REASONS TO BUY
Best waistband comfort
Ultralight
Bonded seams prevent chafe
Fast drying
External drawcord
REASONS TO AVOID
Only two pockets
Premium price
Minimal features
Janji AFO Middle Review
Super comfortable waistband and liner but limited pockets and the price is high
The Capilene Cool is comfortable and versatile enough to wear even when not running.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
By Matthew Richardson ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ July 1, 2026
RELATED: The Best Running Shorts for Men
Our Verdict
The Janji AFO Middle earned the highest waistband comfort score in our testing and matched the top mark for drying speed. The updated perforated knit waistband with an external drawcord sits flat, breathes, and never digs in, even on our longest efforts. At 3.50 ounces, the AFO woven fabric feels barely there, and bonded seams eliminate every potential chafe point. The two-pocket system is the main limitation, with only a back zipper and a liner key pocket. For runners who travel light and prize comfort above all else, the AFO Middle is an outstanding daily runner. See how it compares in our full running shorts review.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Janji AFO Middle | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Men's Running Shorts |  Best for Running in Hot Weather |  Best Budget Shorts | Most Versatile Shorts | |
| Price | $72 List Check REI (on sale!) | $89 List Check Price at REI | $65 List Check REI (on sale!) | $32 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $78 List Check Price at REI |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Super comfortable waistband and liner but limited pockets and the price is high | An ultralight five-pocket runner that carries everything you need without a vest and dries faster than anything else we tested | The most breathable short we tested pairs a runner-specific pocket system with a supportive mesh boxer brief liner for hot-weather performance | A budget-friendly short with three zippered pockets that keep essentials secure without breaking the bank | The softest and most versatile short for runners who want one pair that transitions from the gym to the street without a wardrobe change |
| Rating Categories | Janji AFO Middle | Patagonia Strider Pro | REI Swiftland | Baleaf Athletic | Vuori Kore Short |
| Overall Comfort (50%) | |||||
| Breathability & Moisture Control (30%) | |||||
| Pockets (20%) | |||||
| Specifications | Janji AFO Middle | Patagonia Strider Pro | REI Swiftland | Baleaf Athletic | Vuori Kore Short |
| Best for | Long distance | Long distance | Long distance | Beginner | Versatility |
| Liner Type | Brief | Brief (crepe knit with HeiQ Mint odor control) | Boxer brief (mesh) | Brief (mesh) | Boxer brief |
| Pockets | 1 back zipper + 1 liner key pocket | 4 stretch envelope + 1 back zipper with key loop | 1 back zipper (phone) + 2 waistband stash + 1 key loop | 2 side zipper + 1 back zipper | 2 slash + 1 back |
| Fits a Phone | Yes (back pocket) | Yes (back zipper pocket) | Yes (back zipper pocket) | Yes | Yes |
| Measured Weight (Size Small) | 3.50 oz | 3.40 0z | 3.60 oz | 4.80 oz | 6.50 0z |
| Measured Waistband Width | 14.50 in | 13.50 in | 14.00 in | 13.25 in | 15.00 in |
| Measured Leg Opening (Diameter) | 12.50 in | 11.00 in | 12.25 in | 11.50 in | 10.00 in |
| Dry Time - Blow Dryer | 15 min | 10 min | 15 min | 15 min | 15 min |
| Waistband Drawstring Placement | External | External | Internal | Internal | External |
| Body Material | 88% recycled polyester, 12% elastane (AFO woven) | 90% recycled polyester, 10% spandex (stretch plain weave with DWR) | Recycled nylon/spandex (O2Grid) | 100% polyester | 48% recycled polyester, 42% polyester, 10% elastane |
| Alternate Styles | 7" inseam; Middle Short Ultra (enhanced pockets) | 7" inseam | 5" inseam (brief liner); unlined 7" version | 5" and 7" inseams; multiple colors | 5" inseam; unlined version; Elevate Kore (zipper pockets) |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Janji AFO Middle on a trail with the San Juans behind. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Likes
The first thing we noticed about the Janji AFO Middle is how little we noticed it. The AFO woven fabric at 3.50 ounces has a barely-there quality that spoils you for heavier shorts, and the bonded seams mean zero chafe points anywhere on the shorts. The updated perforated knit waistband is the other highlight: it sits flat against the skin, breathes through the perforations, and the external drawcord keeps the knot away from the pelvis, where it could rub during long efforts. We never had to adjust it mid-run, which is a higher compliment than it might sound. Drying speed is equally impressive, matching the Patagonia DWR-treated options despite a different fabric approach. The brief liner is lightweight and stays in place without fuss.
The perforated knit waistband and external drawcord on the Janji AFO Middle. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Dislikes
The pocket situation holds the AFO Middle back. Two pockets total, a back zipper, and a liner key pocket with a bungee loop aren't enough for runners who want to carry a phone, gels, and keys without having to choose which one gets left behind. At this price point, we expected more storage. The brief liner provides adequate support but less thigh coverage than the boxer brief options in the lineup. The 5-inch inseam is great for performance but less versatile for off-run use. Runners who need to carry essentials will either need to leave something behind or add a belt.
The single rear pocket is the only storage on the AFO Middle. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Should You Buy the Janji AFO Middle?
If waistband comfort, ultralight weight, and fast drying are your top priorities, and you do not need to carry much on your runs, the AFO Middle is one of the best shorts we tested. It came close to our top overall pick and lost ground only on pocket capacity. For runners who use a vest or belt for carry needs, the AFO Middle pairs beautifully. If you need self-contained pocket storage, look to the Strider Pro or Swiftland instead.
What Other Running Shorts Should You Consider?
The Patagonia Strider Pro matches the AFO on comfort and drying speed while adding five pockets that eliminate the need for a belt or vest. The REI Swiftland Shorts offer similar breathability with a more expansive pocket system and a boxer brief liner. If you want the same ultralight ethos in a linerless design, the Patagonia Trailfarer weighs even less and dries even faster.
—Matthew Richardson
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