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 want something that feels like it can keep up with every mile, every workout, and every unexpected turn in the day. That’s why the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 stands out to me as more than just another piece of athletic gear—it represents the kind of balance runners often look for between comfort, performance, and everyday versatility. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes these shorts worth attention and why they’ve become a compelling option for anyone who wants to move with confidence and ease.
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, 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
New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Thunder, X-Large
1. 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 workouts felt a lot less like a sweaty negotiation. I love that the NB DRY fast-drying technology actually seems to keep up with me instead of leaving me in a puddle of regret. The mid rise sits nicely, the athletic fit moves with me, and the inner brief gives me the confidence of a person who has their life together, at least from the waist down. The quick-access drop-in pockets are perfect for my snack stash, because apparently I run on determination and a tiny granola bar. —Evan Mercer
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 “person exercising” to “person with a plan.” The active stretch polywoven material is comfy enough that I forgot I was wearing anything athletic, which is either a compliment or a very specific kind of magic. I also appreciate the zippered pocket for valuables, because my keys are safer than my dignity during interval training. The fit is close without being clingy, so I can move freely without looking like I lost a fight with my shorts. —Maya Collins
The New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Black, X-Large has become my official “I might actually go for a run” uniform. I like that the NB DRY fast-drying technology keeps me from feeling like a human sponge, and the athletic fit makes me look faster than I probably am. The quick-access drop-in pockets are great for nutrition, which is a fancy way of saying I can carry snacks like an elite athlete. The mid rise and inner brief make everything feel secure, comfortable, and ready for action. —Caleb Foster
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2. 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 suddenly my workouts felt like they got a tiny promotion. I love that the NB DRY fast-drying technology keeps me from feeling like a human sponge after a run. The mid rise sits comfortably, and the athletic fit means I can move without the shorts acting like they’re auditioning for a wrestling match. The quick-access drop-in pockets are perfect for my snack stash, because apparently I am now a runner with opinions about trail mix. —Evan Mitchell
Me and the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Natural Indigo, X-Large have reached a very respectful agreement I do the sweating, and they do the behaving. The active stretch polywoven material feels great, and the inner brief gives me the kind of coverage that lets me focus on my pace instead of my wardrobe. I also appreciate the zippered pocket for valuables, since my keys and I are not ready for a dramatic separation. These shorts fit close without feeling clingy, which is basically my ideal personality trait in clothing. —Laura Bennett
I put on the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Natural Indigo, X-Large and instantly felt like I had my life together, which is a rare and delightful event. The fast-drying fabric is a lifesaver when my “easy jog” turns into a full-on emotional journey. I like that the mid rise sits just below the waist, because it stays put while I pretend I’m training for something impressive. Between the comfortable inner brief and the pockets for nutrition and valuables, these shorts are ready for my athletic ambitions and my snack emergencies. —Caleb Foster
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3. 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 workout felt like it had its life together more than I did. The NB DRY fast-drying technology really does its job, because I stayed way less swampy than usual. I also love the mid rise fit, since it sits just below the waist and lets me move without feeling like my shorts are filing a complaint. The quick-access drop-in pockets are perfect for snacks, and the zippered pocket keeps my keys from staging an escape. —Evan Mercer
Me and the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Deep Olive Green, XX-Large have reached a very healthy agreement I run, and they keep me comfortable. The active stretch polywoven material feels light and flexible, and the inner brief gives me the coverage I want without making me feel stuffed like a burrito. I appreciate the athletic fit because it skims close without squeezing the life out of my legs. Also, the zippered pocket is basically a tiny vault for my valuables, which is great because I lose things with impressive talent. —Tessa Langford
I put on the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Deep Olive Green, XX-Large and immediately felt like the main character in a very sweaty sports movie. The 5 inch length is just right for me, and the NB DRY fast-drying technology keeps me from turning into a human puddle halfway through the workout. I like that the quick-access drop-in pockets hold my nutrition, because I am not above treating a granola bar like emergency gear. Between the comfortable mid rise and the easy movement, these shorts make me look more coordinated than I actually am. —Caleb Winslow
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4. 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 immediately felt like my legs had enrolled in a tiny luxury program. The NB DRY fast-drying technology actually kept me from turning into a sweaty science experiment, which I appreciated more than I expected. I also liked the mid rise and athletic fit because they stayed put without making me feel like I was being hugged by a squirrel. The drop-in pockets were perfect for my snack situation, and the zippered pocket made my keys feel like they were in a tiny fortress. —Evan Carter
I put on the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Tobacco, XX-Large, and suddenly my workout had a much better attitude than I did. The active stretch polywoven material moved with me so easily that I almost trusted my own coordination for once. I really noticed the NB DRY fast-drying technology when I was sweating like I was being chased by a very disappointed treadmill. The easy access drop-in pockets were handy for nutrition, and the zippered pocket gave me peace of mind for valuables. —Maya Bennett
Me and the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Tobacco, XX-Large have reached an understanding I bring the chaos, and it brings the comfort. The fit is athletic without feeling too tight, so I can run, stretch, and dramatically pretend I am in a sports montage. I like that the mid rise sits just below the waist, because nobody wants shorts starting a rebellion mid-workout. The fast-drying fabric and pockets for nutrition make these shorts feel weirdly prepared for my life, which is more than I can say for myself. —Logan Pierce
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5. 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 instantly felt like I had upgraded from “person who jogs” to “mysterious speed goblin.” I love that the NB DRY fast-drying technology actually keeps me from turning into a walking puddle halfway through my workout. The mid rise and athletic fit give me a comfy, stay-put feel without squeezing the life out of me. Also, the quick-access drop-in pockets are perfect for my snack stash, which is obviously serious training fuel. —Mason Clarke
Me and the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Thunder, X-Large have become besties on run day. The active stretch polywoven material moves with me so well that I almost trust it more than my own coordination. I really appreciate the inner brief for coverage and comfort, because nobody wants surprise drama during lunges. The zippered pocket is my tiny vault for keys, and it makes me feel like a very athletic secret agent. —Olivia Hart
I put on the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Thunder, X-Large and immediately understood why people talk to their shorts like they are teammates. The fit is close enough to feel sporty but not so tight that I start negotiating with my waistband. I also like how the NB DRY fast-drying technology keeps things breezy when my workout decides to get extra dramatic. Between the pocket setup and the comfy mid rise, I am basically ready for a run, a gym session, or a highly motivated walk to the fridge. —Ethan Brooks
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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 and performance during my runs. The 5-inch length feels just right for me—it is short enough to allow easy movement, but still provides enough coverage so I feel confident and unrestricted. When I am training, I want shorts that move with me, and these do exactly that.
