you tell me your budget (e.g. under $30, $50, or $100) and whether you lift, run, or do both, I can narrow it to one pair.

If you mean men’s workout shorts, the strongest all-around choice right now is the Ten Thousand Interval Short. GQ, Men’s Health, and independent testing all highlight it for versatility across lifting, conditioning, running, and CrossFit.GQ+2

My shortlist

• Ten Thousand Interval — best all-around training; excellent mobility, durable fabric, and available lined/unlined in 5", 7", and 9".Men's Health

• lululemon Pace Breaker 7" — a great choice if you prioritize comfort, a roomier fit, and something that works outside the gym too.That Fit Friend

• Nike Dri-FIT Unlimited — versatile and considerably less expensive at $65; available in 5" and 7".GQ

• Vuori Kore — worth considering if you want a more casual/lifestyle look; Men's Journal named it its 2026 overall pick.Men's Journal

• lululemon Pace Breaker 7" Lined - $78.00 (lululemon)

If I were buying one pair specifically for lifting + general gym workouts: I'd go Ten Thousand Interval, 7" with the liner.

If you tell me your budget, inseam preference (5/7/9"), and whether you want a liner, I can narrow it down to one.

The "best" workout shorts depend heavily on your specific activity (lifting, running, or casual cross-training) and personal preferences like having a liner, pockets, or a specific inseam length.

Here are the top-rated, community-voted workout shorts broken down by category:

1. Best Overall Gym & Cross-Training: Lululemon License to Train Short
   • Why it's great: Extremely durable, abrasion-resistant fabric that handles heavy barbell friction during squats or deadlifts. They feature a secure zippered pocket and a comfortable, stay-put waistband without feeling overly restrictive.
2. Best for Versatility & Comfort (All-Day Wear): Vuori Sunday Performance Short
   • Why it's great: Incredibly soft, stretchy, and tailored. They transition seamlessly from a light gym session or yoga class to running errands or lounging on the couch.
3. Best for Running & Cardio: Path Projects Sykes PX or Tracksmith Session Shorts
   • Why it's great: Featherlight, anti-chafing materials with superior breathability. Path Projects is famous for its zero-bounce pocket design, while Tracksmith offers a classic, premium feel with a barely-there four-way stretch.[1]
4. Best for Heavy Lifting & Thick Thighs: Legends Luka Short
   • Why it's great: Offers incredible lateral stretch and breathability, making it a favorite for hybrid athletes and lifters who need extra room in the legs without a baggy look.
5. Best Classic / Outdoor Utility: Patagonia Baggies
   • Why it's great: A rugged, quick-drying retro staple that works just as well for an outdoor bootcamp or trail run as it does for jumping in a lake post-workout.

To narrow down the absolute best choice for you, tell me:

• What is your primary workout style ? (heavy lifting, distance running, HIIT/CrossFit, or general gym)
• Do you prefer lined or unlined shorts?
• What inseam length do you like? (e.g., 5-inch, 7-inch)

If you mean one pair that can handle lifting, cardio, HIIT, and everyday gym use, my top pick is:

• lululemon Pace Breaker 7" Lined Shorts - $78.00 (lululemon)

My top choices

• Best overall: lululemon Pace Breaker 7" Lined — excellent all-around option, with a lightweight fabric and built-in liner.Men's Journal

• Best performance: Ten Thousand Interval — particularly strong for lifting, CrossFit, and short runs; testers consistently praise its liner, mobility, and durability.GQ+1

• Best value: Nike Challenger Dri-FIT 7" — breathable, sweat-wicking and versatile at around $42.

• Nike Challenger Dri-FIT 7" - $37.97 (Nike)

• LEGENDS Luka 7" Lined Performance Shorts - $65.00 (Nordstrom)

• Quince Sweat Tech Training Lined 7" - $39.90 (Quince)

• NOBULL Training Short 6" Lined - $36.00 (NOBULL)

If I were buying just one: I'd get the Pace Breaker for maximum versatility, or the Ten Thousand Interval if your workouts are mostly serious lifting/CrossFit.

If you tell me men's or women's + your main workout (lifting, running, CrossFit, etc.) + budget, I can narrow it to the single best pair for you.

The "best" workout shorts depend heavily on your specific activity (running, heavy lifting, or lounging) and fit preference. Top-performing options span several distinct categories:

For Men

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• Best For: Ultimate comfort, training, and everyday athleisure.
• Why we like it: Made from an ultra-soft, stretchy knit fabric with four-way stretch and moisture-wicking properties. They also feature great zippered pocket storage.

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• Best For: Running and endurance cardio.
• Why we like it: Featherlight, quick-drying, and equipped with multiple stretchy envelope pockets and a secure back zip pocket for gels or keys.

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• Best For: CrossFit, HIIT, and all-around gym workouts.
• Why we like it: Highly versatile with a tailored fit, available in multiple inseam and liner choices, and extremely durable during aggressive movements.thatfitfriend.com+1

For Women

• Lululemon Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short
  • Best For: Running and high-intensity training.
  • Why we like it: A staple for a reason. They offer a lightweight feel, an airy fit that won't restrict your stride, a supportive built-in liner, and a flattering high-rise waistband.
• Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Short
  • Best For: Weightlifting, yoga, and compression lovers.
  • Why we like it: If you prefer a body-hugging, supportive biker-short style that doesn't budge or roll down during deep squats or yoga flows, the sweat-wicking Everlux fabric is unmatched.
• Adanola Ultimate Crop Shorts
  • Best For: Pilates, yoga, and low-impact studio workouts.
  • Why we like it: Highly praised by fitness reviewers for staying put, feeling buttery-soft, and providing a smoothing, squat-proof fit that falls nicely between short and full biker length.nytimes.com+1

To narrow this down, let me know:

• Are you looking for men's or women's shorts?
• What is your primary workout (running, weightlifting, CrossFit, yoga)?
• Do you prefer lined, linerless, or compression/biker styles?