Nike Tempo Review

Overall Comfort

At its core, the Tempo is about ease. From its price to its wear, it is as simple as can be.

The fit is secure without feeling restrictive, and once you start moving, they don't require much adjusting, which is exactly what you want on a run. The elastic waistband sits comfortably without digging in, and the built-in brief liner adds a light layer of support that helps reduce friction over longer efforts. We recommend sizing up one size for complete comfort. Since the polyester body isn't super stretchy, we found that a bit of extra space is a bit more comfortable across the hips.

Most budget-friendly running shorts are made of stiffer fabrics, which can feel less comfortable than the premium options. While we do find this to be somewhat true with the Tempo, it rides better than the other budget shorts we tested. The cut and overall shape lend themselves to running and excessive leg movement, which is appreciated for fitness endeavors.

Pockets

Storage in the Tempo is intentionally minimal, which is both a strength and a limitation depending on how you run.

The small internal pocket is primarily designed for a key or a single gel, and it does its job reliably without bouncing or shifting. For runners who keep things simple, phone in hand and nothing else to carry, it's usually enough.

Where the limitations show up is in real-world use beyond short, uncomplicated runs. If you like to carry your phone, multiple gels, or any sort of layered nutrition or small essentials, you'll quickly find yourself improvising by safety-pinning your nutrition to the waistband of the shorts - not ideal. There's no true dedicated phone pocket, no structured side storage, and no expandable capacity. This keeps the shorts light and streamlined, but it also means they're not built for runners who need to carry more than the bare minimum. In practice, the Tempo favors simplicity over utility, which can feel refreshing on some days and restrictive on others.

Breathability & Moisture Control

The Tempo handles heat and sweat surprisingly well for a budget-friendly running short. The lightweight Dri-FIT fabric is designed to pull moisture away from the body, and the mesh side panels add an extra layer of ventilation, especially noticeable in warm weather or higher-effort sessions.

When you're running in heat or humidity, that airflow helps prevent the heavy, sticky feeling that can slow you down mentally as much as physically. They're not “high-tech cooling” shorts in the modern sense. They don't actively feel cold or ultra-dry—but they strike a dependable balance between comfort and practicality. For most runners, especially those doing road miles or gym-to-road transitions, staying consistently comfortable is effortless.

Should You Buy the Nike Tempo?

The Tempo's real strength is its accessibility. It's widely available, consistently affordable, and easy to recommend to new runners. It's not flashy and doesn't try to reinvent anything, but it delivers the essentials in a user-friendly way. At its price point, it's a swinging deal, so if that is what you're looking for, you've found it. Other running shorts perform better in our metrics and over time, but none of them are available for as little cash.

What Other Running Shorts Should You Consider?

Runners who want a more updated, do-it-all running short should look into the REI Swiftland 2-in-1. The 2-in-1 provides great storage solutions, durability, and breathability that can hold up as your training intensifies. The Oiselle Roga offers a similar shape with a far softer, more luxurious feel. Of course, the Roga is significantly more costly, but it can fulfill needs beyond the early days of running. If you want an all-around adventure short for runs, hikes, and everything else life entails, the linerless and fresh feeling Patagonia Trailfarer is a great short to consider. The Under Armour Fly By and The Gym People High Waisted Running Shorts are two other budget options that offer legitimate running strength but don't hold up to the legend of the Tempo or the technical specs of the more expensive options.