Pete Macfarlane keeps pulling the Runderwear Running Long Boxers on before hill days. Here’s why.

I’ve often used athletic brands’ slim fit baselayers and shorts over the years and I’m very used to long legged padded bike shorts, so these Runderwear Running Long Boxer very long-legged boxers felt very familiar.

Peter Macfarlane’s Best in Test

I keep pulling the Runderwear’s on because of the comfort.
Pros
  • excellent fit and comfort
  • long legs
Cons
  • no fly
Quick specs
Price: $32 / £25 (available from Runderwear)
Weight: 86g, size large
Materials: 92% recycled polyester, 8% recycled elastane
Features: zoned fabric, ribbed elastic waist and legs, silicon leg grips
Sizes: S – XL
Men’s version? yes
runderwear.co.uk

The fit is close, but not tight as in compression base layers. This close fit means that the Boxers slip easily into any trousers I’ve tried with them and I’ve had no discomfort issues at all. There is a little light bobbling at the hips from my initial days out with these, but it hasn’t progressed or worsened in the following months even with continued use under the same trousers.

The fabric is a recycled synthetic mix which wicks sweat well and dries very quickly. Over extended use between washes, odour has been minimal which makes them a good choice for camping trips where quick drying is a bonus. The fabric is zoned to promote rapid moisture management under and around the crotch where some additional zoning at the front allows for extra stretch for form fitting support. The minimal seams are flat and the self-fabric waistband and leg cuffs are soft and reliably keep their shape.

The long leg cuffs have a bead of silicone around the outside of your thigh to help grip the shorts onto your legs. I’ve had no issue with hair pulling from these and the legs don’t ride up. In the past I’ve had chaffing on very long days and long-legged underwear does help in eliminating that issue. It is a perhaps more sports-oriented feature than us walkers might be used to, but if it works it’s worth using.

There is no fly and the waist band sits at an average height so when I’ve got to go, there is more faff involved. Despite that, I keep pulling the Runderwear’s on because of the comfort.

Testing conditions

Peter has a waist that sits around an average size large and has a fairly regular build. He wore the underwear with a variety of outdoor trousers and fabrics including relaxed fit non-stretch, stretch softshell and closer fit multisport leggings as well as regular casual use with jeans and other trousers. They’ve been tested across the seasons and on tracks, trails and bigger hill days on the Munros.

This review was first published in the June 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors.