Best Running Underwear for Men 2026

You can have the perfect shoes. The ideal pace plan. The best playlist. But if your underwear starts rubbing at mile six, none of that matters. Running underwear might not be the most glamorous piece of kit in your drawer, however, they’re foundational. Get it wrong, and you’ll feel it every single stride all the way to the finish line.

The best running underwear for men should disappear the moment you put it on. No riding up. No swampy fabric. No awkward adjustments mid-stride. Just support, breathability, and zero distractions.

This guide breaks down:

• The best men’s running underwear (ranked and compared)
  
  
• What materials actually perform
  
  
• Which pairs work best for marathon training, hot weather, and long runs
  
  
• Budget options that don’t sacrifice comfort
  
  

Let’s get into it.

What Is the Best Running Underwear for Men? (Ranked & Compared)

It depends on your distance, climate, and personal fit preference. Below are the top picks, ranked in order of overall performance and versatility.

Smartwool Active Merino Boxer Briefs 

The Smartwook Active Merino Boxer Briefs are the top pick for cold weather conditions and long runs.  

Material: Merino wool blend
Key Features: Temperature regulation, natural odor resistance

Pros

• Great in cold or variable weather

• Extremely comfortable

Cons

• Higher price
• Needs careful washing

ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh Boxer Brief 

The ExOfficio Give-N-Go are the top pick for travel and humid climates. This pair dries incredibly fast and breathes exceptionally well. These are ideal if you swear heavily or are running in humidity. 

Best for: Multi-day events, humid conditions, travel runners

Material: 94% nylon, 6% spandex mesh

Key Features: Ultra-light mesh, anti-odor treatment, fly option

Pros

• Dries very quickly

• Lightweight and breathable

• Great for packing light

Cons

• Slightly less structured support

Under Armour BoxerJock (6”) 

If you want a no-fuss, dependable option for everyday runs, the  Under Armour BoxerJock delivers. They stay put, keep you dry, and do the job without distraction.

Best for: High-sweat runners, daily training

Material: 90% polyester, 10% elastane
Key Features: 4-way stretch, breathable, snug athletic fit

Pros

• Reliable fit

• Good value for performance

• Durable

Cons

• Not as soft as merino or modal

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Saxx Briefs 

The Saxx Briefs are the best option for maximum support. The brand’s signature pouch system is built to reduce rubbing, control movement, and keep you comfortable mile after mile.

Material: Viscose/elastane blend
Key Feature: BallPark Pouch™

Pros

• Excellent support

• Very comfortable fabric

Cons

• Pouch design isn’t for everyone

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Tommy John Air Brief

The Tommy John Air Briefs are the best minimal option for hot weather conditions

Best for: Summer running, lightweight feel

Material: Nylon mesh/spandex
Key Features: Ultra-light, contour pouch, horizontal fly

Pros

• Featherlight

• Excellent airflow

• Extremely breathable and barely-there.

Cons

• Thin material may not suit all runners

Ten Thousand CØ Boxer

The Ten Thousand CØ Boxer is the best option for durability and athletic fit. They are known for durable construction and an athletic cut. These are a solid performance option if you prefer a more structured fit.

Best for: Strength-focused or hybrid athletes

Pros

• Durable

• Performance-focused design

Cons

• Less widely reviewed for pure distance running

Mack Weldon Boxer Briefs 

Mack Weldon Boxer Briefs are the perfect everyday hybrid option for runners who want crossover everyday comfort.

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Material: Performance blends

‍Pros

• Holds shape well

• Good moisture management

Cons

• Less specialized for long-distance running

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Lululemon Always In Motion Boxer Brief

The Lululemon Always In Motion Boxer Briefs are the best premium comfort pick. They are praised for being one of the most comfortable boxer briefs on the market, which are great for everyday crossover, not just running. 

Best for: Everyday training, short-to-medium distance runs, runners who prioritize softness
Material: Modal-based blend (typically modal, elastane, polyester, depending on version)

Cons

Less ideal for heavy sweat sessions and longer marathon distances. 

Best Mens Running Underwear for Chafing

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Adidas Mesh Midway Underwear

The Adidas Mesh Midway Underwear are the best value and durability option. 

Best for: Budget runners who need a longer inseam

Pros

• Affordable

• Durable

• Longer inseam prevents chafing
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Runderwear

The Runderwear men's underwear are the top anti-chafe option. They are designed with runners in mind, with seam placement focused on reducing friction.

Pros

• Excellent anti-chafe construction

Cons

• Limited availability in some regions

Step One 

If inner-thigh chafing is your biggest enemy, Step One underwear is built to fight it. The longer inseam and integrated anti-chafe panels reduce skin-on-skin friction, while the supportive 3D pouch keeps everything secure without restriction. The bamboo-based fabric is soft, breathable, sweat-wicking, and naturally odour-resistant. 

Pros

• Great for larger thighs

• Comfortable

Best Budget Running Underwear for Men

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Uniqlo Airism Boxer Briefs 

The Uniqlo Airism Boxer Briefs are the best overall budget option. They’re lightweight, smooth against the skin, and surprisingly effective at handling sweat for the price. The Airism fabric is designed to feel cool and breathable, making them a strong choice for short runs, gym sessions, and everyday training miles.

Best for: Everyday running

Pros

• Soft

• Quick-drying

• Affordable

Cons

• Less structured support

Best Mens Running Underwear for Marathon & Long Distance Running

Top picks:

• Smartwool Active Merino
  
  
• ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0
  
  
• Under Armour BoxerJock
  
  

These offer the best anti-chafe construction and moisture control for miles 1 through 26.2.

Best Mens Running Underwear for Hot Weather

Choose:

• Tommy John Air
  
  
• Under Armour BoxerJock
  
  
• Uniqlo Airism
  
  

Lightweight mesh and micro-mesh fabrics are essential in heat.

Best Mens Running Underwear for Cold Weather

Go with:

• Smartwool Active Merino
  
  

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