The Best Running Shorts for Women of 2026

The Quick & Dirty: The undisputed gold standard for both road and trail miles, offering elite breathability and an unbeatable pocket system. The only catch? They carry a premium price tag, and the built-in brief runs a bit snug.

The Patagonia Strider Pro ($79) earns our top spot for its standout mix of comfort, performance, and thoughtful storage in a lightweight package that feels ready for just about any run. Made with a stretchy, recycled polyester blend, these shorts breathe exceptionally well, dry fast, and stay comfortable through sweat, stream crossings, and long miles on hot days. The fabric feels featherlight without riding up or causing chafing, and the seamless hem and built-in brief kept us comfortable even during high-output efforts on steep, variable terrain.

We reached for these shorts again and again because they felt equally capable on smooth trail runs, scrambly mountain routes, and anything in between. On one hot mountain outing that involved running, hiking, and multiple river crossings, they handled every shift in pace and terrain with ease. The minimalist waistband looks barely there, but it sits securely without digging in or feeling restrictive, which was a pleasant surprise. Storage is also better than expected, featuring multiple stretchy envelope pockets that make it easy to stash gels and small essentials on the move.

The updated rear pocket no longer fits larger phones as well as older iterations did, and longtime fans may notice the material feels a bit lighter than before. Still, neither change was enough to knock these out of the top position. For runners who want a short that disappears on the body, performs across a wide range of conditions, and holds up to serious mileage, the Strider Pro remains the most well-rounded option out there.

The Quick & Dirty: Need something light and reliable for daily training miles? This is an absolute steal, even if the materials won’t survive quite as many seasons as the premium brands.

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 Quick & Dirty: A flattering, high-waisted staple that looks just as good at the coffee shop as it does on the track. It’s the perfect everyday short, though long-distance runners might find the minimal pocket storage lacking.

The Oiselle High Rise Long Rogas ($79) delivers an appealing mix of comfort, performance, and style that makes them one of the easiest pairs to reach for day after day. The standout is the wide, high-rise waistband, which sits securely without pinching or squeezing and creates a smooth, flattering fit that stays put whether you are logging miles, walking the dog, or heading straight to town afterward.

During testing in Colorado’s summer heat, including 25 miles of running and another 5 to 10 miles of hiking, the Rogas felt nearly invisible on the body. The lightweight stretch fabric moves easily, dries quickly, and stays comfortable on sweaty climbs without causing chafing. Our tester liked the 6-inch inseam for its extra coverage, especially for everyday wear, and Oiselle also offers shorter inseam options for runners who want a racier fit.

A zippered back pocket adds enough room for small essentials like a key or gel, though storage is still fairly limited compared to more run-focused options built for long days out. The premium price may also give some runners pause, and these are not the most sustainability-minded shorts in the category. Still, with inclusive sizing, a flattering cut, and a design that transitions easily from workouts to everyday life, the High Rise Long Roga is a standout choice for runners who want one short that can do a little bit of everything.

The Quick & Dirty: The ultimate solution for runners who battle thigh chafing but hate the look of plain spandex. You’ll stay chafe-free, but you’ll trade some breathability for the heavier double-layer design.

The On 3″ Performance 2/1 Shorts ($80) stood out in testing for one reason above all else: comfort. From the first run, they stayed put, never dug in, and completely avoided the rubbing and bunching that can ruin a good day on the move. These are the kind of shorts you stop noticing once you start running, which is exactly what we want from a top anti-chafe pick.

The two-layer design works especially well. The fitted inner shorts stay in place without tugging or requiring mid-run adjustments, while the light outer layer adds coverage without extra bulk. Together, the combo feels airy, secure, and easy to move in whether you are picking up the pace or heading out for a relaxed daily run. They are also impressively lightweight, which only adds to that barely-there feel.

