The 17 Best Running Shorts for Women

Finding the perfect pair of running shorts is basically like dating. You have to try a bunch of duds—the ones that ride up, the ones that chafe, the ones with a waistband that digs in—before you find The One. And when you do? It’s pure magic on the pavement.

But you don’t have time for all that trial and error. I get it. That’s why my team and I have logged hundreds (seriously, hundreds) of miles in dozens of pairs to find the absolute best running shorts for women in 2026. We sprinted, we jogged, we trail ran, and we sweated a lot to bring you this list.

From barely-there split shorts that make you feel like you’re flying to compressive styles with more pockets than your favorite jeans, these are the pairs that actually perform. Trust me, your new favorite shorts are just a scroll away.

 

 

Our Absolute Faves

Oiselle Roga Shorts

For $80, the Oiselle Roga shorts are pretty much the gold standard for your everyday five-miler. They just get everything right. The wide, comfy waistband doesn’t slip, and the fabric is ridiculously quick-drying, so you never feel soggy.

But the real secret is the fit. The V-shaped inseam and built-in liner mean chafing is literally a non-issue, giving you total freedom to move whether you’re doing a quick loop or a longer weekend run. They have a cult following for a reason, people.

The Downside: The waistband pocket is great for a key or a gel, but don’t even think about putting your phone in there unless you enjoy a whole lot of bouncing.

 

 

lululemon Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short 4″

At $68, this is the lululemon short you see everywhere, and honestly, it lives up to the hype. The Hotty Hot is my go-to for pretty much any workout, not just running. The high-rise waistband is super comfortable and flattering, and the fabric is so light and breathable.

I’ve put hundreds of miles on my pair, and the liner is still perfectly smooth and never, ever chafes. They wash incredibly well and come in a ton of colors and sizes, making them a solid investment for your workout wardrobe.

The Downside: They’re perfect for road running, but the small side pocket isn’t going to cut it if you need to carry a phone and multiple gels for a long trail run.

 

 

Janji W’s 7″ Pace Shorts

If you’re all about that compressive, biker-short feel, you need to try these for $78. They give you that secure, held-in feeling without making you feel like a sausage. The 7-inch inseam is a godsend for preventing thigh chafe, and they actually stay put thanks to tiny silicone grippers at the hem.

And the pockets! The deep side pockets are legit. My phone, keys, and snacks all felt totally secure with zero bounce. They’re basically leggings, but for summer.

The Downside: This is a very fitted, compressive style. If you prefer a looser, more traditional running short, these aren’t for you.

 

 

For the Budget-Savvy Runner

REI Co-op Active Pursuits 4.5″ Shorts

Okay, these shorts are only $40, which is an actual steal. I was honestly shocked by how well they performed. They feel way more expensive than they are, with a comfy wide waistband and a breathable mesh liner that doesn’t ride up.

I took these on a long, sunny run and had zero chafing, plus the UPF 50+ protection is a nice bonus. If you want a reliable, no-fuss pair of shorts that won’t break the bank, this is it.

The Downside: Depending on your torso length, the waistband might feel a little low-rise for some people’s preference.

 

 

When You Feel the Need for Speed

Tracksmith Twilight Split Shorts

When you want to feel fast, you wear these $70 shorts. The fabric is so silky and lightweight it feels like you’re wearing nothing at all. They are built for speed, with a high split on the side that gives your legs complete freedom to fly.

The liner is quick-drying and has odor control (thank you!), and the three internal pockets are surprisingly secure for stashing gels during a race. These are my secret weapon for track workouts and 5K PR attempts.

The Downside: The coverage is… minimal. If you’re not comfortable showing a lot of leg, you might feel a bit exposed in these.

 

 

For Long Runs and Trail Adventures

Patagonia Endless Run Shorts 6″

These $95 shorts are my pick for those long, slow weekend runs where comfort is everything. The 6-inch inseam provides great coverage and support without feeling restrictive, which is exactly what you want when you’re out there for hours.

The fabric is breathable and durable, holding up perfectly on both road and trail runs. They’re a workhorse pair of shorts that you’ll reach for again and again for your biggest efforts.

The Downside: They are definitely on the pricier side, but the quality and durability help justify the cost.

 

 

REI Co-op Swiftland 5″ Shorts

For $60, these are your new best friend for sweaty, humid summer runs. The stretchy, gridded mesh fabric is unbelievably breathable and dries in a flash. I literally got caught in a downpour wearing these, and they were comfortable and chafe-free even when soaking wet.

The high-rise waistband is secure and the soft liner feels great against your skin. A total win for hot-weather training.

The Downside: The phone pocket is a little on the small side; my larger phone was a tight squeeze.

