The 7 Best Pairs of Men’s Running Underwear To Support You During Exercise

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A quality pair of running underwear is essential for runners of all types, but men in particular can benefit from the additional support offered by well-designed underoos. All athletic undershorts are not created equal, however, and a poor pair can lead to chafing, discomfort, sweat buildup, jock itch, or even more serious rashes.

The following list was carefully considered to cover all your active underwear bases. Our picks for the best running underwear for men span a range of runner circumstances to ensure that you get the underlayer you need to keep things right with your nether regions.

Best Running Underwear for Men

• Best Overall: Runderwear Running Boxer Shorts

• Best Value: Reebok Sport Soft Performance Boxer Briefs

• Best Breathable: Path Projects Lynx PD

• Best Odorproof: Duluth Trading Buck Naked Boxer Briefs

• Best Briefs: Reebok Quick Dry-Performance Low-Rise Briefs

What to Consider

Fit

While you might prefer that your normal boxers have a roomier fit, you never want that extra play in a pair of running underwear. When running, base layers should be somewhat snug to prevent loose material from rubbing. Some runners can benefit from the extra-tight fit of compression underwear, which can increase support, reduce fatigue, and delay the onset of soreness.

Material

While they might be fine for everyday use, classic cotton boxers or tighty whities aren’t what you want for running. Cotton has little to no moisture-wicking capability, which means sweat builds up, resulting in discomfort at best and a nasty rash at worst. Instead, go with a synthetic blend of polyester, spandex, or nylon. As a bonus, research has shown that moisture-wicking materials can lower your body temperature while running.

Construction

The second most common skin issue among runners—behind blisters—is chafing. Underwear is a notorious instigator of this irritation, so look for a pair that eliminates seams, tags, and other raised elements that can rub. Quality running underwear often stretches in all directions, meaning it will move with your body and further reduce rubbing.

Distance

The distance you tend to run may influence your choice of underlayer. For shorter distances, trail running, or cross-training, you might appreciate the extra support of a more substantial set of briefs. But long-distance runners and marathoners often wear either lightweight, minimalist underwear or skip it entirely in preference of lined shorts.

How We Selected

As a lifetime runner and athlete, I’ve known the best and worst that performance apparel has to offer. This experience, along with insight from Runner’s World editors, medical research, and reviews from buyers on sites like Amazon, was taken into account when choosing the recommendations below. They were selected based on factors like comfort, moisture-wicking ability, odor prevention, value, durability.

Running Boxer Shorts for Men

Runderwear may have put “run” in its name for branding purposes, but the moniker is apt. The brand’s boxer shorts are an outstanding base layer for pretty much any runner. Tagless, seamless, and smooth, they are as anti-chafing as it gets. Their moisture-wicking is reliable, and the material is highly breathable.

Silicone grips keep the legs from riding up, and they’re supportive where it counts. The company even has solid eco-friendly practices, which is always a plus. On the downside, Runderwear’s excellence means they are in high demand, so supply fluctuates.

Men's Sport Soft Performance Running Briefs

The Sport Soft Performance Briefs from Reebok are a great budget pick as they are surprisingly good underwear in an affordable four-pack. Supportive yet stretchy, they’re soft and tagless to prevent chafing, and their moisture-wicking and quick-dry abilities are solid.

The trade-off for such a good deal is the relatively limited lifespan of the waistband, which may begin to stretch after just a few months of wear and wash. But for quality undershorts on a budget, these are hard to beat.

Lynx PD Running Underwear for Men

The Lynx PD underwear from Path Project provides superior breathability thanks to the brand’s breezy Polartec Power Dry material. This not only lets the air in, it does a great job of wicking the wet away. The light compression is a nice touch, and they’re supportive and durable.

There are some light seams and the waistband is reinforced, which could cause rubbing for particularly chafe-prone runners, but the majority of wearers report no issues.

Buck Naked Running Boxer Briefs for Men

Duluth designed its Naked Boxer Briefs for active lifestyles in general, and they just happen to be great running underwear too. In addition to their outstanding moisture-wicking—which already goes a long way toward preventing odor—they’re treated with an anti-odor agent to kill off unwanted funk altogether.

They’re also comfortable, supportive, and breathable, and generally a pleasure to wear. What’s more, they’re offered in an array of color and pattern options.

Men's Performance Low Rise Running Briefs

While there are plenty of purported running briefs on the market, the problem with most of them is that they tend to ride up your backside when you’re on the go. You won’t have this issue with the Performance Low Rise Briefs from Reebok, which stay in place, provide great stability, are breathable and anti-chafing, and maintain their shape through numerous run and wash cycles. Some buyers report that the sizes run a bit large, but in terms of comfort, these hit the mark.

Men's Commandos Running Underwear

For runners looking to trim down their race weight as much as possible—looking at you, marathoners and sprinters—the t8 Commandos are exactly what you need. At under 40 grams, they’re supposedly the lightest full-leg running underwear around. On top of that, they’re breathable, moisture-wicking, anti-chafing, supportive, and all-around comfortable. They’re only available in black, but you’re wearing them for weight, not flash.

Men's Pro Training Compression Short for Running

If you’re looking for more substantial compression, check out the Pro Training Compression Shorts from Nike. Technically intended to be worn as either shorts or an underlayer, they’re tight and lightweight, so they function great as underwear.

In addition to their outstanding compression, they check all the other boxes: moisture-wicking, breathable, supportive, soft, and anti-wicking. Per the manufacturer they’re hand wash only, which is a bit of a hassle, but beyond that these are an ideal compression base layer.

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