11 Best Running Shorts in 2024

Last Updated: January 01, 2024 | Author: James Leigh


Red thighs, itching, sweats dripping off your legs, how does it feel when you finish your run speaking cursing your running apparel? When shopping for classic running shorts, there are a slew of lengths, styles, and designs that you'll see on the racks, and Immersing through them all can be puzzling if you're unsure of what you need. Well, we have tested a bunch of best-rated running shorts from best-selling retailers in the athletic-wear industry, so you don't have to!

Prior to go deep, you should need to know what to look for when buying a running short.

COMPRESSION SHORTS
Under Armour HeatGear Compression Shorts Check Price on AMAZON

Under Armour HeatGear Compression Shorts
FOR THICK THIGHS
Nike Men's Challenger Dri-FIT 7 Running Shorts Check Price on AMAZON

Nike Men's Challenger Dri-FIT 7" Running Shorts
MARATHON SHORTS
Adidas Marathon 20 2 in 1 Short Check Price on AMAZON

Adidas Marathon 20 2 in 1 Short
MOST AFFORDABLE
Under Armour Women's Fly By 2.0 Running Shorts Check Price on AMAZON

Under Armour Women's Fly By 2.0 Running Shorts
HIGH WAISTED
Lixada Men's Elastic Shorts Pants Check Price on AMAZON

Lixada Men's Elastic Shorts Pants

Best Running Leggings - Content

Quick Drying & Moisture Wicking Fabric

Running shorts that don't absorb sweat is a nightmare, especially during training or long runs. The material should not be nylon or cotton. Only a high-quality mesh or sweat wicking fabric can wick away moisture, allow heat to escape, and keep you cool, dry, and comfortable.

Reflective Features

If you run in low-light, hilly, or adventurous areas, you need reflective detailing and bright colors to add more safety to your run.

Inner Material/Lining

Some runners prefer going without undies, so the inner material should get the work done. The inner lining is as crucial as the outer one, especially in men's running shorts. However, the whole thing should add extra ounces to the garment.

Our Top Picks


Best Running Shorts for Women

Nike Women's Dri-fit Tempo Track 3.5 Short

Pros
  • ✔️ Wicks moisture
  • ✔️ Comfy fit
  • ✔️ Drawstring waist
Cons
  • ❌ Unzipped pocket

Whom is it best for?
For women seeking style and performance in a running short.

Men's and women's shorts aren't interchangeable. Women are longer waisted than men, have heavier hips and different thigh shapes & leg lengths than men, while their shorts have a bit of support to prevent chafing of genitals on the fabric. Moreover, women need a 2 in 1 pair of shorts that perform like a bomb and look chic. We picked Nike Dri-fit tempo short to get women the best of both worlds.

Look at this beautiful man! Just look at this! The fit it offers is streamlined and supports a great range of motion. We were impressed with the moisture-wicking ability, and there's a small key pocket also. We only wished the zipper back pocket could be a little secure to keep running gear safe, because our tester almost dropped her keys out of her packet.



Best Running Shorts for Men

Pinkbomb Men's 2 in 1 Running Shorts

Pros
  • ✔️ Super breathable
  • ✔️ Feels comfortable
  • ✔️ Lightweight fabric
Cons
  • ❌ Irritable mesh

Whom is it best for?
These are best for training and perfect for men who sweat a lot.

Men usually prefer shorter running shorts made of moisture-wicking fabric that isn't too heavy. According to most performance-driven men, a brief liner works as a cherry on top for males, giving them a more locked-in feel.

So, we chose Pinkbomb running shorts as the best men's running short because it ticks all the boxes of what a man wants in a running short. It comes in various lengths, wicks moistures nicely, and the material looks pretty lightweight. It also has two mesh side panels that kind of sucks, honestly. However, we enjoyed a brief inner liner that feels super comfortable.



Best Running Shorts to Prevent Chafing

New Balance 2 in 1 Impact Running Shorts


Pros
  • ✔️ Wick away moisture
  • ✔️ Zippered pockets
Cons
  • ❌ A bit baggy

Whom is it best for?
Anyone seeking cool, dry, and high-performance chafe-free shorts.

With the sun in its full swing, runners not only get red tints just on their faces with the sunglasses on, but on so many different parts of the body. The worst of which is thigh chafing. Various running shorts prevent chafing, and New Balance impact running short tops our list of the best pair of running shorts to prevent scratching.

These split shorts have infused NB dry and NB fresh technology that wicks moisture and helps to prevent chafing. They also amazed us by staying cool during hot summer runs also. They fall in short-length shorts and are a bit roomier, so if you're not a fan of baggy pants, we won't suggest you.



