Best Athletic Shorts For Men In 2025
It's hard to admit, but those basketball shorts should probably stay on the hardwood.
When you have clothing that fits just right and designed to work hard, you tend to feel more empowered to take on tough challenges. Challenges will make you a stronger person, often mentally and physically. Ten Thousand has been pumping out quality mens active gear since 2016, and their shorts were the initial center piece. Shorts built for every type of activity that won’t leave you ripped (well, from a fabric perspective) or broke, and will help you live by their mantra, “better than yesterday”. They’re all I wear, and why I decided to put out an article on my favorite selections.
Before you go any further, let’s address the issue of length. While the 90s were an interesting transition period from short shorts to long shorts, somewhere in the middle is preferred when it comes to thigh advertisement, shoot for a 5-to-9-inch inseam. If you’re not sure how long your shorts should be, here’s a helpful equation to figure it out:
Step 1: Determine your height in inches (i.e. 6 feet = 72 inches).
Step 2: Determine your confidence score from 1-5. “1” meaning there is no limit to how much leg you can show, or “5” if you’re self conscious about showing your legs in any scenario.
Step 3: Add your inches in height to your confidence score. With the total number calculated, use the assessment below to determine your proper shorts length:
71 or less = 5” inseam
72-76 = 7” inseam
77 or more = 9” inseam
With your newfound length at hand, here are my three favorite Ten Thousand shorts that work for most activities.
Circuit/Gym: Ten Thousand Interval Short
This short is great for both cardio and lifting sessions. Think Crossfit or HIIT. The light weight yet tough fabric allows for both bar abrasions and comfort when running for distance. With options in length and liner, this is a no brainer when it comes to choosing a workout short that covers all your exercises.
Swim/Travel: Ten Thousand Set Short
My wife and I took a trip to Costa Rica a few years ago. One of the days there we went on an excursion which began with a hike through the rainforest and ended at a magnificent waterfall. It was one of the best feelings in the world to make the easy transition from land to water in the same pair of shorts, which were also dry by the time we made our way back up to the parking lot. I was hoping this would be the experience I got when I purchased the Set Short, and it didn’t disappoint. It subsequently became my go to active travel short for when I’m unsure where my trip will take me, by land or sea.
Rucking/Outdoor: Ten Thousand Tactical Short
Being outdoors often requires having a tougher fabric. That sounds counterintuitive when summer days outside can be sweltering hot, and lighter fabrics tend to give more relief than thicker ones. Fortunately, Ten Thousand has perfected a pair of Tactical Shorts that are both comfortable and provide that extra fabric needed for rugged terrain. Great for outdoor hikes and rucking, whether you’re taking big steps on the red rocks or brushing up against thick bristles on a wooded trail, these are your best option. They’re also great for barbell exercises that tend to have repeated contact with the thighs and hips (i.e. cleans, snatches, deadlifts).
For the whole collection of Ten Thousand shorts that I wear, check out this link.