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The Best Running Shorts for Women in 2023
From simple and flowy to pockets aplenty, these women’s running shorts aim to please all types of runners.
Whether you’re logging miles on the treadmill or hitting the trails, it’s important to have a go-to pair of running shorts that works for whatever type of workout you have planned for the day. Like your favorite running shoes, your favorite pair of shorts should be able to withstand wear and tear throughout the season.
We know that once you find your favorite shorts, it’s hard to try out others, but if you’re looking for a wardrobe refresh or have worn out your current pairs, you’re in luck. We’ve created a comprehensive guide to the latest and greatest women’s running shorts of 2023 to help you out.
Best Women's Running Shorts
Features to Consider When Shopping for Running Shorts
As you shop, there are a few key things to focus on that will help you easily find your next pair of running shorts.
Inseam: Basically, this is all about the length and how much coverage each pair offers. The longer the inseam, the longer the short. Choosing an inseam length comes down to personal preference—some runners like a shorty-short with a 3-inch or less inseam; others prefer longer styles with 4- to 8-inch inseams (or longer). If you’re doing track or speed workouts, shorter inseams might be more comfortable.
Interior Liner: There are plenty of women’s running shorts made with and without liners. Some runners love to have a brief liner or built-in compression shorts that can replace underwear and help minimize chafing. Other people can’t stand them. Again, this is a preference thing.
Pockets: Of course, you can always throw on a running belt or other storage accessory, but some women prefer shorts with plenty of pockets to stash their keys, cash, and energy gels. Besides number, placement is also key: Look for hidden waistband pockets, ones located at the back of the waistband, and pockets on the side of the legs. And another detail to consider is if they have zippered pockets for more-secure storage.
Material: If you’re working up a sweat, you’re going to want fabric that doesn’t leave you soggy and sopping wet. Look for synthetic materials, such as polyester, elastane, spandex, and nylon, which are known for breathability and their ability to really wick sweat.
Waistband: A comfortable waistband that doesn’t ride up when you run and isn’t too constricting is important. For a dialed-in fit, find a pair with an adjustable drawstring in the waistband.
How We Evaluated These Women’s Running Shorts
This article is an update from Emily Shiffer’s original picks, and while plenty of the original running shorts still made the cut, we swapped a few new pairs in. Many of these shorts have been personally tested, and others have been tested by the Runner’s World test team.
In addition to Emily’s research and expertise, Maggie Slepian contributed her own expertise and testing knowledge for this article update. Her running and gear testing has taken her all over the country, where she’s evaluated running shorts on rugged scrambles and overnight endurance pacing, as well as multi-week treks.
For these product selections, we looked for models that were comfortable for a variety of running styles and body types, that would reduce chafe while wicking sweat, and avoided the dreaded bunching and pinchy waistband. Multiple options cost $30 or less, so you don’t need to break the bank to have solid pieces of running gear in your closet.
Here are 12 running shorts for women that made the cut.
Soothfeel 2-in-1 Running Shorts With Phone Pocket
Soothfeel 2-in-1 Running Shorts With Phone Pocket
Pros
- Liner offers compression, support, and a convenient pocket for extra storage
Cons
- Liner might ride up as you move
These 3-inch-inseam shorts have high split hems and a double-layer design that will satisfy any runner who loves a liner. They also have a side pocket for hidden storage and a great zippered pocket on the back of the waistband. Plus, these also come in 16 colors to match your style.
Key Specs
| Inseam | 3 in. |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 2 |
| Built-in liner | Yes |
| Sizes | XS–XL |
Blooming Jelly Quick-Dry Running Shorts
Blooming Jelly Quick-Dry Running Shorts
Pros
- Fabric is lightweight and cooling
Cons
- Waistband can feel a bit constricting
These Blooming Jelly shorts are one of the top-sellers in women’s running shorts on Amazon. They have a 1.75-inch inseam and are made of a lightweight moisture-wicking polyester-nylon blend that features a high elastic waistband.
Possibly the best detail about these shorts is the underwear liner for extra support that is made of a soft nylon-spandex blend so you can skip your normal undies, if you prefer. Plus, they have one zippered pocket on the left hip for secure storage.
