Your running shorts can survive leg day. That doesn't make them the right shorts for it. On a run, a shorter inseam, built-in support and airflow matter most. In the weight room, stretch and room through the hips matter more. For running, our pick is The O2 Run Short Lined 5in. For lifting, go with The One Short 5in Unlined. If your workout includes both, choose The One Short Lined 5in.
The Short Answer: Match Your Shorts to Your Workout.
Running and lifting ask different things from your shorts. On a run, a shorter inseam keeps fabric out of your stride. Ventilation manages heat and a liner adds support. In the weight room, your shorts need enough stretch for squats, lunges and hinges.
Quick Picks
- Best Short for Running: The O2 Run Short Lined 5in. It uses a 5in inseam, mesh ventilation, 4-way stretch and sweat-wicking EveryWear fabric.
- Best Short for Lifting: The One Short 5in. Its high-stretch Boundless fabric moves through squats and lunges without a built-in layer.
- Best Short for Both: The One Short Lined 5in. It combines a 5in inseam, built-in support, quick-dry construction and high-stretch Boundless fabric.
What Actually Changes Between Running Shorts and Lifting Shorts.
The difference isn't the workout label. It's what the shorts do when you move.
Start With the Right Inseam.
Every stride brings the hem forward. Too much fabric can bunch or brush against the knee. A 5in inseam keeps the path clear. Choose 7in when you want more coverage.
Lifting puts the focus on depth. A 5in inseam stays above the knee through squats and lunges. A 7in inseam adds coverage, but stretch and cut still decide how freely you move.
Choose Lined or Unlined Based on Support.
A lined short puts support inside the short, so less fabric shifts underneath you. That can help during a run.
An unlined short leaves the base layer up to you. Wear it alone or add compression. That control is useful in the weight room.
Neither option is better for every workout. Choose lined for built-in support. Choose unlined when you want control over the layer underneath.
Make Sure the Fabric Moves With You.
Running mostly moves forward. Lifting adds deep squats, lateral steps and wide stances. 4-way or high-stretch fabric gives your shorts room to follow every direction.
Don't Ignore Sweat, Airflow and Storage.
Running builds heat quickly. Sweat-wicking fabric and ventilation help manage it. Reflective details improve low-light visibility. Secure pockets help limit bounce. Lifting still needs sweat control, but freedom of movement comes first.
Best Short for Running: The O2 Run Short - Lined
The O2 Run Short Lined 5in gives runners what matters most: less fabric in the stride, built-in support and steady airflow. Mesh panels provide 360-degree ventilation, while EveryWear fabric adds 4-way stretch and sweat-wicking performance.
The fabric is 90% polyester and 10% elastane. Reflective details help in low light. Hidden and zip pockets keep small essentials from bouncing around.
The liner means you don't need separate compression shorts. Prefer your own base layer? The O2 Run Short also comes unlined.
The O2 Run Short comes in 5in and 7in, lined or unlined. Choose 5in for less fabric in your stride or 7in for more coverage.
Best for: Road miles, treadmill runs and workouts with repeated forward movement.
The O2 Run Short - Lined
Formally the Infinite Short. Engineered for speed, breathability, and movement. With 360° ventilation, mesh panels, a sleek drape, and smart storage (including a hidden zip pocket), they’re built to run, made for beyond.
The O2 Run Short - Details
5in and 7in inseams. Lined and unlined options. EveryWear fabric. Selected 5in lined variant: 90% polyester and 10% elastane. Features: mesh panels, 360-degree ventilation, sweat wicking, 4-way stretch, hidden pockets, zip pockets, reflective details and anti-static construction. General care: machine wash cold on a gentle cycle, tumble dry low, don't bleach, don't iron, don't dry clean and avoid fabric softener.
Best Short for Lifting: The One Short
A squat rack doesn't forgive a bad seam. The One Short 5in Unlined is our lifting pick because its Boundless fabric stretches through squats, lunges and hinges. The 5in hem stays out of the way, even when the rep gets deep.
