The Ten Thousand Session Short 5" is the brand's lightest, most breathable training short. It has laser-cut ventilation, split hems, a perforated waistband, a zippered phone pocket and an optional trunk liner. Lined costs about $98 and unlined about $88. It is built for speed, conditioning and circuits, and it is a good pick when your gym runs hot. Ten Thousand says it was tested and refined with distance runners, sprinters and conditioning coaches, but we have not tested it ourselves.
Illustration drawn from the product’s specs — see the brand’s site for real photos and colors.
Ten Thousand Session Short 5" Review (2026)
4/5
our rating
our rating
$98Full price on Ten Thousand’s site, checked Oct 7, 2026
Best for: Hot-gym athletes and runners who want light and airy.
Skip it if: You want a heavier, compressive feel or a budget price.
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. Brands can’t pay for placement, and it never changes our picks. How we make money.
What we like
- Ten Thousand's lightest, most breathable short
- Zip phone pocket and zip card pocket
- Perforated waistband and split hems
- Shirt loop
- Sizes up to XXXL
Watch out for
- $98 lined
- Optional trunk liner is slimmer than the Interval's
- Lightweight fabric may feel less substantial
On this page
Fit and sizing
Sizes run XS to XXXL, which is a wide range for a performance short. You choose lined or unlined at the selector. The cut is athletic with a 5 inch inseam. Ten Thousand lists many colors, but the selector includes old-SKU duplicates, so we cannot give a clean count. Use the shorts finder if you are between lengths.
Fabric and feel
The fabric is 86% polyester and 14% spandex at 124 GSM, lighter than the Interval's 137 GSM. Ten Thousand calls it a featherweight stretch fabric and lists cling-free, sweat-wicking, quick-drying performance and a permanent Odorblock treatment. It has anti-chafe flatlock seams and bonded hems.
How it performs for conditioning and runs
Pockets include a zippered phone pocket on the right, a zippered card pocket on the left, internal waistband key and phone pockets, and an elasticated shirt loop at the back. The side slits and perforated waistband focus on airflow and mobility. It is described as built for intervals, circuits and long conditioning blocks. For pure run shorts, see our best running shorts for men.
Price and value
At about $98 lined, it costs the same as the Interval and more than the Vuori Kore. The unlined version is cheaper at about $88. It is reasonable if you value light weight and airflow.
Alternatives
If you want a heavier, compression-liner feel, pick the Interval. For a pure runner's cut, look at the Distance 3". For budget, the Gymshark Arrival is around $26.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you want a thicker, more structured short or a very low price. Also skip it if you prefer a longer inseam.
Specs
| For | Men |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS–XXXL |
| Extended fits | Plus sizes |
| Fabric | 86% polyester, 14% spandex (124 GSM) |
| Inseam options | 5″ |
| Liner | Brief |
| Pockets | Multi |
| Fit | Athletic |
| Fabric feel | Woven light |
| Waistband | Drawcord |
| Good for | Gym training, HIIT, Running, Speed work |
The verdict
The Session is the pick for hot gyms and fast workouts: very light, well ventilated and well pocketed. It is pricey, and the thin fabric is not for everyone, but for conditioning and running it is one of the best-designed shorts here.
Alternatives to consider
Rhone Pursuit Short Lined 7"3.8/5 · $84Lululemon Pace Breaker Linerless Short 7"4/5 · $68Vuori Kore Short Lined 5"3.8/5 · $78
Frequently asked questions
Does the Session short have a liner?
It has an optional integrated trunk liner. Lined costs about $98 and unlined about $88.
What is it made of?
86% polyester and 14% spandex at 124 GSM, per the product page.
What pockets does it have?
Zippered phone and card pockets, internal waistband key and phone pockets, and a shirt loop.
What sizes does it come in?
XS to XXXL on Ten Thousand's page.
Sources and last checked · Oct 7, 2026
Notes: Variant prices: lined $98, unlined $88 (one unlined variant listed $98). Colors list included duplicate/old-SKU entries so count left null. 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.