Train hard and run fast with my pick of the best 5-inch shorts around.
Looking for the best running shorts for men, but not sure what length to go for? Well, there’s a reason the elite speed demons who dominate the track and road marathons opt for shorter shorts. Stripping your running kit down to the bare essentials has some serious performance benefits and that includes your shorts. The best speedy 5-inch shorts are light and breezy, but they also give you freedom to go all-out and run unrestricted.
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The best 5-inch shorts for running
My pick of the best 5-inch shorts is pretty competitive, but the Inov-8 Race Elite 5-inch Short would be my go-to running short. Packed with performance features, super comfy and at a very reasonable price, they certainly stand out from crowd.
Other 5-inch shorts recommendations
| Best for storage | The Satisfy TechSilk 5-inch Short may be pricey, but it’s a great choice if you tend to run with cargo. Four pockets and a carabiner give you plenty of to stow your stash. |
| Best for support | I’ll always go for a 2-in-1 short for the best possible support. The Brooks Sherpa 5-inch Short features one of the most comfortable integrated liners I’ve come across. |
| Best for comfort | For me Tracksmith make the comfiest shorts around. The Tracksmith Session 5-inch Short gets my vote for all-day comfort. |
| Best for stylish milers | With their reflective detailing and camo prints, these Accelerate Shorts from New Balance really look the business, whether you run day or night. |
1. Inov-8 Race Elite 5-Inch Short
Best 5-inch shorts
Men’s Fitness verdict
The Inov-8 Race Elite proved to be not only the best of our 5-inch shorts but the best running shorts overall. They are the most versatile, comfortable and high-performing shorts we’re tested.- Chafe-free boxer liners
- Soft-lined waistband
- Well ventilated
- Could do with more storage
| Material | Recycled polyester / elastane |
| Details | Integrated boxer liner / rear zipped pocket with key loop |
| Sizes | XS to XL |
| Colours | Black / Navy |
The race-ready Inov-8 Race Elite 5-inch is an excellent option for training and competition alike, and strike a balance between that lightweight, barely-there feel and reliable coverage. If you want comfort over big-mileage runs, the Inov-8 short will see you right.
While testing, I found the silky soft boxer liners with flat seams enhanced my comfort while perforated panels kept the air flowing and sweat dissipating. Plus, a soft, wide, roll-proof waistband reduced pressure on my tummy. Storage could be better but I found it was enough for a large smartphone or a fistful of gels – as well as a key loop.
- Read our full Inov8 Race Elite 5-Inch Short review
2. Satisfy TechSilk 5-Inch Short
Best 5-inch shorts for storage
Men’s Fitness verdict
We loved Satisfy’s near-perfect 3-inch Rippy short; but if anything the TechSilk is even better – adding longer coverage and versatility to what was already a very impressive (albeit costly) package.- Extremely lightweight
- Excellent storage
- Comfortable waistband
- Very expensive
| Material | 88% polyamide / 12% elastane |
| Details | UV protection / 4 pockets / carabiner for keys / double waistband / reflective print |
| Sizes | XS to XL |
| Colours | Fossil / Black Batik / Black |
If you need a short into which you can pack your day’s trail running essentials, look no further than Satisfy. Its TechSilk 5-inch short has four pockets, included two interior sweatproof ones for phones and other valuables. Though it weighs just 120g, it incorporates a hybrid inner design with a silky boxer-style brief and a double waistband, which alleviated pressure while I was working out.
I also found that the sweat-wicking and drying abilities were top-notch, making it a good choice for hot, sweaty runs. Premium materials and styling give the TechSilk a hefty price tag but if you do shell out for a pair you’ll reap huge comfort and performance benefits.
- Read our full Satisfy TechSilk 5-Inch Short review
3. Brooks Sherpa 5-Inch 2-in-1 Short
Best 5-inch shorts for support
Men’s Fitness verdict
The Sherpa 5-inch version is a versatile 2-in-1 running short. It’s loose and breathable and with decent coverage and comfort too. Ideal for longer training miles and post-run cafe stops.- Wide, flat waistband
- Decent storage
- Hybrid design adds to versatility
- Heavier than some
- Items can bounce around in drop-in pockets
| Details | Integrated boxer liner / flat waistband / 4-way stretch fabric / 3 pockets with key loop |
| Sizes | XS to XXL |
| Colours | 10 colours available |
A longer, 5-inch version of Brooks’ classic race-fit Sherpa 3-inch split short, it pairs the same silky, lightweight four-way stretchy shell outer with a perforated inner short that drops lower down the leg.