Best Compression Shorts for Running

Under Armour HeatGear Compression Shorts


Pros
  • ✔️ Super breathable
  • ✔️ Comfy feel
  • ✔️ Well-fitting shorts
Cons
  • ❌ A bit expensive

Whom is it best for?
Anyone seeking a well-fitting, excellent compression running short, and the price isn't an issue. It is great for runs and workouts at the gym.

Health experts say that wearing compression shorts reduces muscle soreness and fatigue during and after workouts, running exercise, resulting in better, faster, and longer runs without feeling way too tired. Our find for the best Spandex shorts is the Under Armour HeatGear Armour shorts.

Unlike most of the compression we tried out, these didn't feel cheap. They provided excellent compression in all the right places. These gym shorts material felt comfortable, relaxed, and breathable, exceptionally long summer runs. Unlike other Under Armour shorts, this one impressed us by being lightweight, which is a plus also.



Best Running Shorts for Thick Thighs

Nike Men's Challenger Dri-FIT 7" Running Shorts

Pros
  • ✔️ 100% polyester fabric
  • ✔️ Drawcord & elastic waistband
  • ✔️ 5" Wiggle room
  • ✔️ Four-way stretch
Cons
  • ❌ Dull look
  • ❌ Bit tighter behind

Whom is it best for?
If you have a big butt, Nike Dri-Fit isn't super ideal, but they are excellent for thick-thigh people for trail or road running in summers. Moreover. They are pretty affordable also, which is a plus for budget runners.

Nike is everyone's favorite when it comes to sportswear. But when it comes to running shorts made for thick thighs, we chose their Nike Dri-Fit for an excellent reason. These shorts offer a comfortable 4-way stretch wiggle room regardless of what size a runner's legs are.

These inseam shorts have a 5-inch inseam, which doesn't restrict your freedom of movement while on the field, and offers ample coverage. There are mesh panels at both sides so you would have enough room for fresh air to pass through very breathable, we must say! The best thing we liked was the drawcord and elastic waistband that give a custom fit. Only its look isn't so cool to impress every kind of runner.



Best Running Shorts with Phone Pocket

Under Armour Qualifier Speedpocket Shorts

Pros
  • ✔️ Well constructed
  • ✔️ Large pockets
  • ✔️ Breathable
Cons
  • ❌ Runs small

Whom is it best for?
Runners who love carrying around large phones when in action.

Runners running with the phone often hate their pockets being too small to carry larger smartphones. For this, we will suggest checking Under Armour SpeedPocket shorts out. These athletic running shorts are most runners' on-the-go shorts because of the comfy, more oversized pockets they come with.

But that's not the only thing we liked about them when tested. They are pretty cool when moisture-wicking and keeping poor odors off. The best thing about the pocket is that it isn't big enough, but it stretches to the size of your smartphone no matter what size it is to give it a secure bounce-free fit—highly recommended.



Best Trail Running Shorts

Arc'teryx Aptin Trail Running Short

Pros
  • ✔️ Not heavy
  • ✔️ Stays cool
  • ✔️ Roomier pockets
Cons
  • ❌ Boring design
  • ❌ Bit expensive

Whom is it best for?
Anyone looking for a minimalist running short that offering stretch fabric, hell lightweight & breathable.

On trails, especially during hot days of summers, you need a pair of shorts that feels lightweight, stay cool, and offer large pockets to carry, flask, or a mobile phone. Arc'teryx Aptin Trail Running Short is a perfect pal for trail running in summers.

We call them perfect because the feather-light sensation feels like they are made of mesh, and surprisingly, they're not see-through). They have micro holes in the fabric (super stretchable), which keeps the short cool and breathable. The side pockets are pretty deep that can hold up a 500 ml flask, some gels, small essentials, and a mobile phone.



Best Cheap Running Shorts

Under Armour Women's Fly By 2.0 Running Shorts

Pros
  • ✔️ Pretty affordable
  • ✔️ Stay cool
  • ✔️ Dry quickly
Cons
  • ❌ Sizing issues

Whom is it best for?
Best suitable for anyone who wants good value for money.

Want good value for money? We would suggest investing in Under Armour women's Fly Running Shorts. They are well-fitting shorts and surpassed our expectations in performance. We can straight up compare these shorts to Brooks's high-performance shorts that are five times their price. Even though they have a built-in lining, they feel very lightweight and cool.

While they aren't super-duper breathable, and you may find some issues with size, things sound ok when you look at the price tag. Only we would suggest talking to the customer service first to help yourself find the right size.


Best Coolest Running Shorts

BALEAF 7" Running Shorts

Pros
  • ✔️ Lightweight construction
  • ✔️ Keeps cool
  • ✔️ Very comfortable
Cons
  • ❌ Small pockets
  • ❌ Bit expensive

Whom is it best for?
It is best for indoor runs, cardio, training, road running but not ideal for trail runs.

