Best Compression Shorts for Running of 2021: Reviews with Comparison


When it comes to exercise gear, not many things have accomplished “must-have” status like compression shorts. Here’s the reason – these tight-fitting pieces of clothing are one step above standard exercise wear. They offer moisture-wicking protection against chafing that you won’t get in your standard exercise gear.

A few styles include super-tight textures that can support muscle recuperation by increasing blood flow to your quads, hamstrings, and glutes.

Contingent upon the style, you can wear pressure shorts without anything else or under your go-to jeans or shorts. There are a lot of options out there to choose from, so it may be hard to find the right one.

That is why we have put together this list of the best compression shorts for running. Let’s take a look at what we found out.

Best Compression Shorts for Running Reviews

1. Neleus Compression Shorts

Our first entry is a nice pack of men’s compression shorts. Designed with high-quality materials, the team at Neleus has brought us a great option for running.

Review

Designing a good pair of compression shorts may seem like an easy concept. However, there are certain features that can be included to optimize the performance of the shorts. The team at Neleus knows this and made sure their compression shorts included the following features:

  • Fitted with an elastic closure
  • Crafted in a soft, lightweight material
  • Designed with moisture-wicking technology
  • 4-way stretch fabrication
  • Fabric used is non-abrasive

These amazing compression shorts offer a lot of value to the buyer. The three-pack is a nice touch, but the individual design of these shorts is where the real value comes into play.

The shorts are designed with high-quality materials that optimize comfort. One of the biggest contributions to this is the moisture-wicking technology. Though the shorts are simply designed, they pack quite a punch.

There are a few issues that need to be discussed before you make your final decision, though. The material’s thickness is the first thing that could be a problem for some. Some may feel that they are better served as a base layer instead of a pair of straight compression shorts.

Other than that, the middle seam tends to rub people the wrong way.

These two issues are not global, and that means, for a majority of people, they can focus on the good aspects of these shorts. That will leave them with a comfortable, high performing option that will optimize their running experience.

Pros

  • Keeps the wearer dry
  • Valuable investment for running gear
  • Nice, comfortable fit
  • Comes with multiple pairs of shorts in a pack

Cons

  • Middle inseam is a little rough
  • Material is a little thin

2. BALEAF High Waist Compression Shorts

This next entry is a pair of women’s high waisted running shorts that are designed for functionality and comfort. Fitting the curves of the female body perfectly, the ladies of the world will be able to run in comfort.

Review

BALEAF strives to bring the ladies of the athletic world shorts that fit their curves and offer optimized performance. That means paying attention to the materials and the final construction of the piece. That is just what the team did, and that led them to include the following features:

  • Designed with moisture-wicking technology
  • Constructed with a high-rise, wide waistband
  • Large, built-in pockets
  • Chafe-free, ergonomic seams
  • Gusseted crotch for improved movement
  • Available in multiple colors

Raving about these shorts is very easy. They are designed with comfort for the wearer in mind. The shorts are put together with seams that are ergonomically designed which reduces the chance of chafing. This is perfect for that thigh rub a lot of women have.

It also is crafted with a gusseted crotch, which gives extra durability and widens the range of motion available to the lady runners of the world. The large pockets are another great addition, as they allow great storage space for your phone and other key needs.

Plus, you don’t have to worry about finding one that matches your color scheme, as there are plenty of colors to choose from.

There are a few drawbacks that you should be aware of when making your decision. The one that will impact a wider range of people is the sizing issues. The shorts, like many of the compression variety, tend to run small. To fight this, simply try to purchase one size up, and you should be good to go.

The last drawback is in regards to the fabric. The fabric itself is very thin and may be more like a tight pair of underwear as opposed to a set of shorts.

Both of these issues are easily fixed with a little work. That means it is easy to focus on the amazing features and performance of these shorts.

Pros

  • Large pockets for storing personal items
  • Gusseted crotch for increased movement
  • Comfortable seams that won’t chafe
  • Wide range of colors

Cons

  • Sizing issues – runs small
  • Fabric is a bit thin

3. Lavento Baselayer Compression Shorts

These compression shorts are a finely crafted option for the gentleman runners out there. Designed for ultimate comfort and functionality, these shorts can be used as a base layer or a pair of shorts.

Review

The design team at Lavento took a hard look at what is needed in compression shorts for athletic activities. They focused on the fine details, and by doing this, they ended up with a superior product. These details translated to the following features and benefits:

  • Crafted with breathable fabric that wicks away moisture
  • Odor-resistant technology included in the design
  • Designed with micro-flatlock seams
  • Fabric offers 4-way stretch
  • Comes in a wide range of colors

These men’s compression shorts are crafted with care, and that is why we chose them to be on our list. With one of the best fits, they offer the runner a wide range of movement. This will optimize your stride and allow you to run on any terrain with comfort.

