My commute is 20 mile one way and I have never worn cycling shorts. FWIW, I don't wear them when I run errands locally by bike either. Once in awhile I'll wear them for recreational rides, but I find my rear end gets numb within 20 miles when I wear padded shorts - Never had a problem blistering (saddle sores) or numbness from wearing regular gym shorts on the bike with U/A wicking underwear. To each their own though.