Praised on OutdoorGearLab as an ultralight option featuring a comprehensive pocket system capable of carrying a phone, gels, and small essentials without needing a vest.
Highlighted by OutdoorGearLab as a pocket-rich, highly versatile choice featuring a supportive biker-style liner that works seamlessly across various running and gym distances.
Widely loved for casual training, yoga, and lifting, featuring a breathable anti-odor boxer-brief liner and buttery-soft 4-way stretch fabric.
Ten Thousand Interval / Session Shorts (Best for Heavy Training)Opinions on Reddit are mixed regarding recent quality consistency on glued seams, but many dedicated lifters still swear by their rugged durability, specialized anti-roll waistbands, and utilitarian build.
The best pair of workout shorts depends on how you train — running, lifting weights, HIIT, or everyday gym sessions all benefit from slightly different designs.
For an excellent all-around pair, I'd prioritize four things: lightweight, breathable fabric, a waistband that stays put, enough stretch for squats and lunges, and pockets that don't get in the way.
My top workout-short picks
1. Vuori Kore Short
(Best overall)
Premium pick · about $78
Comfortable, versatile shorts for gym sessions, light running, and everyday wear. A great choice if you want one pair that does almost everything.
The top-rated workout shorts currently on the market excel across categories like running, heavy lifting, and versatile cross-training. Reviewers and fitness communities consistently praise the following top performers for men and women:
Top-Rated Men's Workout Shorts
Men's Ten Thousand Shorts Ten Thousand Interval Shorts | Ten Thousand& more | 4.4(1.1K)
Ten Thousand Interval Short : Widely regarded as the best overall gym and CrossFit short. They feature ultra-durable, anti-odor fabric available in multiple inseam lengths (5", 7", or 9") with optional, highly supportive anti-chafing liners.
Vuori Men's Shorts Vuori Kore Unlined Short | Vuori Clothing& more | 4.6(626)
Vuori Kore Short : A favorite for everyday comfort and running, featuring a soft, premium boxer-brief liner and a casual aesthetic that transitions easily outside the gym.
lululemon Pace Breaker Shorts Men's | lululemon | 4.8(620)
Lululemon Pace Breaker Short : Exceptionally lightweight with a spacious cut, making them ideal for high-mobility training, running, or athletes with larger thighs who want zero restriction.
Baggies Shorts Patagonia Men's | Patagonia& more | 4.8(1.1K)
Patagonia Baggies Shorts : A classic, rugged choice available in 5" or 7" inseams. Made from quick-drying recycled nylon, they double seamlessly as swimwear and trail shorts.
lululemon Align High-Rise Short : The gold standard for yoga, Pilates, and low-impact lounging due to their buttery-soft, weightless Nulu fabric that feels like a second skin.
lululemon Wunder Train Shorts Women's High-Rise Short 6 | lululemon& more | 4.5(349)
lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Short : Engineered with fast-drying Everlux fabric [bodyandsoul.com.au/shop/best-bike-shorts/news-story/89ac3f0b5a2727a2a31247a1fb940a4c], these are the top choice for intense, high-sweat gym sessions and spin classes because they stay cool and compressive.
CRZ Yoga Butterluxe / 2-in-1 Shorts : The ultimate budget-friendly alternative that mimics high-end brands with incredible softness, squat-proof coverage, and secure waistbands at a fraction of the cost.
If you'd like to narrow down the choices, tell me:
Are you shopping for men's or women's shorts?
What is your primary activity (e.g., running, CrossFit, yoga, heavy lifting)?
As of October 2026, the strongest workout shorts depend on whether you're lifting weights, running, doing HIIT, or looking for something comfortable enough to wear all day. Recent expert testing highlights brands like Vuori, Ten Thousand, Nike, and Lululemon, while customer ratings help identify highly regarded alternatives.
Here are my top picks based on a combination of expert recommendations, available customer ratings, performance features, and value.
I searched current workout-short recommendations and online options. My advice is to prioritize comfort, sweat-wicking fabric, a good fit, and pockets that actually work rather than paying extra just for a big brand name. For most people, the best choice depends on whether you're lifting weights, running, or doing general gym workouts.
Here are the options I'd shortlist, from affordable everyday shorts to premium training gear.
My top picks to buy online
BEST VALUE FOR TRAINING
Men's PaceLite Shorts W/ Zipper Pockets 5"
$34.99
MIER · 4.8/5 (357 reviews)
Lightweight, quick-drying 5-inch shorts with stretch and zippered pockets. A good all-rounder for running and gym sessions.
