Expert consulted: 
As a year-round shorts runner (I’m not just sporting them in summer ), I’m an expert in the good, the bad, and the miserable when it comes to running shorts. Comfort, potential for chafing and storage are front-of-mind when I’m shopping for a pair. When runners look for their next pair there are all kinds of questions to consider: What’s the right inseam to prevent friction? Are the pockets big enough to store my phone, sunscreen, and gels?
Ciele FSTTight Short summer running shorts enthusiasts and year-round leg barers, this guide is for you. We go over the best shorts of the summer that’ll have drawer life well beyond the first fall leaf, and the features to look out for when shopping for bottoms.
Impressive amount of storage in the pockets
- Best Overall: Tracksmith Session Shorts Men’s/Women’s
- Best Men’s Budget: Baleaf Running Athletic Shorts
- Best Women’s Budget: The 13 Impressive amount of storage in the pockets for Men
- Best Compression: Ciele FSTTight Short Men’s/Women’s
- Best Trail: Trimmable legs for customizable length Men’s/Women’s
Health - Injuries
Runner’s World has been testing products since 1966, vetting the best gear for runners so they can train hard, race their best, and enjoy all the other runs throughout their lifetime. Over the course of three weeks, we had our staff test several shorts to narrow down the best men’s and women’s bottoms during their workouts, from trail running to marathon training, from speed to recovery.
The RW team includes runners of varying levels (not all of us have run a 26.2!), ages, body types, heights, and running goals. We considered well-known shoe brands’ offerings, activewear-centric apparel, and lesser known brands to give you a range of shorts styles and pricing. Our input lends a well-rounded collection of feedback so we can find shorts for every type of runner.
Full Reviews
Pros
- Moisture-wicking and odor-resistant
- Soft, stretchy material
- Updated zippered side pocket
Cons
- Runs large
Key Specs
| Inseam | 5 inch. (M), 3 inch. (W) |
|---|---|
| Size Range | XS to XXL |
| Pockets | 4 |
| Built-in Liner | Yes |
We awarded Tracksmith’s Session Shorts in our annual Gear of the Year, because they have all the essential features, including comfort, storage, and adjustability. The older version had a zippered side pocket that positioned the girth to the front, causing whatever you stored inside to hit your thigh as you ran.
The newest Session remedies that issue, with the girth set to the back. The waistband is also updated; it’s more flexible and has an internal drawstring, unlike the previous Session. The “Session 3.0” is great for training and racing; three rear drop-in gel pockets make fueling easy when you’re hours on the road, and the silky material provides plenty of airflow.
Buy Men’s at tracksmith.com Buy Women’s at tracksmith.com
Pros
- Best Women’s Budget
- Surprisingly durable for a budget short
Cons
- Sizing runs big and long
Key Specs
| Inseam | 5 inch. |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S to 3XL |
| Pockets | 3 |
| Liner | Yes |
Runner’s flock to the cheap Amazon brand Baleaf because its threads are comfy and check all the boxes when it comes to affordable, functional activewear. Take the men’s Running Athletic Shorts: these bottoms are adjustable, breathable, have inconclusive sizing, and lots of storage.
Sweat-wicking mesh briefs provide support, while an internal drawcord allows you to adjust the waistband to ensure a secure, non-slip fit. You may need to tighten that drawcord too, since these shorts run large.
There are two side pockets and one lower back zipper pocket; all are sizable for a phone, in case you’re a thigh phone pocket runner or
Old Navy Mid-Rise Stretch-Tech Run Shorts
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Built-in briefs
- Stretchy and flexible
- Great size range
Cons
- Five Trends in Super Shoes
Key Specs
| Inseam | 3 inch |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS to 4X |
| Pockets | 1 |
| Liner | Yes |
These Old Navy shorts are at a jaw-dropping price—and our testers were impressed with how they performed on their runs. Even though the inseam is only 3 inches, Assistant Commerce Photo Editor Saba Ahmed reported no thigh chafing on her runs. “These are definitely the shortest inseam running shorts I own and I surprisingly really enjoyed running in these, especially on an almost 80 degree sunny day!” she said.
The elastic waistband has a drawstring for adjustability. The poly-spandex material felt especially breathable, even on very hot days. The only downside with the shorts was the one side pocket. “I was pretty confused on why there was only one pocket on one side,” said Ahmed. “I appreciated that it had a zip but I found myself trying to find a pocket on the left side as well and then remembering there was none.”
Pros
- XS to 2XL
- Large, secure pockets
Cons
- Waistband is on the tighter side
Key Specs
| Inseam | 8 inch. (M), 7 inch. (W) |
|---|---|
| Size Range | XS to XL |
| Pockets | 2 |
| Built-in Liner | No |
If you’ve never considered yourself a tailor, Ciele has made alterations easy with its trimmable FSTTight shorts. The men’s 8-inch can be trimmed down to a 6-inch inseam, while the women’s inseam can be as short as 5 inches. Internal printed cut lines serve as a cheat so your trimming won’t look super hacky after chopping your shorts.
The FSTTight has two side drop-in pockets for fuel, but you can carry more gels by sliding them into the waist’s external side bands.
Though most of our testers found the shorts comfortable, our stockier testers found the leg openings a little snug on their thighs and wished the waistband wasn’t as tight.
