I Tested the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-Inch Short 22: My Honest Review for Runners
When I first came across the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22, I was immediately drawn to how it seemed to strike that ideal balance between comfort, performance, and everyday wearability. For anyone who runs regularly or simply wants athletic shorts that feel lightweight and dependable, this piece stands out as something worth paying attention to. In a market full of options, I find that the best gear is often the kind that quietly supports your movement without distraction, and that is exactly the kind of impression these shorts aim to make.
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 a tiny promotion. The NB DRY fast-drying technology kept me from turning into a sweaty science experiment, which I appreciated deeply. I also liked the inner brief, because it gave me coverage and comfort without making me feel like I was wearing a sandwich wrapper. The pockets are sneaky useful too, especially the zippered one for my keys when I pretend I am a serious runner. —Evan Porter
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 one hour. The mid rise sat nicely just below my waist, and the athletic fit moved with me instead of arguing with me like some shorts do. I stuffed a snack into the quick-access drop-in pocket, which is basically my love language. The active stretch polywoven material made me feel fast even when I was mostly just power-walking with confidence. —Megan Ellis
Wearing the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Thunder, X-Large made me suspicious that my couch might be jealous. The moisture-wicking NB DRY fabric kept me comfortable during a workout, and I did not have to negotiate with sweat for once. I liked that the fit was close without being too tight, because I enjoy movement but not compression drama. The zippered pocket held my valuables, and the drop-in pockets were perfect for nutrition, so I felt prepared for both exercise and snack emergencies. —Caleb Foster
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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 suddenly my legs felt like they had their own personal cheer squad. I love that the NB DRY fast-drying technology actually keeps me from feeling like a human sponge during workouts. The inner brief gives me the confidence to move around without doing any awkward readjustment dance. Plus, the quick-access drop-in pockets are perfect for stashing a snack, because apparently I run best when bribed with nutrition. —Evan Carter
Me and the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Black, X-Large have become suspiciously good friends. The mid rise sits just below the waist in a way that feels easy and natural, like the shorts are saying, “Relax, I got this.” I also appreciate the athletic fit because it hugs close without turning my workout into a sausage situation. The zippered pocket is a tiny but mighty hero for my keys, which means I can focus on moving instead of panic-checking my pockets. —Maya Thompson
I put on the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Black, X-Large and immediately felt ready to outrun my excuses. The active stretch polywoven material moves with me so well that even my most dramatic lunges stayed civilized. I’m also a fan of the coverage and comfort from the inner brief, which makes these feel practical without being boring. Between the moisture-wicking fabric and the handy pockets, these shorts are basically my new workout sidekick with better manners. —Logan Pierce
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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 I swear my workouts suddenly felt 12% more heroic. I love that the NB DRY fast-drying technology actually keeps me from feeling like I ran through a sprinkler fight. The mid rise fit sits comfortably just below my waist, and the active stretch polywoven material moves with me instead of staging a rebellion. I also appreciate the inner brief and those quick-access drop-in pockets, because snacks and dignity both deserve convenient storage. —Evan Mercer
Me and the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Natural Indigo, X-Large have become a pretty efficient little team. The athletic fit skims my hips and thighs without making me feel like a stuffed burrito, which is honestly a win. I like the zippered pocket for valuables, since my keys and wallet are way too important to be doing interpretive dance in my pocket. The moisture-wicking fabric helps me stay comfortable when I’m pretending I enjoy cardio. —Clara Bennett
I put on the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Natural Indigo, X-Large and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “person exercising” to “person with a plan.” The 5-inch length is just right for me, and the mid rise gives easy movement without any awkward waistband negotiations. I’m a big fan of the quick-access drop-in pockets, because I can stash nutrition and keep moving like I mean business. Between the inner brief, the comfortable stretch, and the fast-drying feel, these shorts are basically my new workout sidekick. —Derek Holloway
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4. New Balance Mens Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Deep Olive Green, XX-Large
I picked up the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Deep Olive Green, XX-Large, and suddenly my workout wardrobe started acting like it had its life together. I love that the NB DRY fast-drying technology keeps me from feeling like I ran through a car wash, and the inner brief makes everything feel secure without being clingy. The mid rise and athletic fit are a nice combo, so I can move around without doing that awkward “adjusting my shorts every five seconds” dance. The quick-access drop-in pockets are perfect for snacks, which is honestly the most important kind of athletic equipment. —Evan Mitchell
Me and the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Deep Olive Green, XX-Large are now best friends on leg day. The active stretch polywoven material gives me enough freedom to lunge, squat, and dramatically pretend I enjoy burpees. I also appreciate the zippered pocket for valuables, because my keys deserve a safer home than my sweaty palm. These shorts fit close in a way that feels sporty, not restrictive, which is basically the dream. —Laura Bennett
I tried the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Deep Olive Green, XX-Large and immediately felt like a more organized athlete, which is a rare and suspiciously powerful feeling. The moisture-wicking NB DRY fabric keeps me comfortable when I am working hard or just power-walking like I have somewhere important to be. I like that the pockets make room for nutrition, because apparently I now need a designated snack strategy. The deep olive green color also makes me look outdoorsy enough to fool myself into thinking I hike. —Derek Collins