Shop at MIER
BEST BUDGET PICK
Old Navy Men's Stretchtech Workout Shorts -- 7-Inch Inseam -…
$14.99
Old Navy
A relaxed 7-inch fit with four-way stretch and quick-drying fabric. Ideal if you want a simple, affordable pair for everyday workouts.
To pick the best workout shorts online, it helps to match the style and fabric to your specific routine (running, weightlifting, or lounging). Here are top-rated options categorized by performance and value:
Lululemon Pace Breaker (Men's) | lululemon | 4.8(855)
Widely considered the gold standard for versatility. You can browse options on the Lululemon Pace Breaker Short Page . They feature a lightweight 4-way stretch, secure zip pockets, and choices of liner or linerless configurations.
Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 (Women's) | Gymshark& more
Excellent for gym workouts and weight training. Check out styles directly on the Gymshark Vital Seamless Shorts Page . They offer a supportive high waist, flattering contour shading, and sweat-wicking material.
The best shorts with zipper pockets depend on how you plan to use them, but I’d prioritize secure zippered pockets, comfortable fabric, and a fit that works for everyday wear or exercise. If you want one versatile pair, lightweight athletic shorts with zippered hand pockets are a great place to start.
Here are the main options worth comparing: running shorts for workouts, hybrid shorts for everyday wear, and hiking shorts for durability and extra storage.
Best shorts with zipper pockets
(Best overall)
Vuori Sunday Performance Shorts
$84
4.8/5 · 46 reviews
Lightweight, stretchy, quick-drying shorts with multiple zip pockets. My pick for comfortable everyday wear, travel, and workouts.
The "best" shorts with zipper pockets depend heavily on what you plan to do in them—whether that's trail running, hiking, traveling, or hitting the gym.
Top-performing options categorized by their best use cases:
Best for Trail Running & Active Sports: Patagonia Multi Trails Shorts
Why they stand out: They feature deeply appreciated, secure zippered hand pockets that easily hold a phone or essentials without bouncing around, plus a lightweight 4-way stretch fabric and a comfortable, low-profile waistband. You can view details or purchase them via Public Lands.
Best for Serious Hiking & Trekking: Fjallraven Abisko Shorts
Why they stand out: Built with a hybrid construction of ultra-tough G-1000 fabric and stretchy panels, these feature zippered hand pockets and a dedicated zippered leg/phone security pocket. They are rugged enough for rough terrain while maintaining a clean, comfortable fit under a pack.
Best Lightweight Performance/Fast Packing: Janji AFO Middle Shorts
Why they stand out: Known for a feather-light feel, these running/training shorts feature a moisture-wicking shell and a secure rear zip pocket designed specifically to keep valuables and phones locked down while you move.
Best Casual/Everyday Outdoor: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts
Why they stand out: Made from the beloved, highly breathable, and stretchy Ferrosi fabric, these pull-on style shorts include a handy zippered thigh pocket that keeps smaller items safe during climbing, hiking, or walking the dog.
If you can tell me what specific activity you'll be doing (running, hiking, casual wear, or traveling) and preferred inseam length , I can narrow this down to the exact model that fits your routine.
1. Vuori Kore Short
(Best overall)
Typical price: around $68
A great all-around option for gym sessions, travel, and everyday wear. Soft, stretchy fabric and a versatile design make it a standout choice. Men's Journal named it its best overall workout short for 2026.
Designed for lifting, sprints, and high-intensity workouts. It offers four-way stretch, quick-drying fabric, and lined or unlined versions. Men's Health and Men's Journal both highlight Ten Thousand's training shorts.
A strong choice if you prefer lightweight, unlined shorts with freedom of movement. Particularly appealing for people who dislike a built-in liner. Men's Health's testing coverage highlights the Pace Breaker linerless version for comfort.
A practical, lightweight option for running and general fitness. The brief liner provides support, and the current listing shows 4.6/5 from 444 reviews.
A good lower-cost option for general athletic training, with a 4.8/5 rating from 59 reviews in the available listing. Worth considering if you want functional gym shorts without paying premium-brand prices.
For women's workout shorts, Women's Health's September 2026 editor-tested roundup is another useful starting point, particularly for high-waisted options suited to Pilates, HIIT, and gym workouts.
One question so I can narrow this down: Are you shopping for men's or women's shorts, and what's your main workout?
