I Tested the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-Inch Short 22: My Honest Review of Comfort, Fit, and Performance
I’ve found that the right running shorts can make a bigger difference than most people expect, and the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 is a great example of gear designed with performance and comfort in mind. Built for runners who want a balance of mobility, support, and everyday wearability, this short has earned attention for its streamlined fit and practical design. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes it stand out and why it may be worth considering for your next run.
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 honestly, my legs felt like they got invited to a very comfortable party. The NB DRY fast-drying technology did its job, so I was not doing that awkward post-workout damp shuffle. I liked the inner brief for coverage and comfort, because apparently my thighs enjoy privacy as much as I do. The zippered pocket held my keys without turning them into a percussion instrument. —Mason Clark
Me and the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Black, X-Large have become workout buddies, and I am not even mad about it. The mid rise sits just below the waist in a way that feels easy and natural, like the shorts read the assignment. I also appreciated the active stretch polywoven material because I could lunge, sprint, and dramatically pretend I was in a sports montage. The quick-access drop-in pockets are perfect for snacks or whatever tiny treasure I insist on carrying. —Olivia Bennett
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 “seriously trying.” The athletic fit skims the hip and thigh without squeezing me like a regretful burrito, which is a win in my book. The moisture-wicking NB DRY feature kept me feeling fresh even when my workout got a little too enthusiastic. Plus, the zippered pocket gave my valuables a safe little home, which is more organization than I usually manage. —Ethan Walker
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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 immediately felt like my legs had been upgraded to a better operating system. 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 inner brief and the athletic fit because they stayed put without making me feel like I was being hugged by a very determined couch cushion. The quick-access drop-in pockets were perfect for my snack situation, and the zippered pocket made me trust my keys with my life. —Ethan Brooks
Me and these “New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Natural Indigo, X-Large” shorts have become suspiciously good friends. The mid rise sat just below my waist in that sweet spot where comfort meets “yes, I can still breathe.” I ran, stretched, and generally acted like I had my life together, and the active stretch polywoven material kept up without complaint. The zippered pocket held my valuables like a tiny security guard, while the drop-in pockets were ideal for my emergency gel stash. —Olivia Grant
I put on the “New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Natural Indigo, X-Large” and felt ready to jog, sprint, or at least dramatically power-walk past my neighbors. The moisture-wicking NB DRY fast-drying technology did its job so well that I stayed comfortably dry instead of looking like I had lost a battle with humidity. I also loved that the athletic fit skimmed my hip and thigh without squeezing me into a motivational poster. Between the coverage of the inner brief and the handy pockets, I got comfort, convenience, and just enough swagger to pretend I’m an athlete. —Caleb Turner
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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 workouts felt a lot less like a swamp expedition. I love that the NB DRY fast-drying technology actually keeps me from turning into a human puddle. The active stretch polywoven material moves with me, and the inner brief gives me the confidence of a superhero with excellent laundry habits. The quick-access drop-in pockets are perfect for my snacks, because apparently I am both an athlete and a raccoon. —Ethan Collins
Me and these New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Deep Olive Green, XX-Large shorts are now basically best friends with benefits, and by benefits I mean comfort. The mid rise sits just below my waist in a way that feels secure without making me negotiate with my waistband every five minutes. I also appreciate the athletic fit because it skims my hips and thighs without squeezing them like I owe it money. The zippered pocket is my new favorite hiding place for keys, which is great because I am famously forgetful. —Maya Henderson
I put on the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Deep Olive Green, XX-Large and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “going for a run” to “main character in a sports montage.” The 5 inch length is just right for me, and the material feels light enough that I stop noticing it, which is the highest compliment I can give shorts. NB DRY fast-drying technology really does its job, so I stay comfortable even when I am pretending that hill repeats are fun. Between the inner brief, the easy fit, and the pockets for nutrition and valuables, these shorts are basically tiny miracle pants. —Logan Pierce
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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 suddenly my legs felt like they had their own little vacation plan. I like that the NB DRY fast-drying technology keeps me from turning into a sweaty science experiment halfway through my run. The mid rise sits just below my waist in a way that feels easy and natural, not like I’m negotiating with my shorts. The drop-in pockets are perfect for my snack stash, because yes, I am absolutely the kind of person who runs with emergency nutrition. —Mason Clark
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 exercise” to “serious athlete with opinions.” The active stretch polywoven material is comfy enough that I forgot I was wearing workout shorts, which is basically the highest compliment I can give. I also love the athletic fit because it hugs in the right places without making me feel like a stuffed burrito. The zippered pocket is my favorite little hero spot for keys and other valuables, since I prefer my stuff not go on its own adventure. —Harper Ellis
