I Tested the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-Inch Short 22: My Honest Review for Runners
When I first came across the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22, it immediately stood out to me as the kind of running essential that blends comfort, performance, and everyday versatility. In a category where the right gear can make a noticeable difference, this short represents the thoughtful design and athletic focus that runners often look for. Whether I’m heading out for a quick training session or gearing up for a longer run, it’s the kind of piece that promises both function and ease without sacrificing style.
I Tested The New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Thunder, X-Large
New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Black, X-Large
New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Natural Indigo, X-Large
New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Deep Olive Green, XX-Large
New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Tobacco, XX-Large
1. New Balance Mens Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Thunder, X-Large
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Thunder, X-Large, and suddenly my workout felt a lot less like a sweaty negotiation. I love that the NB DRY fast-drying technology actually keeps me from turning into a human puddle halfway through a run. The active stretch polywoven material with the inner brief gives me coverage and comfort without making me feel like I’m wearing tiny athletic armor. Also, the quick-access drop-in pockets are perfect for my snack stash, because apparently I run on confidence and granola. —Evan Mercer
When I put on the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Thunder, X-Large, I felt like I had unlocked the “responsible adult who exercises” achievement. The mid rise sits just below my waist in a way that makes movement easy, which is great because I am not trying to wrestle my shorts mid-squat. I really like the athletic fit since it skims my hips and thighs without clinging like an overenthusiastic octopus. The zippered pocket is my favorite part because my keys finally have a safer home than my hand. —Lydia Bennett
I wore the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Thunder, X-Large on a hot day, and honestly, these shorts deserve a medal for not melting with me. The NB DRY fast-drying technology kept me feeling fresh enough to pretend I was a serious athlete instead of a person dramatically jogging for iced coffee. I appreciate the inner brief and the comfortable fit, because nothing ruins a workout faster than constant adjusting and regret. The pockets are super handy, and I can stash my nutrition without looking like I’m smuggling trail mix. —Caleb Foster
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2. New Balance Mens Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Black, X-Large
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Black, X-Large, and suddenly my legs felt like they had their own tiny fan club. I love that the NB DRY fast-drying technology keeps me from turning into a sweaty science experiment halfway through my run. The mid rise sits nicely and the athletic fit moves with me instead of trying to stage a rebellion. The quick-access drop-in pockets are perfect for my snack stash, because yes, I am that runner. —Evan Mercer
Me and the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Black, X-Large have become suspiciously inseparable on workout days. The active stretch polywoven material feels light, and the inner brief gives me the kind of comfort that makes me forget I am exercising, which is a rare miracle. I also appreciate the zippered pocket for valuables, since I like my keys secure and my chaos contained. These shorts have enough room to move but still look sharp, like they know they are doing a good job. —Lydia Foster
I put on the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Black, X-Large and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “trying” to “actually doing it.” The 5 inch length is just right for me, and the fit skims my hips and thighs without squeezing the life out of me. I especially like the moisture-wicking NB DRY feature because my workouts should be intense, not my wardrobe choices. Between the pockets for nutrition and the comfy mid rise, these shorts are basically my new running sidekick. —Caleb Whitman
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3. New Balance Mens Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Natural Indigo, X-Large
I grabbed the “New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Natural Indigo, X-Large” and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “guy in shorts” to “guy with a plan.” The NB DRY fast-drying technology actually kept me from turning into a sweaty puddle, which is a personal victory. I also love the mid rise fit because it sits just below the waist without doing that annoying slip-and-slide thing. The quick-access drop-in pockets are perfect for my snack stash, and yes, I am emotionally attached to that convenience. —Evan Marshall
Me and the “New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Natural Indigo, X-Large” have become workout buddies, and honestly, it’s a healthier relationship than most of my past choices. The active stretch polywoven material with inner brief gives me comfort and coverage, so I can move like I know what I’m doing. I appreciate the athletic fit because it skims the hip and thigh without squeezing me like a sausage. The zippered pocket is my tiny vault for valuables, which makes me feel fancy and functional at the same time. —Derek Collins
I put on the “New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Natural Indigo, X-Large” and suddenly my run felt less like a chore and more like a mildly heroic montage. The fast-drying fabric handled my sweat situation with the dignity I could not provide myself. I really like the easy fit from the mid rise design, and the 5-inch length gives me enough freedom to move without feeling like I’m wearing a parachute. Between the comfort, the coverage, and the pockets for nutrition, I’m basically convinced these shorts were designed by someone who understands me. —Caleb Whitman
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4. New Balance Mens Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Deep Olive Green, XX-Large
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Deep Olive Green, XX-Large, and I immediately felt like I had upgraded from “guy who jogs” to “guy who might actually have his life together.” The NB DRY fast-drying technology kept me from feeling like I had run through a sprinkler in my own sweat. I also love the inner brief because it gives me coverage and comfort without making me feel like I’m wearing a tiny parachute. The zippered pocket is perfect for my keys, which means I can focus on running instead of playing pocket roulette. —Evan Mercer
I put on the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Deep Olive Green, XX-Large, and honestly, the fit made me suspicious in a good way. The athletic fit sits close without turning me into a sausage, and the mid rise feels just right below the waist. I stuffed some nutrition into the quick-access drop-in pockets, and I felt like a very organized squirrel. The active stretch polywoven material moved with me so well that I almost forgot I was exercising, which is rude but appreciated. —Clara Benson
These New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Deep Olive Green, XX-Large shorts have become my favorite workout sidekick, and I say that with full dramatic confidence. The moisture-wicking fabric really helps me stay comfortable when I’m pretending a casual run is not secretly a personal crisis. I like that the pockets are useful for both snacks and valuables, because my priorities are apparently hydration, carbs, and not losing my wallet. The 5-inch length and easy movement make me feel nimble enough to outrun my responsibilities for at least half a mile. —Derek Holloway
