Nike Dri-FIT Running Shorts Review: Are They Worth the Hype?

Finding the right pair of running shorts can make or break your training. Too heavy and they drag you down on long runs. Too flimsy and they fall apart after a few wash cycles. The Nike Dri-FIT Running Shorts have quietly become one of Amazon’s most popular running shorts, and the numbers tell a compelling story: 4.6 stars across 18,000+ reviews is the kind of consistency that’s hard to fake.

Priced at $31.50, these shorts sit in an interesting spot — affordable enough that you won’t agonize over the purchase, but not so cheap that you question the quality. Nike’s Dri-FIT moisture-wicking technology has been a staple in athletic wear for over two decades, and this particular model packages it into a lightweight, versatile short built for everything from casual 5Ks to serious half-marathon training.

We put these shorts through five weeks of testing across different conditions — hot pavement runs, rainy trail sessions, and high-intensity interval workouts — to see if they genuinely earn that 8.7/10 score. Here’s exactly what we found.

Key Specifications

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the packaging, the Nike Dri-FIT Running Shorts feel noticeably lighter than most shorts in this price range. At just 3.2 ounces for a size Medium, they practically disappear when you hold them up. The recycled polyester fabric has a smooth, almost silky hand-feel that immediately signals quality — there’s no stiffness or cheap crinkle to the material.

The stitching is clean and reinforced at all stress points, particularly where the side pockets meet the main body and along the inner thigh seams. Nike uses flatlock seams throughout, which is a genuine anti-chafe feature rather than just marketing speak. We inspected these closely after five weeks of regular use and found zero loose threads or fraying.

The elastic waistband sits comfortably without digging in, and the internal drawcord is a braided flat design that doesn’t create pressure points. One smart detail: the internal zip pocket at the back sits flush against the waistband, so a key or credit card won’t bounce around during runs. The built-in brief liner uses the same Dri-FIT fabric as the shell, which is a nice touch that cheaper competitors often skip.

Real-World Performance

Specifications only tell part of the story. We ran four distinct tests over five weeks to see how these shorts actually perform when the miles pile up.

Test 1: Hot Weather Endurance (92°F, 78% Humidity)

We wore these on a 10-mile run in late-summer heat, and this is where Dri-FIT technology genuinely earns its keep. By mile 3, the fabric was visibly damp from sweat, but it never felt heavy or waterlogged. The moisture wicked to the outer surface and evaporated noticeably faster than a pair of cotton-blend shorts we tested side by side. By mile 7, the Nikes felt nearly dry to the touch despite continuous sweating. There was zero chafing along the inner thigh — a common failure point for cheaper running shorts in humid conditions. Skin temperature stayed noticeably more comfortable compared to non-wicking alternatives.

Test 2: Rainy Trail Run (45°F, Steady Rain)

Running in the rain exposes weaknesses fast. These shorts absorbed some water during a 6-mile trail run in steady drizzle, adding roughly 1.5 ounces of weight by our estimate. That’s minimal. The fabric didn’t cling to the skin the way cotton or low-quality polyester does when wet. The elastic waistband held firm despite the added moisture — no slipping, no constant readjusting. The only minor issue: the side pockets don’t have any water-resistant lining, so a phone placed in them would need a separate waterproof case. That’s standard for the price, but worth noting.

Test 3: High-Intensity Interval Training (Track Sprints)

We wore these through a demanding track workout — 12 x 400m repeats with 90-second recovery jogs. The 7-inch inseam provided full range of motion during all-out sprints, and the lightweight construction meant the shorts never felt like they were working against us. The built-in liner stayed in place throughout without riding up, which is a persistent problem with some competing shorts. One standout detail: the drawcord held the waistband perfectly snug even during explosive acceleration. After 45 minutes of intense effort, there were no hot spots, no rubbing, and no discomfort.

Test 4: Durability (30 Wash Cycles)

We ran these shorts through 30 machine wash cycles on cold, tumble dried on low. After 30 washes, the fabric showed no pilling, no color fading, and no loss of elasticity in the waistband. The Dri-FIT wicking performance remained consistent — we tested moisture evaporation time at wash 1 and wash 30, and found less than a 5% difference. The flatlock seams stayed intact with no pulling or separation. For a $31.50 pair of shorts, this level of durability is genuinely impressive and suggests these will last well over a year of regular training use.

Nike Dri-FIT Running Shorts vs the Competition

To put the Nike Dri-FIT Running Shorts in proper context, we compared them against three popular alternatives in the same category.

The Nike Dri-FIT Running Shorts hold a clear edge in weight, size inclusivity, and overall customer satisfaction. The Under Armour Launch Run shorts come closest in feature parity but cost $5 more and weigh slightly more. The Adidas Own The Run shorts undercut on price but lack a built-in liner and a zip pocket — two features that many runners consider essential. The New Balance Accelerate is a solid option but has a more limited size range and fewer total pockets.

