As a year-round shorts runner, 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?
For all my hot summer runners and year-round leg barers, this guide is for you. We go over the best shorts that’ll have drawer life well beyond the first fall leaf, plenty of race-day storage for all the gels and gummies, and other features to look out for when shopping for bottoms.
Quick Glance: Best Running Shorts Preview
- Best Overall: Tracksmith Session Shorts (Men’s/Women’s)
- Best Value: New Balance RC Essential Short (Men’s/Women’s)
- Best Men’s Budget: Baleaf Running Athletic Shorts
- Best Women’s Budget: Old Navy Mid-Rise Stretch-Tech Run Shorts
- Best 2-in-1: Janji M’s Multi Short 2-in-1
- Best Anti-Sweat Mark Shorts: Bandit Men’s Vanisher Half Tights
- Best Racing Shorts: lululemon Women’s Hotty Hot High-Rise
How We Selected
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) |
| Sizes | XS to XXL |
| Pockets | 2 |
| 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.
Shop Men’s at tracksmith.com | Shop Women’s at tracksmith.com
New Balance RC Essential Short 3”
Pros
- Easy-access storage with lots of compartments along the waistband
- Not too baggy
- Room for storage
- Low waist
Cons
- Short inseam not good for those prone to thigh-rubbing
| Inseam | 5 inch. (M), 3 inch. (W) |
| Sizes | XS to 2XL |
| Pockets | 5 |
| Liner | Yes |
The RC Essential 3” is a short made for racing—at a Best Value price. The amount of storage alone makes the RC Essential a winner; individual compartments along the waistband make separating your gels easier (no more caf or no-caf surprises midrun). The four drop-in compartments are complete with a zippered rear pocket for storing discards (though the pocket is large enough to store a phone, doing so results in jostling).
I tested the short and loved the short inseam and split-leg design. The lightweight, quick-drying fabric alone makes these shorts not a distraction, but I can’t help thinking the lack of fabric on my thighs makes me stride better—and faster.
Shop Men’s at newbalance.com | Shop Women’s at newbalance.com
Pros
- Pockets have lots of room for storage
- 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 |
Runners 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 inclusive sizing, lots of storage, and just feel dang comfy.
“The shorts performed very well,” said a tester. “My first time wearing these was at a local 5K in August, and the shorts did not hold me back in any way. The drawstring made the shorts nice and secure. I carried only my keys in the zipper pocket on the back, and there were no issues there either. I continued running in them on various types of runs following the race and it was more of the same. Great performance and very comfortable.”
Sweat-wicking mesh briefs provide support, while an internal drawcord allows you to adjust the waistband to ensure a secure, nonslip fit. You may need to tighten that drawcord too, since these shorts run large. They also run quite long; if you usually wear a 30-inch inseam or shorter in pants, these are not the shorts for you.
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 the more advanced lower back pocket runner.
Old Navy Mid-Rise Stretch-Tech Run Shorts
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Built-in briefs
- Stretchy and flexible
- Great size range
Cons
- Only one pocket
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. They also dry extremely quickly. These are Senior Gear Editor Cat Bowen’s shorts of choice to wear on rainy summer days. The only downside with the shorts was the one side pocket. “I was pretty confused about 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
- Waistband pockets and leg pockets provide lots of storage
- Lightweight material
- Comes with carabiner to attach keys
Cons
- Liner seam caused chafing for some
Key Specs
| Inseam | 5 (not 2-in-1), 7 inch. |
| Sizes | XS to XXL |
| Pockets | 7 |
| Liner | Yes |
The 2-in-1 short is a divisive topic (like wearing underwear under your shorts), but tester and RW Editor Matt Rudisill said these shorts by Janji felt like running in half tights.
“The tights portion fit very well,” he said. “Not constricting and not loose. They found that perfect middle ground where they’re snug but they didn’t cause any issues (no chafing, sliding around, etc.). The pocket situation was fantastic.”
The Multi Short could very well be our Best for Storage short, as well. The waistband has five compartments for all the gels, gummies, and Sour Patch Kids you crave on your runs. The legs have snug side pockets to store your phone.
Rudisill was delighted to find one of the waistband pockets had an attached S-Biner MicroLock carabiner inside to stash your keys.
For Your Consideration: Ladies, if you want a 2-in-1 yourselves, we also tested the Ciele DLYShort 4” Long Brief 2, which changed Editor Ashley Tysiac’s mind about 2-in-1 shorts.
“Not only were they comfortable for any workout duration or speed, but I never had to worry about discomfort or chafing,” she said. “In a way, they gave me peace of mind. I could throw them on, and knew that they would feel great and perform well, no matter the workout, distance, or pace.”
