Shorts can be the most finicky article of clothing, which is not a compliment. They ride up and slip down. They can be too short or too long. I am not putting it up there with the quest to find the perfect pair of jeans or swimsuit, but it might be third. When it comes to the best running shorts, you must wear the right pair to ensure that you stay focused on your miles.

It can be hard to determine which short is right for your body and style. The good news is that some of the best activewear brands have stepped up their game, offering shorts with technical fabrics, along with a range of inseams and waist heights. And just like the best running shoes, it’s important to figure out the right one that fits you and makes you feel comfortable. Here is a breakdown of your options.

Shop Shoes

On's Most Stylish Sneaker Yet Arrives With Second FP Movement Collaboration -- Shop Here

Fashion Features

From the Archive: Tennis GOATs Who Defined Original Center Court Style

What to Look for in Running Shorts

Fit

Top Women’s Running Shorts of 2022

Best Shorts with Phone Pocket: Brooks Running Method 8″ Short Tight
Best High-Rise Shorts: Lululemon Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short
Best to Prevent Chafing: Fabletics Breathe Run Short
Best for Hot Weather: Adidas Run Fast Flower Running Shorts
Best for Thick Thighs: Athleta Mesh Racer Run Short 4″
Most Lightweight Shorts: Bandier All Access Stretch Lite Run Short
Most Eco-Friendly Shorts: Alwrld Alrn Featherweight Short
Best Trail Running Shorts: Eddie Bauer Cove Trail Shorts
Best Shorter Length Shorts: Free People FP Movement The Way Home Shine Shorts
Best Bike-Style Shorts: Terez TLC Bike Shorts
Best Mid-Rise Shorts: Vuori Clementine Short
Best Shorts That Won’t Ride Up: On Running Shorts
Best for Long Runs: Tracksmith Van Cortlandt Shorts
Best 2-in-1 Shorts: Nathan Front Runner Shorts
Best Seamless Shorts: Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 Shorts

Sign up for WWD’S The Essentialist newsletter to get the scoop on the best in beauty and style with in-depth reviews of exciting new releases and buyer’s guides to find the products you need to try ASAP.

Brooks Running Method 8″ Short Tight

Best Running Shorts with Phone Pocket

Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: Available in jamberry, navy, bluetiful, black, and violet dash

Our phone has become another appendage — it needs to be with us 24/7. When you are on a long run, your phone is the source of your tunes, favorite podcast, and even a safety precaution. With an 8” inseam, the Brooks Running Method Short Tight has more of a bike look, made from Breathable DriLayer® fabric for a dry, smooth, and supportive fit. But what makes this one a must-have running short are the storage options, with a pocket on each thigh and one on the back waistband. No matter if you like to run with more weight on your back or flat against your legs, you have the choice and room to bring along more essentials.

Brooks running short

Brooks Running Method 8 $58 Buy Now

Lululemon Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short

Best High-Waisted Running Shorts for Women

Sizes: 0-22, with 2.5” or 4” inseam
Colors: 11 color options, including black
Special features: Secret stash pocket

Our expert trainer, Whittaker, loves this style, and we can see why. The Hotty Hot shorts don’t just have a fun name — they are designed specifically for runners. The high-rise elastic waistband look will be comfortable, secure, and also has an internal drawstring to make it even tighter. Whittaker’s favorite features are the shorter lengths and flowy and swift fabric, while we appreciate the inner liner and the bold color range.

Lululemon running shorts

Lululemon Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short $68 Buy Now

Fabletics Breathe Run Short

Best Women’s Running Shorts to Prevent Chafing

Sizes: XXS-4X
Colors: Available elm, black, wild lime, very berry, deep navy, cedar, lipstick, and cardinal
Special features: Has a pocket in back

Nothing is more distracting or more painful than the rubbing that can occur while you jog. This pair of shorts from Fabletics has a 3.5” inch rise with a chafe-free brief to protect your inner thighs from irritation. Side slits help with a full range of motion, while the breathable fabric will keep you dry. Another valuable feature are the reflective strips on the back that will come in handy on outdoor runs in low-light situations, like dusk or dawn.

