The 13 Best Running Shorts for Women, Tested and Reviewed

In 2004, Oiselle set out to create non-poofy running shorts for women. Over a decade later, we have multiple versions of their famous Roga Shorts to choose from—including the Toolbelt. Available in 6-, 4-, and 1.75-inch inseams, this short has a 360-degree pocket system. Mesh drop-in pockets make it easy to reach for gels or chapstick midrun without much digging, while a back zipper pocket is perfect for storing things you’re afraid to lose—earrings, credit cards, that seashell you found on a beach run.

The Roga Stretch poly-spandex material feels light and airy, and an infinity drawcord allows you to easily tighten the waistband. Our tester found the margin between sizing to be big. Amanda Furrer tried a size 4 which was too large around the waist. The size 2 felt a little snug. However, she liked how the shorts rested on her hips and appreciated the flowy leg ventilation and amount of storage the Roga had to offer. Bonus: She got loads of complements on the “wyld flower” pattern.

For a bike short option with even deeper pockets for phone storage, check out Oiselle’s Pockito.

It turns out that Old Navy makes a great basic running short that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, so you can stock up on multiple pairs. Senior Health and Fitness Editor Kristen Wagner tells us that they felt very freeing, and that she didn’t run into any chafing issues. “These are definitely the shortest inseam running shorts I own and I surprisingly really enjoyed running in these,” she says. “On a warm day, my legs felt cool and relaxed due to these having a casual fit compared to half tights. They fit snug and did not fall down at all, even with the weight of the phone.”

The shorts have built-in briefs and a right-side zippered pocket. They’re made from polyester and spandex so they’re stretchy, lightweight, and flexible, too.

We also tried the but its close and the PowerSoft Biker from Old Navy. One of our testers found the Crinkle shorts to be virtually a perfect fit–no chafing, long enough inseam, and a comfortable waistband. The PowerSoft Bikers are compressive, and don’t offer much in terms of stretch, but they stayed put during runs, as did the essentials our tester carried in the two side pockets. We chose to focus on the StretchTech style based on the feedback from our testers.

Our resident tester, expert reviewer, and running pro Amanda Furrer wore these shorts for a recent marathon, and said they worked perfectly for her. “The gels were easy to reach in the back and fit (girth was deep enough so the edges that stuck out didn’t chafe on my back), and the zipper pocket was sizable for used gels,” she says.

The waistband doesn’t have an infinity cord, but it does have an internal drawcord, and there’s a seamless mesh liner, too. These shorts are made with a blend of polyester and spandex, so they dry easily and are very lightweight, which is one of the things Furrer liked most about them. “The fabric is so light. It’s perfect for summer and long runs. Got perforated fabric so you can air out your legs? Check! Got pockets for gels so you can stay energized? Check!”

Our tester didn’t experience any chafing in these shorts, even with a 7-inch inseam. “I usually prefer a 4- to 5-inch inseam so I was pleasantly surprised,” says Donna Raskin, senior health and fitness editor. “The waistband was tight enough with an initial try on, and I felt as though it was going to be too tight. But once I was running, the fit felt perfectly fine and lead to no discomfort even with a long distance run.” There’s also a drawcord on the inside for additional adjustments.

The Pace shorts are moisture-wicking and lightly compressive, with mesh lining and silicone grippers along the hem to keep everything in place. There are two deep side pockets, a back pocket, and a hidden pocket inside the waistband. “I carried a smaller phone (iPhone mini), two gels, and car keys, and felt no extreme droop in the tights slowly falling down because of the weight compared to other shorts I have worn,” Raskin says.

If you need a pair of running shorts that hug you in all the right ways, look to the Essential Compressive Shorts from Branwyn. During testing, Furrer found that they fit her well despite her short height and the 6-inch inseam, and were snug without being too constricting. “The inseam is longer than I’m used to but it didn’t feel like it dwarfed my height (I’m 5 feet and feel like long shorts make me look shorter than I am). The fit is tight but not uncomfortably. It accentuates the body but doesn’t feel like it’s squeezing, and I like the high waistband."

The shorts are composed of merino wool, which is a little thicker than other running shorts we recommend, but these fibers excel at pulling away moisture from the skin so you can stay sweat-free. One thing to note is that these shorts don’t have pockets. If you’re headed out to run a couple miles, we recommend pairing with a sports bra that has pockets for storage.

For runners who want plenty of coverage (and chafing protection) these Baleaf short are our top pick for an affordable and practical go-to. They have a long, 7-inch inseam, and the waistband is 3 inches thick for tummy support.

