The best men’s running shorts in Australia combine sweat-wicking dry-fit fabric, an elastic waistband with a drawstring, and a practical pocket for keys or a phone. For everyday runners and gym-goers, you don’t need to spend big — TJ Sports’ Men’s Athletic Running & Training Shorts ($23.95) and Shorts For Men ($24.99) cover the essentials: breathable polyester, secure waistbands, and free AU shipping. Below, we break down exactly what to look for so you buy once and buy right.

Running Shorts vs Training Shorts: What’s the Difference?

The terms get used interchangeably, but they describe different designs. Running shorts are typically lighter and shorter, cut for stride freedom, with minimal fabric to reduce drag and chafing. Many have an inner liner for support without underwear.

Training shorts — the gym-session style — are usually a touch longer and sturdier, built for squats, lunges and floor work where coverage and durability matter more than aerodynamics. They often skip the liner and use heavier fabric.

For most Australian blokes, one versatile pair does both jobs. The trick is picking the right length, fabric and waistband so the shorts work for a 5 km run and a leg day alike. That’s exactly what this guide helps you do.

The 6 Features That Matter Most in Men’s Running Shorts

1. Dry-fit, moisture-wicking fabric

This is the single biggest difference between good running shorts and cheap ones. Dry-fit polyester pulls sweat off your skin and pushes it to the fabric surface where it evaporates — you stay cooler and the shorts don’t cling or get heavy. Cotton does the opposite: it absorbs sweat, holds it, and turns into a soggy weight by kilometre three.

In the Australian climate, where you’re often training in heat and humidity, dry-fit fabric isn’t a luxury — it’s the baseline. Look for “dry-fit”, “moisture-wicking” or “interlock polyester” on the product description.

2. Waistband that stays put

Nothing ruins a run faster than shorts that creep down or need constant hitching. An elastic waistband with an internal or external drawstring is the gold standard: the elastic gives you flex, the drawcord locks the fit. Shorts with a drawstring you can tie off will stay in place through sprints, hill repeats and burpees.

3. Length and cut

Shorts are usually described by inseam — the length of the inner seam. Roughly: 5-inch inseams are classic running length (maximum stride freedom), 7-inch is the versatile middle ground, and 9-inch leans toward training and team-sport coverage. If you mostly run, go shorter; if you mix running with gym work or football, the longer cut gives more coverage for squats and tackles.

4. Pockets that actually work

A pocket is essential for carrying keys, a card or your phone on a run. A zippered side pocket is the most secure option — nothing falls out mid-stride. If your runs are long, prioritise a zip pocket over a basic open one; it’s the feature runners miss most after the fact.

5. Liner or no liner

Many running shorts include a built-in brief-style liner so you can skip underwear — more comfortable, less chafing, less laundry. If you prefer wearing your own compression shorts underneath, choose an unlined training-style short instead. Neither is better; it’s purely comfort preference.

6. Colour and versatility

Dark colours hide sweat and work from track to café. If you want one pair that does everything, grey or black is the safest bet. Brighter colours are great for team sports where you want to be visible.

TJ Sports’ Picks: Two Shorts That Cover Every Session

Men’s Athletic Running & Training Shorts — $23.95

These are the best all-rounders in the TJ Sports range and a genuine best seller. The interlock polyester fabric is a proper dry-fit knit — moisture is pulled away fast so you stay cool and dry through the session. The stretch waist with draw cords gives a locked-in fit, and there’s a zippered side pocket for your keys or card.

They’re light enough for running and sturdy enough for gym work, which makes them the one-pair solution for most guys. Available in Grey & Black and White & Black, sizes S to XXL, with free shipping on all orders, easy 30-day returns and secure payment at checkout.

Shop the Men’s Athletic Running & Training Shorts — and remember, code TJ10 takes 10% off at checkout.

Shorts For Men — $24.99

If you want maximum colour choice, these are the pick. The dry-fit fabric draws sweat away to keep you comfortable, the elastic waistband with internal drawstring holds everything in place, and the game-length knit cut suits football, soccer and general training as well as running. They’re 100% polyester, so they wash and dry fast.

