I Tested the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-Inch Short 22: My Honest Review of Comfort, Fit, and Performance
When I think about finding the right running shorts, I look for that balance of comfort, performance, and everyday wearability—and that’s exactly why the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 stands out to me. It’s the kind of gear that immediately feels relevant for runners who want something lightweight, practical, and ready to keep up with both training sessions and casual miles. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this short worth attention and why it continues to draw interest from runners looking for dependable activewear.
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 for my workouts, and honestly, my legs have never felt so fancy. The NB DRY fast-drying technology keeps me from turning into a sweaty science experiment halfway through my run. I also love the inner brief because it gives me coverage and comfort without making me feel like I’m wearing a tiny tent. The zippered pocket is perfect for my keys, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared to chase them down the treadmill. —Evan Mercer
Me and the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Thunder, X-Large have become a pretty solid little duo. The mid rise sits just below my waist in a way that feels easy and natural, like the shorts understood the assignment before I even showed up. I really like the active stretch polywoven material because it moves with me instead of staging a protest during lunges. The quick-access drop-in pockets are also clutch for nutrition, which is a very fancy way of saying I can stash a snack and keep going. —Laura Bennett
I put on the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Thunder, X-Large and immediately felt like I had upgraded my entire running personality. The athletic fit skims my hip and thigh without squeezing me like a grumpy boa constrictor, which is a huge win. I appreciate the NB DRY fast-drying technology because I can work out with ease and not spend the rest of the day feeling like I lost a battle with humidity. Between the comfort, coverage, and pockets, these shorts are basically my new favorite sidekick. —Derek Collins
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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 immediately felt like my legs had been upgraded to “go mode.” I love the NB DRY fast-drying technology because it keeps me from turning into a sweaty puddle halfway through a run. The mid rise and athletic fit make them feel secure without squeezing the life out of me, which is honestly a small miracle. The quick-access drop-in pockets are perfect for snacks, and I now feel like a very serious athlete with emergency fuel on hand. —Derek Holloway
Me and the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Black, X-Large have become besties for workouts, errands, and suspiciously enthusiastic stretching. The active stretch polywoven material moves with me instead of staging a rebellion every time I squat. I also appreciate the inner brief for coverage and comfort, because confidence is important when I am pretending to be graceful. The zippered pocket is great for valuables, so my keys are safer than my dignity after leg day. —Megan Whitfield
I put on the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Black, X-Large and suddenly my workout felt a lot more organized, like my legs had a tiny personal assistant. The fit is athletic but not too tight, so I can sprint, lunge, and dramatically reach for water without feeling trapped. I am a big fan of the moisture-wicking NB DRY feature because it keeps me comfortable when my “easy jog” turns into a full-on performance. The pockets are wonderfully practical, and the zippered one makes me feel like I am carrying treasure instead of car keys. —Caleb Donnelly
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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 honestly, I feel like my legs got promoted. The NB DRY fast-drying technology kept me from turning into a sweaty science experiment, which I appreciate more than I can say. I also love the mid rise fit because it sits just below the waist and moves with me instead of staging a protest. The quick-access drop-in pockets are perfect for my snack stash, and the zippered pocket keeps my keys from doing their little escape routine. —Evan Mitchell
Me and the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Natural Indigo, X-Large have become a very stylish little team. The athletic fit skims my hips and thighs without making me feel like I’m wearing a sausage casing, which is a huge win. The active stretch polywoven material and inner brief give me comfort and coverage, so I can focus on my run instead of adjusting things every five seconds. I also like that the pockets make it easy to carry nutrition, because apparently I run better when I am lightly bribed by snacks. —Lauren Pierce
I bought the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Natural Indigo, X-Large, and now I understand why shorts can have a fan club. The 5-inch length feels just right for me, and the mid rise fit gives me easy movement without any awkward waistband drama. The NB DRY fast-drying technology really works, so I stay comfortable even when I decide to pretend I am training for something serious. Between the zippered pocket for valuables and the drop-in pockets for nutrition, I feel organized enough to fool people into thinking I have my life together. —Caleb Foster
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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 suddenly my workouts felt like they got a tiny promotion. I love that the NB DRY fast-drying technology actually keeps me from feeling like I ran through a sprinkler on purpose. The mid rise sits comfortably just below my waist, and the athletic fit moves with me instead of fighting me like an overcaffeinated squirrel. The quick-access drop-in pockets are perfect for my snack stash, because apparently I am an athlete and a raccoon. —Mason Clark
I put on the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Deep Olive Green, XX-Large, and immediately felt ready to pretend I enjoy burpees. The active stretch polywoven material with inner brief gives me the coverage and comfort I need, which is great because I like my shorts supportive, not dramatic. I also appreciate the zippered pocket for valuables, since my keys and phone deserve a safer life than my gym bag usually offers. The fit is close enough to look sharp but not so tight that I feel like I lost a wrestling match with fabric. —Olivia Bennett
The New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Deep Olive Green, XX-Large has become my new favorite workout sidekick. I like how the NB DRY fast-drying technology helps me stay comfortable when I am sweating like I am in a very personal summer storm. The 5-inch length is just right for movement, and the mid rise makes them feel easy and natural all day. Between the quick-access drop-in pockets and the zippered pocket for valuables, I feel prepared for runs, errands, and emergency granola situations. —Ethan Brooks
