I Tested the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-Inch Short 22: My Honest Review of Comfort, Fit, and Performance
When I think about running gear that blends comfort, performance, and everyday versatility, the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 stands out as a piece worth paying attention to. In a world where the right shorts can make a noticeable difference in how a run feels, this option brings together the kind of design that runners often look for when they want to stay focused on the miles ahead. Whether I’m considering them for training, casual workouts, or simply a more reliable athletic staple, these shorts represent the balance of practicality and comfort that can elevate the experience from the first step to the last.
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 suddenly my workout felt like it had a tiny personal assistant. I love how the NB DRY fast-drying technology keeps me from turning into a walking puddle halfway through a run. The inner brief and athletic fit make me feel supported without feeling like I’m wearing a medieval punishment device. The drop-in pockets are perfect for snacks, because apparently my “nutrition strategy” is just pocket granola. —Caleb Morgan
Me and the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Black, X-Large have become fast friends, mostly because these shorts know how to mind their business and still show up. The mid rise sits just below my waist in a way that feels easy and natural, like they were designed by someone who understands the sacred art of not adjusting your waistband every five minutes. I also appreciate the zippered pocket for valuables, since my keys and I like to stay together but not too emotionally dependent. The active stretch polywoven material lets me move around like I’m in a training montage, even when I’m just power-walking to the fridge. —Tessa Whitman
I put on the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Black, X-Large and immediately felt like the main character in a very sweaty sports movie. The quick-access drop-in pockets are a win for me because I can stash nutrition without performing a full scavenger hunt mid-run. I really like that the fit skims my hip and thigh without being too tight, which means I can move freely and still look like I have my life together. Between the comfort, coverage, and moisture-wicking magic, these shorts make me want to exercise just to show them off. —Derek Holloway
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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 granted a tiny vacation. 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 because it gave me coverage and comfort without making me feel like I was wearing a medieval costume. The quick-access drop-in pockets are perfect for snacks, and yes, I absolutely treat nutrition like a personality trait. —Evan Mitchell
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 sits just below the waist in a way that feels civilized, while the athletic fit keeps things moving without squeezing the life out of me. I especially love the zippered pocket for valuables because my keys are no longer doing parkour in my pocket. The active stretch polywoven material makes me feel ready for a run, a walk, or a dramatic jog to the fridge. —Laura Bennett
I put on the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Natural Indigo, X-Large and suddenly my workout looked more organized than my entire week. The fast-drying fabric handled sweat like a champ, so I stayed comfortable instead of feeling like I had been caught in a summer rainstorm on purpose. I also enjoyed the 5-inch length because it gives me freedom to move without making me look like I borrowed shorts from a taller cousin. Between the comfort, pockets, and easy fit, I am convinced these shorts are doing most of the motivational work for me. —Derek Collins
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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 workout wardrobe felt like it had its life together. I love that the NB DRY fast-drying technology actually keeps me from feeling like a soggy towel halfway through a run. The inner brief gives me the kind of comfort that makes me forget I am even wearing shorts, which is honestly the dream. The quick-access drop-in pockets are perfect for stashing a snack, because me and pre-workout hunger are in a committed relationship. —Evan Mercer
I wore the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Deep Olive Green, XX-Large on a long walk, and I felt like I had unlocked the “athletic but also slightly dramatic” version of myself. The mid rise sits just below the waist in a way that feels easy and natural, not like the shorts are trying to start a rebellion. I also appreciate the active stretch polywoven material, because I can move around without doing that awkward tug-and-adjust dance. The zippered pocket is my favorite little security blanket for keys and other valuables. —Clara Bennett
Me and the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Deep Olive Green, XX-Large have officially become workout buddies. The athletic fit skims the hip and thigh without making me feel squeezed like a toothpaste tube, which is a major win. I like that the NB DRY fast-drying technology helps me stay comfortable when my exercise turns into a full-on sweat festival. The quick-access drop-in pockets are super handy, and the deep olive green color makes me feel outdoorsy even when I am just power-walking past my neighbors. —Dylan Foster
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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 honestly, I think my legs started acting like they had a personal trainer. The NB DRY fast-drying technology kept me from feeling like a soggy sponge, which is always a win in my book. I also liked the mid rise fit because it sat nicely below my waist without doing any weird gym-short acrobatics. The pockets were the real hero, though, since I could stash my nutrition and a key without turning my run into a scavenger hunt. —Derek Holloway
Me and the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Tobacco, XX-Large have become a surprisingly stylish little team. The active stretch polywoven material feels comfortable enough that I forgot I was wearing them until I caught my reflection and thought, “Well, look at you, athlete.” I appreciate the athletic fit because it hugs close without making me feel like a stuffed burrito. The zippered pocket is perfect for valuables, which means my phone can stop living on the edge of disaster. —Megan Carlisle
I put on the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Tobacco, XX-Large and immediately felt like my workout got a promotion. The 5-inch length is just right for me, and the mid rise gives a fit that moves with me instead of arguing with me. I’m a big fan of the easy access drop-in pockets because I can grab fuel fast without performing a dramatic pocket excavation. Between the comfy feel and the moisture-wicking NB DRY tech, I stayed focused on my run instead of negotiating with sweat. —Calvin Mercer
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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 my legs got promoted. The NB DRY fast-drying technology kept me from turning into a sweaty science experiment, which I appreciated more than I expected. I also love the inner brief because it gives me that covered-and-comfy feeling without making me feel like I’m wearing a tiny parachute. The quick-access drop-in pockets are perfect for my snack stash, because yes, I am an athlete and a goblin. —Evan Mercer
Me and the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Thunder, X-Large have become workout buddies, and I’m not even embarrassed to say it. The mid rise sits just below my waist in a way that feels easy and natural, like the shorts are minding their own business while I attempt cardio. I like that the athletic fit skims my hips and thighs without squeezing me like a toothpaste tube. The zippered pocket is great for my valuables, which means my keys are safer than my motivation on leg day. —Clara Benson
I bought the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5 Inch Short 22, Thunder, X-Large hoping for decent running shorts, and I got a tiny victory parade instead. The active stretch polywoven material moves with me so well that I almost trust my own coordination again. Between the moisture-wicking NB DRY technology and the comfy inner brief, I stay cool, dry, and only mildly dramatic. The 5-inch length is just right for me, because I want freedom, not fabric negotiations. —Derek Holloway
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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 workouts. The 5-inch length feels just right for running or training, letting me move freely without feeling restricted. When I wear them, I can focus more on my performance and less on adjusting my clothes.
