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Browse all Ten Thousand shorts →Foundation Short | 7-inch
The verdict
Fit
Seven-inch inseam is versatile—gym and post-gym casual. Foundation is a simpler cut than their more technical shorts: less aggressively tapered, more forgiving waistband. Still modern, just less arch-supportive in the fit.
Quality
Foundation shares Ten Thousand's seam quality but likely uses simpler fabric blends than their premium core shorts. Durability is solid; you're just trading some technical detail for accessibility.
Is the price fair?
Good value as an entry point. At 88 USD, you get Ten Thousand's fit philosophy without paying for compression or advanced fabric tech.
Best for
A gym-goer or casual athlete trying Ten Thousand for the first time, or someone who likes a less aggressive fit from the brand.
Care
Standard technical-short care; cold water, air dry.
What owners report about Ten Thousand shorts
Owners report the line holds up unusually well under hard gym use — one long-term tester's pair was "still kicking after three years of hard training" — and the waistband draws consistent praise for staying put without rolling or sagging. Reviewers describe the cut as slimmer than a typical athletic short, and heavier-built owners report snugness through the thighs. The most repeated complaints are the optional compression liner losing its grip and shifting mid-workout, drawstrings migrating in the washing machine, and hit-or-miss customer service.
- Strengths
- Long-term durability under lifting and high-intensity training, with a waistband reviewers single out for staying in place.
- Watch out for
- The built-in compression liner is what reviewers flag first — it can lose compression and twist mid-workout — and owners report slow, inconsistent customer service when something goes wrong.
- Sizing
- Reviewers call the fit true to size but slimmer than a standard athletic short; some owners report pairs coming up big, so check the size chart rather than sizing up by default.
About Ten Thousand's shorts line as a whole. Sources: Ten Thousand Interval Short Review (Real Testing) · Ten Thousand Review: I Tried Their Shorts and Shirts · Ten Thousand Shorts Review - Must Read This Before Buying