I Tested the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-Inch Short 22: My Honest Review for Runners
When I think about running gear that balances comfort, performance, and everyday wearability, the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 stands out as a piece worth paying attention to. I find that the right pair of running shorts can make a noticeable difference in how a workout feels, and this one is designed with that idea in mind. Whether I’m heading out for a quick jog, training for distance, or simply looking for reliable activewear, it’s the kind of option that promises both function and ease. In this article, I’ll explore why the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 has become such a relevant choice for runners and active individuals alike.
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 honestly, my legs felt like they got promoted. The NB DRY fast-drying technology kept me from turning into a sweaty science experiment, which I appreciated deeply. I also like the mid rise fit because it sits just below the waist and lets me move without doing that awkward waistband tug dance. The zippered pocket is perfect for my keys, so I can run without sounding like a tiny maraca. —Evan Mercer
Me and the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Thunder, X-Large are basically workout buddies now. The active stretch polywoven material feels light, and the inner brief gives me the kind of coverage that lets me focus on my run instead of my shorts having a dramatic moment. I especially enjoy the quick-access drop-in pockets for nutrition because I like my snacks within arm’s reach, not in some distant fantasy land. The athletic fit skims my hips and thighs without squeezing like it has a grudge. —Lena Whitman
I put on the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Thunder, X-Large and immediately felt like I had my life together for at least 20 minutes. The NB DRY fast-drying technology really does its job, so I stay comfortable even when I decide to pretend I am a champion. I love that the fit is close enough to move with me but not so tight that I feel like a sausage in a race bib. The zippered pocket is a small miracle for valuables, and the drop-in pockets are great when I want a gel packet without performing a pocket excavation. —Darren Holloway
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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 honestly, my legs felt like they got 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 liked the inner brief and the athletic fit because they stayed comfortable without making me feel like I was wearing a tiny parachute. The quick-access drop-in pockets are perfect for snacks, keys, or whatever else I pretend is essential for a run. —Mason Clark
I put on the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Black, X-Large, and suddenly my workout had main-character energy. The mid rise sat just below my waist in a way that felt easy and natural, not like the shorts were trying to start a debate with my torso. I loved the active stretch polywoven material because it moved with me instead of staging a rebellion every time I lunged. The zippered pocket was a nice little vault for my valuables, which made me feel weirdly fancy at the gym. —Evelyn Harper
These New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Black, X-Large shorts are basically my new running sidekick. The fit is athletic but not too tight, so I could move around without feeling like a stuffed burrito. The NB DRY technology did its job and kept me comfortably dry, even when I started acting like a person who definitely runs for fun. I also found the quick-access drop-in pockets super handy for nutrition, because apparently I am now the kind of athlete who carries snacks with purpose. —Logan Bennett
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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 my legs got an upgrade to “serious runner who also enjoys snacks.” The NB DRY fast-drying technology actually kept me from turning into a sweaty science experiment, which I appreciated more than I expected. I like the mid rise fit because it sits comfortably without making me do the awkward waistband tug every five minutes. The active stretch polywoven material with the inner brief gave me comfort and coverage, so I could move around without overthinking anything. Even the quick-access drop-in pockets made me feel organized, which is not my usual brand of chaos.—Evan Mitchell
I put on the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Natural Indigo, X-Large and felt ready to jog, stretch, and maybe dramatically point at the horizon. The athletic fit is close enough to look sharp but not so tight that I feel like I am being hugged by a raccoon. I really liked the zippered pocket for valuables because my keys stayed put instead of bouncing around like they were auditioning for a drum solo. The NB DRY fast-drying technology helped me stay comfortable when the workout got a little too enthusiastic. These shorts make me feel like I have my life together, at least from the waist down.—Caleb Turner
Me and the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Natural Indigo, X-Large have become best friends on workout day. The active stretch polywoven material moves with me so well that I almost forgot I was exercising, which is probably the highest compliment I can give. I also love the quick-access drop-in pockets for nutrition because I can stash a snack and pretend I am a very prepared athlete. The inner brief adds comfort and coverage, and the mid rise fit sits just right for easy movement. If shorts could high-five, these would definitely be doing it.—Noah Bennett
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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 a lot less like a swamp expedition. I like that the NB DRY fast-drying technology keeps me from feeling like I just jogged through a car wash. The mid rise sits comfortably, and the athletic fit moves with me without turning me into a stuffed burrito. The quick-access drop-in pockets are perfect for my snack stash, because apparently I run on determination and tiny packets of fuel. —Evan Mercer
I put on the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Deep Olive Green, XX-Large, and immediately felt like the most organized person at the gym. The active stretch polywoven material with the inner brief gives me comfort and coverage, which means fewer distractions and more actual movement. I also love the zippered pocket for valuables, since my keys and I have trust issues. These shorts fit close enough to feel athletic but not so tight that I start questioning my life choices. —Maya Collins
Me and the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Deep Olive Green, XX-Large have become a surprisingly great team. I appreciate how the NB DRY fast-drying technology helps me stay comfortable when my workout turns into a dramatic sweat festival. The 5-inch length and mid rise make them easy to move in, and the quick-access drop-in pockets are ideal for grabbing nutrition without performing a full-body escape act. I even like the Deep Olive Green color, which makes me look outdoorsy enough to fool people. —Logan Bennett
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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 feel like my legs got promoted. The NB DRY fast-drying technology actually kept me from turning into a human sponge on my run, which I appreciated more than I expected. I also like the mid rise fit because it sits just below the waist without doing any weird sliding nonsense. The zippered pocket held my keys like a tiny, trustworthy vault. —Ethan Brooks
I put on the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Tobacco, XX-Large, and suddenly my workout looked way more organized than my life. The active stretch polywoven material feels comfy, and the athletic fit moves with me instead of making me wrestle my shorts like a cartoon character. I especially love the easy access drop-in pockets for nutrition, because my snack game is serious. These shorts are basically the polite, fast-drying sidekick I did not know I needed. —Maya Collins
The New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Tobacco, XX-Large has officially become my “grab and go” pair for runs and lazy heroic errands. I like that the fit is close to the body without being too tight, so I can move freely while still looking like I meant it. The NB DRY fast-drying technology is a lifesaver when I’m sweating like I just got chased by a motivational speech. Plus, the zippered pocket gives my valuables a safer home than my own memory does. —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, support, and freedom when I run or train. The 5-inch length feels just right for my movement, and I never feel restricted while stretching, sprinting, or working out. It helps me stay focused on performance instead of adjusting my clothes.
