Men's running shorts and tights

Split shorts, 2-in-1 or tights: three styles, three uses

The split short, like the Adizero Essentials Split or the Mizuno Tech Light Split, has side slits: the leg moves freely with each stride and the lightweight fabric wicks away heat, making it ideal for interval training and road running. The 2-in-1 short, like the adidas Formotion Iconic, Puma Dreamrun or the Odlo Essential, layers a loose short over an inner tight that stays close to the thigh. The tight worn alone, like the Adizero or the Elite Lab Run, supports the muscle and is suitable for long runs and trails, where it won’t ride up on inclines.

Which inseam length to choose

The length of a running short is indicated in inches of inseam, with one inch being two and a half centimetres. Three inches, or about eight centimetres, leave the thigh almost completely free: it's the choice of fast runners and for hot weather. Five inches offer a popular compromise for daily training, and seven and a half inches, like on the Mizuno Core, cover half the thigh for a look closer to a classic sport short. The longer the short, the heavier it becomes when soaked with sweat: for summer runs, a short, airy model stays more comfortable.

Light fabrics and ventilation in hot weather

Running shorts are made from a lightweight polyester, sometimes recycled, or a blend with elastane that moves with the leg. The Brooks Dash Cooling and the Odlo Zeroweight use a very fine material that dries in minutes and doesn't cling to the skin. Punched inserts or mesh zones at the back or sides ventilate the areas that get hottest. On tights, the mesh is denser and more compressive: it supports the quadriceps and remains opaque when it stretches, even during deep bends.

Pockets, waistband and washing a technical short

To run with nothing else, the pockets of the short make a difference: a zipped pocket at the back keeps keys safe, the built-in pockets in the waistband hold two or three gels, and some tights have a side pocket that holds the phone against the thigh. The elastic waistband, wide and flat, can be adjusted with an inner cord to stay in place without digging into the waist. When washing, 30 degrees is sufficient, preferably inside out and without fabric softener, which clogs the technical fibres and reduces their elasticity. Air drying takes less than an hour.

New arrivals and good deals

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Frequently asked questions

How to avoid chafing between the thighs while running?

A 2-in-1 short or a tight worn alone covers the inner thighs and eliminates skin-to-skin contact. On very long runs, an anti-chafing cream applied before heading out can help this protection.

Should you wear underwear under running shorts?

No, most running shorts come with a mesh brief or tight that acts as underwear. Cotton boxers retain sweat, bunch up under the short, and end up causing irritation.

What shorts for running a half marathon or a marathon?

A lightweight quick-drying short, with pockets in the waistband for gels, or a 2-in-1 that prevents chafing over the distance. Test it during training on a long run, never for the first time on race day.

How to choose the size of running tights?

They should fit snugly without squeezing: too big, they ride up and create folds, too small, they dig into the waist. Take your usual size and check it stays in place during a full leg bend.

What running bottoms for trail running?

On long uphill runs, tights or a 2-in-1 short fit better and won't ride up with long strides. A loose short with pockets, like the Brooks Cascadia designed for trails, is more comfortable in hot weather.