Key Specs
| Inseam | 1.75 in. |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 1 |
| Built-in liner | Yes |
| Sizes | XS–3XL |
Pros
- Adjustable waistband offers lots of options for customization
Cons
- Thin fabric isn’t very supportive
These Nike shorts have a wider waistband that can be folded over and cinched thanks to an adjustable drawstring, something we see less and less these days. They also have plenty of storage: two hidden internal pockets on the front and back waistbands, plus a zippered pocket on the outer left hip.
They’re eco-friendly, too, made up of a thin stretch-woven fabric that uses at least 75 percent recycled polyester fibers.
Key Specs
| Inseam | N/A |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 2 |
| Built-in liner | Yes |
| Sizes | Small |
Janji Pace 7” Shorts
Pros
- The most secure-fitting compression shorts we’ve tested
- Deep, secure pockets without extra bounce
Cons
The Groundwork Pace shorts have a 7-inch inseam and a barely noticeable silicone band around the bottom inside of each leg to help hold them in place. The high rise and smooth, flat waistband also keep these stable without bunching or shifting.
But what really sets these sleek shorts apart are the deep side pockets that are secure enough to hold a phone, keys, or even a small headphone case without worrying about anything bouncing out. They also have an internal waistband pocket for worry-free cards or cash carry.
Key Specs
| Inseam | 7 in. |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 3 |
| Built-in liner | No |
| Sizes | XS–3XL |
Gymshark Training Loose Fit Shorts
Pros
- Style points for the colors and fit
Cons
- Oversize fit might not be for everyone
The Gymshark training shorts not only look cool, but they perform well. They have a high-rise, oversize fit that makes them roomy in a good way, and they’re a little longer than lower rise shorts. They have an envelope-style pocket on the left side leg of the liner for secure storage, and a drawcord waistband that’s easily adjustable.
These shorts are primarily made with lightweight polyester, but have stretchy side panels built with a poly / spandex blend.
Key Specs
| Inseam | 3 in. |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 1 |
| Built-in liner | No |
| Sizes | XS–2XL |
Nathan Front Runner Shorts
Nathan Front Runner Shorts
Pros
- Built-in shorts don’t budge
- Excellent phone pocket
Cons
- Shell shorts rode up between my thighs during runs
I love the look of the Front Runner Shorts in Sailor Blue. They’re made of a moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabric that is also supremely stretchy. The drawcord lets you adjust as you need, and there is reflective detail as an added plus. The best thing was the large phone pocket in the liner of the shorts where I could store my iPhone and my apartment key with minimum bounce. So smart.
Key Specs
| Inseam | 3 in. |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 2 |
| Built-in Liner | Yes |
| Sizes | XS–XL |
Asics Ventilate 2-in-1 3.5-Inch Short
Pros
- Comfortable, wide waistband
- Ultralight and quick to dry
Cons
Although I love a solid black short, I’m a sucker for color. And these light blue ‘Mist’ hued shorts have me yearning for spring during my late winter testing. They’re made of 100 percent polyester, so Asics means business with the Ventilate name.
The ultralight construction is ideal for sweaty runners looking to cool down and dry quickly. The wide waistband has an inner back pocket for storage and a convenient drawstring to customize the fit. They’re not designed to be skin tight and are on the looser side, so keep that in mind.
Key Specs
| Inseam | 3.5 in. |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 2 |
| Built-in Liner | Yes |
| Sizes | XS–XL |
Baleaf Women’s 7-Inch Long Running Shorts
Pros
- Plenty of storage space
- Longer length for greater coverage
Cons
- Nylon material and longer inseam might feel heavy to some runners
If you prefer a longer running short, this model from Baleaf is a great pick. This short runs on the long side thanks to a 7-inch inseam. There are four pockets total: a zippered pocket at the back of the waistband, which is large enough for a phone and other running essentials, plus two side pockets and an inner front waistband pocket for small keys or gels.
The 3-inch waistband is also on the wider side, so you get great overall coverage with this pair.
Key Specs
| Inseam | 7 in. |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 4 |
| Built-in Liner | Yes |
| Sizes | XS–3XL |
lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Short 6"
lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Short 6"
Pros
- Lightweight, sweat-proof fabric feels breathable in hot, sticky temps
Cons
- Fabric on shorter inseams can roll up mid-run
Although these shorts look similar to a biker short, the Wunder Train are specifically designed for training and running. The best thing about these is that they come in three different inseams: 4-, 6-, and 8-inches. I loved the proprietary Everlux fabric they’re made of; it’s quite sweat-proof and dries fast, even on humid runs. They also have a convenient hidden waistband pocket.
