The Best Running Shorts for Women, According to Runners

I’ve been wearing these shorts from Free People because they have a very wide and compressive waistband that makes me feel held-in, meanwhile the leg material is super airy and lightweight. They have built-in briefs for added coverage on windy days and the waistband actually doubles as a stash pocket for storing my keys or a gel.

Schrader has been running for 14 years and says Nike shorts have always been her top choice since they’re incredibly reliable and don’t break the bank. “I primarily wear theNike Pro 365because I prefer tighter shorts and run with a waist pack, so for daily runs, I don’t need any fancy pockets,” says Schrader, who’s ownedseveralpairs of Pro 365s over the years. Schrader adds that these no-fuss shorts would be a solid option for someone new to running, thanks to their low price point. “If you’re not sure what you like (or if you even like running), there’s no sense in buying a $90 pair of shorts that you might end up hating or never wearing again,” Schrader says. “A really simple pair of compression shorts like these is a solid starting point.

NYC-based running coachElizabeth Corkum, also known asCoach Corky, is a fan of these tight-fitting shorts, which are her “go-to for track workouts and racing.” Corkum, who has raced everything from the 5K to the ultramarathon, has a lot of gear in her rotation, but these always put her “in a headspace for speed and racing.” She likes that the compression is snug, so they don’t move around much, which minimizes rubbing orchafingin the groin area.

The classic Nike Tempo Briefs are an excellent under-$50 option if you prefer looser shorts. I’ve been a long-time fan of this style because of the simple elastic waistband and breezy, non-restrictive legs. Though I mainly wear tight compression shorts nowadays, the Tempo Briefs hold a special place in my heart because they were one of the first running shorts I ever owned. Schrader also used to wear them regularly and says they are a durable option that will last you for years.

Strategist senior writer Lauren Ro preferstwo-in-one hybrid running shortsthat combine a compressive inner layer and loose outer layer. When she noticed her favorite ones — theCrossover from Athleta— were discontinued, she went on the hunt to a find a similar replacement and landed on Athleta’s newer Fast Route Hybrid, which she likes even better than her original pair. “The outer layer is extremely light and breezy (though a couple of reviewers complain it’s too plasticky) and looks sportier, more like traditional split-leg shorts,” Ro says.

I was pleasantly surprisedwhen I testedthese shorts from Abercrombie’s line of workout wear, YPB. They have drop-in side pockets under a lightweight shell, and though the thin spandex-y liner lacks silicone grips, I never noticed the shorts riding up during my runs.

Here’s a newer pair of shorts I’ve been testing, which are part of a collaboration with Adidas and Mexico City–based running brandHermanos Koumori. The two-in-one design is supercomfortable and I appreciate that they have a back key pocket with a clip, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally dropping something as important as your house keys while out on a run. Other features I like: the drawcord on the elastic waist and three small stash pockets along the waistband.

These sprinter shorts from Swiss brand On are my go-to for my faster workouts. They have very solid storage capabilities, including two deep drop-in side pockets, a built-in mesh belt (which essentially doubles as a running belt), and a small key loop. The supportive fit and smooth, lightweight fabric makes the compression level feel just right, even on extra-humid days when I’m sweating a lot.

If you opened the drawer where I keep my running shorts, you’d find many versions of Lululemon’s Speed Up Shorts. I’ve worn these shorts for several years because they’re lightweight yet supportive and give my lower half complete range of motion, whether I’m in a full-out sprint or getting in some post-run lifting reps at the gym. They are high-rise and come in two inseam lengths (2.5-inch and 4-inch), so you can choose the length that best suits your preferences. And if that’s not enough, the ventilated construction keeps you cool, while a comfortable built-in liner offers lots of coverage in the hip and butt area.

Another Speed Up short enthusiast isAlison Marie Helms, a certified personal trainer and running coach who swears by the mid-rise style. Helms says the waistband is her favorite feature. “It’s nice and wide and not too tight, so it’s super comfortable and flattering,” she says.