I was impressed by the soft, sweat-wicking liner, which has flat seams and hundreds of perforations, making them the coolest and comfiest I’ve ever tested. There are also two large mesh drop-in pockets which took care of storage duties while I exercised, plus a wide, soft waistband which took the pressure off my paunch.
- Read our full Brooks Sherpa 5-Inch 2-in-1 Short review
4. Tracksmith Session Short
Best 5-inch shorts for comfort
Men’s Fitness verdict
The Session shorts are certainly stylish but with all the Tracksmith kit we’ve tried, it’s by no means style over substance. They’re comfy and breathable, with UV and antimicrobial protection too.- Excellent comfort
- Smart retro styling
- UV and antimicrobial protection
- Fairly expensive
| Material | 86% nylon / 14% elastane |
| Details | UV protection / anti-microbial inner / internal drawcord / zippered back pocket |
| Sizes | XS to XXL |
| Colours | 7 colours available |
It’s hard to put on a pair of Tracksmith’s 5-inch retro-styled speedsters without hearing the theme music to Chariots of Fire. The striking design and gloriously vintage colours are just so reminiscent of the golden age of track racing.
Fabric and design are definitely 21st century though. While I was testing, the silky-soft, lightweight Veloce stretch-knit fabric felt luxurious against the skin – and it offers UV protection and excellent moisture-wicking. Two pockets offer enough storage for gels, keys and a phone, which gave me every excuse to extend my run sessions.
- Read our full Tracksmith Session 5-Inch Short review
5. New Balance Accelerate 5-Inch Short
Best 5-inch shorts for stylish milers
Men’s Fitness verdict
The camo print design of the New Balance Accelerate 5-inch short can’t hide the fact that this is a well-vented, versatile option for training and racing…- Good ventilation
- Quick drying
- Minimal storage
- Not the most supportive brief
| Material | 55% recycled polyester / 45% polyester |
| Details | Drop-in hip pockets and hand pockets / reflective detail / crepe brief liner |
| Sizes | XS to 2XL |
| Colours | Thunder / Black / Camo Green |
The New Balance Accelerate is another 5-inch version of a fast 3-inch race short. Expanding the coverage of the Accelerate 3-inch short, this 5-incher is made from the same recycled woven fabric for a lightweight but structured feel, with new and eye-catching colourways.
You can be confident you’ll stay dry and sweat-free with the short’s vented mesh split sides, which help to increase mobility too. Secure storage can only be found with one internal drop-in pocket, but to get the best from this short you don’t want to overload it. It excels during fast, unencumbered runs, when comfort and low weight are key.
- Read our full New Balance Accelerate 5-Inch Short review
Benefits of 5-inch running shorts
If you prefer running shorts that keep things light and minimal but show a little less thigh, 5-inch running shorts are a great way to go. Those extra inches on the inseam provide a touch more coverage, protection and potentially a whole lot more decency on your runs. But you don’t necessarily have to sacrifice performance. They’re often made from the same technical fabrics as the racier 3-inch shorts with the same fast-wicking, quick-drying benefits.
They also feature similar design details like side splits to boost your feeling of freedom and range of movement, not to mention airflow. Some but not all 5-inch shorts have built-in liners to keep your package well packaged and these can be briefs, boxers or even hybrid-style baselayers. If you prefer to wear your own favourite baselayer shorts, look out for styles that come without integrated briefs.
How versatile are 5-inch shorts?
The best 5-inch shorts are still an excellent choice for racing, sprinting, high intensity intervals and some longer endurance events. But that extra leg length makes them more versatile for things like gym workouts and longer runs. They’re often more appropriate for your run commute or lounging around at the post-run cafe.
These lengthier shorts still offer the big benefits of low weight, good ventilation and breathability, plus plenty of freedom to move. The ones with the best liners can also improve comfort, help reduce chafing while preserving your dignity by preventing any accidental exposures.
Looking for a different length? Check out our roundups of the best 3-inch shorts and best 7-inch shorts
You can also expect a bit more storage on 5-inch shorts. Enough room at least for your essential race fuel, phone, keys and other run stash. That makes them more useful than most 3-inch shorts for all-day trail outings or longer endurance races.
If you’re after some minimal shorts for crushing your personal best without going for bold with micro 3-inch shorts, we’ve got you (just about) covered. We hit the pavement, track and treadmill to put eight of the latest 5-inch race shorts to the test to find the best for every run and every runner.
