Best running shorts for men with pocket

Running Shorts Men test: 8 Best Running Shorts With Pocket

In this test, we are looking at the very best running shorts with pockets for men.

If there’s one thing I hate, it’s running with a lot of stuff in my hands. Keys. Phone. Wallet.

But until I actually understood that there’s a big market out there for running shorts WITH pockets, that was my only solution. In other words: I was a very late adapter when it came to this modern running equipment.

Nontheless, I took the chance of buying an awful lot of shorts on Amazon (as I run every morning). In order to completely make this test as good as possible, me and my brother ordered 20 products. Twenty brand new running shorts for men with a pocket. And what did we get from that?

A very long article – where we have listed our 8 winners. Unlike most other “review articles” online, we have actually tested all of the products that we write about in this article. We strongly believe that you will at least find one of them that you like.

We found several. Let’s start with our three favorites.

Best running shorts for men with pocket

Table of Contents

In a hurry? These are the winners of our test

My absolute favorite
Malavita Men's Workout Running Shorts 2 in 1 with Zipper Pockets White US L_Asia Tag XL (Waist:31.5"-35.5")
HMIYA Men's Casual Sports Quick Dry Workout Running or Gym Training Short with Zipper Pockets(Black,XXL)
Souke Sports Men's Workout Running Shorts Quick Dry Athletic Performance Shorts Black Liner Zip Pockets (Darkgrey,Large)
Malavita Men's Workout Running Shorts 2 in 1 with Zipper Pockets White US L_Asia Tag XL (Waist:31.5"-35.5")
HMIYA Men's Casual Sports Quick Dry Workout Running or Gym Training Short with Zipper Pockets(Black,XXL)
Souke Sports Men's Workout Running Shorts Quick Dry Athletic Performance Shorts Black Liner Zip Pockets (Darkgrey,Large)
$18.99
$20.99
$26.99
My absolute favorite
Malavita Men's Workout Running Shorts 2 in 1 with Zipper Pockets White US L_Asia Tag XL (Waist:31.5"-35.5")
Malavita Men's Workout Running Shorts 2 in 1 with Zipper Pockets White US L_Asia Tag XL (Waist:31.5"-35.5")
$18.99
HMIYA Men's Casual Sports Quick Dry Workout Running or Gym Training Short with Zipper Pockets(Black,XXL)
HMIYA Men's Casual Sports Quick Dry Workout Running or Gym Training Short with Zipper Pockets(Black,XXL)
$20.99
Souke Sports Men's Workout Running Shorts Quick Dry Athletic Performance Shorts Black Liner Zip Pockets (Darkgrey,Large)
Souke Sports Men's Workout Running Shorts Quick Dry Athletic Performance Shorts Black Liner Zip Pockets (Darkgrey,Large)
$26.99

If you want to read more about each and every product, feel free to scroll down below.

1. Malavita Men’s Running Shorts with Pockets – Our absolute favorite!

After spending several weeks with a wide range of different sports shorts, we literally fell in love with Malavita. This is, according to our extensive research, the best running shorts for men.

  • Three different pockets
  • Pockets on the back for credit cards and wallet
  • A pocket “inside” the shorts on the right leg for your mobile phone
  • Two “normal” pockets on both sides
  • We would recommend “sizing up” if you’re not sure about the size
  • Good and breathable fabric that makes you keep going
  • An excellent price

We have concluded. This is the running shorts for men with the smartest pockets of them all. Not only do you have a superb pocket on your back to keep credit cards available. The two pockets on the sides also helps to shorts to be used for “everyday use”.

But what we are most excited about is the “phone pocket”. This is a feature that literally sticks the phone to your leg. One big concern is that it is uncomfortable to run with a (big) mobile phone sticked to your leg like that. And believe me: it was uncomfortable with many of the other running shorts on the market. But not with Malavita. And that is why we would like to recommend this one.

Many colors – many sizes

We have not seen these running shorts been sold anywhere else than Amazon (which is a shame). But on Amazon, you have the choice between the following colors:

  • Black
  • Red
  • Khaki
  • White
  • Light grey
  • Dark blue
  • Dgrey
  • Army green

Our favorite was the black one. Just because we feel that running shorts should have a dark color. But after doing this review, we have to admit that we’re also tempted to order the one with a dark blue color.

More than 1000 happy customers

We very often try to get our reviews confirmed by looking into the review section on Amazon. We were thinking:

“If we love these running shorts so much – there might be a chance other people like them as well?”

Turns out we were right. Despite a few people who do not like them, most of the people loved them. In fact, most of the people also loved the feature that we were most satisfied with: the pockets.

