The 9 Best Running Shorts for Women in 2024

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Besides running shoes (and maybe running socks), running shorts are quite possibly some of the most important gear to have at your disposal for summer running, and simultaneously some of the most difficult to shop for. While a ton of it boils down to personal preference, there are certain features that you can look for that will help you determine which ones could be a good fit for you when shopping online.

To help make your shopping experience a little easier, we gathered up some of our favorite, highest-rated women’s running shorts in 2024 from top running brands to help you choose the right one for you. We selected a range of shorts that include different styles, prices and fits to make sure that there is an option for every type of runner—be it those who like to follow a training app or head to the trails for a casual run. Take a look at our top picks below, and if you are still unsure of what you should be looking for, check out our tips on how to choose below.

Our Picks for the Best Running Shorts for Women in 2024:

• Best Overall Running Shorts for Women: adidas Marathon 20 Shorts
• Best Compression Women’s Running Shorts: Athleta Transcend 7-Inch Short
• Best Women’s Bike Shorts for Running: Lululemon Wunder Train High Rise Short
• Best Lightweight Women’s Running Shorts: adidas Adizero Running Shorts
• Best Women’s 2-in-1 Running Shorts: Athleta Mile Marker 2-in-1 Shorts
• Best Women’s Running Shorts with Pockets: Gymshark Pocket Shorts
• Best Sweat-Wicking Running Shorts for Women: Janji AFO Middle Short
• Best Size-Inclusive Running Shorts for Women: Girlfriend Collective Midnight High-Rise Run Shorts
• Best Value Running Shorts for Women: Under Armour UA Fly-By Elite Shorts

Best Overall Running Shorts for Women: adidas Marathon 20 Shorts

Key Features:

• Price: $30
• Inseam (length): 3-4 inches ( depends on size)
• Pockets: Key pocket
• Lining: Mesh brief
• Materials: Polyester
• Sizes: XXS–XL
• Best for: Everyday training runs

Whether you consider these shorts to be basic, or just a classic, you can’t deny that they are a staple that makes a great addition to any running wardrobe. They are made with a highly breathable mesh fabric, and have a traditional running short cut, a three-inch inseam, slight split and relaxed fit.

These shorts are a great option for those looking for something on the more budget-friendly side as they come in at only $30, and the neutral colors are great for pairing with any outfit. They also feature an elastic waist with a drawstring for a customizable fit, and they have a single key pocket so you can hold small items. Oh, and the signature adidas stripe design? It’s reflective so you will have built-in visibility on your dawn and dusk runs.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Very breathable
• Built-in reflective elements

Cons:

• Have a straighter fit that may not work on curvier bodies

Best Compression Women’s Running Shorts: Athleta Transcend 7-Inch Short

Key Features:

• Price: $59
• Inseam (length): 7 inches
• Pockets: Front key pocket
• Lining: None
• Materials: Nylon, lycra
• Sizes: XXS–XL
• Best for: Cross training, easy runs

Though designed as yoga shorts, these are great if you want a cute, comfy pair of shorts that can be worn for everything from your easy run, to Pilates, to running errands. They are super soft to the touch, and offer light compression which helps keep them in place without feeling like you’re getting squeezed.

They have that second-skin feel which helps them to move naturally with your body, preventing any resistance, and they have only one middle seam which prevents uncomfortable rubbing or bunching. The fabric is moisture-wicking and also offers up to 50 UPF protection from the sun, and despite the tight knit it is breathable so you won’t overheat in hot temps.

Pros:

• Flattering design
• High stretch material moves with body
• Very comfortable

Cons:

• Limited color options

Best Women’s Bike Shorts for Running: Lululemon Wunder Train High Rise Short

Key Features:

• Price: $64
• Inseam (length): 4, 6 or 8 inches
• Pockets: None
• Lining: None
• Materials: Polyester, lycra
• Sizes: 0–20
• Best for: Gym workouts and training runs
  

If you like a full-coverage, supportive short, these bike shorts are for you. It is super high-waisted with a wide waistband with an elastic drawcord at the top. This allows you to get a super snug and secure fit every time. This fabric is a highly stretchy, moisture-wicking material that moves with your body and helps keep you dry and comfortable throughout the entirety of your workout.

These shorts also come in eight different color options from vibrant colors to neutrals, and there are three lengths to choose from—four, six and eight inches. Since the fabric is designed to be supportive and they are really on the verge of being compression shorts, it has a slight suck-in effect which some people love.

