The Best Running Shorts for Women in 2024

Patagonia’s most technical running shorts, the Patagonia Strider Pro ($79), are made of 90% recycled polyester and 10% spandex finished with a DWR treatment, odor control, and chafe-free seamless hem, making them super comfortable, water resistant, and longer-wearing before washing. There are three large pockets with solid stretch in them for storing essentials on the go.

One tester wore these on a recent run/scramble on a hot day in the mountains, and they were perfect for the unpredictable terrain. And even after sweating and going in and out of rivers, the lightweight brief didn’t cause any chafing.

The waistband is one of the most minimal waistbands of all the shorts we’ve tested, and at first glance, we thought it would cause a major muffin top effect. Even though some reviewers say they are a bit snug, we were pleasantly surprised by the fit. They do not squeeze and remain in place.

All in all, these shorts are comfortable, quick-drying, and cute.

For $25, it’s hard to find a better value in running shorts than the Under Armour Fly-By 2.0 Shorts. Designed for warm-weather runs, the mesh side panels easily dump heat, and the lightweight polyester fabric dries quickly. We found the wide waistband comfortable, though not as great as our top choice. The waistband does include a drawstring for on-the-fly adjustments.

One of the best things about the Fly-By 2.0 is its color selection. They have bright, muted, and the more traditional darker colors. The color coordination opportunities are endless. Be forewarned that the lighter colors (especially white) are rather see-through. They do have a comfortable built-in liner. Technically speaking, this short performs well and is a solid running short for 25 bucks.

We never thought we’d compare running shorts to lingerie, but after pulling on the HOKA Glide 4” Short ($68), we’re not sure a more airy running short exists. We had to double-check we were still wearing pants before walking out the door. Coming in at a standard bill, this fabric feels like melted butter with the light touch of a feather. 

Yet, the updated design doesn’t leave behind utility for grams. Updated for 2024, these women’s trail running shorts (originally launched in spring 2022) have an uptick of recycled polyester and overhauled pockets. Now the zippered side pocket is seamlessly below the thick waistband, and we never noticed any bunching or bumper-car with our pack. A second pass-through pocket is integrated into the backside of the waistband. The mesh hammock goes from hip to hip with three center-placed seams to help seatbelt nutriments, soft flasks, or gloves stuffed inside. 

On a weeklong trail running trip in Chamonix, France, we easily stashed a room key and credit card in the zippered side pocket and never felt a snag during runs. Across 20 miles and 5,500 vert, odors didn’t blossom in the piece despite an integrated liner. With a simple soap and sink wash, the layer dried fast between daily mountain laps. The flattering design flows, nicely frames the body with the cut and subtle color gradation, and hangs a tad lower than your typical short shorts. 

The material’s GSM (grams per square meter) is a mere 70 GSM: textiles below 180 GSM are the thinnest, lightest weight available on the Richter scale of fabric. With an extra inch of length, this short still weighs as much as the Janji 3″ AFO Middle Shorts. While we haven’t yet jumped in any alpine lakes with these on, the Glide Short even comes with a DWR finish for water resistance. For stacking miles on hot or sunny summer days, these are the shorts we grab.

On the outside, the CEP The Run Support Shorts ($80) may look like biker shorts, but upon closer inspection, there’s far more going on. These compression shorts have an anatomic internal print to help support and stabilize the thigh muscles. You will notice the triangle pattern imprinted on your legs when you take them off.

These compression shorts are not too tight and offer noticeable support in all the right places. The 9” inseam is long enough to provide full support of the hamstring, quads, and glutes while staying put. Our tester never had to pull the legs down or the waist up.  The wide high-rise waistband is comfortable, non-restrictive, and has an internal drawstring for a more custom fit. There is even a zippered back pocket large enough for your phone.

The bi-elastic fabric truly fits like a glove and feels like a second skin. It is also anti-bacterial and has a wicking finish to ensure you stay dry on your runs.

While not everyone likes the look of compression shorts, they can offer some major benefits. The CEP The Run Support Shorts are our top pick for compression shorts to help with recovery or with muscle fatigue out on a run.

For those who want a more modest fit, the On Running Shorts ($80) are the ones to choose. These shorts have a built-in compression-like liner that keeps you covered without sacrificing comfort or irritation. And speaking of comfort, the mid-rise waist does a great job of staying put where you want it without that bulge effect or digging into your skin due to its wide and soft waistband.

Its inner brief, made with 65% recycled polyamide and 35% elastane, allows for a four-way stretch that won’t restrict movement. They are also moisture-wicking, which is an added bonus.

Even though jogging, climbing, and other activities made the inner lining ride up, they still did a great job of maintaining the coverage we wanted.

For runners who are looking for a short that doesn’t expose more skin than they want, the On Running Shorts are a great choice.

We adore the REI Co-op Swiftland Running Shorts ($60). There’s a lot to love about these shorts, but the waistband is one of many features we particularly enjoy.