Things we like:

  • Great pockets
  • These running shorts are not uncomfortable to run over long distances with a phone “attached” to your leg
  • Breathes very well
  • Does not get “soaky” despite becoming wet from the sweat
  • The price. We love the price!!!

Things we didn’t like:

  • You must be careful about picking the right size. If you are in between two sizes: go one size up.

Product specifications

Brand nameMalavita
Number of pockets3 including phone pocket
Zipper pockets?Yes

2. HMIYA Men’s Casual Sports – Bestseller on Amazon

If you’re looking for the running shorts with the most positive reviews on Amazon, HMIYA is for you. This is a great product.

  • Zipper pockets on both sides
  • Knee-long size
  • Comes in a total of 15 (!) different colors
  • Comes in a total of 12 (!) different sizes

The most difficult thing with buying these shorts from HMIYA is to choose color and size. To be frank, it’s just so many options out there.

Good breathing abilities, but poor pocket placements

But once we found a size and color we liked, it was a pleasure to run with these shorts. They breath well. And it’s almost like running naked as you can barely feel your shorts.

The problem comes when you want to bring your phone, keys and wallets on a jogging trip. The pocket placements in these shorts are just not good enough. If you have ever tried to run with normal jogging pants, you know the problem with those. The pockets are too big. That means that anything you fill up the pockets with will eventually hit your leg quite hard and frequently.

That’s the only problem we had with these shorts from HMIYA.

Things we like:

  • Perfect if you sweat a lot during workout
  • The knee-long design makes it possible to use during fall and spring
  • Zipper pockets

Things we didn’t like:

  • No pockets on the back of the running shorts (= no place to put the wallet…)
  • The pockets are not very good for keeping a phone in a steady and comfortable way

Product specifications

Brand nameHMIYA
Lightweight?Yes

3. Souke Sports Men’s Workout Running Shorts – With “crazy colors”

If you want a knee-long breathable shorts with zip pockets, this product from Souke might fit you very well. It is especially good if you’re also looking for shorts with camo pattern.

  • Comes in four different colors (with two camo options available)
  • Has a great inner short option that gives extra support
  • Can be used for hiking, running, football, and tennis
  • Very good reviews online

If you are one of those who want to find a shorts that really looks different: Souke might be for you. This is a brand that is well-known in the fitness industry. Even before we did this review, we had heard about their products – but never tested them.

A decent running shorts, but with bad pockets

To be frank: we are not unsatisfied with the results. But we are not blown away either. First of all: the shorts do not have the pockets that we are looking for. Even though it contains to big pockets on each side, it is not enough for us.

You simply cannot run several miles with a phone in these shorts without feeling uncomfortable. That is just not happening.

Things we like:

  • Many people have left good reviews on Amazon
  • Knee-long size
  • Comfortable inner shorts for increased flexibility
  • Apparently a 100 % satisfaction guarantee, which we luckily did not need to use.

Things we didn’t like:

  • The two side pockets cannot contain loose items if you want to have a long and comfortable workout. The items will constantly hit your leg with force when you run.

Product specifications

BrandSouke Sports
Price~25 USD
ColorsBlack, grey and two camo options

4. HANERDUN Men 2-1-1 Workout Running Shorts – Good reviews on Amazon

What we figured out is that this is a running shorts that many people like. We thought it was decent, but we have to respect the meaning of other people.

  • Can be bought in many different colors
  • Very comfortable on long runs
  • Great reviews by other customers

As I am writing this, more than 1100 people have taken the time to give a review on these running shorts from HANERDUN. Most of them are very positive. That’s something we really love to see.

Normal size

There have been a lot of talk about sizes in this article. It’s quite annoying when all fabrics sold on Amazon do NOT follow the same size chart.

However, as a European, I can say that this shorts is absolutely normal in regards to size. You don’t have to think about “going up” or “going down” one or two sizes.

Things we like:

  • Comes in 6 different colors
  • Good phone pocket that really sticks to your leg
  • Breathes very well
  • Good reviews from other customers
  • Very elastic, which makes it comfortable to run in

Things we didn’t like:

  • A little bit too long. We prefer shorter running shorts
  • The string in front of the shorts is a bit too long. It would hit our knee sometimes when we were running, which is bad

Product specifications

Number of colors6
BrandHANERDUN
MaterialPolyamide

5. REYSHIONWA – A very easy and “down to earth” running shorts

Very basic and simple running short’s…but without an inside pocket for your phone.

  • No inner pocket
  • ALWAYS choose on size up. Very small.
  • No fancy unneccessary objects
  • Clean design

As we’ve already established: the phone pocket is important to us. If we can’t get the phone to be safely and comfortably placed in the shorts, we are not happy. And we were 60-70 % happy with this shorts.