With eight colourways — black, blue, green, grey, orange, red, white and yellow — and sizes S to XXL, there’s a pair for every kit. Also available: Shorts For Men with free AU shipping and code TJ10 for 10% off.

How to Get the Right Fit

Sizing in men’s running shorts is straightforward if you know two things: your waist measurement and your preferred length.

Measure your waist where the shorts will sit — usually just below the navel. Compare against the size chart; if you’re between sizes, size down for running (a snugger short moves less) and size up for training (more room for deep squats).

Check the length. The game-length cut on the Shorts For Men sits longer — good coverage for gym and field sports. If you want a classic running feel with maximum stride room, look at the slightly shorter cut of the Athletic Running & Training Shorts.

Test the waistband. When they arrive, do a quick squat test and a few high knees at home. The shorts shouldn’t slide, ride up excessively, or need constant adjustment. The drawstring is your friend — tie it properly, don’t leave it loose.

Running Shorts for Different Training Styles

Road running and jogging: Prioritise lightweight dry-fit fabric, a zip pocket for your phone or keys, and a shorter cut for stride freedom.

Gym and strength training: Go slightly longer for squat coverage, and make sure the fabric has enough give for deep lunges. An unlined short works well here since you’re probably wearing compression or regular underwear anyway.

Football, soccer and team sports: The game-length cut rules — coverage for tackles and slides, durable knit fabric, and an elastic-plus-drawstring waistband that survives 90 minutes of movement.

HIIT and CrossFit-style sessions: Breathability is everything. Dry-fit polyester, a secure waistband, and a zip pocket so your keys stay put through burpees and box jumps.

One practical note: if you train in multiple styles, buying two pairs — one shorter running cut, one longer training cut — covers every session for under $50 at TJ Sports prices.

Care Tips: Make Your Shorts Last

Dry-fit polyester is low maintenance, but a little care goes a long way:

• Wash cold. Hot water degrades the moisture-wicking finish over time. Cold or warm (30°C) is ideal.
• Skip the fabric softener. It coats the fibres and kills the wicking performance — the one thing that makes these shorts good.
• Air dry when you can. A dryer won’t destroy them, but air drying extends the life of the elastic waistband.
• Wash after every sweaty session. Letting sweat sit in the fabric breeds odour that gets harder to remove. A quick cold wash the same day keeps them fresh.

Follow that and a good pair of running shorts will last seasons, not months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best length for men’s running shorts?

For pure running, a 5 to 7-inch inseam is the sweet spot — enough coverage without restricting your stride. If you also lift or play team sports, a longer game-length cut (around 9 inches) gives better coverage for squats and slides. TJ Sports’ range covers both ends, so match the length to your main activity.

Are polyester shorts better than cotton for running?

Yes, and it’s not close. Polyester dry-fit fabric wicks sweat away from your skin and dries quickly; cotton absorbs sweat, gets heavy, and causes chafing. For any run longer than 10–15 minutes in Australian conditions, polyester is the clear winner.

Should running shorts have a liner?

It’s personal preference. A built-in liner means no underwear needed — comfortable and less chafing. If you prefer your own compression shorts underneath, go unlined. Both TJ Sports shorts styles work either way; pick based on what feels best for you.

How do I stop my running shorts from riding up?

Three fixes: choose the right size (too loose rides up most), use the drawstring properly (tie it off, don’t leave it loose), and consider a slightly longer inseam if you’re between lengths. The elastic-plus-drawstring waistband on TJ Sports’ shorts is specifically designed to hold position.

How much should I pay for men’s running shorts in Australia?

You don’t need to spend $60–$100 for quality. A good dry-fit pair with a drawstring waistband and zip pocket sits in the $20–$35 range — TJ Sports’ options at $23.95 and $24.99 hit that mark with free AU shipping and a 10% discount with code TJ10.

Ready to upgrade your kit? Grab the Men’s Athletic Running & Training Shorts or the Shorts For Men from TJ Sports — free shipping on all orders, 30-day easy returns, and TJ10 for 10% off. For more gym-gear guides, check our wrist wraps guide.