Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.7 Best Long Distance Running Shorts | Stop Chafing Mid-Run

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Under Armour built the Launch Run 7 Inch for runners who log serious miles and refuse to compromise on pocket security. The woven polyester fabric feels genuinely lightweight against your skin, and the mesh panels across the sides dump heat efficiently on warm long runs. At 7 inches, the inseam provides enough coverage to prevent thigh chafe without feeling heavy or baggy.

The defining feature here is the waistband design. A soft knit waistband with an internal drawcord locks the shorts in place, while the open hand pockets include a right-side internal phone pocket that holds a large device flush against your body. Your phone stays silent and stable even at tempo pace — no slapping against your leg. Under Armour also used at least 90% recycled polyester in the main fabric, so this pick performs well for environmentally conscious runners.

This short has no built-in liner, so you will need to pair it with compression briefs or a liner short of your choice. That gives you flexibility to adjust your support level based on the distance and your personal preference. The trade-off is a slightly higher upfront cost and the need for a separate base layer.

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These are not standard loose shorts — the Armour Heatgear Compression Shorts are a dedicated base layer designed for muscle support on long efforts. The 4-way stretch compression fabric wraps the quads and hamstrings, reducing muscle oscillation during repetitive stride cycles. For distance runners who feel quad fatigue after mile twelve, this support can delay the onset of heavy legs.

The HeatGear fabric is engineered to pull sweat away from your skin and evaporate it quickly. That matters when you are running for two hours or more and the moisture build-up starts creating friction. The compression also prevents the fabric from bunching, which eliminates the primary cause of chafe in loose shorts. The inseam sits at approximately 6 inches, providing enough coverage without cutting into your knee range of motion.

The main limitation is the lack of storage. These compression shorts have no pockets, so you will need a running belt, handheld bottle, or a shell short with pockets to carry your phone and gels. They also fit very snug by design — if you prefer a relaxed feel around the waist, this is not your short.

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HOPLYNN solves the problem of rotating through sweaty shorts during a heavy training week. This 5-pack delivers five pairs of 2-in-1 shorts with a built-in compression liner and an outer shell, so you always have a fresh pair ready. The quick-dry polyester fabric handles sweat well, and the liner provides moderate support without the need for separate underwear.

Each short includes pockets on the outer shell, which is a practical addition for carrying keys, gels, or a phone on shorter runs. The waistband uses an external drawcord for fit adjustment, and the 7-inch inseam on the shell offers enough coverage for most distance runners. For the price, you get enough shorts to cover a full week of training without repeated washing.

The fabric quality is functional but not premium. After several washes, some users report slight pilling on the liner material, and the outer fabric may not breathe as effectively as single-shorts designed for high-mileage performance. These are best suited for daily training rather than race day.

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Maamgic offers a straightforward 2-in-1 short that pairs a stretchable compression liner with a lightweight outer shell. The 7-inch inseam on the shell provides solid coverage, and the built-in stays in place without riding up. For runners who want the security of a liner without the cost of a premium brand, this hits a sensible price point.

The quick-dry fabric performs adequately on runs up to 10-12 miles, but can feel less breathable on hotter days compared to more ventilated options. Side pockets on the shell hold a phone, though the fabric stretch may cause slight bounce if the pocket is not snug against your leg. The waistband includes a drawstring for adjustment.

Durability is the main compromise here. After consistent use and machine washing, the outer fabric shows wear faster than shorts from established athletic brands. These are a capable entry point for newer distance runners or as a secondary pair for shorter recovery runs.

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Maamgic focused this version on weight reduction, producing a shell that feels nearly unnoticeable during a run. The 5-inch or 7-inch inseam option lets you choose your preferred coverage level, and the built-in liner provides the same basic support as the brand’s other 2-in-1 design. The fabric is noticeably thinner and more airy than the standard maamgic short, which helps on hot, humidity-heavy runs.

Storage is minimal. You get a small zippered back pocket that fits a key or a gel, but the side pockets are shallow and not secure enough for a phone at any real pace. Runners who need to carry a phone will want a belt or a different short. The drawstring waistband adjusts easily.

The ultra-lightweight construction trades durability for weight savings. The fabric is more prone to snagging and shows wear faster. This short is best reserved for race day or fast training sessions where every gram matters, not for daily pounding on trails.

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New Balance keeps it simple with the Sport Essentials 7-inch short. This is a no-frills training short built for runners who want a reliable, comfortable option for daily mileage without paying for premium features they may not need. The 7-inch inseam provides solid coverage, and the standard polyester fabric wicks moisture fast enough for most training runs.

The fit is a classic athletic cut — relaxed through the leg without being baggy. An internal drawcord secures the waistband, and basic side pockets hold small essentials. There is no built-in liner or compression component, so you will need to wear separate briefs or compression shorts underneath. For the price, this is a dependable workhorse short for runners who prioritize simplicity.

The main trade-off is the lack of specialized distance features. There is no phone pocket, no ventilation paneling, and the fabric is not as lightweight as premium options. On runs exceeding 10 miles in hot weather, the lack of mesh panels can cause heat buildup. This short is best suited for shorter daily training runs or as a budget-friendly backup.

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BOA’s Elite Split short is built for runners who prioritize maximum air flow on hot days. With a 1-inch inseam and deep side splits, this short offers virtually unrestricted leg movement and excellent ventilation around the thighs. The lightweight polyester material feels breezy and dries quickly when you sweat.

There is no liner included, so you will need to wear compression shorts or briefs underneath. The elastic waistband sits comfortably and includes a drawstring. Given the extremely short inseam, chafe on the inner thigh is minimal because there is very little fabric to rub. This short is most at home during high-intensity interval sessions or races in warm weather.

Storage is nonexistent — no pockets at all. You cannot carry a phone, keys, or gels in these shorts. The split design also exposes more skin to the sun, so sunscreen becomes essential. For runners who need practical storage or run longer routes, this short is better avoided in favor of a more feature-complete option.