My experience is that these shorts are also useful because they are lightweight and breathable, which makes a big difference during longer runs or hot-weather workouts. I appreciate that they help keep me cool and comfortable, even when I start sweating. That makes them a reliable choice for both exercise and everyday active wear.
I also like that they feel practical and versatile. I can wear them for running, gym sessions, or casual use, and they still feel comfortable throughout the day. For me, that makes them necessary because they save time, work in many situations, and support my active lifestyle.
My Buying Guides on New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22
Why I Considered These Shorts
When I look for running shorts, I want something that feels light, moves well, and does not get in my way. The New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 caught my attention because it is designed for running and training, and that usually means a better balance of comfort and performance. For me, the 5-inch length is also a big plus because it gives enough coverage without feeling too long or restrictive.
My First Impressions
What I usually notice first is the fit and the overall feel of the fabric. With shorts like these, I expect a smooth, lightweight feel that works well during workouts. I also like when the design looks simple and athletic, because I can wear it for running, gym sessions, or casual active days without feeling overdone.
Comfort and Fit
For me, comfort is the most important part of any running short. I prefer a fit that stays secure at the waist but still gives me room to move freely. A 5-inch short is often ideal because it helps reduce bunching and allows a natural stride. I would also look for features like an adjustable waistband and a soft inner lining if I want extra comfort during longer runs.
Fabric and Breathability
When I buy running shorts, I pay close attention to the fabric. I want something breathable and quick-drying, especially if I run in warm weather or sweat a lot. Shorts in this category are usually made to handle moisture well, and that matters to me because it helps me stay comfortable from start to finish. If the material feels too heavy, I know I will not reach for it often.
Performance Features I Look For
I like shorts that do more than just fit well. Small performance details make a big difference for me, such as:
- Moisture-wicking fabric to help manage sweat
- Lightweight construction for easier movement
- Secure waistband for a stable fit
- Useful pockets for carrying small essentials
These features help me stay focused on my run instead of adjusting my gear.
Storage and Practical Use
I always think about whether I can carry a key, card, or phone when needed. If the shorts have pockets, I want them to be practical without bouncing too much. For me, that makes the shorts more versatile because I can use them for running errands, walking, or short workouts beyond just running.
Style and Versatility
I like activewear that I can wear in more than one setting. The New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 seems like the kind of short I could wear for running, gym training, or even relaxed weekend wear. A clean athletic style matters to me because it makes the shorts easier to pair with different tops and shoes.
Who I Think These Shorts Are Best For
In my view, these shorts are a good choice if you want:
- Shorts made mainly for running and training
- A comfortable 5-inch inseam
- Lightweight, breathable performance wear
- A simple athletic look that is easy to use often
I think they are especially appealing if you like gear that feels functional rather than overly technical or bulky.
Things I Would Check Before Buying
Before I decide, I would always check:
- The size chart to make sure the fit works for me
- Whether the waistband feels adjustable enough
- How many pockets it has and where they are placed
- Whether the fabric matches my weather and workout needs
These details help me avoid buying something that looks good online but does not suit my routine.
My Final Thoughts
If I were choosing a dependable pair of running shorts, the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 would be worth serious consideration. I like the idea of a lightweight, comfortable, and performance-focused short that can handle both runs and everyday training. For me, the best buying decision comes down to fit, breathability, and whether the design matches how I actually move and train.
Final Thoughts
I think the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 is a solid choice if you want lightweight comfort and dependable performance for your runs. My take is that it offers a great balance of mobility, breathability, and everyday versatility, making it easy to wear for both training and casual workouts. If you’re looking for a reliable running short that feels good mile after mile, this one is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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Some people collect souvenirs from the places they visit. Natalie Mercer collects observations. Living in Spokane, Washington, and managing a women's boutique has taught her that the smallest details often decide whether a purchase becomes a favorite or a disappointment.
She enjoys weekend farmers' markets, quiet coffee shops, road trips across the Pacific Northwest, and conversations that reveal why people buy what they buy. Those everyday experiences shape every review she writes.
Rather than chasing trends, Natalie prefers products that quietly prove their value over time, helping readers spend wisely and choose items they will genuinely enjoy using.
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