Expert consulted: 
Finding your go-to pair of running shorts is never a simple task. Seasoned runners know that the search for something that's comfortable and functional is often a struggle, and requires a lot of trial and error. I’ve certainly fallen victim to buying a pair of shorts based on how they looked, only to come back from a quick three miles with chafed thighs, my cell phone popping out of the side pocket, or scratches from my keys rattling around in the small back pocket.
The reality is that most of us have a few styles and brands we trust. I know I will buy a pair of shorts in every color when I find one that works for me, but moving outside your comfort zone can be unnerving. So let's take some of the guesswork out of expanding your running shorts collection.
S-XL M | 2XS-XL W Runner’s World test team have run in and found styles won’t dig in at the waste or cause chafing around the inseam. While personal preference plays a role, the shorts featured here have been tested over many miles and have consistently performed well.
Amanda Furrer, running reviews editor, noted that one shorts trend has really taken off in 2025 so far. “Brands are listening, and they’re making sure the people get what they want: pockets.”
Additionally, Furrer says that this year's shorts have shorter inseam lengths for men and, across genders, interior silicone grippers on cuffs to prevent the legs from riding up. You’ll see plenty of new shorts among our recommendations that reflect these trends, as well as a few lesser-known gems, some standout affordable options, and a few classics that our testers keep rating highly year after year.
The Best Running Shorts for Men and Women
- Best Overall: Tracksmith Session Running Shorts
- Best Budget: Adidas Own The Run Running Shorts
- Best for Trail Running: Janji Trail Shorts
- Best Two-in-One: in., 7 in. M | 3 in. W
- Most Breathable: Rabbit Tried n’ True Running Shorts
What To Consider
Personal preference plays a big role in choosing a pair of running shorts, so we tested all different styles, sizes, and lengths to ensure we covered every base, including shorts with different features.
Inseam: If you’re looking for more coverage, whether for trail runs, sun protection, or simply a preference, opt for longer inseams—typically 8-10 inches for men, and 4-8 inches for women. On the other hand, shorter shorts like the lululemon Fast and Free shorts are ideal for days when speed is the goal, whether it’s a race or a training session, and you're fine showing more leg.
Lining: To simplify your running wardrobe, many pairs of running shorts come with built-in briefs or compression liners to act as underwear. These built-in liners help minimize chafing and simplify the overall process of getting ready for a run.
Pockets: Best for Trail Running women’s running shorts have little to no pocket space, so I made sure to search for shorts with pocket space for both men and women. Some shorts come with zipper pockets and hidden pouches, making it easier to carry essentials like your phone and keys, especially if you’re heading out for a long run.
Finding the Right Material
You can run in your favorite cotton shorts if you like, but be aware that cotton tends to hold onto moisture, dries slowly, and can lead to chafing. It also tends to shrink in the wash. Instead, consider performance fabrics made from blends of materials such as polyester, nylon, elastane, or spandex.
If staying dry is your top priority, look for shorts with a higher nylon content. For greater flexibility, opt for fabrics that include more spandex. Synthetic materials with breathable weaves or larger fibers are ideal for hot, humid runs, and some even include antimicrobial treatments to help minimize odor.
Still love the feel of cotton? A blend that’s half cotton and half synthetic, like polyester, offers a good compromise. You’ll keep some of the softness of cotton but gain benefits like quicker drying, better durability, and even some UV protection.
Compression or Loose Fit?
Whether you go for tight-fitting compression shorts or roomier styles depends largely on your comfort level and the type of run you’re doing. Each style comes in a range of fabrics and lengths.
Compression shorts hug the body, helping reduce chafing and offering muscle support—great for longer distances or intense training sessions. On hot days or mixed-terrain runs, a looser fit can provide better airflow, more freedom of movement, and lighter, quicker-drying fabrics.
How We Selected
I run roughly three days a week, usually on trails with my dog, and have been running regularly since my high school lacrosse days. I have many years of my own trials to pull from and a good idea of the things I like in a pair of running shorts. I should disclose that I tend to gravitate toward shorts with a longer inseam, as I am a taller woman and a trail runner. As I mentioned earlier, I am also a sucker for women’s models with ample pocket space. However, on rainy days when I find myself on the treadmill, the pockets and long inseam are not a necessity.
