For High-Intensity Training Sessions

The Interval short carries the convenience of not having to use and wash a baselayer, and the comfort and seamlessness of one pair of shorts. It has a single waistband (instead of the doubling up) that cuts down on bulk and allows for a better range of motion. Fantastic for tough HIIT sessions, metcons or sprints, these durable shorts can handle it all and never results in that gross "two washes won't clean this" smell. I found their Session short is better suited for longer runs, so best to try both out to determine which suits your needs.

Interval shorts, $68 by Ten Thousand

Great for Both the Gym and Nature

These not only have the wildest contrast colors for their liner (my favorite is the charcoal with a teal lining), but the boxer-brief style is less restrictive than more serious compression-style shorts. It's more supportive than plain underwear and can be worn all day. Plus, it dries really fast. When we say fast, it's like freakishly fast. Featuring deep hand pockets, a hidden zippered back pocket and four-way stretch, they perform particularly well in total range of motion exercises like sprints, squats, or a long hike on the trail (especially if there's a swimming hole--more supportive than trunks and they dry about as fast).

Momentum shorts, $68 by Myles

The "So Light You Barely Notice Them" Option

Typically known for their shoes, these two-in-one Hybrid shorts from On Running stand apart from all the rest mostly because the liner is detachable from the main short. But it's actually impossible to notice the attachment pieces when running, lifting or even while doing some side crunches. The shorts are incredibly lightweight and very simple to pack, compressing to take up very little space. The two items are perfectly seamless and make for a fantastic no-distraction run. And as an added bonus, since the two pieces are detachable, you can utilize just the compression shorts under a different pair of shorts of pants if desired.

Interval shorts, $99.99 by On Running

Dri-Fit flex shorts,
$50 by Nike

T.H.E. lined shorts,
$68 by Lululemon

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