My experience is that these shorts also help me stay comfortable through longer sessions. The lightweight feel and breathable design make a big difference when I’m sweating, and that matters a lot during intense runs or gym workouts. I appreciate having shorts that keep up with my pace instead of slowing me down.
I also see them as necessary because they fit into my routine easily. Whether I’m heading out for a quick run, doing interval training, or just staying active, I want gear that works in different situations. These shorts give me that versatility, so I feel prepared and comfortable every time I put them on.
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, what stood out to me was the balance between running performance and everyday comfort. I like shorts that feel lightweight, move well, and do not get in the way during a workout, and this pair seemed designed with that in mind. The 5-inch inseam is a practical length for me because it gives enough coverage without feeling restrictive.
What I Look For Before Buying
Before I buy running shorts, I always check a few things: fit, breathability, moisture control, pocket space, and how the shorts feel during movement. With the Impact Run 5-inch Short 22, I would expect a performance-focused design that supports running, gym sessions, and general active wear. For me, shorts are only worth buying if they stay comfortable through the entire workout and do not require constant adjustment.
Fit and Comfort
Fit matters a lot to me, especially for running. I prefer shorts that sit securely at the waist without feeling tight. The 5-inch length is ideal if I want freedom of movement while still feeling covered. I also pay attention to the inner lining and waistband because those details can make a big difference in comfort during longer runs.
Fabric and Breathability
I always look for fabric that feels light and dries quickly. For active shorts like these, breathability is one of the biggest selling points for me. If the material manages sweat well, I can stay focused on my run instead of feeling weighed down. In my experience, running shorts should feel almost invisible once I start moving.
Storage and Practical Features
I like having small storage options for essentials like keys, a card, or a gel packet. When I consider buying running shorts, I check whether the pockets are secure and useful without bouncing around. If the New Balance Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 includes smart pocket placement, that would make it even more appealing to me for daily training.
Best Use Cases
For me, these shorts would make the most sense for:
- Running and jogging
- Gym workouts
- Walking and light training
- Warm-weather outdoor exercise
- Casual athletic wear
I especially like shorts that can handle more than one activity, because that makes them more valuable in my wardrobe.
What I Would Consider Before Choosing My Size
Sizing is always important to me when buying athletic shorts online. I would check the size chart carefully and compare it with my usual fit in New Balance products if I already own any. If I want a more relaxed feel, I may size up slightly, but if I prefer a secure running fit, I would stick closer to my normal size.
Pros I Would Expect
From a buyer’s perspective, the advantages I would look for include:
- Lightweight feel
- Comfortable 5-inch length
- Good mobility for running
- Breathable performance fabric
- Versatile enough for training and casual wear
Possible Things to Watch For
Even when I like a product, I always think about the trade-offs. For these shorts, I would want to make sure the fit matches my body type and that the pocket design suits my needs. If I carry a lot while running, I might need additional storage options. I also prefer to read reviews about how the waistband and liner feel after repeated use.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22, I would see it as a strong option for anyone who wants comfortable, lightweight running shorts with a practical length. For me, the best buying decision comes down to whether the shorts fit well, feel breathable, and support my movement without distraction. If those boxes are checked, I would feel confident adding them to my workout rotation.
Final Thoughts
I think the New Balance Men’s Impact Run 5-inch Short 22 is a solid choice if you want a lightweight, comfortable 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 bulky or restrictive. If you’re looking for a dependable pair of shorts that can keep up with your workouts, this one is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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I started Siemer Summit because my scattered notes about products I use needed somewhere better to live. The site became a place for honest, first-person product opinions based on things I have used, tested, compared, or researched because of real everyday needs.
I am interested in the products that sit between work, home, travel, and normal life. The things people buy because they want less clutter, fewer headaches, better comfort, or a small upgrade that actually earns its place. I am not here to make every item sound life-changing. Most products are not life-changing. Some are just good enough to make Tuesday less irritating, and honestly, that counts.
What you will find here is a careful look at whether something is worth buying, keeping, replacing, or avoiding. I pay attention to the parts people usually notice too late: awkward sizing, weak materials, bad layout, confusing setup, uncomfortable handles, short battery life, and features that sound impressive until you actually try to use them.
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