It’s no “inner pocket” where you can place your phone. Everything happens in the “normal pocket”. And that is a clear weakness.

High price point

Also, do we really want to pay 20 dollars for a running shorts? I’m not so sure about that.

However. We did find out that this shorts is SUPERB to use for chilling at home. And it worked very well when we tested it in our swimming pool close to our condo. So instead of being a shorts that you only use for running, it could also be used in other fitness activities.

Things we like:

  • No unneccesary “fancy” add-ons
  • Quick dry
  • Can also be used for swimming (yes, we’ve tried!)
  • Decent pockets

Things we didn’t like:

  • A bit too expensive
  • The phone pocket is not 100 % safe

Product specifications

Material88 % polyester
Inseam7 inches

6. LTIFONE Mens Gym Shorts – With a smart V-notch design

LTIFONE has made a great shorts that dries quick, got two zipper pockets and has a typical “marathon style”.

  • Comes in many fancy colors
  • Nice V-notch-design
  • Perfectly suited for long runs on the beach

Many people like fitness shorts that are not too long. If so: go for this version from LTIFONE. They will not even touch your knees, which is very good if you like to workout outdoors in the heat.

Normal size

We also figured out that these shorts are of normal “European” size. So you don’t have to worry about that at all.

Many “crazy” colors

Let’s be clear: most running shorts for men are made in two colors: black or grey. That’s what the fitness industry have decided. Well…what if you want something more colorful?

In that case, this might be the exact right shorts for you. They even have light blue and yellow, which are abnormal colors to find. If you are one of those who want to explore something fresh and new in regards to fitness out fit: this might very well be for you.

Things we like:

  • Great V-notch-design
  • Good reviews on Amazon
  • Fancy colors (we bought the yellow one…)
  • This is the typical shorts that is being used for long marathon runs
  • Made in the USA
  • Front zipper pockets
  • Quick dry

Things we didn’t like:

  • One of the zippers on our pocket started to become a bit difficult to close after we had used the shorts for 2-3 weeks.

Product specifications

ProductionMade in the US
BrandLTIFONE
MaterialPolyester

7. Surenow Mens Running Shorts – Also suitable for yoga

In addition to running, we are also a sucker for yoga. We love it. And with these fitness pants from Surenow – you can both have a long run and a nice yoga session.

  • Favorite for many customers
  • Great breathability
  • Can be used for other fitness activities

With more than 3900 reviews on Amazon, we figured out that Surenow would be one of our absolute favorites in this test. But it turns out it’s not. There are many other products that we thought would fit us (much) better.

However, this isn’t a bad product. But you have to be aware that the inner shorts will sometimes stick out down to your knees – and it will look a bit weird. If they just made the “outer shorts” a bit longer, we would strongly appreciate that.

Things we like:

  • Amazing inner pocket that takes care of your phone
  • Very breathable
  • Can be both used for indoor and outdoor workouts
  • Perfect for yoga
  • Loads of great positive reviews on Amazon
  • Comes in 11 different colors

Things we didn’t like:

  • The shorts itself does not fully cover the “inner shorts”. So people will see that you have a “tights” inside your shorts. Sometimes it can look like your underwear is sticking out.

Product specifications

MaterialPolyester
BrandSurenow
Quick dry?Yes

8. Voncheer Mens Elsatic Waist Shorts – Perfect for summer

Why is this shorts from Voncheer on the list? Just because it looks cool — and it’s okay-ish for light fitness.

  • Not good for fitness
  • ..but superb for chilling in the sofa
  • Super cool design

This is not the type of shorts you’re bringing to a long run. Not at all. We figured out that it’s super comfortable to use during the summer though. Just not in any situation related to fitness. So bear with us: this is a general shorts recommendation – not a running shorts recommendation. 🙂

I hope that gives meaning.

Things we like:

  • The design
  • The zipper pockets

Things we didn’t like:

  • Not very suitable for long runs
  • Not good for any fitness at all really

Product specifications

BrandVoncheer


Advantages with running shorts with pockets

I’d reckon that about 99 % of all the running shorts in the world are sold without pockets.

No, seriously. I don’t have any statistics to back that up, but just from what I’ve seen working in a sports shop when I was 18-19, I barely remember any big manufacturer create useful pockets in the running shorts. Bizarre.

However, there are several advantages of having pockets in your shorts:

  • Natural added storage when you’re running (this is the obvious advantage)

  • Pockets might also make you wear the shorts at home when you’re just chilling in fron of the TV or computer.