It's made from 79% recycled nylon and 21% spandex. Quick-dry fabric helps manage sweat between sets. Zip, hidden and cell phone pockets keep storage close.
Because it's unlined, you decide what sits underneath. Wear it alone or add your preferred compression layer.
The One Short comes in 5in and 7in, lined or unlined. Choose 5in for mobility or 7in for more coverage. Stay unlined when you want to choose your support layer.
Best for: Squats, lunges, hinges and strength sessions that demand hip mobility.
The One Short
Train in it. Swim in it. Live your best life in it. Our top-selling performance short is armed with everything you need to adapt on the fly. From beach days to barbells — always be ready.
The One Short - Details
5in and 7in inseams. Lined and unlined options. Boundless fabric. Selected 5in unlined variant: 79% recycled nylon and 21% spandex. Features: quick-dry fabric, high stretch, hidden pockets, zip pockets, a cell phone pocket and a lightweight feel. General care: machine wash cold on a gentle cycle, tumble dry low, don't bleach, don't iron, don't dry clean and avoid fabric softener.
Best Short for Both: The One Short - Lined
Some workouts move from cardio straight into strength. The One Short Lined 5in is our pick for those days. It keeps the high-stretch Boundless fabric and short hem we like for lifting, then adds built-in support for running.
Boundless fabric is 79% recycled nylon and 21% spandex. Its high-stretch construction moves through squats, lunges and strides. Quick-dry fabric helps when the pace picks up.
The 5in inseam clears your stride and stays above the knee. Hidden and zip pockets keep small essentials secure.
The One Short comes in 5in and 7in, lined or unlined. Choose the 5in lined version when you want one pair for running and lifting. Choose unlined when you prefer your own support layer.
Best for: Hybrid sessions, circuits and training plans split between cardio and strength.
The One Short - Lined
Train in it. Swim in it. Live your best life in it. Our top-selling performance short is armed with everything you need to adapt on the fly. From beach days to barbells — always be ready.
Inseam is only a starting point. Check your waist measurement against our men's size guide, then confirm the exact product page. Color and size availability can change by variant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between running shorts and lifting shorts?
Running shorts put more emphasis on airflow, sweat control and keeping fabric out of your stride. A liner often adds built-in support. Lifting shorts put more emphasis on stretch through the hips and room for deep reps. An unlined option also lets you choose the support layer underneath.
What features should you look for in running shorts?
Start with a 5in or 7in inseam, depending on your coverage preference. Look for sweat-wicking fabric, ventilation and secure storage. Reflective details help in low light. Choose lined for built-in support or unlined when you prefer your own base layer.
What features should you look for in lifting shorts?
Look for high stretch, room through the hips and a hem that stays away from the knee. A 5in inseam gives you more clearance. A 7in inseam adds coverage. Unlined construction lets you choose the compression layer underneath.
Can you use the same pair for running and lifting?
Yes. Choose a short with enough stretch for lifting, enough clearance for running and built-in support. Our pick is The One Short Lined 5in. Its short hem, high-stretch Boundless fabric, quick-dry construction and built-in liner work across mixed sessions. Dedicated running and lifting shorts still give each workout a more specific fit.
Are lined or unlined workout shorts better?
Neither is automatically better. Lined shorts combine the outer short and support layer, which can reduce shifting on a run. Unlined shorts let you choose your own base layer or wear none. That flexibility can be useful when lifting.
What inseam length is best for each activity?
Choose 5in when you want the most clearance for running or lifting. Move to 7in for more coverage without bringing the hem too close to the knee. Choose 9in when coverage matters most. Your height and leg proportions will change where each length lands.
Running and lifting don't ask the same thing from your shorts. The O2 Run Short is built around the stride. The One Short 5in Unlined gives you room to lift. Add the liner when you want one pair for both.
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