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The Best Men’s Trail Running Shorts UK 2024

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Last Updated on January 14, 2024 by Amanda Bowden

This image from best men's trail running shorts is a trail through the woods.
Image from Unsplash. Credit: Mick Haupt.

Here Are The Best Men’s Trail Running Shorts, With Their Best Features, And Pros & Cons

It can be tricky finding the perfect men’s trail running shorts, so we’re here to help! Whether you’re after long shorts, short shorts, water-resistant shorts or 2 layered shorts – we’ve got the best for you.

The Best Men’s Trail Running Shorts – An All Round Great Option

Inov-8 Race Elite Shorts

Features:

  • Inov-8’s 4-way stretch fabric for unrestricted movement.
  • Super lightweight.
  • DWR coating for water-resistance.
  • Side panels for plenty of ventilation to keep you cool.

Pros

  • 5 inch inseam – not too long, not too short.
  • Rear pocket with a zip to keep essentials safe.
  • Soft inner mesh to make chaffing less likely.

Cons

  • Reflective elements are present, but minimal.

The Best Men’s Long Trail Running Shorts

Montane Slipstream Trail Running Shorts

Features:

  • Super lightweight material.
  • Stretchy for running fast and free.
  • 7 inch inseam for a nice long short.
  • Wide waistband with drawcord for a comfortable and flattering fit.

Pros

  • Long shorts are ideal if you have a tendency to chaff, or if you just like the casual style.
  • These also have a rear pocket with a zip to keep essentials safe, plus gel pockets.
  • Available in oak green or black.

Cons

  • No water-resistant coating on these.

The Best Men’s Short Trail Running Shorts – Perfect For Racing!

GOREWEAR Split Running Shorts

Features:

  • Short! Ideal for hot weather.
  • Extremely breathable.
  • Wicks moisture and dries fast.
  • Lightweight.

Pros

  • Approx 2 inch inner seam – these are about as short as they come.
  • 4 way stretch so your movement can be free and unrestricted.
  • An inner liner to keep you comfortable.
  • Even though these are incredibly lightweight, they’ve still found room for a pocket with a zipper on the back.

Cons

  • If chaffing is an issue for you these may be a tad short.

The Best Men’s Twin Trail Running Shorts

Ronhill Men’s Tech Revive 5″ Twin Short

Features:

  • Eco creds – made with recycled materials.
  • Inner short to provide good support.
  • Good breathability and ventilation.
  • 2 pockets – a zipped one on the rear, and an inner pocket that’s ideal for your phone.

Pros

  • 5 inch inseam for a medium length short.
  • The inner short is great for preventing chaffing.
  • Both the inner and outer short are stretchy for freedom of movement.
  • Lightweight materials.

Cons

  • As with all of these options, they do have reflective details, but they’re minimal. If you’re running solely on trails this probably won’t be an issue, but if you need to run on the roads to get there it would be wise to wear other reflective gear with these.

Have You Chosen Your Favourite Trail Running Shorts?

If not, here’s a recap to help you decide:

The Inov-8 Race Elite trail running shorts are lightweight, mid-length and have a DWR coating to keep you dry.

Montane’s Slipstream trail running shorts are nice and long, they are also stretchy and lightweight.

The trail running shorts from GOREWEAR are perfect if you like minimalist gear.

If you want good support, but prefer a relaxed fit, the Ronhill Twin trail running shorts will be ideal.

If you’re on the lookout for a good waterproof jacket check out this article too: The Best Men’s Waterproof Running Jackets in the UK.