 

 

Janji W’s 3″ Multi Shorts

I’m obsessed with these $88 shorts for trail running. They are insanely light and breezy, but the real star is the pocket situation. There are so many places to stash your phone, keys, and snacks without any annoying bouncing.

The waistband is super comfortable, and the partial split gives you plenty of room to move when you’re navigating technical terrain. They feel airy and free on any run, long or short.

The Downside: I found the brief liner had a tendency to ride up just a tiny bit, but it wasn’t a dealbreaker.

 

 

Arc’teryx Norvan Short

If you’re serious about hitting the trails, you need these $90 shorts in your life. They are incredibly lightweight, wick moisture like a champ, and the built-in brief has odor control, which is a blessing on long, sweaty adventures.

They stay perfectly in place, regulate your temperature, and feel like they were designed by someone who actually spends a ton of time running up mountains. Because they were.

The Downside: The fit is definitely low-rise, so if you prefer shorts that offer more tummy coverage, these might not be your jam.

 

 

Patagonia Women’s Trailfarer Running Shorts 4.5″

Hate built-in liners? I hear you. These $65 shorts are for you. Going linerless means you can wear your favorite pair of running underwear, which is a huge plus for some people.

They’re still super breathable, durable, and packed with enough pockets to carry everything you need on the trails. It’s the perfect shell short for runners who like to customize their setup.

The Downside: Obviously, you’ll need to buy a separate liner or performance underwear to go with them, which is an added cost.

 

 

If You Need All the Pockets

Oiselle Toolbelt Roga Shorts

Meet the fanny pack of running shorts, priced at $98. The “toolbelt” waistband is no joke—it has a 360-degree pocket that can hold everything. I’m talking phone, gels, keys, credit card, you name it. Everything stays secure and bounce-free.

I wore these for a marathon and didn’t need a separate running belt. I could easily grab my gels, and the shorts themselves have that same lightweight, no-chafe comfort as the classic Roga. They’re brilliant.

The Downside: They’re one of the more expensive pairs on the list, but the storage capacity is unmatched.

 

 

Ultimate Direction Women’s Velum Short

For $60, these shorts offer an amazing amount of storage for trail adventures. The pocket design is so smart, keeping all your essentials close to your body to minimize bouncing while you’re scrambling over rocks.

They’re comfortable, lightweight, and built for people who need to carry more than just a car key. A true standout for utility and comfort on the trails.

The Downside: The 2.5-inch inseam is on the shorter side, so it doesn’t offer a ton of coverage if that’s what you’re looking for.

 

 

Shorts for Every Body

Branwyn Essential Compression Shorts

If chafing is the bane of your existence, you need to try these $70 compressive shorts. They have a snug, secure fit that moves with you but never feels constricting. The 6-inch inseam is perfect for preventing thigh rub, especially for shorter runners who might find longer styles too much.

They provide awesome support and simply do not ride up. Ever. It’s a miracle for anyone who has spent a run constantly pulling their shorts down.

The Downside: Because they’re a compressive style, they aren’t as breezy and breathable as looser-fitting shorts.

 

 

lululemon Track That High-Rise Lined Short 3″

Got muscular thighs? Finding shorts that don’t squeeze them is a struggle, but these $68 shorts are the answer. The leg opening is wider and more generous, so they skim over your quads and hamstrings beautifully without cutting in.

The cut is super flattering, the fabric is lightweight, and the drawcord lets you cinch the waist for a perfect fit. Plus, they come in tons of cute colors.

The Downside: The 3-inch inseam might feel a little short for runners who prefer more coverage.

 

 

More Great Picks We Love

New Balance RC Women’s Running Shorts

Sometimes you just want a simple, classic short that works. For $50, these New Balance shorts deliver. The design is all about breathability, with mesh panels that keep you cool when you’re working hard.

During my test runs, they were just consistently comfortable and reliable. The pockets are secure, the fit is on point, and they do their job without any fuss.

The Downside: The color selection can be pretty limited compared to other brands.

 

 

How to Find Your Perfect Pair

Okay, so how do you choose? It really comes down to a few key things. First, think about the inseam length. Shorter inseams (like 3 inches) offer maximum freedom for speed, while longer ones (5-7 inches) provide more coverage and can help prevent chafing.

Next up: the liner debate. Most running shorts have a built-in brief-style liner, which means you can go commando. It’s designed to wick sweat and prevent chafing. But some people hate them! If that’s you, look for a linerless or 2-in-1 style with a compressive short underneath.

And finally, be honest about your storage needs. If you’re just running around the block, a tiny key pocket is fine. But if you’re training for a marathon or hitting the trails, you’ll want multiple pockets that are big enough and secure enough for your phone, fuel, and whatever else you need to carry.