The compression level also helps with this. However, what it really brings to the table is increased blood flow to the lower extremities, which will help lessen pain and keep you energized. Then, when you add the inclusion of a nice sized pocket, you have everything you need for a great pair of running compression shorts.

There are few areas of the design that could be improved on, however. These issues mostly have to do with sizing in some way. The sizing could be one of the reasons that many have a problem with the waist rolling. The pocket also suffers from size issues, as many find it just a bit too tight.

In the end, this pair of shorts elevates the performance of the user. That, coupled with the comfort level of these shorts, made it an easy choice to consider as one of the best on the market.

Pros

  • Nice pocket size for more storage
  • Good level of compression
  • Excellent fit for better comfort
  • Great range of motion

Cons

  • Issues with rolling at the waist
  • Pocket is too tight

4. Nike Dri-Fit Compression Shorts

This entry includes the perfect shorter compression shorts designed for women runners. Nike has put everything its decades of experience has garnered into this pair of shorts to maximize its performance and comfort.

Review

Nike has strived for decades to deliver high-quality performance athletic wear that is designed with everything an athlete wants. In the case of these running shorts, that means including the following features:

  • Crafted with Dri-fit fabric
  • Designed with a body-slimming fit
  • Constructed with a flat, elastic waistband
  • Built-in, triangular gusseted crotch

This pair of shorts is one of the best shorter-length options for women. From the comfortable flat seams to the nicely designed waistband, all this leads to a comfortable option for those long jogs.

It also comes in a wide range of colors, so you can find just the right pair of shorts to match your other workout gear. This all combines together to give us one of the best compression options for women today.

There are a few issues that could cause some to reconsider this option as their choice, though. The first is the size. Size-wise, these shorts run small. If you like everything else about these shorts, you can fight this by simply going up one size.

Other than that factor, there is a problem with its tendency to roll up. This could make the long runs a little uncomfortable and very irritating.

Even with these few size issues, there is nothing that could take anything away from the performance. With that in mind, you can trust that, by investing in this athletic wear, you will be adding to your comfort when you get out on those trails.

Pros

  • Very comfortable with flat seams
  • Comes with a nice waistband for less slippage
  • Comes in a wide variety of colors
  • Sleek and nice fit

Cons

  • Sizing issues – runs small
  • Legs tend to roll up

5. Sanke Cool Dry Compression Shorts

Our last entry is another men’s running shorts option. Designed with care and attention to everything runners want in a pair of shorts, these Sanke shorts are easily one of the best options. That is why we chose them for our list.

Review

There are a lot of new technology and design features that have become standard when it comes to compression shorts. The team at Sanke understands that and has opted to add a lot of those features. When designing these men’s shorts, the designer went with the following features to improve the performance:

  • Designed with an elastic closure
  • Built-in side pockets
  • Crafted with 4-way stretch
  • Flatlock seams included in the design
  • Comes in a 3-pack

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, then this three-pack from Sanke is definitely a good choice. The design of each of these shorts provides one of the best fits for men who need a good range of movement when running. The range of motion comes from the use of a high-quality, 4-way stretch fabric.

That makes this one of the most comfortable options available. Adding a cell phone pocket is just the final touch when it comes to crafting a high-quality option for the athletes of the world.

There are a few issues that detract from the overall quality of these pieces, though. The first is a sizing issue, like many of the compression shorts on our list.

However, unlike those, the sizing issue is that these shorts run a little large. Thus, go with a smaller size, and you should be fine. The last issue is that the fabric used in these shorts is very thin. It is so thin, in fact, that many may feel that it is inappropriate to wear this item as just a pair of shorts.

Sure, there are a few issues that could be a problem for some. However, if these factors don’t play a part in your decision, investing in these shorts might be just the right move for you and your running needs.

Pros

  • Nice size cellphone pocket
  • Price versus value is outstanding
  • Very comfortable and will not chafe
  • Has a nice fit

Cons

  • A bit thin
  • Issues with sizing – runs large

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of reasons that you may want to invest in a good pair of compression shorts. From comfort to help with the blood flow to your lower extremities, there are a lot of advantages to be had. There are things like fabric, cut, and wicking technology that you should look for when beginning your search for the right pair.

Using these guidelines, we searched the internet and found some of the best compression shorts for running for you. Each of our choices brings with it its own unique features, but one thing is standard across the board – they are comfortable.

No matter if you are a man or woman, there is a pair of shorts on our list for you. Now, all that’s left is to lace up those sneakers and get out on that trail.

Nicho Mauricio

Running wasn't always my favorite sport. I was a CrossFit athlete and I loved every bit of it. But since the pandemic began, I was forced to stay away from the gym and train at home instead. Things got boring. That's when I decided to trail run with my friends. I instantly got hooked. So I started training and researching all things running. As a beginner, I want to buy only the best running gear and do only the best practices. This blog is where I share what I've learned in my journey and my experiences as a runner.

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