Storage is better than expected, with a zip pocket that fits a phone and an additional inner pocket for keys or a gel. We did find ourselves wishing for one more liner pocket for extra storage on the go. And while these are not the most flattering shorts in the bunch, the comfort and chafe-free performance easily outweigh that drawback.

For runners who care most about staying comfortable mile after mile, the On 3″ Performance 2/1 Shorts are an easy top choice.

The Quick & Dirty: A comfortable, budget-friendlier short with a secure waistband, breathable feel, and enough coverage for daily miles. The wider leg openings can lead to some thigh chafing on longer runs, and they do not dry as quickly as some higher-performing options.

The REI Co-op Swiftland Running Shorts ($60) punch above their price with a comfortable fit, a reliable waistband, and easy everyday performance. What stood out most in testing was the mid-rise waistband, which stayed in place without rolling, digging in, or creating pressure points. It is wide enough to feel smooth and secure without drawing attention to itself, which made these shorts an easy favorite for regular runs.

The lightweight fabric feels breathable, and the 5-inch inseam offers a nice balance of coverage and mobility. These shorts never felt too loose or baggy, and they moved well through a range of paces and conditions. The built-in liner also impressed us with its soft, comfortable feel. It stayed in place and never pinched or caused chafing.

The biggest drawbacks showed up on hotter, sweatier runs. The wider leg openings can lead to thigh rub over longer distances, and the fabric took longer to dry than some of the other shorts we tested, both after runs and in the dryer. Still, for runners who want a dependable, comfortable pair of shorts at a more approachable price, the Swiftland is a strong value and one of the easiest pairs to recommend

The Quick & Dirty: These are the shorts we kept grabbing when we wanted to carry everything without adding a belt or pack. The storage is exceptional, though the slower-drying fabric may be less ideal in humid climates or for runners who frequently encounter wet conditions.

The Oiselle Pockito 6” Shorts ($86) stood out for their impressive storage, comfortable fit, and easy versatility across runs and hikes. Over roughly 25 miles of testing in hot Colorado conditions, they handled road miles, trail runs, and shorter hikes with equal ease. The biggest draw is the sheer number of pockets, which made it easy to carry gels, keys, and a phone without bounce or bulk.

The wide waistband adds to that practicality by holding everything securely while still feeling soft and supportive against the body. The fabric offers a nice balance of stretch and compression, giving the shorts a secure fit without feeling restrictive. They also stayed breathable in warm weather and felt substantial without being heavy.

I have not always loved the bike-short look for running, but these came close to changing my mind. I kept reaching for them because they performed well and made it easy to head out without overthinking what to carry. The one real downside is that they do not dry especially fast, which could be a drawback in wetter climates or for runners who want a short that is ready to go again quickly. Still, for women who prioritize storage and want a high-performing short that can handle more than just daily miles, the Pockito is a standout.

The Quick & Dirty: A great pick for runners who prefer a modest, compression-style liner with extra coverage; just be aware the inner brief can ride up slightly during higher-intensity efforts.

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.

The Quick & Dirty: Eco-conscious athletes will love this durable, ultralight option for rugged trails; however, the premium price tag and unforgiving waistband make sizing a bit tricky.

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 Quick & Dirty: Unbelievably soft and cozy for recovery days or light neighborhood jogs. Keep in mind, the thicker fabric holds sweat and lacks the secure pocketing needed for serious mileage.

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.

The Quick & Dirty: A lightweight, highly breathable option featuring UPF 30+ sun protection; the downside is it rides a bit low on the hips and the back pocket won’t fit a modern plus-sized phone.

Nathan updated its 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.

The Quick & Dirty: Elite muscle support designed for long-haul endurance efforts and rapid recovery. That said, the intense compression fit isn’t for everyone and the sizing options are limited.

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 non-issue 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.

The Quick & Dirty: The closest you’ll get to feeling like you’re running in the nude thanks to the weightless fabric; just know the flowy material tends to cling to your skin when soaked with sweat.

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.