UIQUR Mens Athletic Shorts Running Shorts Quick Dry Workout Shorts 7"/ 9" Lightweight Gym Basketball Shorts Zipper Pockets Navy Blue XL

A lightweight workhorse for daily miles and gym sessions

I’ve been rotating the UIQUR athletic shorts through runs, gym workouts, and weekend errands for a few weeks, and they’ve quickly settled into that “reach-for-them-first” spot in my drawer. I tested the Navy Blue pair in the 9-inch inseam, size XL, and spent time both running and lifting in them, plus a few all-day wear tests in hot, humid conditions.

What stood out right away is how light and airy they feel. These are on the thinner side of performance shorts, which gives them excellent breathability and a quick-drying edge in warm weather. If you train in heat, sweat a lot, or just prefer a barely-there feel, that quality is a big deal.

Fit and comfort

The overall cut is athletic without being tight. On me, the 9-inch inseam hits around mid-knee, which offers a bit more coverage than the 7-inch styles I usually run in. For running, I typically lean shorter; for gym days and casual wear, I appreciated the extra length. The elastic waistband sits securely without digging in, and the drawstring keeps things locked down for sprints or jump rope. Once knotted, it stays put.

If you like a relaxed drape, consider going up a size. The shell fabric is lightweight woven, not a super-stretchy knit, so you won’t get a lot of give. The room through the thighs is adequate for squats and lunges, but if you’re especially quad-heavy or prefer a looser silhouette, sizing up will likely feel better.

Comfort-wise, I’d call the hand feel “athletic nylon.” It’s smooth, breathable, and drains heat fast, but it’s not plush. I had no chafing issues wearing my usual running briefs. If you’re sensitive to rougher textures, note that this isn’t a brushed or cottony fabric—it’s made for function first.

Fabric and breathability

These shorts are built from a thin, quick-dry performance fabric intended to wick moisture and dump heat. That’s where they shine. On a 90-degree run with high humidity, they dried noticeably faster than some of my thicker training shorts once the breeze hit. After a heavy gym session, they didn’t cling or feel waterlogged.

Because the fabric is thin, there’s a bit of the classic “swish” sound when walking—typical of lightweight nylon shells. It wasn’t loud enough to bother me, but it’s there. In exchange, you get a short that won’t weigh you down and won’t stay soggy after intervals or hill sprints.

Pockets and storage

The dual zippered pockets are the feature I appreciate most day-to-day. Both pockets are roomy, and zippers bring peace of mind for keys or cards on the move. I was able to stow a large smartphone in the right pocket without the phone jabbing into my thigh mid-run. Bounce is reduced compared to open pockets, although—not surprisingly—any phone will add some swing when you’re running faster. For gym sessions and errands, the zips are perfect and keep your essentials in place.

If you regularly run long distances with a heavier phone, a waist belt is still the gold standard. For everything else, these pockets strike a great balance of capacity, security, and minimal fuss.

Performance in the gym and on the run

• Running: The shorts move freely and don’t bind at the hip crease. I never felt restricted during strides or on hills. The 9-inch inseam is a touch long for speed work, but great for easy runs or when you want added coverage. The quick-dry fabric earns its keep on hot days.
• Strength training: Deep squats, deadlifts, and lunges were all fine—no seam pinch or unexpected transparency when stretched. The waistband stays anchored, and the shell doesn’t catch on a bench.
• Cross-training: Box jumps and battle ropes felt secure, with the drawstring preventing any creeping. The zip pockets are handy for stashing a card or earbuds between circuits.

These shorts are versatile enough to go from a morning workout to errands without looking too “gym-only.” The Navy Blue color slots in easily with the rest of my training tops.

Build quality and durability

The construction is tidy: straight stitching, clean hems, and even zipper tracks. After several wash-and-wear cycles, the zippers still run smoothly, and I haven’t noticed seam puckering or frayed threads. The lightweight fabric is the trade-off. It’s ideal for breathability, but it’s not a rugged, abrasion-resistant weave. I wouldn’t wear these for trail runs through brush or activities that might snag the fabric. Treated like a training short—gym floors, pavement, treadmills, track—they hold up fine.

If you expect a plush, heavy-duty short, this won’t scratch that itch. If you want something you’ll barely notice you’re wearing, you’re in the right place.

Style and length options

You can choose between a 7-inch and 9-inch inseam, which is helpful. The 7-inch makes sense if you want a faster, more traditional running look. The 9-inch hits that basketball/gym crossover sweet spot and offers extra coverage for taller athletes. The Navy Blue is a practical, understated shade, and the silhouette is clean—no flashy branding or unnecessary panels.

Sizing and buying advice

• Fit profile: Athletic, slightly trim through the seat and thighs.
• If between sizes: Go up one for a looser, lounge-friendly drape.
• Waistband: Secure elastic with an adjustable drawstring; stays in place during dynamic work.
• Inseam choice: Runners who prioritize leg turnover may prefer the 7-inch; for general training and everyday wear, the 9-inch feels balanced and modest.

One note: if your training plan includes high mileage in very hot weather and you’re sensitive to fabric feel, consider pairing these with your preferred anti-chafe base layer. The shell is smooth but not brushed.

What could be better

• Fabric hand feel: Performance-forward and thin, but not the softest. Some users will want a plusher, knit-like interior.
• Bounce with heavy phones: The zip pockets are great, but a big phone will still swing on tempo runs. That’s common across many shorts, but worth noting.
• Durability trade-off: The lightweight shell is excellent for heat and drying time, less so for abrasion resistance.

Who these shorts are for

• Runners and gym-goers who value breathability and fast drying over a thick, cozy fabric.
• Anyone who wants secure storage without resorting to an armband or belt for short to moderate efforts.
• Athletes looking for an affordable, do-most-things pair of shorts that can handle running, lifting, court sports, and casual wear.

The bottom line

The UIQUR athletic shorts prioritize airflow, quick-dry performance, and secure storage in a lightweight package. They’re not luxury-soft, and they won’t be your most rugged pair, but they deliver where it counts for training: comfort in heat, no-fuss fit, and zippered pockets that just work. Between the two inseam options, most folks will find a length that feels right for their use.

Recommendation: I recommend these shorts for runners and gym athletes who want a breathable, budget-friendly short with reliable zip pockets and a secure waistband. Choose your inseam based on activity—7-inch for running focus, 9-inch for mixed training and everyday wear—and consider sizing up if you like extra room. If you prioritize plush fabric or heavy-duty durability above all else, you may want to look at thicker, premium options; otherwise, this is a practical, high-value pick for daily training.