Fabletica running shorts

Fabletics Breathe Run Short $45 Buy Now

Adidas Run Fast Flower Running Shorts

Best Running Shorts for Hot Weather

Sizes: XS-XL, in 3” or 4” inseam
Colors: Available in black floral or craft blue floral
Special features: Made with 100% recycled materials

Come summer when the temps heat up, your runs will become hotter and stickier. Meaning, you’ll need to reevaluate your run clothes — and we didn’t choose these just for the bold floral pattern. Adidas’ Aeroready’s material is thin, yet substantial, and helps to regulate your body’s moisture to ensure you stay dry. It’s also eco-friendly, a bonus to make you feel good about your purchase.

Adidas running short

Adidas Run Fast Flower Running Shorts $40 Buy Now

Athleta Mesh Racer Run Short 4″

Best Running Shorts for Thick Thighs

Sizes: XXS-3X
Colors: Available in coral petal, quarry blue, bright white, and black
Special features: Made from Recycled Poly, NeverEnd drawstring won’t get lost in the wash

For women who want more room in the thighs, the Racer Run short from Athleta has a looser fit. On top of that, the fabric is silky and light for a satiny feel. The waistband is wonderful as well, since it is anti-slip, staying put during sprint and endurance runs. It also contains a never-ending drawstring, which means it can’t get lost in the wash. Reviewers noted that this pair is anti-chafe and won’t’ ride up. Also worth noting is Athleta’s inclusive size range.

Athleta running short

BUY NOW: $49 Buy Now

Bandier All Access Stretch Lite Run Short

Most Lightweight Running Shorts for Women

Sizes: XXS-3X
Colors: Available in black, grape leaf, and silver cloud
Special features: UV protection

As an expert on all things activewear, Bandier thinks “The best-run shorts are made of featherweight fabric that allows you to move.” These shorts are for those minimalist runners who want to feel like they are flying. There is no inner liner, so the fit is super light, but not sheer, so you can layer it on top of whatever you choose. Side splits allow for full mobility, as does the material’s 2-way stretch. An adjustable, mid-rise waist will keep these snug on your body. Get ready to hit some PRs.

Bandier running short

All Access Stretch Lite Run Short $78 Buy Now

Alwrld Alrn Featherweight Short

Most Eco-Friendly Running Shorts

Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Available in golden, lava rock, white sand, and glacier
Special features: Made from recycled polyester, derived from post-consumer plastic.

Shopping sustainably should be a priority for all of us, and the activewear market has grown leaps and bounds in recent years. Alwrld is a new brand that creates run clothes that are not only made from recycled materials, but feel luxe and super soft. The fit is supportive, but not constricting.

Alrn running short

Alwrld Alrn Featherweight Short $65 Buy Now

Eddie Bauer Cove Trail Shorts

Best Trail Running Shorts for Women

Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: Available in reef
Special features: Two in one design

Yes, we are digging this cool color-blocked look in pastel shades that feel very summery, but the Cove Trail Shorts also have everything you need for when you take your run off the road. These have maximum flexibility with all the stretch you need when the trail is hilly. The fit sits nicely on the body, thanks to an adjustable waistband and inner liner.

Eddie Bauer running short

Eddie Bauer Cove Trail Shorts $60 Buy Now

Free People FP Movement The Way Home Shine Shorts

Best Shorter Length Running Shorts

Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Available in maraschino, army and white

Run like a flash in these metallic-toned, lightweight, 100% nylon shorts by Free People’s activewear category, FP Movement. The 2-inch inseam make these truly short shorts, but the coverage perfectly keeps your upper thighs from chafing. The wide-smocked waistband sits high on your waist, giving the silhouette a retro look. I have tried and tested this pair myself, and while I will admit it was the relaxed metallic, warm-up look that drew me in, it’s the fit and comfort that has me reaching into my drawer for them weekly. With a fitted bodysuit or your favorite sports bra, you’ll be the coolest-looking runner out on the road. It can also double as a great pair of shorts for boxing classes.

Free People running shorts

FP Movement The Way Home Shine Shorts $40 Buy Now

Terez TLC Bike Shorts

Best Bike-Style Running Shorts

Sizes: XXS-XL
Colors: Available in 14 colors, including black

The bicycle length short trend continues to be huge both in and out of the gym. This fitted silhouette from Terez is a great option for running, since it won’t cause any distractions or rubbing in the thighs. This one is a standout because of the high-rise fit as well as the flattering and smoothing waistband. Another highlight is the super soft fabric, which feels great against your body and won’t pill, even after many wears and washes. With 14 colors to choose from, we suggest you get a few pairs.