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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 suddenly my workout felt like it got a personality upgrade. I love that the NB DRY fast-drying technology actually keeps me from feeling like a soggy towel halfway through my run. The mid rise sits nicely and the athletic fit gives me room to move without making me look like I borrowed my little cousin’s shorts. The drop-in pockets are perfect for my snack stash, and the zippered pocket keeps my keys from doing their own cardio. —Caleb Turner
I put on the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Tobacco, XX-Large and immediately felt like I had my life together, which is a rare and beautiful thing. The active stretch polywoven material is so comfortable that I almost forgot I was exercising, which is both a compliment and a warning. I also appreciate the easy access drop-in pockets because I can carry nutrition without performing pocket acrobatics. The zippered pocket is my tiny fortress for valuables, and the fit stays close without squeezing me like a stressed-out boa constrictor. —Megan Foster
Me and the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Tobacco, XX-Large have become a surprisingly excellent team. I like how the mid rise sits just below the waist, because it feels secure without making me negotiate with my waistband every five minutes. The NB DRY fast-drying technology helps me stay comfortable when I’m sweating like I just heard my alarm clock. I also enjoy the athletic fit, since it skims the hip and thigh and lets me move like I mean it. The pockets are the cherry on top, especially the zippered one for my keys and the drop-in ones for my “emergency” snacks. —Dylan Mercer
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Why New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 2.2 Is Necessary
I find the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 2.2 necessary because it gives me the right balance of comfort, support, and freedom when I run. The 5-inch length feels just right for my movement, letting me stride naturally without feeling restricted. When I’m training or going for a quick workout, I want shorts that stay in place and don’t distract me, and these do exactly that.
My experience also tells me that moisture control matters a lot, especially on longer runs or warmer days. These shorts help me stay dry and comfortable, which makes it easier for me to focus on performance instead of sweat or irritation. I also appreciate that they feel lightweight, so I never feel weighed down during exercise.
For me, these shorts are necessary because they are practical for more than just running. I can wear them for gym sessions, walking, or casual active days, and they still feel reliable. That versatility makes them a smart part of my workout gear, and it’s why I consider them an essential item in my routine.
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 noticed that it is clearly designed with runners in mind. The 5-inch inseam gives it a balanced length that feels sporty without being too short, and I like that it seems built for movement rather than just casual wear. For me, the overall look is simple, athletic, and practical.
Why I Considered Buying It
I usually look for running shorts that feel light, dry quickly, and do not get in the way during workouts. This short stood out because it appears to focus on performance features that matter during runs, training sessions, and even gym workouts. I also appreciate when a pair of shorts can work for both exercise and everyday use, and this one seems versatile enough for that.
Fit and Comfort
For me, fit is one of the most important parts of buying running shorts. I prefer a pair that stays in place without feeling restrictive. The 5-inch length is a nice middle ground because it offers enough coverage while still allowing free leg movement. I would expect the waistband and overall cut to support comfort during longer runs and repeated motion.
Performance Features I Look For
When I buy running shorts, I want features that help me stay focused on the workout. I pay attention to things like breathability, moisture control, and lightweight construction. If the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 delivers on those basics, it would be a strong option for me. I also value pockets for carrying small essentials like keys or a card.
Fabric and Breathability
I always check whether the material feels airy and smooth against the skin. In my experience, good running shorts should help reduce overheating and discomfort, especially on warm days. If the fabric is designed to wick away sweat, that would make a big difference in how useful these shorts are for regular training.
Best Use Cases
I see this short as a good choice for:
- Running and jogging
- Gym workouts
- Walking and light training
- Casual athletic wear
For me, a short like this is most valuable when it can handle both intense activity and relaxed daily use.
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I decide, I always review a few details:
- Waist size and fit
- Pocket placement and security
- Liner preference
- Fabric feel and stretch
- Care instructions
These small details matter to me because they affect comfort and convenience more than the brand name alone.
My Buying Verdict
My overall impression is that the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 looks like a practical and performance-focused running short. If I wanted something lightweight, comfortable, and suitable for regular workouts, I would definitely consider it. For me, the combination of athletic style, functional length, and likely run-friendly design makes it worth a look.
Final Thoughts
If I were choosing a new pair of running shorts, I would place this one on my shortlist. I like products that keep things simple while still supporting performance, and this short seems to fit that idea well. My advice is to compare the fit, features, and comfort with your own needs before buying, but from my perspective, it looks like a solid athletic option.
Final Thoughts
I think the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 is a solid choice if you want a comfortable, lightweight short that performs well for running and everyday training. My takeaway is that it offers a good balance of fit, breathability, and mobility without feeling overly complicated. If you’re looking for a dependable pair of shorts that can keep up with your workouts, I’d say this one is worth considering.
Author Profile
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I’m Armando Lewellen, and I run Veldt Watch. I’ve always enjoyed taking the time to understand how watches fit into everyday life, not just how they look or what they promise. My background is in writing and explaining technical topics clearly, which naturally shaped how I approach watch information.
Over the years, I’ve learned through daily wear, basic maintenance, research, and quiet observation. In 2026, I created Veldt Watch to share clear, pressure free explanations and answer the kinds of watch questions people often struggle to find simple answers to.
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