Initially, we didn’t think much about the waistband on these shorts. That was until we tried them on, tested them, and compared them to others. The mid-rise waistband stays in place, doesn’t roll, prevents muffin tops, and is wide enough to feel like it’s not even there — in a good way.

The REI Swiftland is lightweight and breathable. Its 5″ inseams provide the right amount of coverage without feeling too loose or baggy, yet still allow for stellar movement.

These shorts do come with a liner, which we have to admit is pretty comfy, and it doesn’t chafe, or pinch at all.

On the downside, we didn’t find these shorts to be quick-drying. They needed more drying time than other shorts on sweaty runs in temperatures above 90 degrees and when machine drying on a low setting. However, given that these shorts are all-around comfy, they are definitely one of our go-to running shorts.

Are you looking for a skort option to run in? The Athleta Run With It 14″ Skort ($59) is our top pick. It has a wide variety of sizing options and is made with the quality Athleta is known for. 

It has a wide, comfortable waistband with an internal drawcord and a zippered pocket in the back, large enough for an iPhone 13. The outside skirt is lightweight and stretchy with a split side for a full range of motion. It is also durable and abrasion-resistant. Our tester ran through sections of overgrown high alpine shrubbery and noted the skirt never snagged nor tore despite her lower legs getting shredded. 

The inner shorts have two large side pockets, one on each side. The internal hemline has a non-slip elastic ribbon that circles just the inside of the leg. The outer thigh hemline (where the pockets are) does not have the non-slip elastic ribbon.

Everybody is different, and our tester did find herself adjusting the shorts even with the non-slip ribbon. She wished the 2” inseam was a little longer, which may have prevented the inside of the shorts from riding up. We recommend you try them on to see what works best for your body.

Nathan updated their already solid Essential Shorts to be even better. The Essential 2.0 ($65) has an updated fabric blend that allows for more stretch and less restriction. As a bonus, it now includes added sun protection with UPF 30+. Our tester loved running in these shorts, especially in hotter weather.

They have lightweight fabric, mesh liner, good breathability, and multiple stash pockets. The zippered pocket on the Essential 2.0 is located on the back right, at a slight angle. The pocket runs straight across the back of the shorts, below the waistline. When items are stashed in there, the weight can be spread out evenly. It did fit the tester’s iPhone 13 sans case. The pocket also has a nice, easy-to-locate paracord loop pull — better than a standard zipper.

The two other pockets are incorporated into the side panels. A phone only fits halfway, making these pockets better suited for storing energy chews and gels.

The waistband is on par in terms of fit with several other shorts on our list. It does ride a little low on the hips (a note for those who prefer more coverage), but it is still comfortable with the adjustable drawstring. An unfortunate update was eliminating the elastic loop for keys in the side pocket; however, the zippered back pocket can be used to secure valuables. If you’re looking for a lightweight short with excellent pockets, you may want to check out the HOKA Glide 4″ Shorts.

These shorts performed great, from stair workouts to hot trail runs — even workday commutes. The performance, coupled with the price point, makes this a great option for summer running.

Every runner needs a good pair of compression shorts. And no one knows compression better than 2XU ($70).

Whether it’s for a long-haul run or a recovery run, one tester never heads to a big race without these shorts. She’s done multiple 24-hour adventure races and 20-mile runs in these. They compress the thighs and butt in all the right places, making the muscles get less fatigued and able to recover faster.

The wide waistband hugs the waistline in a flattering way that doesn’t ever slide down. The seams are a nonissue and strategically placed so there is never a problem with chafing, even as they get wet from sweat or river crossings. While the price and limited sizing kept it from placing higher on our list, these are still a solid choice for compression shorts.

These shorts are as close as it comes to feeling like you’re running in the nude. The ultralight and airy material of Janji’s Middle Shorts ($64) coupled with the thin, non-chafing, breathable brief make us look down and make sure we’re wearing something.

These provide full coverage in a flattering and fun way. The mesh is highly breathable, and the stretchy waistband has a built-in drawstring cord for a custom fit.

If you don’t like any restrictions or prefer a looser fit, these shorts are the ones to beat. Although one mention is that due to their flowy material, they may cling to your skin when wet. For another pair of lightweight shorts that dries quickly to minimize clinging, check out our HOKA Glide 4″ Short.

We’d be remiss to review women’s running shorts without mentioning the great stuff Boston-born Tracksmith has going on. While the prices are high, the materials are quality — and the fit, feel, and comfort aren’t too shabby either.

Our favorites overall from the brand were the Session Speed Shorts ($72), factoring in materials, fit, performance on short and long runs, durability, and price. They’re soft and light, but not too light.

The shorts are made with a high-stretch fabric — 86% nylon and 14% elastane — and a 3.25-inch inseam. And they include a brief liner, elastic waistband, and zippered pocket.

While the Session Speed Shorts are already considered pricey, if you can splurge even more, Tracksmith’s newer Strata shorts ($135) are an even comfier, ultralight performance option.