Pros:

• Different length options
• Supportive feel
• Very stretchy

Cons:

• A bit pricey

Best Lightweight Women’s Running Shorts: adidas Adizero Running Shorts

Key Features:

• Price: $65 (some colorways on sale)
• Inseam (length): 3 inches
• Pockets: None
• Lining: None
• Materials: Polyester
• Sizes: XXS–XL
• Best for: Long runs and workouts

One of the best and most long-standing running short designs is the split short. But finding a true women’s split short is more difficult than you think. This one however does have the full split design which allows for full range of motion while running. Since it is made from two overlapping pieces of fabric, it also allows for a breezier feel, and is a great choice for those super humid summer morning runs.

Like all split shorts, these have a built-in brief which allows you to wear them without underwear. The brief is also made from a jersey knit which gives you more coverage than a mesh built-in liner preventing anything from showing if the outer layer flips up. Since these were designed to be super lightweight and cool they don’t have any pockets, but they are great for workouts or race days when you want to feel fast and breezy.

Pros:

• Very breathable
• Allows for full range of motion
• Drawcord gives you secure fit

Cons:

• No pockets

Best Women’s 2-in-1 Running Shorts: Athleta Mile Marker 2-in-1 Shorts

Key Features:

• Price: $79
• Inseam (length): 5 inches
• Pockets: Four waist pockets
• Lining: Yes
• Materials: Polyester, spandex
• Sizes: XXS–XL
• Best for: Training and long runs

These shorts are great if you want the support of a legging but the coverage of a loose short. They have a five-inch internal short as the lining and a loose top layer. The top layer is a split-short design so it won’t impede your movement at all—plus both materials have spandex in them so they are super stretchy.

The shorts are sun protective and also wrinkle resistant so they are great for traveling or throwing in your gym bag. These are also a great option for a race-day short. They have a total of five pockets—four small stash pockets in the waistband and a larger back zip pocket in the back. This allows them to hold quite a bit of stuff—possibly enough for you to ditch your waist pack altogether.

Pros:

• Inside layer helps prevent chafing
• Stretchy and comfortable
• Tons of storage

Cons:

• Five-inch inseam may still roll up a bit

Best Women’s Running Shorts with Pockets: Gymshark Pocket Shorts

Key Features:

• Price: $40
• Inseam (length): 6 inches
• Pockets: Two on sides
• Lining: No
• Materials: Polyester, elastane
• Sizes: XXS–XXL
• Best for: Lifting and training runs

While most of us resort to holding our phones or using some sort of carrying solution like an armband or running belt, it’s simply much easier to be able to throw them in a pair of shorts. This pair by Gymshark does just that. It has two stretchy, deep side pockets that are snug enough to hold your phone, gels, keys and more without worrying that they will pop out. This also allows you easier access to your phone so you won’t have to stop to rummage around for it while you run.

Customers also left glowing reviews of these shorts with the highest ratings being comfort, quality and value. Since these are so stretchy, you also don’t need to worry about getting your perfect size—but if you are in between sizes you can size down as most people thought they ran slightly large.

Pros:

• Two large secure pockets
• Very soft fabric
• Supportive waistband

Cons:

• Some colors have very limited sizes available

Best Sweat-Wicking Running Shorts for Women: Janji AFO Middle Short

Key Features:

• Price: $68
• Inseam (length): 2, 3 and 4 inches
• Pockets: One in back, zippered
• Lining: Yes
• Materials: Polyester, elastane
• Sizes: XS–XXL
• Best for: Trail runs and workouts

While the first thing you may notice when looking at these shorts is the 12 fun color and pattern options they come in, they have much more to offer than even meets the eye. These shorts come in three different length options with something for everyone—two inches gives you a breezy split-short feel, three inches is typical shorts length giving medium coverage and four inches is full coverage for those after a more modest look.

The shorts have a flat elastic waistband which is often more comfortable than a gathered band and tends to stay in place a bit better. They also have a large zippered pocket in the back of the shorts which is large enough to hold your phone. These are also great if you are running in humid or damp conditions as the lightweight fabric is super quick-drying.

Pros:

• Fun color and pattern options
• Different length options
• Large zippered back pocket

Cons:

• Not all colors are available in each inseam length

Best Size-Inclusive Running Shorts for Women: Girlfriend Collective Midnight High-Rise Run Shorts

Key Features:

• Price: $48
• Inseam (length): 4.75 inches
• Pockets: No
• Lining: No
• Materials: RPET, spandex
• Sizes: XXS–6XL
• Best for: Training runs and races

If you wear over a size 3XL, it can be difficult to find running shorts in your size. But these Girlfriend shorts are not only size-inclusive, but they are also cute and high quality. These are a mid-length short which makes them not too short that they roll up, and not too long that they make you overheat. They have a basic, streamlined fit that helps flatter your curves, and allows the fabric to move with you.