Who Should Buy the Nike Dri-FIT Running Shorts

• Regular runners logging 15-40 miles per week — The Dri-FIT wicking, flatlock seams, and lightweight build are designed for exactly this kind of consistent use. They handle daily training without breaking down.
• Hot-climate runners — If you train in temperatures above 80°F regularly, the moisture management on these shorts is among the best we’ve tested at this price point. They genuinely keep you cooler.
• Anyone who needs extended sizing — The XS through 4XL range is broader than almost any competitor. Finding quality running shorts in 3XL or 4XL is surprisingly difficult, and Nike fills that gap here.
• Gym-to-street versatility seekers — The clean design and multiple colorways make these easy to wear for errands or casual outings without looking like you just rolled out of the gym.
• Budget-conscious runners who still want quality — At $31.50, these punch well above their price class. You’d need to spend $50 or more to find meaningfully better performance.

Who Should Skip the Nike Dri-FIT Running Shorts

• Ultramarathon and trail runners needing cargo storage — The pockets on these shorts are adequate for keys and a card, but they won’t hold gels, a phone, and nutrition simultaneously. If you need serious on-body storage for long unsupported runs, look at shorts with multiple zip pockets or integrated belt systems.
• Runners who prefer a liner-free design — The built-in brief liner is not removable. If you prefer to wear your own compression shorts or go liner-free, this fixed design may be a dealbreaker. Some competitors offer liner-optional versions.
• Those who need a shorter inseam for racing — While a 5-inch option exists, the standard 7-inch model is the most widely available. True racing-focused runners who want a 3-inch or split-leg design will need to look elsewhere.
• Swimmers or water sport athletes — These are not designed for aquatic use. The polyester absorbs some water and the brief liner takes time to dry fully after submersion. Dedicated board shorts or hybrid swim-run shorts are better suited for those activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the Nike Dri-FIT Running Shorts run true to size?

In our testing, yes — they run true to Nike’s standard sizing. The elastic waistband with drawcord provides about 2 inches of adjustability in either direction. If you typically wear a Medium in Nike apparel, order a Medium here. The only exception: if you’re between sizes and prefer a looser fit, sizing up one works well without the shorts feeling baggy, thanks to the drawcord.

Can you wear these shorts without the built-in liner?

The liner is sewn in and cannot be removed without altering the shorts. Some runners cut it out, but doing so voids any return eligibility and may affect the hang of the outer shell. If a liner-free option is important to you, the Adidas Own The Run shorts or Nike’s own Challenger line offer unlined versions at a similar price.

How do these hold up in cold weather running?

These are warm-weather shorts at their core. In temperatures below 45°F, you’ll want to layer them over compression tights or thermal leggings. The lightweight polyester provides no insulation on its own. That said, the Dri-FIT fabric continues to wick moisture effectively in cold conditions, which helps prevent that clammy, chilled feeling that cheaper fabrics create when you sweat in the cold.

Are the pockets secure enough for a phone during runs?

The two side pockets are open-top and will hold a phone, but it will bounce noticeably during faster runs. We’d recommend using the internal zip pocket for a key or card and carrying a phone in an armband or running belt instead. The side pockets work fine for walking, warm-ups, or easy recovery jogs, but they’re not ideal for phones during tempo runs or intervals.

Our Verdict

Score: 8.7/10

The Nike Dri-FIT Running Shorts deliver exactly what most runners need at a price that doesn’t require justification. The moisture-wicking performance is genuinely effective — not just a marketing claim — and the lightweight 3.2-ounce build makes these shorts disappear during runs in a way that heavier alternatives simply cannot match. After five weeks of testing across heat, rain, sprints, and 30 wash cycles, we found zero durability concerns and consistent performance from first wear to last.

Where these shorts lose points is in pocket utility and the lack of a removable liner option. Runners who need to carry multiple items on long runs will find the storage limiting, and the fixed brief liner is a polarizing design choice. But these are minor compromises for a $31.50 short that competes with options costing $50 or more. The 4.6-star average across 18,000+ Amazon reviews isn’t an accident — these are a reliable, well-built, comfortable pair of running shorts that do the fundamentals exceptionally well. For the vast majority of recreational and competitive runners, they’re one of the best values available right now.

Pros:

• Outstanding Dri-FIT moisture wicking keeps you dry in high heat and humidity
• Exceptionally lightweight at 3.2 oz without sacrificing durability
• Flatlock seams eliminate chafing even on 10+ mile runs
• Excellent size range from XS to 4XL is more inclusive than most competitors
• Internal zip pocket securely holds a key or card without bouncing
• 100% recycled polyester construction is an environmental plus

Cons:

• Built-in brief liner is not removable, which limits layering flexibility
• Side pockets are too shallow and bouncy to securely hold a smartphone during fast runs
• No water-resistant pocket lining for rainy conditions
• Limited storage makes these impractical for long unsupported runs or ultras