Shopping For Mens Running Shorts
When most men first take up running, they are taken aback by how many different styles of fitness shorts there are. To the beginner runner, it’s hard to see the differences between them, until they get the wrong ones and pay the price! There are lots of different elements involved in shopping for mens running shorts, and we’ll take a look at some of them here.
You can run in just about any style of shorts, but the qualities in running shorts make it much more efficient and comfortable. The standard style of men’s running shorts are made from thin, lightweight polyester, and have an elastic band with a drawstring. They are very simple, yet designed to allow the runner maximum movement, without getting in the way. Many will also have reflective logos or piping on them to increase visibility to drivers when running at dawn or dusk.
When compared to basketball shorts, they are much shorter in length, which allows for increased air flow to your “stuff” to help keep it cool on a long run. Without getting into too much detail, this makes running much more pleasant! The short length also allows greater mobility of the legs, which is helpful because most running shorts aren’t made of an elastic material. It could be wise to invest in a pair of mens Lycra running shorts early on, they can drastically increase your comfort level in hot weather.
Mens split running shorts are also very popular. They are designed so that you don’t have to wear underwear while running to help keep you cool. The split is usually made from a lightweight mesh for superior breathability. Another major advantage of wearing split shorts is that they weigh much less than the combination of shorts and underwear, meaning you’re carrying less weight with you over the course of your run.
Also, you may want to look into compression shorts for a number of reasons. Mainly, the extra compression reduces hip pain over time, but their secondary benefit (and why I wear them) is that they reduce chafing on the inside of your thighs. This is incredibly helpful on long runs and hot days. Personally, I wear these under my running shorts, but other people will only wear them. They are very similar to boxer briefs, and are now being made with material that wicks away moisture from your legs and butt. Most people will upgrade their entire underwear collection to these because of their superior performance.
When shopping for running shorts men have a lot of choices, and getting the wrong type can lead to an uncomfortable run. Knowing what you need can save a lot of time and discomfort. The unfortunate thing is that it’s hard to figure out what you need until you try some out. Start with a mix of compression and standard running shorts for the most protection of your legs, then try subtracting things and split shorts until you find the combination that is perfect for you.
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