Along with that abundance of coverage comes lots of pocket space: a zippered pocket on the back of the waistband to house your phone, two side pockets, and a hidden front waistband pocket for a key or gels. These shorts also have a revamped built-in liner for coverage and comfort.

Like the Oiselle Toolbelt Roga, FlipBelt's Air shorts come with all the storage you need for hitting your PR. Rather than being supported by zipper closures, 360-degree drop-in mesh openings along the waistband hold everything you need, hands-free. Our tester, Pavlína Černá, says: “The FlipBelt shorts have an opening that I could slide my belongings in, making it easy to retrieve them midrun if needed. First I was worried if my phone would bounce out when not secured more, but no, the material keeps it tight in place.”

The bottoms are made with polyamide (nylon) and lycra which makes them both flexible and durable. Černá didn't feel like she had to adjust or pull the shorts down in any way. They have flat seams and feel stretchy, while also keeping phones, keys, and cards secure. “Most shorts and pants promising a secure fit (for my body and my belongings) don’t deliver on that promise," Černá says. "The FlipBelt shorts did deliver!"

Whether you’re putting in the miles on a road run or taking on the trail, these shorts are a good fit for either. They have a 4-inch inseam, and the same silicone grips along the hem like other Janji shorts to prevent bunching or rolling. They’re compressive, but not so much that you feel like circulation is being cut off–more like a second skin, according to Furrer.

The pockets are a standout feature for Furrer, too. There are two deep side pockets, and a back pocket with two openings so you can quickly and swiftly grab and store an additional layer. “The pockets are crazy. If you’re out on the trail and need to carry hydration, your phone, and a light jacket, these are the shorts,” she tells us.

Her main complaint is that the shorts could be a little comfier: They’re made with 68-percent nylon. and 32-percent spandex, which offers lots of airiness and stretch. But the fit feels similar to a bathing suit and might become more uncomfortable for some runners on a high-mileage run. Otherwise, these are a win in her book. "I think these are great for trail runners packing lots of gear.”

Comfort meets functionality with the Own the Run compression shorts from Adidas. The blend of polyester and elastane offers stretch and breathability, paired with a tight, high-waisted compressing fit to minimize chafing. There’s a drawcord on the waist, but it’s on the inside of the shorts so you don’t have excess string hanging down and messing with your stride.

“I have done every type of run in these (speed, tempo, easy, marathons) and they have stayed in place with no riding up or falling down,” says Aly Ellis, tester and director of content hype. “I forget that I am wearing them, which is a testament to how comfortable they are.”

There are pockets on both sides that are large enough to fit a cell phone and multiple gels. Plus, there’s a hidden pocket in the back for keeping keys and Chapstick close.

Bandit's Stamina shorts feature an Italian grip tape along the front and back hems to prevent rolling or bunching, and it was a big hit with our tester. “The sticky/grip lining on the inside of the shorts was SO nice and so genius,” she says. “I usually have trouble with spandex shorts riding up, especially on my inner thighs and then sometimes leading to chafing, and that feature stopped it from happening.”

There are two anti-bounce pockets on either side, with waterproof liners in case you’re dripping in sweat or dousing yourself to cool off after a run. The drawstring can be somewhat distracting, but we didn't think it was a dealbreaker.

Relive the early days of “jogging” with these tiny shorts from Tracksmith. The liner is odor-resistant (tested and confirmed), and the split design makes these shorts feel breezy and fast. There’s one rear zip pocket for anything you want more secure like keys and IDs, and three interior drop-in pockets for having energy gels and goos at the ready. They’re finished with an interior liner that's soft to the touch to keep chafing at a minimum.

“It has nice loose, airy pant legs; plenty of pockets (though I saw in some forums asking if the side can hold a phone; I think your phone would be too bouncy in that pocket). I would advise runners to size down. These run big,” Furrer suggests.

You've probably seen these shorts on the road, in the gym, at the farmer’s market, and at school pickup. They’re designed for training, yes, but they're comfortable and stylish, making them a frequent wardrobe staple.

The Wunder Train High-Rise shorts have a waistband that falls right under the belly button, with a wide fit that provides extra coverage. There's an internal drawcord, too, allowing you to the waist how you like it.

In 4- and 6-inch lengths, they feature a hidden pocket for keys and credit cards. The material is the brand’s Everlux fabric for quick-drying, be it sweat or rain, and added Lycra contributes to a stretchy yet supportive form.

For less than $30, Soothfeel's 2-in-1 running shorts are an excellent value. They don’t skimp on features, including a compression liner, a side pocket that’s phone-friendly, and a zippered pocket for keys and energy gels. The shorts come in a variety of colors and have a 3-inch inseam with a split-short design. The wide waistband provides added coverage.