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Do you get a burning or stinging feeling on your skin from your thighs rubbing together? If you do, then you could be experiencing chafing. Chafing is a very common problem in running because our legs are constantly rubbing together.

Chafing is caused by a combination of:

  • Friction
  • Moisture
  • Irritating Fabric.

Because when running it is almost impossible to eliminate friction, we have to do everything we can to eliminate moisture and irritating fabric.

A pair of well-fitted and anti chafing shorts can help prevent moisture build-up and irritating fabric.

Searching for a pair of Anti Chafing Running Shorts can be confusing to beginners, as there are many different types of running shorts. Let me simplify it for you!

For my money, the best anti chafing running shorts for men are:

Now let’s take a closer look at these anti chafing men’s running shorts and how to buy your first pair!

Why Does Running Cause Chafing?

Chafing occurs due to a combination of friction, moisture, and irritating fabric.

When we run, we are constantly sweating. Combine this with the constant friction of our legs rubbing together and the friction coming from our clothes, this is a recipe for chafing.

When our skin becomes wet with our sweat, it causes our skin to become soft and weaker. The constant rubbing will cause the skin to break down and cause a burning sensation. It many cases, chafing can even lead to a burning sensation with a red rash. In severe cases, it can lead to bleeding or swelling.

Due to these factors, a very common area of concern for runners are our thighs. For many people, this is an area that constantly rubs together and can cause chafing.

Therefore, it is important to wear anti chafing running shorts to help prevent this problem.

How To Prevent Chafing When Running?

One of the best ways to prevent chafing when running is to mitigate and eliminate 2 of the 3 factors contributing to chafing in the first place.

With the use of anti chafing running shorts, you can mitigate the moisture and irritating clothing issues.

Many of the effective anti chafing running shorts have built-in compression shorts that use moisture wicking technology to keep your skin dry. Additionally, these compression shorts are made from a smooth nylon material that allows your legs to run without irritation.

3 Main Options For Men’s Anti Chafing Running Shorts

When it comes to anti chafing shorts for men, there are 3 main options:

  1. Regular running shorts
  2. Compression shorts plus a regular pair of shorts
  3. 2-n-1 running shorts

While these are all good options, the 2-n-1 running shorts allow you to purchase one pair of shorts and get the anti chafing feature that you need.

These 2-n-1 running shorts are running shorts with build-in compression shorts.

How Much Should You Spend For Anti Chafing Running Shorts?

Buying a pair of anti chafing running shorts can vary depending on the material quality, features, and name brand.  

If you do not care much about name brand, you can purchase a pair of discount anti chafing running shorts for under $25.

The middle tier of anti chafing running shorts will run (no pun intended) you around $30-$50.

For the high quality shorts, you should aim for around $60-$90.

Best Budget Anti Chafing Running Shorts for Men: BALEAF Men’s 2 in 1 Quick Dry Running Athletic Shorts With Zipper Pocket

Here’s what I like about these running shorts:

  • Deep Side Pockets
  • Drawstrings For Waist Adjustment
  • Back Zipper Pocket (Can hold a 5.5″ phone)
  • Low Cost
  • Multiple Color Options

This is a great budget pick for anyone who is in the market for anti chafing running shorts.

These shorts have many great features that are usually found in high-end shorts.

The deep side pockets and back zipper pockets are two of my favorite features. Most running shorts do not come with side pockets or any pockets at all. While you might not want to run with anything in your side pockets, they do give these shorts a lot a versatility. They can used post-workout to easily carry your phone, wallet, and keys.

One of the biggest advantages of these shorts, is that they are some of the most affordable on the market. At such a great price, they also offer a wide variety of colors options.

Here’s what I don’t like about these running shorts:

There are not many downsides to these shorts, especially at such a great price.

However, some users might complain about the short length of these shorts. This is definitely personal preference, but in the running world, “short shorts” are widely accepted!

If you have never worn compression shorts, they may take a couple wears to get used to. But if you stick with it, you will soon be running chafing-free!

Check the current price and read more user reviews of the BALEAF Men’s 2 in 1 Running Shorts With Zipper Pocket on Amazon. 

Best Mid-Range Anti Chafing Running Shorts For Men: ASICS Men’s Silver 7″ 2-n-1 Shorts

Here’s what I like about these running shorts:

  • Drawcord waist tie for adjustability
  • 100% polyester material
  • 7-in inseam (“length”)
  • Hidden internal pocket

These running shorts provide a great amount of anti chafing protection for even your longest runs.

One of the greatest benefits of these shorts is the high quality 100% polyester material. This polyester material is smooth and stretch. This allows you to run without clothing restriction.

Asics is known to be a high quality running clothes brand, and these shorts prove help prove that.

Here’s what I don’t like about these running shorts:

Some users might complain about the lack of color options. These shorts come in a Performance Black or Dark Grey color-ways. This might be a downside for some people but these colors go with everything.

Additionally, some runners my find these shorts lacking features. However, these shorts do come with a hidden internal pocket which is great for a pair of keys.

If you are looking a great pair of well made anti chafing shorts, and don’t need a whole bunch of different features, then these are a great option for you.

Check the current price and read more user reviews of the ASICS Men’s Silver 7″ 2-n-1 Shorts on Amazon.

Best High-End Anti Chafing Running Shorts for Men: 2XU XVENT 5″ 2-in-1 Compression Shorts

Here’s what I like about these running shorts:

  • Zip pocket and easy access phone pocket
  • High-quality material
  • Antibacterial treatment through compression short
  • Zero cling against the body when worn

These shorts are an amazing option for high quality anti chafing running shorts.

They provide all the different features that you could want such as a zip pocket for your keys and an easy access phone pocket.

These shorts are made of a high quality material that allow you to run without restrictive clothing interference.

One of the most annoying things about some running shorts is that they cling to you due to electrostatic forces. However, these shorts have almost zero cling to the body when wearing and running in them.

The brand ZXU is know for making high quality recovery and performance gear. In addition to anti chafing capabilities, their PWX compression layer allows for muscle support and greater power output.

Additionally, these shorts have been through an antibacterial treatment to help keep these shorts smelling fresh!

Here’s what I don’t like about these running shorts:

Some users might complain that there are not enough color options. This is true because the only available option is black. However, with their reflective logos and unique design, I think these are some of the best looking running shorts on the market.

Additionally some users might complain about the higher price, but the high quality of these shorts and the useful features, these shorts are well worth the cost.

Check the current price of the 2XU XVENT 5″ 2-in-1 Compression Shorts on Amazon.

Verdict

Specific running shorts are a great way to protect your body from unnecessary chafing issues.

In running, chafing is very common especially in the thigh area. However, with the use of anti chafing running shorts, we can eliminate or reduce the contributing factors of moisture and irritating clothes.

The built in compression shorts help reduce the amount of moisture on your legs. They also provide a smooth surface for your legs to slide past each other when you are running.

If you are having these chafing issues, then going for a pair of 2-n-1 running shorts are a great option.

My top pick for runners wanting a pair of anti chafing running shorts for their next workout or race would be to go with a good all-around and budget-friendly option like the BALEAF Men’s 2 in 1 Quick Dry Running Shorts With Zipper Pocket on Amazon.

These BALEAF running shorts are a great pair of anti chafing running shorts and are available at one of the most affordable prices on the market. Additionally, they provide features that only some of the higher-end shorts have. This is a great starting point for runners wanting to try out anti chafing running shorts, and it would be difficult to find a better pair of running shorts for the price!

Hope this helps!