Bandit Men’s Vanisher Half Tights
Bandit Men’s Vanisher Half Tights
Pros
- Don’t show sweat marks
- Waterproof pockets
- Several gel and phone pockets
- Gripper hemming
Cons
- Retains sweat
- Runs low on stock fast
| Inseam | 8 inch. |
| Sizes | XS to XL |
| Pockets | 7 |
| Liner | Yes |
Have you fallen victim to the dreaded crotch sweat mark postrun? Enter the Bandit Vanisher collection, which promises threads that don’t show sweat.
Both the men’s and women’s shorts have seven waterproof pockets so your phone won’t become sweat-logged, because even though these shorts don’t show marks, they still retain moisture. The cuffs also have silicone grippers so the legs won’t slide up.
“The apparel does exactly as it promises: it makes sweat vanish,” Features Senior Editor Pavlína Černá wrote in her review. “I ran 9 miles in 80-degree heat one weekend and 10 miles the weekend after, and while my skin was glistening, there was not a single sweat mark on my outfit.”
Editor’s Note: The Women’s Vanisher 5” High Waist Compression Shorts ($98) are currently low in stock. We will update when all sizes are available.
lululemon Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short 4”
lululemon Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short 4”
Pros
- Available in a short-short inseam and 4 inch.
- Reflective detail
- Comfy, flat high waistband
- Infinity drawcord for adjusting
- Lots of colors
Cons
- Low waist for long torsos
- Only available in two inseams
- Small pockets
Key Specs
| Inseam | 2.5, 4 inch. |
| Sizes | 0 to 14 |
| Pockets | 2 |
| Liner | Yes |
The Hotty Hot High-Rise is a classic flow short that we love for all kinds of workouts—especially fast ones. The cut is so flattering with mesh panels on the sides and reflective detail in case you’re an early riser or dusk dancer.
We wish there was more room for storage, but the liner stash pocket and zippered pocket on the side provide just enough room to stash keys and a card.
The flat, high waistband has an interior infinity cord for adjusting.
For men, we like the Pace Breaker Lined Short, which comes in five-, seven-, and nine-inch inseams. The short is updated for a comfier fit around the waist and low-bounce hand pockets.
Smartwool Active Lined Short
Smartwool Active Lined Short
Pros
- Legs and waistband stay put
- Breathable liner
- Room for storage
Cons
- Limited sizes and colors
Key Specs
| Inseam | 7 inch. (M), 4 inch. (W) |
| Sizes | S to XXL (M), XS to XL (W) |
| Pockets | 2 |
| Liner | Yes |
The airy Smartwool Active Lined achieves a miracle you rarely see in short-seamed, flowy shorts: it doesn’t cause chafing. Senior Gear Editor Cat Bowen praised the shorts for their ample storage room, breathable liner, and ability to stay put as she runs.
Bowen reported no bunching or riding up of the leg openings. An added bonus: the shorts launder well without falling apart. And even though you should wash your shorts after a sweaty session (read: bacteria), the liner is efficient at wicking moisture and not gathering odor—so only you know you’re late on laundry day.
Shop Men’s at smartwool.com | Shop Women’s at smartwool.com
Smartwool Active Lined Short Review
Tracksmith Twilight Half Tights
Pros
- Three pockets with lots of storage space
- Soft, ribbed material
- Long, fitted legs don’t ride up
Cons
- Thick liner that’s visible through fabric
- Fabric is thick for humid runs
Key Specs
| Inseam | 8 inch. (M), 5 inch. (W) |
| Sizes | XS to XXL (M), XS to XL (W) |
| Pockets | 3 |
| Liner | Yes |
While testing the Twilight Short Tights, I honestly couldn’t stop brushing the palms of my hands against my thighs. The textured fabric, a nylon/elastane blend, is ultrasoft.
I wore the shorts during my marathon training and appreciated the storage they provided for fuel and my phone.
Editorial Assistant Michael McDonough was surprised at the Twilight’s generous storage space despite having only three pockets when he tested the men’s version, the Twilight Half Tights.
“Though it may not seem like it at first glance, the Tracksmith Half Tights have great storage capacity,” he said. “Their three pockets (two drop-in side pockets and a rear zippered pocket) look skinny—very skinny. The side pockets are just over 2.5 inches wide, and the rear pocket runs just over 3.5 inches at its max depth. But the secret to the pockets is their stretch. My phone is more than three inches wide, but it was still able to fit in the side pocket.”
Shop Men’s at tracksmith.com | Shop Women’s at tracksmith.com
Tracksmith Twilight Half Tights Review
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 or 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.
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 camel toe midrun. If you prefer to run with underwear, who’s to know? But there are some shorts out there sans liner.
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 degrade sweat-wicking capabilities) and air drying.
Q&A
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.
