The Under Armour Launch Elite 7" is a budget running short with a mesh liner and an expandable, water-resistant back pocket that holds a phone. It lists at about $50, and UA's page showed $44.97 when we checked. It is fitted and light, with reflective details. For the price, the feature list is strong, and it is one of the cheapest ways to get a liner, a phone pocket and reflective trim in one running short. The trade-offs are a close fit and a limited look at sizes and colors online.
Illustration drawn from the product’s specs — see the brand’s site for real photos and colors.
Under Armour Launch Elite 7" Shorts Review (2026)
4/5
our rating
our rating
$50 seen $44.97Full price on Under Armour’s site, checked Oct 7, 2026
Best for: Runners on a budget who want a liner and phone pocket.
Skip it if: You want a loose, roomy fit.
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What we like
- About $50 at full price
- Lightweight stretch-woven fabric with 4-way stretch
- Expandable water-resistant back pocket holds a phone
- Mesh liner
- Reflective details
Watch out for
- Fitted cut is close to the body
- Single colorway seen and out of stock
- Sizes not captured
On this page
Fit and sizing
Under Armour describes the fit as close to the body, with a 7 inch inseam. The fetched page did not list the available sizes, and only one colorway (Black/Reflective) appeared, marked out of stock, so confirm availability on UA's page. Use the shorts finder to filter by fit.
Fabric and feel
The fabric is 88% polyester and 12% elastane, an ultra-light stretch-woven fabric with 4-way stretch. For comparison, our Alo Traction review covers a knit alternative at about twice the price. UA says it keeps you cool and dries fast, and adds odor control. The waistband is encased elastic with an internal drawcord.
How it performs for running
A mesh liner provides breathable support. The single center-back pocket is expandable and water-resistant, and UA says it secures a phone. Reflective details help low-light runs. A back-only pocket can shift on some runners, so preferences vary. The close-to-body cut means a more secure feel but less airflow than a loose short, and shoppers with bigger thighs may want to size up. For more picks see our best running shorts for men.
Price and value
At about $50 list (about $45 on sale when we looked), it is among the cheapest liner-equipped running shorts we reviewed. The Gymshark Running costs about $48 with limited reviews, and the Lululemon Pace Breaker costs about $68 without a liner.
Alternatives
If you want more pockets, look at the Ten Thousand Session. For a roomier gym short, the Vuori Kore.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you want a roomy fit, side or zip pockets, or a premium fabric feel. Also skip it if you cannot confirm your size is in stock, since the page we read showed it out of stock and did not list sizes.
Specs
| For | Men |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 88% polyester, 12% elastane |
| Inseam options | 7″ |
| Liner | Mesh |
| Pockets | Phone |
| Fit | Slim |
| Fabric feel | Woven light |
| Waistband | Drawcord |
| Colors | 1 at time of checking |
| Good for | Running, Long runs, Everyday wear |
The verdict
A simple, affordable running short with a mesh liner and a phone-ready back pocket. It is fitted and plain, and stock looked thin online, but at about $50 it is hard to beat for value if your size is available.
Alternatives to consider
Lululemon Pace Breaker Linerless Short 7"4/5 · $68Gymshark Running 5" Shorts3.5/5 · $48Vuori Kore Short Lined 5"3.8/5 · $78
Frequently asked questions
How much are the UA Launch Elite 7" shorts?
About $50 list, and $44.97 on UA's page when we checked.
Do they have a liner?
Yes, an internal mesh liner.
Can they hold a phone?
UA lists an expandable, water-resistant center-back pocket that secures a phone.
What are they made of?
88% polyester and 12% elastane.
Sources and last checked · Oct 7, 2026
Notes: Sizes not shown on the fetched page (size field null). Page listed Black/Reflective only and out of stock. Fit described as 'Close to body' by UA. 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.