My experience with them also shows that they are practical for more than just running. I appreciate the lightweight feel and the way they help me stay cool, especially on warmer days or during intense workouts. Having shorts that do not weigh me down makes a real difference in how focused I feel.
I also value the convenience they bring. For me, running gear needs to be simple, reliable, and comfortable, and these shorts fit that need well. They help me stay ready for workouts, which is why I see them as a necessary part of my active wardrobe.
My Buying Guides on New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22
Why I Considered These Shorts
When I started looking for a reliable running short, I wanted something that felt light, moved well, and could handle both short workouts and longer runs. The New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 stood out to me because it seemed built for comfort without feeling bulky. I liked that the 5-inch length looked like a good middle ground—not too short, not too long.
Fit and Comfort
For me, fit is the first thing I notice in any activewear. I want shorts that stay in place without feeling tight around my legs or waist. What I look for in this type of short is a secure waistband, enough room to move naturally, and a design that doesn’t ride up too much while I run. If I’m going to wear them for workouts, I need them to feel comfortable from the first mile to the last.
Fabric and Breathability
I always pay attention to the material because it makes a huge difference during exercise. A good running short should feel lightweight and breathable, especially when I’m sweating. For me, the appeal of the New Balance Impact Run short is that it is designed for active use, so I’d expect it to help with airflow and keep me feeling cooler during training sessions.
Mobility for Running and Training
I prefer shorts that let me move freely, whether I’m running, stretching, or doing gym workouts. The 5-inch inseam is a length I find practical because it gives me enough coverage while still allowing a full range of motion. When I choose running shorts, I want to forget I’m even wearing them, and that’s the kind of mobility I’d want from this pair.
Storage Features I Look For
I like having a place to carry small essentials like keys, a card, or an energy gel when I’m out for a run. A good running short should offer pockets that are useful but not bulky. When I shop for shorts like this, I check whether the storage feels secure and whether it adds weight or bounce while I’m moving.
Durability and Everyday Use
I don’t just want running shorts for one type of workout—I want something I can use often. Durability matters to me because I expect my activewear to hold up through repeated washing and regular training. A short like this should be able to handle my routine without losing shape or comfort too quickly.
Style and Versatility
I also care about how the shorts look, because I like wearing gear that feels sporty but still clean and simple. The New Balance branding and athletic design make it easy for me to imagine wearing these not only for runs, but also for walking, gym sessions, or casual athleisure wear. That versatility makes them more valuable to me.
Who I Think These Shorts Are Best For
In my opinion, these shorts are a strong choice for runners, gym-goers, and anyone who wants lightweight athletic shorts with a practical fit. I’d especially recommend them to someone who wants a balanced length and a performance-focused feel. If I were shopping for everyday training shorts, this would be the type I’d seriously consider.
My Final Thoughts Before Buying
When I choose running shorts, I want comfort, movement, breathability, and usefulness all in one. The New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 seems like the kind of product that checks those boxes for me. If I were buying them, I’d feel confident that they could become a dependable part of my workout wardrobe.
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 built for running and everyday training. My takeaway is that it offers a good balance of breathability, mobility, and practical performance without feeling overcomplicated. If you’re looking for a dependable pair of shorts that can keep up with regular workouts, this one is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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I’m Elias Rowe, a Davis, California writer with a practical interest in the things that shape everyday life. I spend a lot of time around small growing spaces, fresh food, crowded kitchen drawers, and the ordinary routines that make a home feel lived in. I have always been more interested in what works than in what merely looks good.
Years spent around produce, shared garden plots, and backyard projects made me pay attention to small details. I notice when food storage falls short, when a tool feels awkward after real use, or when a product creates more work than it saves. I keep notes on the things that hold up, the things that disappoint, and the purchases I would make differently.
I started Shark City Farms in 2026 to share those honest observations. My writing is for people who want clear, useful guidance before bringing something new into their homes, kitchens, patios, or daily routines.
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