And not only is this company committed to size inclusivity, but it also uses recycled materials for their clothes. These shorts in particular are made with recycled water bottles—each pair recycles 15 bottles and saves almost two gallons of water.

Pros:

• Sustainable company
• Lots of size options
• Reasonable price

Cons:

• No pockets

Best Value Running Shorts for Women: Under Armour UA Fly-By Elite Shorts

Key Features:

• Price: $34
• Inseam (length): 5 inches
• Pockets: Yes
• Lining: Yes
• Materials: Polyester
• Sizes: XS–XL
• Best for: Daily runs

For such a small piece of fabric, shorts can get pretty expensive. But for only $34, these are a very high quality short with features that only higher-end designs usually have. These shorts have a flat elastic waistband that sits flush against the skin. It also has a longer inseam than most models at five inches which is great for those that may suffer from chafing. Since it’s a more tailored design you also don’t have to worry about them riding or bunching up as much as looser versions.

In the back, they have a large zippered pocket that keeps contents secure. They also have a sort of mid-rise fit which helps them feel secure without having fabric up to over your belly button which for some people can cause heat retention.

Pros:

• Sustainable company
• Lots of size options
• Reasonable price

Cons:

• No pockets

What To Look for in Running Shorts

When looking for a quality pair of running shorts there are a few things to consider. Here are the features that are most important.

Moisture-wicking fabric: This is incredibly important as it helps to keep you feeling dry and prevents chafing. This is usually done with synthetic materials, but merino wool and bamboo are also great options if you are looking for a more natural and eco-friendly alternative.

Four-way stretch: If you opt for a legging-style short you will want to make sure that it is made with four-way stretch fabric. This allows the shorts to move with your body and feel like a second skin so you won’t have to worry about it limiting your movement.

Pockets: Having pockets in your shorts may not seem like a big deal, but they can be a great way to carry small items without having to use a vest or belt. Look for pockets that have either a fold-over design or a zipper as they are the most secure and will prevent anything from bouncing out as you run.

How To Choose the Best Running Shorts for You

Running shorts are a very personal purchase. They depend so much on both your preferences and body type, but there are a few things to consider that can help you make the best decision when shopping online.

The most important question to ask yourself is if you prefer the feeling of a loose or tight short. Loose shorts are usually a bit breezier and can help you feel cooler in hot weather, but they also won’t protect the thighs as well from chafing and have more of a tendency to bunch up. Legging-style shorts give a more supportive feel, and can be more effective at preventing chafing, but they can also feel hot and if they are too short, they will roll and bunch with every step.

Also consider whether you want to wear underwear with your shorts. Most shorts you can go with or without, but it’s really with the loose shorts that you have to decide. Loose-fitting shorts either come with or without a liner. Those without a liner are great for if you want to wear underwear, while those with a liner are best without undies; you technically can wear underwear with a lined short, but it could end up feeling pretty bulky.

Finally, consider your body type. If your thighs touch when you run and you tend to have some chafing issues between your legs you probably will want a longer short to help prevent this discomfort. While you can always use an anti-chafe balm, it won’t work as well as a long short, or last as long which is particularly an issue for distance runners.

How We Chose the Best Running Shorts for Women

To choose the best running shorts for women we researched the most popular models available today. We used our own expertise in testing and reviewing shorts as well as reviews left by customers who purchased these items and loved them in real life. We also made sure to choose a wide range of shorts that include different sizes, styles, and budgets to come up with a selection that has an option for every type of runner.

Running Shorts for Women FAQs

What do women runners wear under their shorts?

Some women will wear athletic underwear while others prefer to go commando. It’s really all up to preference, so do what feels best for you.

What is a good inseam for women’s running shorts?

It depends on what you are looking for, though it seems to be if you opt for a flowier option it’s best to go shorter at around two to three inches as it will prevent bunching of excessive fabric, while a snugger more legging-like fit seems to do best when around the seven-inch length as it prevents them from rolling up.

Are tight or loose shorts better for running?

Again this is preference, though tight shorts can be a better option for long distances as they are better at preventing chafing especially if your thighs touch.

Final Thoughts

We will admit—if there is one piece of gear to splurge on in your running wardrobe, it’s gotta go to a comfortable pair of running shoes or running pants. But your clothing—especially shorts—is a close second. Though it can be a true feat to shop for shorts online, this guide should have at least set you on the right path. If you are new to running, the best thing you can do is try out a bunch of different shorts until you find your favorite style, but if you follow our guide you should be able to get a good idea of some shorts that will work for you.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.