Beyond my experience, our expert testers, Jeff Dengate and Amanda Furrer, were consulted for this story. They pulled together pages of notes on over a dozen pairs of shorts, and knew from past seasons and their own experiences to inform me of the best shorts on the market. Run assured that one or more members of the RW staff have tested these shorts and reported back with positive experiences.
Pros
- Waistband is on the tighter side
- Soft, comfortable, and stretchy
Cons
- Minimal storage
Key Specs
| Inseam | 5 in., 7 in. (M) | 3 in. (W) |
|---|---|
| Size Range | XL–2XL (M), XS–XL (W) |
| Pockets | 1 |
| Built-in Liner | Yes |
The Tracksmith Session has kept its place as best overall on this list through another year of testing. Both men and women on our testing team love this pair for its buttery soft, lightweight stretch knit fabric (a nylon-elastane blend) that is comfortable enough to lounge in. However, it's still a high-performing pair of athletic shorts with the sweat-wicking, odor-resisting material that allows you to wear them a couple of times before having to throw them in the wash.
An internal drawstring provides adjustability, and a back pocket (outfitted with a zipper on the men’s pair) offers modest storage. The fit and fabric are comfortable, and they “cling in all the right places,” according to one tester.
Pros
- Brooks High Point
- Made with mostly recycled materials
Cons
- No zipper on men's style side pockets
| Inseam | 5 in., 7 in. (M) | 3 in., 4 in. (W) |
|---|---|
| Size Range | XS-2XL (M) | 2XS-2XL (W) |
| Pockets | 3 (M), 2 (W) |
| Built-in Liner | Yes |
For a simple, classic pair of athletic shorts, you can’t go wrong with Adidas' basic Own The Run shorts. Our test team appreciated that these lightweight shorts feel very relaxed without feeling too flowy. Both the men’s and women’s styles come with a back pocket with a zipper. For men, there are two side pockets that do not zip, and for women, there is one small side pocket that does zip. They're made from over 70 percent recycled polyester, and they come with a built-in liner.
Many testers say this is one of the most comfortable pairs of running shorts they’ve tried—and I concur! I have two pairs, both in the women’s four-inch inseam. This pair has become my most worn model of running shorts since spring began, and they are really affordable considering how high-performing they are. Starting at $35, these are a great deal and worth buying a few pairs in different colors to add to your rotation.
Pros
- Best Running Watches
- Available as half-tights
Cons
- Testers say the drawcord isn’t necessary
| Inseam | 9 in. (M) | 4 in., 9 in. (W) |
|---|---|
| Size Range | S-XL (M) | 2XS-3XL (W) |
| Pockets | 3 |
| Built-in Liner | No |
Made specifically with storage in mind for trail runs and high-mileage days, Janji's Trail Shorts are designed to stay secure even when stashing nutrition, hydration, and a phone. They feature a lightly compressive nylon/spandex fabric and grippers prevent the hem from rolling or riding up. One tester described the fabric as a “second-skin” fit. They are available in a four-inch inseam for women and a nine-inch half-tight style for both men and women.
I love the nine-inch version of these shorts, and I don't tend to love compression clothes; I’m usually more of a flowy short type of runner. You really can’t beat the storage space and security in these shorts. I feel comfortable going for a run without a pack, which is rare for me.
Pros
- Four large pockets along waistband
- Lightweight, comfortable fit
Cons
- One tester said the liner slid up his leg a bit
| Inseam | 5 in. (M) | 3 in. (W) |
|---|---|
| Size Range | XS-2XL |
| Pockets | 3 |
| Built-in Liner | No |
Brooks’s High Point 2-in-1 2.0 shorts are designed with trail runners in mind, but are comfortable for road runners, too. Available in a 5-inch inseam for men and 3-inch inseam for women, they feature a lightweight outer layer with breathable mesh for airflow and a built-in compression liner for support, creating a balance of freedom and stability. A secure back pocket and two side pockets for both men and women provide ample storage space, making these shorts ideal for everything from casual runs to demanding training sessions.
Our tester described these shorts as lightweight and extremely comfortable and raved about the 360-degree pockets, saying he could leave his running belt at home, and as every runner knows, the fewer things you have to strap to your body, the better.