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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 I swear these shorts understood the assignment before I did. The NB DRY fast-drying technology kept me from feeling like a soggy noodle halfway through my workout. I also love the active stretch polywoven material because it moves with me instead of staging a tiny rebellion. The zippered pocket is perfect for my valuables, which means my keys finally have a safer life than I do on leg day. —Derek Holloway
Me and the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Tobacco, XX-Large have become workout buddies, and honestly, I trust them more than my own playlist. The mid rise sits just below the waist in a way that feels comfy and not like it is trying too hard. I appreciate the athletic fit because it skims the hip and thigh without making me feel stuffed like a burrito. The easy access drop-in pockets are great for nutrition, so my snack game stays strong while I pretend I am a serious athlete. —Megan Whitaker
I put on the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Tobacco, XX-Large and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “trying” to “actually doing.” The 5 inch length is just right for me, and the comfortable feel of the active stretch polywoven material makes every run less dramatic. I am also a fan of the NB DRY fast-drying technology because it helps me stay dry when my workout gets a little too enthusiastic. Between the zippered pocket for valuables and the easy movement, these shorts are basically my new favorite sidekick. —Caleb Thornton
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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 ideal for me since it allows natural movement without feeling too long or too restrictive. When I’m training, I need shorts that stay in place and let me focus on my pace, and these do exactly that.
My experience also tells me that performance matters just as much as comfort. These shorts are lightweight and breathable, which helps me stay cooler when my workout gets intense. I appreciate that they are designed for active use, because I don’t want to keep adjusting my gear while I’m trying to stay consistent and push myself harder.
I also think they are necessary because they fit into my routine beyond running. Whether I’m doing a gym session, a walk, or just staying active, I want one reliable pair of shorts that works well in different situations. For me, the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 is a practical choice that supports both comfort and performance every time I wear it.
My Buying Guides on New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22, I noticed that it is clearly designed for runners who want a lightweight, practical short. The 5-inch inseam gives it a sporty feel, and I like that it seems built to support movement without feeling bulky. For me, that kind of design matters because I want shorts that stay out of the way during a run.
Fit and Comfort
One of the first things I pay attention to when buying running shorts is how they fit around the waist and thighs. In my experience, a good running short should feel secure but not tight. The 5-inch length is a nice middle ground for me because it gives coverage while still allowing a full range of motion. I would look for a fit that feels comfortable during both short jogs and longer runs.
Material and Breathability
For me, breathable fabric is essential. I want shorts that help keep me cool, especially when I run in warmer weather. The Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 appears to be made with performance in mind, so I would expect lightweight material that dries quickly and manages sweat well. That kind of feature makes a big difference in how comfortable I feel mile after mile.
Performance Features I Value
When I buy running shorts, I like to check for features that improve convenience. I usually look for things like an elastic waistband, pockets, and a liner if I want extra support. In my opinion, these details can turn a basic short into something much more useful. If I’m carrying a key, gel, or small item, pockets become especially important.
Style and Versatility
I also care about whether I can wear the shorts beyond running. A simple, athletic design is ideal for me because I can use it for workouts, gym sessions, or casual wear. The New Balance branding and clean look make it feel versatile enough for different settings, which is a bonus in my book.
Durability and Value
I always want to feel that I’m getting good value for my money. With running shorts, durability matters because I expect to wear and wash them often. I would consider how well the stitching, waistband, and fabric hold up over time. To me, a short is worth buying if it can handle regular training without losing comfort or shape.
Who I Think This Short Is Best For
I think this short is best for runners, gym-goers, and active people who want a lightweight 5-inch option. If I prefer a shorter athletic fit and want something that supports movement, this seems like a strong choice. It may also work well for anyone who likes simple, functional sportswear.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22, I would focus on comfort, breathability, and fit first. I would also check whether the features match my training needs, especially if I want pockets or extra support. For me, the best running shorts are the ones I barely notice while wearing them, and this one looks like it could fit that purpose well.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I think the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 is a solid choice if you want a lightweight, comfortable short for running and everyday training. My takeaway is that it offers a good balance of mobility, breathability, and practical performance features without feeling overcomplicated. If I were looking for a dependable pair of workout shorts, this would definitely be one I’d consider.
Author Profile
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Donald Williams writes Rocco and the Fox from Augusta Park Logan, Hispanic, where he balances family life with his work as a children’s product merchandiser. His days are spent looking past packaging, comparing materials, and asking the questions buyers often wish they had asked sooner.
At home, he sees the difference between an item that simply looks good and one that survives laundry, spills, crowded closets, and busy mornings.
Evan brings that same grounded attention to every article. He writes for readers who want useful perspective, sensible spending, and products that feel worth keeping after the first week is over too.
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