If you’re looking for stretchy shorts with a shorter inseam, these, which have a three-and-a-half-inch inseam, are a good pick. They have a midrise fit, and though they were made for volleyball players, I’ve been wearing them on my daily runs this summer. I’ve found that the flat seams prevent chafing and the short length is nice for extremely humid runs when I don’t want to feel like I’m wearing a ton of material around my hips and thighs but still want some compression.

I ordered these New Balance shorts with a matching sports bra last month, and they’ve become my favorite for my daily runs. The fabric has pin-dot holes for breathability and is slightly stretchy, meaning there’s plenty of give. There’s also built-in underwear and an adjustable drawstring waistband. Two internal drop-in pockets are the ideal size for storing energy gels, and a back zipper pocket keeps my keys or a few cards secure. Even when I’m not going for a run, I find myself reaching for these shorts to lounge around the house or take my dog for a walk.

Schrader also recommends On’s performance short tights, which have a five-inch inseam and “the perfect amount of tightness.” She says they stay in place and don’t ride up, which is impressive considering the inside of the leg openings aren’t lined with sticky bands. Other features she loves: They have several pockets, including two deep side pockets (which held her energy gels during a marathon) and three mesh pockets lining the back of the waistband. “I was very comfortable running in them for five and a half hours on a sunny day in the mid-70s,” Schrader says. “And I also find them to be pretty flattering, which is not always a given with tight compression shorts.”

Another five-inch, high-waist compression option is these Athleta shorts, whichMeredith Corda, a Berlin-based singer-songwriter and former teammate of mine, recommends. Corda loves this style so much she owns three pairs, describing the smooth nylon and lycra fabric as super comfortable. “I have otherbike shortsthat are more performance material, which I wear for races and workouts, but for easy runs, these are my favorite,” Corda says.

“These are not specifically running shorts, so I was surprised by how much I liked them,” Schrader says of this high-waisted style from Fabletics. “They’ve suddenly become a go-to pair for regular easy runs this summer.” While the six-inch length is longer than what she typically wears, Schrader says they don’t feel overly long on her five-two frame, plus there’s no risk of chafing. According to the brand, the fabric is designed to give you all the sculpting benefits of high compression with maximum breathability, though Schrader notes that the material is a bit thicker than normal compression shorts for running. As for storage, one pocket is located at the back waistband, which fits Schrader’s phone.

Emily Pifer, author ofThe Running Bodyand a doctoral candidate at Syracuse University,likes these Lululemon shorts, which are technically designed for yoga but have become her “absolute go-to” throughpregnancyand postpartum running. “I love their buttery-soft, not-too-thin-or-too-thick feel and how their generous stretch has fit my body through its many shifts,” Pifer told me. “Plus, the six-inch length is perfect forchafingprevention.” She wears them for every kind of run but has found them especially great for relaxed long runs. They feature one small yet convenient pocket along the waist, perfect for keys, gel packs, or your phone.

Ro is also a fan of thesetwo-in-one shorts, which are on the longer side but have an inner layer that doesn’t ride up. She describes the outer shell as being stretchy and lightweight, adding that there’s one side pocket on the inner tights layer, a roomy zippered back pocket for her phone, plus a small waistband pocket for her cards.

Retired professional runnerHeather Kampfsuggests these semi-fitted shorts from Oiselle. Kampf, who’s worked atMill City Runningfor over ten years, says she’s sold many pairs of the Roga Short in both the four-inch and six-inch lengths. The moisture-wicking fabric, which Kampf told me lays nicely as your body moves but also stays put, offers stretch and flow. Other standout features include an interior drawcord, built-in liner, and a flat waistband with a zippered back pocket for extra carrying capacity.