  • These pockets might very ofte add another layer of coverage. So you’re not showing your whole leg while you’re running. To be frank: it might also heat up your legs a bit if it’s chilly outside.

I’m not gonna go on about obvious and “not so obvious” advantages of having pockets in your running shorts. I’m just saying that it was a total “night and day” moment for me. Now that I can actually bring money, wallet, and my phone comfortably while running during the morning; I’m much happier.

That happiness might come from me being able to take photos for Instagram and buy a hot chocolate on the way home from my trip….but I’m still happier. 🙂 And I’m confident you will be as well.

But hey – you’re after all reading this article about the pocket shorts, aren’t you? I probably don’t have to convince you anymore.

Let’s take a look at the things that actually differentiate a bad shorts and a good shorts.

Functions and other things to consider

Number and placement of pockets

There are two questions that we always asked ourselves before buying these shorts:

  • How many pockets does it have?
  • And where are the pockets placed?

The most normal thing nowadays is to have two pockets on each side of the shorts (like normal jeans). And some of the running shorts do also have one pocket on the back that can be used for credit cards and wallets.

However, the most advanced shorts also have a pocket ready for your most important equipment: your phone. Our favorite shorts, the one from Malavita, has a very smart pocket that literally sticks super tight to the leg. You must think about your preferences and needs to make a good decision on this. But we are not in doubt: every time we are buying a running shorts from now on, we need that phone pocket. 🙂

Breathability

Most of the professional workout clothes happen to be made of polyester or something similar. It’s a cheap material. And it breathes very well.

However, we’ve previously experienced that a lot of Amazon sellers promise that they sell “breathable sport wear”. Problem is that most of them do not. If you happen to buy some random workout t-shirt on Amazon, the chances are that you end up with something that is soaking wet after a 10-minute workout.

In this buyer’s guide, we have only listed up shorts that have great breathing abilities.

Seasonality

Even though we lived in the US while we performed this review, we are usually living in Norway. I guess you could already tell by our poor English writing abilities.

It’s important to us that the shorts can be used during spring and fall without losing any of its abilities.

And yes: we do know that SHORTS is mainly a summer product. However, as the summer lasts two months in Oslo, we also want to buy a product that can be used at least 50 % of the year.

Reviews from customers

On Amazon, all the sellers are superman.

“It’s breathable! The sizes are perfect – these shorts will help you beat the marathon world record! BUY, BUY, BUY!!!”

Even though we know for a fact that a lot of the customer reviews on Amazon are fake, many real persons voice their concerns about bad products. That’s why Amazon works so well. So when a product has either very few or quite poor reviews (below 4 stars), you should be careful.

We found out that there was a clear correlation between the running shorts that we enjoyed and a high star rating on Amazon.

Summary

We started this journey to find the best sports shorts for men with pockets. And as you might have seen from this article, the pockets are extremely important to us. All we wanted was to find a pair of shorts that helped us to carry keys, wallets and our phone with us on long jogging trips.

And we succeeded.

We ended up with a list of 8 products we can recommend. But it’s important to say that there is only one winner in this review: Malavita Running Shorts.

However, you might have other preferences than us. We’re not sitting here with a list of products that fit everyones’ style nor preferences. After all: we are addicted to taking landscape pictures when we are out jogging. You might need some type of equpiment that can carry a water bottle – or you don’t need pockets at all. It’s all up to you.

FAQ

✅ What is the most important thing in a running shorts for men?

Let’s say that these three things are the most important:

1) Good fabric that does not hurt during long runs.
2) Pockets that can keep your phone.
3) Breathable.

✅ Can you recommend some good running shorts for men?

Yes, I have tested loads of running shorts. In this article, I have recommended the top 8. Scroll up to find my recommendations.

✅ Can these running shorts also be used for other sports activities?

Absolutely! You can use them for basketball, football, and yoga.

Please also note that certain shorts can be used for swimming. But it’s important that these shorts are equipped with the “quick dry function”.

Similar reviews

If you’re still reading, I assume that you might enjoy some of my other product reviews on Sustainability Matters.

2 thoughts on “Running Shorts Men test: 8 Best Running Shorts With Pocket”

  1. Avatar
    Julia Anonymous

    Thank you for this list, you clearly seem like people who take this product review seriously. Many reviews out there have just screened whatever they can find on Amazon and made a non-legit review. 😛

    SO thanks: I will buy the top one for my husband

  2. Avatar

    Thank you, I just wanted to comment because of a coincidence.

    Came home from basketball training now and three of the people had Malavita running shorts lol. It’s clearly something that is popular here in the US

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