Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.5 Best Distance Running Shorts | Built-In Liners or Briefs

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The Under Armour Launch Run shorts strike the perfect balance of weight, breathability, and pocket security for distance runners who prefer to wear their own briefs. The woven polyester fabric is exceptionally lightweight and includes super-breathable mesh panels across the sides that dump heat fast on summer long runs. At a 7-inch inseam, these shorts offer enough coverage that they don’t ride up, yet the fabric’s thinness means they never feel heavy or restrict your stride. The soft knit waistband with an internal drawcord keeps everything secure without digging in, even when you’re carrying a phone in the right-side internal phone pocket.

What sets these apart from the other unlined shorts here is the pocket design. The open hand pockets are deep enough to hold a phone securely for walking, but the right-side internal sleeve pocket is the real star — it keeps a phone pressed against your thigh, eliminating the bouncing that loose pockets cause. The main body fabric contains at least 90% recycled polyester, which is an environmentally conscious bonus without sacrificing performance. Multiple reviewers noted these are their favorite running shorts because they hold up well in the wash without pilling or losing shape.

One important note: these shorts run slightly small. Several buyers found they needed to size up from their typical large to extra large. The lack of a built-in liner is a feature for some but a dealbreaker for runners who want that all-in-one solution — you’ll need to pair these with a high-quality anti-chafe brief to avoid inner-thigh friction on longer distances. The 7-inch inseam sits about one inch above the knee on most runners, offering a modern look that works equally well for tempo runs and gym sessions.

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The CRZ YOGA 2 in 1 shorts deliver a premium, Lululemon-like experience at a more accessible price point, making them a standout choice for runners who want a compressive liner without the premium brand tax. The 7-inch outer shell and sewn-in compression liner provide full thigh coverage and eliminate the need for separate underwear, which is a huge advantage for distance running where friction is the enemy. The fabric feels soft and smooth against the skin, and the quick-dry polyester construction ensures you stay dry even during sweat-heavy long runs. A dedicated phone pocket inside the liner keeps your device locked against your thigh, preventing the bounce that plagues shorts with only loose side pockets.

Reviewers consistently praise the durability of these shorts after multiple wash and dryer cycles, with the liner retaining its shape and the outer fabric resisting pilling. The 2-in-1 design is also versatile — you can wear these to the gym, on a run, or even casually without looking out of place. The waistband features an internal drawstring that can be tied inside or outside, giving you flexibility on fit. The colors are vibrant and the selection is broad, which helps these shorts stand out visually while performing well.

The main drawback is that the compression liner runs slightly large for some body types, which can cause light bunching during dynamic movements like squats or steep hill climbs. A few taller runners (6’4″) found the 7-inch inseam felt a bit short, while the 5-inch version was actually longer than expected — sizing can be inconsistent between colors and batches. The liner’s phone pocket is also sized for a standard phone, not an oversized case or a large phablet, so check your phone’s dimensions before relying on it for storage.

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The maamgic 5-inch 2-in-1 shorts offer a shorter inseam for runners who prioritize maximum stride freedom and a race-ready feel, while still including the anti-chafe protection of a built-in compression liner. At 5 inches, these shorts sit higher on the thigh than the CRZ YOGA or Under Armour options, giving you excellent mobility and a faster, more aerodynamic feel on the run. The compression liner is designed to be supportive without being overly compressive, and the outer layer is made from a quick-dry, breathable fabric that handles sweat well. The thoughtful pocket layout is a key feature: the side pockets include small internal compartments specifically for gels or keys, and a back zipper pocket provides secure storage for a wallet or ID.

Reviewers highlight the durability of these shorts after nearly a year of regular washing and drying — the fabric stays like new, and the liner doesn’t stretch out. The 2-in-1 design means you can go commando without chafing, which is a major plus for distance runners. The holes version (available separately) prevents air from puffing up the shorts during exercise, which some runners prefer for a sleeker silhouette. The overall fit is true to size, with a 5’11”, 200-pound runner wearing a size large comfortably.

The most common criticism centers on the compression liner’s fit being too loose for some, which can actually cause the chafing the shorts are meant to prevent. One reviewer returned the shorts specifically because the liner was baggy enough to create friction on longer runs. The 5-inch inseam is also not ideal for runners with larger thighs who prefer more coverage to prevent the liner from riding up. The zippered back pocket is small and best suited for a card or key, not a phone, so you’ll still rely on the side pockets for phone storage.

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The NELEUS 7-inch shorts are an entry-level unlined option that provides good basic performance for runners on a budget, particularly if you’re willing to bring your own anti-chafe briefs. The lightweight honeycomb fabric is breathable and comfortable for both running and gym workouts, and the 7-inch inseam offers a traditional length that covers the thigh well without restricting motion. The deep side pockets are large enough to hold a phone securely for walking, though they may allow slight bouncing during a hard run. A built-in towel loop is a unique feature for post-run convenience, and the long drawstrings allow for easy adjustment of the mid-rise waistband.

Reviewers consistently note that these shorts are very comfortable for the price, with a soft hand feel and good moisture management. The fit is true to size for most runners, and the stretch waistband doesn’t dig in during high-intensity activities. The three-pack pricing (the shorts are often sold as a multi-pack) is a strong value proposition, giving you multiple pairs for rotation without a big upfront investment. Several users reported buying from NELEUS multiple times due to the consistent quality and comfort.

The primary downsides for distance running are the unlined design and the loose pocket security. Without a built-in liner, you must rely on your own briefs for chafing protection, and the outer fabric’s texture can cause slight flaring and bunching during lunges and dynamic stretches. The marked 7-inch inseam runs shorter than expected, fitting more like a 5-inch on some body types, which can lead to exposure during movements like deep lunges. The towel loop, while unique, caught on a door handle during wear for one reviewer and had to be cut off.

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The BOA 1-inch Elite Split shorts are the most minimal option in this roundup, designed for maximum ventilation and zero restriction during hot-weather races and hard track workouts. With only a 1-inch inseam and full split sides, these shorts feel almost like running naked — you get unrestricted hip and quad movement with virtually no fabric catching or bunching. The elastic waistband stretches well and the drawstring is present, though several buyers noted it’s a non-functional loop rather than a proper cinch cord. Made in the USA, these shorts weigh nearly nothing and pack down small for travel, making them a go-to for minimalist runners.

Reviewers who love these shorts wear them for races, speed work, and the hottest summer days where any extra fabric feels suffocating. The material is good quality and holds up well to wash cycles, with several customers buying multiple pairs over time. The short length also appeals to runners who dislike the modern trend toward longer inseams (7+ inches) and prefer the classic track-short silhouette that shows the full quad. For quad-focused strength athletes, these shorts are a favorite because they don’t restrict bulging thigh muscles.

The major issue with the BOA shorts is the built-in liner, which multiple reviewers describe as useless and ugly. The liner is a loose, baggy mesh that offers no support and is an off-white color that becomes visible through the split sides during movement. Several buyers plan to cut the liner out entirely. The 1-inch inseam also provides zero thigh coverage, which means you’ll likely get chafing from the outer fabric against bare skin if you go commando — you’ll need a snug brief or compression liner underneath. The non-functional drawstring is a minor annoyance for such a short inseam, as the elastic waistband must do all the work of keeping these shorts in place.