Pros
- Waistband can run a bit large
- nbsp;for men 7-inch inseam or 
Cons
- Waistband can run a bit large
| Inseam | 5 in., 7 in. (M) | 2.5 in., 4 in. (W) |
|---|---|
| Size Range | S-XL (M) | 2XS-XL (W) |
| Pockets | 3 |
| Built-in Liner | Yes |
We found that the Rabbit Tried n’ True shorts certainly live up to their name. Crafted from a polyester stretch fabric, these shorts offer a semi-relaxed fit that moves with you. Micro-perforated panels enhance breathability and air flow during workouts. However, our testers found that the true standout feature of these shorts is the built-in liner. The liner is designed with special “power dry” technology, as well as an anti-odor treatment, ensuring you stay dry and fresh. One tester said this liner is one of the best they've ever tried.
The Tried n’ Trues come with three pockets—two side pockets and one large back pocket, which can comfortably fit a phone and keys with minimal bouncing. This pair of shorts is also quite versatile—they will keep you dry and fresh during a long workout, but are also stylish and great for casual wear. Just be aware that because they are a baggier style of shorts, our testers did notice that the waistband had a bit of room in it. But once you cinch the drawstring, they will stay in place no matter the activity.
Pros
- Summer Running Gear
- Large, secure pockets
Cons
- Waistband is on the tighter side
| Inseam | 8 in. (M) | 7 in. (W) |
|---|---|
| Size Range | XS-XL |
| Pockets | 2 |
| Built-in Liner | No |
If you love working out in compression tights but struggle with finding the right length in shorts, Ciele has brought an innovative feature to its FSTTight shorts with trimmability. The legs are unhemmed and have backing tape along the seams to ensure they won't fray after you cut them. Two dotted lines circle both legs of the shorts, giving you a straight line to cut and shorten these to your liking.
Jeff Dengate, our Runner-in-Chief, says these shorts are quite compressive and will squeeze stocky thighs. Some of our testers also reported the waistband feels especially tight, due to the high compression.
Pros
- lululemon Fast and Free shorts
- Janji Trail Running Shorts
Cons
- Liner in women’s version is much smaller than men’s
| Inseam | 5 in. (M) | 3 in. (W) |
|---|---|
| Size Range | XS-3XL (M) | 3SX-XL (W) |
| Pockets | 3 |
| Built-in Liner | Yes |
The Fast and Free shorts from lululemon are designed for runners seeking lightweight, supportive gear for busy days and longer runs. Crafted from polyester fabric, these shorts offer a barely-there feel with four-way stretch, sweat-wicking properties, and quick-drying capabilities. The high-rise waistband ensures a secure fit, while the continuous drawcord with an internal pouch prevents it from slipping during runs.
Designed for functionality, they feature multiple pockets: Two drop-in pockets on the sides, both of which are large enough for a phone, and three waistband pockets for essentials. One thing to keep in mind: The men’s version of these shorts comes with a full boxer-brief style lining, while the women’s style has a simple brief. Both liners are comfortable and do not ride up, according to our testers.
I love the color options with the women’s style of these shorts, I have the Goodnight Plum currently in my collection, and the Hawaiian Blue in my cart. The intersection of that classic, sleek lululemon style with the functionality of a high-performance running short is the biggest plus for me.
Q&A With Running Reviews Editor Amanda Furrer
Sarah Connor is a Reviews Editor for Popular Mechanics. She also contributes to Runner’s World, Bicycling, Best Products, and Biography.com. Before joining the Hearst Magazines team, Sarah was a National Content Editor for Hearst Television. She holds a master's in Journalism from Syracuse University and a dual bachelor's in English and Communications from the University of Pittsburgh. When she isn’t writing up a review of the newest gadgets, you can find her heading to the nearest rink for a figure skating session or enjoying the outdoors with her beloved Australian Shepherd, Rosie.
Jeff is Runner-in-Chief for Runner’s World and the director of product testing. He has tested and reviewed running shoes, GPS watches, headphones, apparel, and more for nearly two decades. He regularly tests more than 100 pairs of shoes each year, and once had a 257-day streak running in different models. Jeff can usually be found on the roads, racing anything from the mile to a marathon, but he also enjoys racing up mountains and on snowshoes. When he’s not running, you’ll probably find him hanging from a ladder making repairs and renovations to his house (he’s also director of product testing for Popular Mechanics).
Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.