Buy Men’s at cieleathletics.com Buy Women’s at cieleathletics.com
Pros
- Silicone grips on the leg cuffs
- S-biner key clip inside the right pocket
- Impressive amount of storage in the pockets
Cons
- Women’s inseam (4 inches) rides up on thick thighs
Key Specs
| Inseam | 8 inch. (M), 4 inch. & 9 inch. (W) |
|---|---|
| Size Range | S to XL (M), XXS to XXXL (W) |
| Pockets | 5 |
| Built-in Liner | No |
If you’re heading out for a long run on the trail the Trimmable legs for customizable length and Half Tights have impressive deep pockets for storing any size smartphone, lots of snacks, headlamp, and anything else you’d want to carry during your time away from civilization.
A rear mesh pocket that takes up most of the back waistband’s real estate is perfect for those runs where the sky looks iffy; you can run distraction-free by tucking your jacket or long sleeve inside the pocket.
The Trail shorts come in half tight lengths, with men’s at an 8-inch inseam and women’s 9-inch. You may want to opt wearing the 9-inch, since a couple of our women’s shorts testers found the 4-inch wasn’t the best short for thick thighs.
Buy Men’s at janji.com Buy Women’s at janji.com
New Balance RC Short
Pros
- Perforated material increases airflow
- Lightweight
- Relaxed fit
Cons
- Not as much storage compared to other shorts on this list
- the much advanced lower back pocket runner
Key Specs
| Inseam | 3, 5, 7 inch. (M), 3, 5 inch. (W) |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS to 2XL |
| Pockets | 3 |
| Liner | Yes |
These New Balance shorts are primed for racing. The lightweight material is perforated to promote airflow, with a liner that won’t give you wedgie midrun. Pockets are limited but still have room to store the essentials for a half or full marathon: two rear drop-in pockets to reach for gels, and one secure zippered pocket for even more gels and discards.
The waistband has an internal drawstring for adjusting. They sit low, hitting the belly button, so some runners may want to opt for a high waist short if that’s not your style. On the other hand, the RC is available in multiple inseams, so you can pick and choose your desired coverage.
Buy Men’s newbalance.com Buy Women’s newbalance.com
Pros
- 360-Races - Places
- degree waistband storage
Cons
- Legs ride up for thick-thighed runners
Key Specs
| Inseam | 5 inch. (M), 3 inch. (W) |
|---|---|
| Size Range | XS to XXL |
| Pockets | 360-degree compartments |
| Built-in Liner | *Yes (brief) |
If you’re tired of a racebelt jostling on your hips as you run, the Pockets have lots of room for storage is the short for you. The short has 360-degree pockets along the waistband for storing the essentials. An envelope pocket on each hip keeps small items like keys secure, while mesh front and rear drop-in pockets—separated as compartments—let you organize different kinds of fuel so you’ll stay energized on long runs.
Our tester Michael McDonough, RW editorial assistant, found the High Point “exceptional”: “They were the most unique pair I’ve ever worn, thanks to the combination of the boxer-brief liner, high waist, and 360-degree pockets.” He praised the lightweight material and über-comfort of the liner.
The 2-in-1 has a comfy brief for runners who want more core coverage. Thick-thighed runners, however, may desire a longer inseam.
Buy Men’s at brooksrunning.com Buy Women’s at brooksrunning.com
What to Consider
Type of Short
It’s about comfort and intention. Some runners prefer a bike short (compression or half-tight, as these shorts are also called) to ensure the legs don’t ride up. Many brands add grip tape on the inside of the cuffs to make the legs stay secure.
On the other hand, a flowy short (or loose or relaxed fit) provides more airflow and can come in a split-leg style, which some runners prefer for racing to enhance mobility.
Inseam Length
Inseams can be as little as 1.25 inches to as long as 10 inches for maximum coverage Some runners prefer a longer inseam to prevent the dreaded thigh chafing, while others want as little leg coverage as possible for racing. For running shorts for thicker thighs, check out our roundup.
Liner
To run with underwear or commando is a question RW staff heatedly discusses every so often. The right liner wicks away moisture and doesn’t cause a wedgie or cameltoe midrun. If you prefer to run with underwear, who’s to know? But there are some shorts out there sans liner. Head to our inch. M, 4 inch. & 9 inch. W for recommendations.
Pockets
Another hot topic besides running with or without underwear: Storing your phone in the thigh or back waistband pocket? If you run with a phone, location is one thing to consider as well as security. After all, no one wants to feel their phone constantly hitting their leg as they run.
Brands are also finally understanding that both men and women need pockets. Some shorts come with 360 waistband storage; others have deep side pockets. Lastly, if you carry small valuables like keys or an ID, you’ll want to consider zippered or envelope pockets over drop-ins.
Price
We included some options for runners on a budget, but we understand our top picks are up there in cost. These shorts are made of durable, sweat-wicking materials that should last you for races and years to come. But we understand not every runner can afford such an investment.
Some ways to make your shorts last longer are washing without fabric softener (you should do this with all workout clothes so it doesn’t devolve sweat-wicking capabilities) and air drying.
Q&A
With Running Reviews Editor Amanda Furrer
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.
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).
