The Ten Thousand Distance Short 3" is an ultralight perforated running short with a brief liner, a zippered rear phone pocket and internal gel pockets. It lists at about $128, one of the highest prices among running shorts we looked at. Ten Thousand built it for long runs, tempo days and races. It is a specialist piece for serious runners, not an everyday gym short, and the 3 inch cut will not suit everyone.
Illustration drawn from the product’s specs — see the brand’s site for real photos and colors.
Ten Thousand Distance Short 3" Review (2026)
3.8/5
our rating
our rating
$128Full price on Ten Thousand’s site, checked Oct 7, 2026
Best for: Serious runners who carry gels and a phone.
Skip it if: You want longer coverage or run on a budget.
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What we like
- Ultralight perforated shell
- Zippered rear phone pocket plus gel and key pockets
- Integrated brief liner
- Elasticated shirt loop
- Built for long runs, tempo days and races
Watch out for
- $128 is among the most expensive running shorts
- 3 inch inseam is a lot of leg
- Only black seen
On this page
Fit and sizing
The Distance comes in sizes XS to XXL and, when we checked, in one color, black. It has a 3 inch inseam, which is a short cut that gives plenty of leg freedom but little coverage. The fit is slim, with a no-bunch waistband and internal drawcord. Our shorts finder can help you decide if 3 inches is right for you.
Fabric and feel
The shell is 80% polyester and 20% spandex at 125 GSM. The liner is 82% nylon and 18% spandex. Ten Thousand calls the shell ultra-light, perforated, breathable and quick-drying, and lists "recycled materials" among the features without giving percentages. It adds a permanent Odorblock treatment.
How it performs for running
Storage is the reason to pay up: a zippered rear phone pocket, internal waistband gel pockets, an internal key pocket and an elasticated shirt loop. The integrated brief liner is described as chafe-free and hotspot-free. Because it is a race-oriented cut, expect little fabric and lots of airflow. See our best running shorts for men for more options.
Price and value
At about $128 this is a luxury-priced running short. The Lululemon Pace Breaker lists around $68 with zip and phone storage but no liner, and the Gymshark Running 5" is about $48 with a liner. You pay for refinement and gel storage.
Alternatives
For a more versatile Ten Thousand short, try the Session 5" at about $98 lined. The Under Armour Launch Elite 7" offers a mesh liner and rear pocket at about $50.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you do not run long distances, want more coverage than 3 inches, or have a tight budget.
Specs
| For | Men |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS–XXL |
| Extended fits | Plus sizes |
| Fabric | Shell: 80% polyester, 20% spandex (125 GSM); liner: 82% nylon, 18% spandex (102 GSM) |
| Recycled materials | Yes (brand states) |
| Inseam options | 3″ |
| Liner | Brief |
| Pockets | Multi |
| Fit | Slim |
| Fabric feel | Woven light |
| Waistband | Drawcord |
| Colors | 1 at time of checking |
| Good for | Running, Long runs, Speed work, Racing |
The verdict
A premium, minimalist long-run short with excellent storage. It is only worth about $128 if you carry gels and a phone on long runs and want a 3 inch cut. For everyone else, far cheaper shorts cover the basics well enough.
Alternatives to consider
Rhone Pursuit Short Lined 7"3.8/5 · $84Vuori Kore Short Lined 5"3.8/5 · $78Ten Thousand Session Short 5"4/5 · $98
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Ten Thousand Distance short?
About $128 on Ten Thousand's page when we checked.
Does it have a liner?
Yes. It has an integrated brief liner, 82% nylon and 18% spandex.
Does it have a phone pocket?
Yes. Ten Thousand lists a zippered rear phone pocket, plus internal gel and key pockets.
What is the inseam?
3 inches, per the product name and Ten Thousand's page.
Sources and last checked · Oct 7, 2026
Notes: Feature list lists 'Recycled materials' without percentages; recycled flag set true on that basis. Only Black variant found. Ratings estimated.
Specs and prices come from the sources above and change often; ratings are our editorial estimates, not lab tests. Spot something out of date? Tell us.