Running on hot days is like running in hell. Who doesn't like the feeling of well-ventilated comfort, whether it is a top or a shirt? Ghosh, this product surprised us with its fantastic technology that we can't pass without admiring. Baleaf incorporated the Ceramicool tech in the material, which offers excellent temperature regulation, reducing the skin's temperature up to 1°C.

It also has a lightweight yet breathable lining that prevents chafing (that rolls up sometimes) and adds more comfort.

Moreover, a small zippered pocket (no rear zipper pocket) can hold keys, small essentials, and cards. It's a little expensive but has excellent durability, which would save you money in the long run.


Best Running Shorts for Marathon

Adidas Marathon 20 2 in 1 Short

Pros
  • ✔️ 360° reflectivity
  • ✔️ Super stretchable
  • ✔️ Stays cool
Cons
  • ❌ Small pockets
  • ❌ Less versatile

Whom is it best for?
Anyone looking for excellent and breathable performance running shorts for summers. But if you want big side pockets, this isn't for you because you can only hold your keys in there.

Race day is a big day, and that isn't the day to find what rubs you, what's too hot for you, or what's not comfortable. So, it would be best to make sure you were perfectly ready for weather, conditions, and things beforehand.

Well, situations may not be the same for everyone, but a few things are super important to check for a marathon short. One stretchable fabric, a 2 in 1 short to fight to chafe, keeps you comfortable, and the material should be breathable.

One short that packs all of them is Adidas Marathon 20 2-in-1 short. It comes with a built-in liner that is highly recommended for many people who chafe. Second, the material is noticeably very breathable and lightweight. Also, the fabric is very stretchy, which makes them feel very comfortable. The outer is 360° reflective, which is a plus if you're into it. They are most suitable for warmer weather, especially if you sweat a lot.



Best High Waisted Running Shorts

Lixada Men's Elastic Shorts Pants Performance Sports Baselayer

Lixada Men's Elastic Shorts Pants Performance Sports Baselayer
For Men


Puedizux Women's High Waisted Shorts

Puedizux Women's High Waisted Shorts
For Women


Pros
  • ✔️ Feels comfy
  • ✔️ Lightweight construction
  • ✔️ Fits nice
Cons
  • ❌ No color options
  • ❌ Bit expensive

Whom is it best for?
For anyone who is a sucker at having hand pockets in pants. Most of our testers liked the compression fit throughout the leg, so if you want a comfy fit, we'd recommend this one.

High-waisted pants make women's legs look longer, tummies look leaner, and butts in shape. In comparison, high-waisted running pants/shorts are way comfier than original ones because they don't ride down when you run. If you are all about high-waisted running shorts, we recommend checking out Puedizux high waisted shorts for women.

Its key features is Puedizux fabric that feels smooth and supportive while it sits securely high on your waist, so the flat waistband won't ride down on you as you run. We appreciate the material, and it feels very comfortable and lightweight.

If you're someone who likes carrying around a bunch of stuff while running, you will be glad to check the room they offer in hand pockets (large stash pockets on sides and a rear pocket). Also, if you're after cool-looking shorts, this Puedizux high waisted short is the second most recommended shorts after Adidas Marathon 20 and New Balance Printed Accelerate shorts.


How We Choose the Best Men's Running Shorts


So there you have it, running shorts for every type of runner and personal preferences. With the high rise in the athleisure trend, running shorts are more like a wardrobe essential for most people. People love staying in a lightweight and comfy garment that keeps them cool and makes chores a breeze. Either you are a runner or normal walking fellow, this article covers a good bunch of running shorts from the top and popular retailers that most people raved. They are highly recommended for summers, and for winter, we would recommend wearing warm tights underneath.

We first dug deep into the internet to check out highly recommended shorts with different needs. Then we ordered a bunch of them. Some of the running nerds in our team have already been through, some were pretty new to us, and some didn't sound like worth the hype. We hit the road trials and treadmills, crossed miles, checked them in different weathers, and broke sweat wicking. So, here are the products that are worth your money and consideration.

The right fit for your exercise needs

John Honerkamp is an acclaimed New York City run coach, RRA certified USATF professional pace and professional racing athlete. Incorrect long-sleeve shorts quickly break your overall experience, and it has become imperative to purchase good quality shorts. Men should wear short sleeve pants with breathable fabric that keeps them cool and dry. Occasionally runners use running shorts to pack important stuff or have pockets. Most useful run shorts for men to be able to run the fastest possible distance. For extra details on the Short Sleeves.


Video Source: TheGingerRunner

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James Leigh

James Leigh

James Leigh is a certified health professional, physiotherapist, and a seasoned runner who wins Boston Marathon, with a wealth of experience under his belt. Passionate about sharing his expertise with fellow runners. James is your go-to expert for your health, wellness and running tips.