Here’s a summer-ready pair made with chlorine- and saltwater-resistant fabric, which is designed by Montreal-based Ciele, the maker of some really greatrunning hatswe’ve written about. I’ve only been testing these swimmable shorts for a short period, but I can already tell they’ll be a solid choice for my summer mileage block since they have the versatility to go from the trail to a post-run swim or cold plunge. Along with the lightweight ripstop material, these have a soft underwear liner and a zippered hip pocket with tiny dotted holes to help with water draining. The ATShort also has reflective trim around the one leg opening for night visibility.

If you’d prefer a compression-style short, look no further than this pair fromGirlfriend Collective, which our newsletter editor Ashley Wolfgang wears for running any distance. “I love how compressive they are, and the legs never ride up like with some running shorts I’ve found,” Wolfgang says. She also likes that pockets on both legs fit everything she needs, including her keys, AirPods, phone, and multiple gels.

Cindy Kuzma, a Chicago-based journalist and co-author ofBreakthrough Women’s RunningandRebound, loves the “gentle compression” of Oiselle’s Pocket Joggers — so much so that she estimates she owns around seven pairs. “I wear them almost all the time, but they’re especially great for long runs when I want to carry a lot of stuff,” Kuzma says. That’s because the side pockets offer enough room for a phone,gels, and even asmall water bottle; meanwhile, a zippered back pocket is perfect for securing her keys. “It all stays in place without being annoying,” she adds. Unlike other compression shorts on this list, the Pocket Joggers are available in three lengths — 5.25 inches, 7 inches, and 8.25 inches — so you can pick an inseam that works for you to helpprevent chafing. Though Oiselle running gear is pricier, Kuzma says these shorts are worth the splurge: “Some of my Pocket Joggers have lasted for years without getting overstretched, faded, or pilled.”

Like my colleague Arielle Avila mentioned in her “Strategist Brain,” I’ve noticed the Danish-brand Planet Nusa popping up more and more, especially since running influencerKate Glavanregularly wears the brand. I tried out the S1 Power Shorts and found that the fabric is soft yet has supportive hold at the waist and around my quads. They hit around mid-thigh on my five-foot-five frame and do a solid job at preventing any rubbing or chaffing. (I’ve also worn them as bike shorts with an oversize crewneck for quick daily errands since the mocha brown is such a nice shade.)

“I’ll probably run my next marathon in these,” Schrader says of Bandit’s Stamina shorts, which she describes as among the most flattering styles she’s tried. Along with their nice-looking fit, these are also highly functional: They have two deep, tight side pockets, which can be loaded with gels or a phone without worrying about anything falling out; plus, there’s a small back pocket that can hold smaller items, and the zip closure adds a nice layer of security. The leg openings have sticky strips to keep the shorts in place, which is why Schrader says they take the cake in the “don’t move at all” category. They also have a tie draw cord, which helps adjust the waistband.

For marathon training, Wolfgang loves these high-rise compression shorts from Bandit, which she says she actually prefers to the style above. “This one has a bunch of gel pockets in the back, which is perfect for storing fuel,” Wolfgang told me. They also don’t have a front seam, providing a more seamless fit and feel. She wore them for the Chicago Marathon last year, so they are tried and true for longer distances.

I had high expectations since these are on the higher end price-wise, and On’s pace shorts didn’t disappoint. These two-in-one shorts have a breathable outer shell and tight-fitting compression liner, which makes them incredibly versatile. I wear them on my weekly easy runs, but I also can’t resist putting them on while lounging around at home because they’re so comfortable. They also have two mesh-lined pockets on the side and extra pouches along the waistband for a variety of storage options.

I also tested Ciele’s first-ever trimmable compression shorts and was really impressed with how thoughtful the design is for all kinds of training. As I mentioned, they are trimmable, so you can cut these to your ideal length if seven inches (their original length) feels too long. The brand even added a few stitch lines for guidance. I love the black daisy chain around the waist: It can hold a shirt or tank I’ve stripped off, my hat, or some gel fuel packets. The drop-in hip pockets are also roomy enough for larger items like my iPhone or a few cards. I would note these are considered more of a half-tight and are pretty snug and compressive. The brand recommends ordering one size up for optimal comfort.