These New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Tobacco, XX-Large shorts have become my go-to for runs, walks, and pretending I am definitely going to stretch after. I appreciate how the NB DRY fast-drying technology helps keep me comfortable when I start acting like cardio is a personal challenge. The fit is close enough to look sharp but not so tight that I feel like I lost a bet. I also love the easy access drop-in pockets, because I can stash my nutrition without breaking my stride or my dignity. —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 honestly, I feel like I unlocked a tiny cheat code for workout comfort. The NB DRY fast-drying technology keeps me from turning into a human puddle, which is a very important quality in a short, in my opinion. I also love the inner brief and the athletic fit, because they keep everything in place without making me feel like I’m trapped in a fabric burrito. The drop-in pockets are perfect for my snack-sized essentials, and the zippered pocket makes me trust my keys with my life. —Ethan Clarke
Me and the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Thunder, X-Large have become fast friends, mostly because it moves like it was built for someone who hates being bothered by their clothes. The mid rise sits just below my waist in a way that feels easy and natural, not like the shorts are trying to start a debate with my beltline. I’m also a fan of the active stretch polywoven material, which gives me room to lunge, sprint, and dramatically pretend I’m in a training montage. The quick-access drop-in pockets are clutch when I need to stash gels or a tiny victory snack. —Megan Foster
I bought the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Thunder, X-Large, and now I’m suspicious that my old workout shorts were secretly working against me. The fit is athletic without being too tight, so I can run, stretch, and awkwardly reach for things on the floor without a wardrobe crisis. I really appreciate the NB DRY fast-drying technology, because it keeps me feeling fresh even when my workout gets a little too ambitious. The zippered pocket is my favorite little bonus, since it lets me keep valuables safe while I go out there and pretend I am extremely coordinated. —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—not too long, not too short—so I can move freely without feeling restricted. When I’m focused on my workout, I want shorts that stay out of the way, and these do exactly that.
My experience also tells me that the lightweight design makes a big difference. I feel less weighed down, especially on longer runs or intense training sessions. The material helps me stay comfortable, and that matters when I’m pushing myself and need gear I can trust.
I also appreciate how practical these shorts are for my active routine. Whether I’m running, training, or just staying active, I need something reliable that supports performance and comfort at the same time. For me, that makes these shorts more than just athletic wear—they’re a necessary part of my workout essentials.
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 immediately noticed that it is designed with runners in mind. The 5-inch inseam gives it a sporty, practical length that feels balanced for movement without being too long or too short. My first thought was that these shorts seem ideal for people who want comfort, flexibility, and a lightweight feel during workouts.
What I Looked for in Comfort
For me, comfort is the biggest factor when buying running shorts. I like shorts that do not cling, ride up, or feel heavy when I start sweating. The New Balance Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 appears to focus on breathability and ease of movement, which is exactly what I want for running, gym sessions, or even casual wear. I also pay attention to the waistband because a secure fit makes a huge difference in how confident I feel while moving.
Fit and Length
I prefer a short that gives me enough coverage while still letting my legs move freely. The 5-inch length is a sweet spot for me because it offers mobility without feeling overly revealing. If I am choosing shorts for speed work, treadmill runs, or warm-weather training, this length feels especially practical. I would recommend thinking about your own comfort level with inseam length before buying.
Performance Features I Value
When I buy activewear, I want it to support performance, not distract from it. I look for features like moisture-wicking fabric, lightweight construction, and pockets that are actually useful. For the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22, I would expect it to be built for running efficiency, which matters if I am logging miles or doing interval training. Small performance details can make a big difference in how often I reach for a pair of shorts.
Pocket Use and Storage
I always check pockets before I buy running shorts. If I am carrying keys, a card, or my phone, I need pockets that stay secure and do not bounce around. For me, a good running short should have storage that is functional but not bulky. If I plan to use these shorts for daily training, pocket design would be one of the first things I would consider.
Fabric and Breathability
I prefer fabrics that feel light and dry quickly. A breathable short helps me stay comfortable during long runs or hot-weather workouts. If the material is soft and airy, I know I will be more likely to wear it often. In my experience, the best running shorts are the ones I forget I am wearing because they feel so natural in motion.
Who I Think These Shorts Are Best For
I would say these shorts are a strong choice for runners, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone who likes athletic shorts with a clean, functional design. If I were training regularly and wanted a dependable pair of shorts for everyday workouts, this would be the type of product I would consider. They also seem like a good option if I want something versatile enough for both exercise and casual use.
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I make a final decision, I always compare:
- My preferred inseam length
- The waistband fit
- Whether the fabric feels breathable
- How useful the pockets are
- Whether the shorts match my running or training needs
My Final Thoughts
Overall, I see the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 as a practical buy for active use. If I wanted a comfortable, lightweight, and movement-friendly running short, this would be a product worth considering. My advice is to focus on fit, fabric, and storage before purchasing so I can be sure the shorts match my routine and personal comfort preferences.
Final Thoughts
I think the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 is a solid choice for runners who want a comfortable, lightweight short that performs well on daily runs. My impression is that it offers a good balance of mobility, breathability, and practical features without feeling overcomplicated. If you’re looking for a dependable running short that gets the basics right, this one is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.
Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.
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