Many running shorts have in-built pants or protective areas located within, but I still prefer the feel of a dedicated pair of running boxer shorts for taking to the trails and tarmac.
There’s also the versatility that a sport-specific pair of boxers will bring, meaning you can use them for hiking, ball sports and more, as well as for everyday wear.
But what makes a quality pair of running boxers? Look for a lack of visible internal seams for lowering the chances of chafing – any seams should be flatlock and very few in number.
After an excruciating London Marathon experience, I also prefer a longer leg length in my running shorts to stop thigh-on-thigh chafing. Also look for leg sleeves that don’t ride up when you’re on the move.
Breathability is also a must-have, aided by both the material composition and any ventilated panels, as is the boxer’s ability to wick sweat yet dry swiftly.
From midsummer until winter, we tested the below on road and trail runs of various speeds and distances, as well as hiking in the mountains and on coastal trails, for everyday use, as well as during ball sport activities.
1. Runderwear Running Boxer
- £22
Available in a Long (£25) version as well as these £22 mid-length numbers, the Running Boxer from Runderwear impress with their flatlock seam design minimising chafing on both running and hiking ventures.
Although thicker than the other boxers on test, the breathable recycled nylon and elastane construction excels in offering breathability and sweat-wicking properties, making these a versatile option for both winter and summer runs. That material mix is also smooth on the skin, proving quick to dry and, so far at least, remaining odour-free.
Impressive stuff, then, although it doesn't come cheap. Proving divisive for me are the silicone leg-grips on the inside of the leg sleeves – also seen on cycling bib-shorts and triathlon suits – which stop the shorts riding up when you’re on the move. They do exactly that, but I was constantly reminded that I was wearing these due to their slightly sticky and tight nature – a minor irritant that became more pronounced the longer my runs went on.
The elasticated leg band itself would do the job by itself, making the grippers feel like overkill (while also ensuring they’re not ideal for casual wear). Be careful not to put them in the tumble dryer and melt that silicone strip, too.
A women’s version is also available, as is a variety of colours including Black, Teal, a brash Volt, a brave White and the stylish Grey seen here.
2. Step One Boxer Brief
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- £9
I’ve used Step One Boxer Briefs for years as casual everyday and hiking underwear, with the lightweight material blend sitting soft on the skin, the waistband proving comfortable and the 3D Comfort Pouch and leg panels keeping everything in place.
I actually prefer the Boxer Briefs than the Aussie brand’s sport-focussed Boxer Brief Sport due to itchy internal seams on the latter, something that isn’t experienced with the standard Boxer Briefs.
Although breathable enough, they’re not as quick to dry or ventilated as the Reebok or Runderwear on test here, however, so I rarely use them for higher tempo running in warmer conditions. For all-day hiking, however, they tick the comfort and breathability boxes.
Sustainability is boosted by the FSC-approved fibre coming from ‘well-managed forests’, as well as the inclusion of 95% organic bamboo materials.
They come women’s options and a wealth of leg lengths and colour options including, ahem, Juicy Plums, Ahoy Sailor and Smashed Avo.
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3. Reebok Anselm
- £30 for 3
I’ll admit to not wearing Reebok since their 1990s heyday but, with nineties nostalgia doing the rounds, it feels like the ideal time to dip back in. The Blue, Navy and Twilight colourways of this three-pack even feel a touch Oasis, after all…
Functional and breathable, they’re not exactly cutting edge but the ventilation from the polyester and elastane mix is impressive and quick to dry. I like the length, too, which prevents any thigh-on-thigh chafing, while the flatlock internal seams keep the anti-chafe theme flowing.
There are lighter and leaner boxers around, however, including the Decathlon options on test here, for high-intensity runs and all-day ultras, and the Reebok Anselm wouldn’t be my pick for those challenges. But for everyday use, hiking and slower sojourns, these are versatile and well-priced options with a comfy waistband too.
I couldn’t find any female options, however, while no sustainability claims are made.
4. Decathlon Breathable Boxers
- £11.99 FOR 3
I’d definitely recommend going up at least a size in these but the Breathable Boxers from French retailer giants Decathlon are exactly that, proving sweat-wicking and quick to dry on trail runs, hikes and everyday wear.
These lean and lightweight options come in a three pack, currently with the wallet-happy pricetag of just £11.99, with the Asphalt blue/Denim blue/Urban green colourways proving understated and inoffensive.
The 16% elastane and 84% polyester mix has proven stretchy and handy for an array of sports, with the flatlock internal seams remaining trouble-free – just remember to cut out the vast internal label before you start running.
The leg length is also ideal for stopping chafing between the legs, yet the fairly minimal waistband is the least effective here at stopping the waist riding down. The leg sleeve bands are also fairly minimal but they too do their job in stopping the legs riding up.
There is a two-year warranty but, like the Reebok, I couldn’t find any female options, while no sustainability claims are made.