Terez running shorts

Terez TLC Bike Shorts $60 Buy Now

Vuori Clementine Short

Best Mid-Rise Running Shorts

Sizes: XXS-XXL
Colors: Available in black watercolor combo, shade, grey shibori, ink, grapefruit, oregano slub, turmeric arrows, and ink shibori grid
Special features: Contains recycled polyester

Hitting that sweet mid spot, this pair won’t be too revealing or constricting on your waist. The airy material is stretchy to allow for flexible movement, and on the inside is a breathable bikini brief to wick away moisture. I am always amazed at how amazing Vuori pieces feel, even after wearing and washing them for months or years. One review loved how luxe and high quality these shorts felt and added the never bunched. With a versatile look and fit, you can wear these on your off days for walks with friends or to the beach.

Vuori running shorts

Vuori Clementine Short $58 Buy Now

On Running Shorts

Best Women’s Running Shorts that Won’t Ride Up

Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Available in black, cerulean/black, and glacier/ black
Special features: Made with recycled material

Fast, quick strides tend to make your bottoms move and fly up. And we all know how uncomfortable and distracting it can be to constantly adjust your shorts. These On Running Shorts solves the problem by adding a silicone grip to the inner layer. This extra feature will keep the shorts in place around your thighs and prevent any movement. Another quality that will also make these secure is the adjustable waistband. Rounding out this excellent pair of running shorts is the technical material that has a four-way stretch, wicking properties, and an invisible feel.

On Running shorts

On Running Shorts $80 Buy Now

Tracksmith Van Cortlandt Shorts

Best Running Shorts for Long Runs

Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Available in marigold/flame, teal/ivory, grass/blue, sable/spice, navy/ivory, royal/skylight, and black/ivory
Special features: Inner liner and antimicrobial

The retro look will draw you to this cute pair of shorts, but the feel and fit will make you want to wear them for all your runs. Crafted from luxurious lightweight mesh, these shorts from Tracksmith are soft and breezy. The fabric also contains antimicrobial properties for that always fresh feeling. The inner liner is made from the same material, so it’s just comfortable. A small pocket on the waistband can hold keys, cash, or a credit card.

Tracksmith running shorts

Tracksmith Van Cortlandt Shorts $64 Buy Now

Nathan Front Runner Shorts

Best 2-in-1 Running Shorts

Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Available in black, sailor blue, and windchime

Depending on the silhouette and length of the shorts, they can be revealing and perhaps not quite your comfort level. Double-layer shorts, like this pair from Nathan, are great for anyone who appreciates more coverage. The inner short is fitted with a 3″ inseam, while the flowier outer layer measures 2 inches. Both shorts are made with performance-focused and stretching. The inner liner contains those precious pockets too.

Nathan running shorts

Nathan Front Runner Shorts $55 Buy Now

Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 Shorts

Best Seamless Running Shorts

Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: Available in black, smoke grey, yellow, orange, dark green, apricot, tahoe teal, and brown
Special features: Sustainably made

Seamless shorts are just as comfortable as their longer-length leggings and also include all the features you love. The Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 Shorts have it all: they are flexible, cozy, and don’t have seams that rub. In the back, contoured shading around your butt is designed to flatter, a feature one woman stated motivated them to work out more.

Gymshark running shorts

Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 Shorts $40 Buy Now

Meet the Experts

Jennifer Bandier is the founder of the popular activewear shop, Bandier.

Kelly Whittaker is a Barry’s instructor and Chief Curriculum Lead. She is a recent Boston Marathon finisher.

WWD Recommends

Ferran Torres Talks World Cup and That Hat

Most Popular

WWD

Get all the top news stories and alerts straight to your inbox.

Enter your Email

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. // This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Julie Kegels Wins the 2026 LVMH Prize for Young Designers

Chloé, Canada Goose, Ralph Lauren and Others Set to Lose Millions in Harvey Nichols Wind-down

Retail, Supply Chain Groups Urge Inclusion of Federal Organized Retail Crime Bill in Defense Spending Package

The 15 Best Running Shorts for Women, According to Experts

Recent Articles by Gabrielle Porcaro

Related Articles