Bought a few $10 pairs of gym shorts from a big box store, probably an 8" inseam. I wear boxer brief style compression undies when I run, so netting and how they feel on my skin isn’t really an issue. They have side pockets that are fine for carrying my key fob, which is the only thing I really need for most runs. On runs they seem completely adequate. What am I missing by not wearing more expensive or nicer shorts purpose made for running? Is it one of those things where if I try something nicer I won’t be able to go back?
You’re not missing much. You can get much, much cheaper versions of 2xu and the like from stores that perform as good or better than 2xu. They last about the same.
Also you can get execllent imitations of most big brands from ali for a fraction of the price (injinji being an example).