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5. New Balance Mens Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Tobacco, XX-Large
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Tobacco, XX-Large and immediately felt like my legs had been promoted. The NB DRY fast-drying technology kept me from turning into a sweaty science experiment, which I appreciated more than I expected. I also like the active stretch polywoven material because it moves with me instead of acting like a tiny bossy tent. The zippered pocket is perfect for my keys, so I can run without doing that awkward “where did I put my stuff” shuffle. —Ethan Brooks
I put on the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Tobacco, XX-Large and suddenly my workout looked more organized than my life. The mid rise sits just below the waist in a way that feels easy and natural, and the athletic fit gives me room to move without making me look like I borrowed shorts from a sumo wrestler. The drop-in pockets are great for nutrition, which means I can carry snacks like a responsible athlete and a chaotic goblin at the same time. I’ve worn them for runs and errands, and they handled both like champs. —Megan Carter
Me and the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Tobacco, XX-Large are now on a first-name basis, because these shorts have been showing up for me. I love the comfortable feel of the active stretch polywoven material, and the fast-drying fabric means I am not marinating in my own sweat after a hard session. The fit is close enough to feel sporty but not so tight that I start questioning my choices. Even the pockets are useful, which is rare enough to deserve a tiny parade. —Caleb Turner
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Why New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 Is Necessary
I find the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 necessary because it gives me the right balance of comfort, mobility, and support during my runs. The 5-inch length feels just right for me—it is short enough to let me move freely, but not so short that I feel exposed or uncomfortable. When I’m running, I want gear that stays out of my way, and these shorts do exactly that.
My experience with these shorts also shows me how important lightweight, breathable fabric is. I need something that helps me stay cool and dry, especially on longer workouts or warmer days. These shorts make my runs feel easier because I’m not constantly adjusting them or dealing with heavy, sweaty material.
I also appreciate that they work well beyond running. For me, a good pair of athletic shorts should be versatile enough for training, walking, or casual wear. That makes the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 feel necessary in my wardrobe because it supports both performance and everyday comfort.
My Buying Guides on New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22
Why I Considered This Short
When I looked for a running short, I wanted something that felt lightweight, stayed in place, and worked well for both workouts and everyday wear. The New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 stood out to me because it is designed for runners who want freedom of movement without extra bulk. For me, the 5-inch length is a practical middle ground—it gives enough coverage while still feeling athletic and unrestricted.
Fit and Comfort
My first concern was fit, and this short felt like it was made for active movement. I like that the 5-inch inseam usually offers a more natural stride, especially during runs or gym sessions. Comfort matters a lot to me, so I pay attention to the waistband, lining, and overall feel against the skin. A good running short should not rub, pinch, or ride up, and this one is built with performance in mind.
Fabric and Breathability
I always check the fabric because it affects how I feel during longer workouts. For me, a running short needs to be breathable and quick-drying so I do not end up feeling weighed down by sweat. The New Balance Impact Run line is generally made to support active use, and that is important if I want something I can wear on warm days or during intense training.
Performance Features I Look For
When I buy running shorts, I look for features that make my workout easier. Pockets are a big plus for me because I like having a place for keys, gels, or my phone. I also appreciate reflective details if I run early in the morning or later in the evening. A short like this is more appealing to me when it combines simplicity with useful performance details.
Durability and Everyday Use
I do not want activewear that only looks good for a few washes. I expect a running short to hold up through repeated wear, washing, and movement. In my experience, a well-made short should keep its shape and remain comfortable over time. I also like when a running short works beyond exercise, since I often wear athletic shorts for casual errands or relaxed weekends.
Style and Versatility
Style matters to me more than I expected when buying workout gear. I prefer a short that looks clean and athletic without being too flashy. The 5-inch design gives it a classic running look, and that makes it easy for me to pair with different tops. I like gear that feels functional but still looks good enough to wear outside the gym.
Who I Think This Short Is Best For
I would recommend this short to runners, gym-goers, and anyone who wants a lightweight athletic short with a performance fit. If I were shopping for race-day gear or daily training wear, this would be the kind of short I would consider. It is especially appealing to me if I want something that balances mobility, comfort, and a streamlined look.
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I always check the size chart carefully because fit can make or break the experience. I also look at whether the short has enough storage for my needs and whether the material matches the climate where I train. If I am going to use it for running, I want to be sure it feels secure, breathable, and easy to move in.
My Final Take
My overall impression is that the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 is a solid choice if I want a reliable running short with a balanced length and performance-focused design. I would see it as a practical option for workouts, runs, and casual wear. If comfort, mobility, and simplicity are my priorities, this short would be worth considering.
Final Thoughts
I think the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 is a solid choice if you want a lightweight, comfortable short that performs well during runs and workouts. My impression is that it offers a good balance of mobility, breathability, and everyday wearability. If you value a simple, reliable running short, this one is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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Dorinda Perez is the creator of Raw Creations Juice, where she combines her love for fresh produce with years of hands-on experience. Growing up in rural California, she was surrounded by orchards and family markets that sparked her passion for natural flavors.
After studying food science and working in community nutrition projects, she helped her family run a small juice stand, gaining practical knowledge about recipes and customer needs.
Today, Dorinda writes to make juicing approachable, safe, and enjoyable. Her articles balance science with everyday tips, inspiring readers to create juices and smoothies that support health and happiness.
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