The Best Running Shorts for Women of 2025-2026

Crowned our pick for Best Overall Women’s Running Shorts, the Oiselle High Rise Long Rogas ($79) deliver the rare combo of comfort, performance, and style. The magic starts with the wide, high waistband. It manages to sit securely without squeezing, creating a smooth, flattering fit that stays put no matter how many miles you log.

During testing — 25 miles of running and another 5 to 10 hiking in Colorado’s summer heat — the Rogas proved nearly invisible on the body. The lightweight stretch fabric moves easily, dries quickly, and resists chafing even on sweaty climbs. The 6-inch inseam on the tested pair offered plenty of coverage without feeling bulky or hot, and Oiselle offers shorter (4-inch) inseams for every preference.

Practical touches include a zippered back pocket that’s big enough for keys or a gel. The only caveat: There aren’t a lot of sustainable materials here, and the Rogas do still come with a premium price point. But with ample sizing options and a design that looks as good off the trail as on it, the Rogas are truly a do-everything short.

Sometimes you just want a pair of shorts that work without draining your wallet, and that’s where the Decathlon Kiprun Run 500 ($30) shorts shine. They aren’t the flashiest or most technical option out there, but they deliver more than you’d expect for the price. The waistband is slimmer than on premium picks like the Oiselle High Rise Rogas, but it’s surprisingly comfortable; secure with digging or squeezing. And, the drawstring actually does its job. Despite what we expected, the Run 500s stay put while running and hiking. Never once did we have to pick the shorts out of our backside — a total win.

The pocket design is less successful, but still functional. Technically, you get four pockets, but only the rear zippered one is useful. The two hand pockets and tiny key pocket are shallow and unzippered, so items bounce out way too easily. On the move, though, the Run 500s feel light enough and dry quickly, even when we were sweating buckets on a hot, 85-degree day in the Colorado Rockies. The front rise (distance from waistband to crotch) runs a bit short, and the lack of a liner won’t make everyone happy. But for a budget-friendly training short, we think the Kiprun Run 500s are absolutely good enough.

The Oiselle Pockito 6” Shorts ($86) quickly became a staple in my summer running and hiking kit. Over about 25 miles of testing in hot Colorado weather, they impressed me with both comfort and functionality. The standout feature is storage: the shorts pack an almost ridiculous number of pockets, meaning I could stash gels, keys, and even my phone without anything bouncing. The wide waistband holds everything in place while staying soft and supportive, and the fabric has just the right mix of stretch and compression. They felt secure without being restrictive, breathable without feeling flimsy.

I’ve never been fully sold on the bike-short look for running, but these nearly converted me. They performed well across road miles, trail runs, and shorter hikes, and I kept reaching for them over other pairs. The only drawback: they don’t dry quickly, which could be a factor for women who run in the Pacific Northwest or particularly humid environments. But overall, the Pockito shorts strike a smart balance of performance and practicality.

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 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.

The On 3″ Performance 2/1 Shorts ($80) are the definition of comfy. From the first run, I noticed they don’t ride up, they don’t dig in, and they definitely don’t chafe. Honestly, they’re the kind of shorts you forget you’re wearing until you’re home and realize you’re still in them an hour later.

The combo of the airy outer layer with the snug liner just works. The inner tights stay put with no tugging and no awkward mid-run adjustments. But if you’re not someone who wants to wear skin-tight shorts out and about, don’t sweat it. The outer short gives you that extra bit of coverage without feeling heavy. Plus, they’re super light, so they move with you whether you’re pushing pace or just cruising on an easy day.

Storage is solid with a zip pocket for your phone and an inner pocket for keys or gels. That said, I found myself wishing for one more pocket on the liner (left side, please!) because you can never have too many spots to stash stuff.

Downsides? They’re not the most flattering shorts out there, but the comfort factor makes up for it big time.

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. 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.

For runners who prefer a bit more coverage, the On Running Shorts (now $45) deliver a modest yet comfortable fit. With a built-in compression-style liner, they keep you covered without sacrificing ease of movement or causing irritation. The mid-rise waist is another win—its wide, soft waistband stays put without digging in or creating that dreaded bulge effect.

The inner brief is made with 65% recycled polyamide and 35% elastane, giving you four-way stretch and reliable moisture-wicking to keep you dry. While we did notice the liner riding up slightly during activities like jogging or climbing, the shorts still managed to maintain solid coverage overall.

If you’re after shorts that balance modesty, comfort, and performance, these are a strong pick.

Sustainability and durability take center stage in the Norrona Senja Flex1 shorts ($99). Made from 86% recycled nylon with elastane for stretch, the fabric is light yet tough and finished with a PFC-free DWR for mini squalls. They breathe well on hot runs and hikes, and the pocket setup is smart; the zippered back pocket with two waistband gel slots on either side give you plenty of room for the essentials.

But no, the Senja Flex women’s running shorts aren’t perfect. They come with a premium price tag and a skinny waistband that feels snug. Pulling them over wider hips can be tricky, making them feel a bit small overall. Still, for eco-conscious athletes wanting durable, functional trail shorts, they’re a good bet — if you’re willing to pay for them.

The Vuori Halo Performance Short 2.0 ($68) is hands down one of the most comfortable pairs of shorts we’ve ever worn. The recycled DreamKnit™ fabric feels unlike any other running shorts—it’s incredibly stretchy and soft, like lounge shorts, yet still offers the performance technology expected from workout gear. 

Despite the ultra-comfy feel, these shorts hold up well during a run. We were initially skeptical since they feel more like something you’d wear for a lazy day at home than for a workout, but after a few runs—both speed sessions and long runs—they proved their worth.

The tulip-cut hem, which curves around the leg, adds a touch of style while maintaining full freedom of movement. The new, wider waistband is another highlight. It’s about the same width as the REI Co-op Swiftland Running Shorts, but the fabric is softer and more comfortable. 

While the shorts have two open-hand pockets, we found them impractical during a run. Without any closures, they aren’t ideal for keeping keys or cards secure, which is a downside. The fabric is thicker than typical running shorts, and we noticed it collected more sweat around the waistband during treadmill runs. It wicks moisture away well but doesn’t evaporate as quickly as more technical shorts.

While we wouldn’t typically describe running shorts as “cozy,” these definitely fit that description. The Vuori Halo Performance Short 2.0  is a great option for both training and rest days, offering a combination of comfort and functionality. However, due to their moisture retention, they may not be the best choice for hot and humid environments.

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.