Related: The Best Spandex Shorts for Women
Key Specs
| Inseam | 4, 6, or 8 in. |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 1 |
| Built-in liner | No |
| Sizes | 0–20 |
Outdoor Research Swift Lite 2.5" Shorts
Pros
- Ultralight
- Abrasion-resistant fabric
Cons
At first glance, these ultralight, fluttery shorts might not look more durable than similar pairs, but we’ve put them to the test with rocky scrambles, butt-slides, overnight running / camping adventures, and multi-day wear including chest-deep water in slot canyons… and the polyester / spandex weave sure holds up.
These shorts are incredibly abrasion-resistant, come with an antimicrobial liner, and have a reinforced elastic-and-silicon waistband that stays put. They are on the shorter side with a 2.5-inch inseam, and come with one zippered pocket along the left side for a gel or keys.
Key Specs
| Inseam | 2.5 in. |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 1 |
| Built-in liner | Yes |
| Sizes | XS–2XL |
Tracksmith Session Shorts
Pros
- Four-way stretch fabric is soft and very stretchy
- Stylish retro look
Cons
- The liner bunches a bit
On a recent 50-degree winter day in Pennsylvania, I took these bad boys outside for a brisk and chilly run. The old-school aesthetic—courtesy a racing stripe on the waistband and the brand’s embroidered rabbit logo—meets modern design.
The material is a four-way stretch blend of nylon and elastane, and they were stretchy. The liner didn’t feel like anything special, but I appreciated the anti-odor, antimicrobial treatment. Another good feature is the UV-protective fabric that’s ready for outdoor runs in any season.
Key Specs
| Inseam | 2.5 in. |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 1 |
| Built-in Liner | Yes |
| Sizes | XS–XL |
Pros
- Perforated mesh is great for hot, sweaty runs
- Barely-there liner
Cons
- Slightly see-through
- Run a little small, so we recommend purchasing one size up
Sprinters and speed runners will love these shorts thanks to an ultralight perforated outer mesh. But that construction does make them a bit see-through, something you might not love.
The liner was the best of the bunch—thin and sleek, so it didn’t feel like I was wearing a diaper at all. There’s also a convenient rear pocket that has an elastic band closure so your stuff stays secure.
Key Specs
| Inseam | 2.4–3.9 in. (depending on size) |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 1 |
| Built-in Liner | Yes |
| Sizes | XS–XL |
What Makes a Great Pair of Running Shorts, According to Our Expert Emily Shiffer
RW: What weather do you consider to be shorts weather?
E.S.: Hot and humid. Living in Pennsylvania, I don’t love having to throw on pants over shorts to hit the gym (which I do out of necessity). But once summer comes, and the air is thick (yes, Pennsylvania is humid!), my philosophy is: The less fabric, the better.
RW: What’s your preferred inseam length and why?
E.S.: Three inches. I have found this is my sweet spot where I feel like I have enough coverage without feeling like there’s too much fabric on my legs. Shorts do tend to ride up when I run, so I’m a fan of a little more length than less.
RW: What’s one must-have feature or criteria you have when shopping for running shorts?
E.S.: I am constantly on the pursuit for the perfect running short, and I don’t think I’ve found it yet. I always have my iPhone with me because I stream Spotify when I run. If my phone doesn’t fit in the shorts, I throw on my FlipBelt. But shorts with a pocket big enough to store that (as well as an apartment key or car key), like the Nathan Front Runner, would be the one feature that would sell me on any pair.
Emily Shiffer is a freelance health and wellness writer living in Pennsylvania.
Maggie Slepian is a full-time freelance writer in the outdoor industry and has tested gear professionally for almost ten years—she is an avid backpacker, trail runner, bikepacker, and horseback rider and has thru-hiked thousands of miles on the Appalachian, Colorado, and Ouachita trails, along with backcountry travel on terrain including coastal trails, the desert, and high alpine peaks. Maggie has written for New York Magazine, Huffington Post, REI, and Outside. She is a columnist with Backpacker Magazine and is the co-founder of BackpackingRoutes.com. Contact her at MaggieSlepian.com.
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