Nothing ruins a good run like chafing. If you haven’t struggled with chafing during a run or a bike ride, then consider yourself lucky. Chafing may seem like a small issue, but it can lead to a surprisingly painful experience. Ignoring the problem can lead to an excruciating ailment that will keep you from enjoying your routine morning runs.
Chafing is a type of skin irritation caused by rubbing from either skin-on-skin or clothing-on-skin. This condition can eventually lead to enough irritation that injures your skin resulting in a rash, blisters, or swelling. It can happen with just about any activity that includes repetitive motion. This is especially true for long-distance running or cycling.
There is no faster way of ruining any workout than the dreaded thigh chafe. While anti-chafe products like creams, balms, or deodorants can be helpful, perhaps the best way to avoid painful chafing is choosing the right shorts.
Qualities of running shorts that avoid chafing
There are several key factors to check when it comes to choosing the right shorts. The design and fitting should be the first thing to consider as you can reduce friction between the skin and the clothes can by wearing the right fit.
Secondly, the shorts should be made from fabric that stretches when you run. Not only will it be comfortable to train with, but it also provides enough range of motion to reduce thigh rubbing. Lastly, the material should be moisture-wicking. Wet skin due to sweat increases the chances of chafing.
With these in mind, here are a few of the best choices for running shorts to avoid chafing:
Best Running Shorts To Avoid Chafing for Men
Puma Pace Men’s 2 in 1 Running Shorts
Having the right length of shorts is critical considering that when it is cut too short and you will be in a pair of hot pants after 1 mile, too long, and you will be increasing wind resistance with a couple of sails on your legs. The Puma Pace Men’s Running Shorts showcase a cut of just the right length. Moreover, they are quite reasonably priced, considering that you are essentially getting two pairs of shorts for the price of one.
Brooks 7 Inch Running Shorts
The Brooks 7 inch running shorts are designed to prevent thigh rubbing and chafing. This pair of compression shorts are long enough not to make you feel too exposed, but they provide tightness to avoid additional wind resistance. It no longer has the thin strip around the leg hole to keep it in place as compared to the other versions, but it’s long enough that it won’t need it anymore.
Janji AFO Middle Shorts
The Janji AFO Middle Shorts is considered a crowd-pleaser considering its fun patterns and bold colors. The brand became a common favorite because of its style. The shorts have the AirFlatOut fabric brand, which is known for being lightweight and has a four-way stretch. Moreover, it has a moisture-wicking liner making it one of the best shorts for people who are prone to chafing.
Nike Men’s Flex Distance 5 inch 2-in-1 Shorts
Not only is the brand known for making quality sports shoes but also all sorts of sports apparel, including running shorts. Nike sportswear is widely popular for its DryFit technology, which means that the fabric they use is specially designed to dry quickly and not hold water.
Runners tend to get extra sweaty on hot summer days making them more prone to chafing. The material is remarkably breathable and wicks away sweat, making it ideal for summer training. Furthermore, the zip pocket is waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about your wallet getting soaked with sweat.
Asics Men’s L1 Shorts
The Asics Men’s L1 Shorts is not for everyone as they are minimalists shorts. Due to its high cut, it ultimately avoids the chafing problem, and it provides a beautiful and airy feeling. It should also be noted that the material is exceptionally lightweight, so it is recommended to wear a pair of sports briefs underneath.
Best Running Shorts To Avoid Chafing for Women
Core 10 Women’s Two-In-One Running Shorts
Specially made for women who are prone to chafing, Core 10 Women’s two-in-one running shorts come with a soft mix of polyester and spandex, which are both smooth and stretchy. This pair of shorts also sports a compression liner underneath, which keeps the skin from rubbing together.
Moreover, the fabric is extraordinarily light and moisture-wicking, making them perfect for all sorts of activities. Plus, they have reflective accents making them especially visible at night.
Nike Elevate Shorts
The Nike Elevate Shorts features sweat-wicking fabric in a lightweight design. The shorts comprise of 100 percent polyester, a fabric ideal for anti-chafing apparel. It stretches with your body as the notched hem allows full range of motion. Another reason why these shorts are so popular is that they come in the most fun array of colors.
Moreover, real people who left reviews in Amazon listings find that the shorts are so soft against the skin that you can even sleep in them.
Lululemon Fast and Free 10 inch Shorts
The Lululemon Fast and free boasts a lightweight fabric with quick-drying and sweat-wicking features. As far as thigh rubbing goes, the tights leave you with nothing to worry about due to its length. The lightweight fabric keeps you fresh, which is a plus considering that most long lengthened shorts tend to overheat.
Additionally, the numbered sizing allows you to get closer to a perfect fit as compared to the generic small, medium, and large sizes.
Tracksmith Session Shorts
The Tracksmith Session Shorts is very common in any list for best running shorts. It has been trendy due to its buttery soft, lightweight stretch knit fabric that makes it extremely comfortable to wear. A more recent version of the shorts now fashions a minimal race-ready vibe. It features an elasticated waistband that is secure and easy to fold over and a side zipper pocket to hold valuables.
Sport-It Active Long Running Shorts
The shorts are made from 73 percent polyester and 27 percent spandex, making it stretchable enough to provide ease of movement. It has a four-way stretch fabric that offers comfortable compression while being completely non-transparent and breathable.
