Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.7 Best Crossfit Shorts For Men | 7 Quick-Dry Shorts for Squats

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The CRZ YOGA 2 in 1 shorts hit the sweet spot between gym performance and everyday utility. The built-in compression liner eliminates the need for separate underwear, cutting down on friction during high-rep squat cycles and kettlebell swings. Multiple reviewers noted the liner pocket securely holds a phone without bouncing, a rare feature in lined shorts at this tier.

The 7-inch inseam provides enough coverage for deep hip hinges while the quick-dry polyester fabric sheds sweat fast between rounds. Buyers at 5’10” and 175 lbs reported a great fit in size Medium, and the waistband drawstring can be tied inside or out for a cleaner look. Two pairs reportedly lasted over a year with regular washing and drying cycles.

Some users wished for a back pocket for a wallet, but the front and zippered side pockets handle keys and a phone well. The material is lightweight and breathable, making it a strong choice for both metcons and casual wear after the WOD.

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The Fabletics Fundamental Short II is built around a simple philosophy: make a short that feels like nothing during a workout but still looks clean outside the gym. The polyester fabric is ultra lightweight and breathable, which translates to less sweat retention during long chipper-style WODs. Buyers consistently praised the balance between soft handfeel and durable construction that doesn’t pill after multiple washes.

Pockets are sized well for a phone and keys, and the waistband stays put without cinching too tight. The cut lands in what one reviewer called a “middle zone” — athletic enough for running and training, but not so gym-specific that you look out of place grabbing coffee afterward. This makes it a solid option for athletes who train in the morning and run errands the rest of the day.

The fit runs true to size for most builds, and the fabric is thin enough to stay cool during high-intensity work but thick enough to hold up to snags on a rig or barbell. It is an unlined design, so you will need to wear compression shorts or briefs underneath unless you prefer going liner-free.

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The Anthem Athletics Isoflex shorts are built with a noticeably thicker fabric than most training shorts, which gives them a more structured feel during lifting sessions. Multiple buyers between 6’1″ and 6’3″ with athletic builds reported the shorts stayed cool and dry during heavy sweat, and the heavier material resisted snags from barbell knurling and rig attachment points. The 5, 7, and 9 inch inseam options let you dial in the exact coverage you need for squats or deadlifts.

Breathability is strong despite the thicker fabric, and the material dries relatively fast for its weight. One reviewer at a 38-inch waist found the XL fit snugly, so sizing up may be necessary for larger thighs. The deep front pockets are convenient, though one user reported a seam tear near the pocket that was easily repaired.

A common note is that the color on certain listings does not exactly match the photos (the two-tone charcoal appears all black), but the performance holds up. For athletes who prefer a short that doesn’t feel flimsy and can handle repeated contact with equipment, this is a strong mid-range contender.

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The Under Armour Launch Run shorts prioritize ventilation with super-breathable mesh panels that dump heat faster than solid fabric designs. This makes them a top pick for high-intensity metcons, running intervals, or any conditioning work where overheating is the main limiter. The 100% recycled polyester fabric wicks sweat and dries quickly, and the open hand pockets include an internal phone pocket on the right side that keeps a device secure without a zipper.

The 7-inch inseam provides enough length for squatting without the fabric catching, and the soft knit waistband with an internal drawcord keeps the shorts in place during dynamic movements. Reviewers noted that the shorts feel lightweight and “don’t hang up on leg day,” a direct nod to the unlined, flowing cut that allows full hip mobility. The fabric has a slight “swishy” feel, which some users associate with classic running shorts.

A few buyers who had owned earlier versions of Under Armour running shorts felt the newer iteration used a slightly cheaper-feeling material with less stretch. The unlined design means you need to plan for underwear or compression gear underneath. But for athletes whose primary concern is staying cool during long conditioning pieces, this model delivers the highest airflow of the group.

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The adidas Designed For Training shorts differentiate themselves with a tailored leg cut that looks more refined than standard athletic bags while still delivering full range of motion for squats and lunges. The polyester fabric is lightweight and breathable, and the athletic fit avoids being either too loose or restrictive. One reviewer at 6’2″ purchased the Large Long for a 9-inch inseam and found the fit perfect for running and Pilates, then immediately ordered a second pair.

Moisture management is strong, with multiple users noting the shorts kept them cool and dry even during intense sessions. The waistband uses an internal drawcord for a secure fit that doesn’t dig in, and the tailored silhouette means the shorts work well for active recovery days or casual wear without looking like gym gear. Buyers praised the upscale material feel and workmanship.

The main drawback is the shallow front pockets. One reviewer reported that unzipped items can fall out during dynamic movement, though zipped pockets on other versions may offer better security. If you prioritize a flattering, athletic cut that transitions from lifting to errands, this is the strongest option.

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The MudGear Freestyle shorts are engineered for obstacle course racing, which means they are tested against mud, water, and repeated abrasion from crawling under barbed wire and climbing walls. The fabric feels like swimsuit material — it sheds water quickly and won’t absorb heavy mud weight during a race. The 7-inch inseam with a built-in liner provides support and prevents chafing during long runs and obstacles.

A back zipper pocket fits an iPhone 8 securely, and the front pockets are designed to minimize bounce during trail runs. Multiple Spartan Race and Tough Mudder participants reported the shorts held up through 10k races without tearing, and the inner lining was comfortable enough for extended wear. The drawstring is functional, though some users noted it is longer than necessary.

The fabric runs slightly small, so sizing up is recommended if you are between sizes. A few athletes preferred wearing separate performance gear underneath despite the included liner. For anyone doing obstacle-based WODs, outdoor trail work, or workouts that involve contact with rough surfaces, these deliver the highest durability rating in the lineup.

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The Combat Iron Performance Training Shorts are a hybrid design that works equally well for gym training and swimming. The 5.5-inch inseam is shorter than most options in this guide, which provides maximum freedom for deep squats and sprints without fabric interference. The polyester fabric is soft and comfortable, and the mesh inner pockets drain water quickly, making these functional for pool-based recovery or post-WOD cool-downs.

Buyers consistently praised the material quality, with one calling it the most comfortable short they own and another noting the veteran-designed branding adds a meaningful touch. The quick-dry nature of the fabric means you can go from a sweaty metcon to the pool deck without changing. Several users specifically mentioned wearing them as pajamas or swim trunks, highlighting the versatility.

The unlined design gives you the choice of wearing compression gear or swimming trunks underneath. Some buyers expected a more traditional gym-short feel and were surprised by the swim-trunk-like characteristics. If your training regimen includes swimming, rowing, or outdoor summer workouts, these cover more ground than any other pair in the lineup.