The 13 Comfiest Running Shorts for Logging Fast Times and Storing All the Snacks
As a year-round shorts runner, I’m an expert in the good, the bad, and the miserable when it comes to running shorts. Comfort, potential for chafing, and storage are front-of-mind when I’m shopping for a pair. When runners look for their next pair, there are all kinds of questions to consider: What’s the right inseam to prevent friction? Are the pockets big enough to store my phone, sunscreen, and gels?
For all my hot summer runners and year-round leg barers, this guide is for you. We go over the best shorts that’ll have drawer life well beyond the first fall leaf, plenty of race day storage for all the gels and gummies, and other features to look out for when shopping for bottoms.
Best Running Shorts Preview
- Best Overall: Tracksmith Session Shorts Men’s/Women’s
- Best Value: New Balance RC Essential Short Men’s/Women’s
- Best Men’s Budget: Baleaf Running Athletic Shorts Men’s
- Best Women’s Budget: Old Navy Mid-Rise Stretch-Tech Run Shorts Women’s
- Best Anti-Sweat Mark Shorts: Bandit Vanisher Compression Shorts Women’s
- Best for Thigh-Rubbing: lululemon Fast and Free Men’s/Women’s
How We Selected
Runner’s World has been testing products since 1966, vetting the best gear for runners so they can train hard, race their best, and enjoy all the other runs throughout their lifetime. Over the course of three weeks, we had our staff test several shorts to narrow down the best men’s and women’s bottoms during their workouts, from trail running to marathon training, from speed to recovery.
The RW team includes runners of varying levels (not all of us have run a 26.2!), ages, body types, heights, and running goals. We considered well-known shoe brands’ offerings, activewear-centric apparel, and lesser-known brands to give you a range of shorts styles and pricing. Our input lends a well-rounded collection of feedback so we can find shorts for every type of runner.
Full Reviews
Tracksmith Session Running Shorts
Pros
- Moisture-wicking and odor-resistant
- Soft, stretchy material
- Updated zippered side pocket
Cons
- Runs large
Key Specs
| Inseam | 5 inch. (M), 3 inch. (W) |
| Sizes | XS to XXL |
| Pockets | 4 |
| Liner | Yes |
We awarded Tracksmith’s Session Shorts in our annual Gear of the Year, because they have all the essential features, including comfort, storage, and adjustability. The older version had a zippered side pocket that positioned the girth to the front, causing whatever you stored inside to hit your thigh as you ran.
The newest Session remedies that issue, with the girth set to the back. The waistband is also updated; it’s more flexible and has an internal drawstring, unlike the previous Session. The “Session 3.0” is great for training and racing; three rear drop-in gel pockets make fueling easy when you’re hours on the road, and the silky material provides plenty of airflow.
Shop Men’s at tracksmith.com | Shop Women’s at tracksmith.com
New Balance RC Essential Short 3”
Pros
- Easy-access storage with lots of compartments along the waistband
Cons
- Short inseam not good for those prone to thigh-rubbing
- Low waist
| Inseam | 5 inch. (M), 3 inch. (W) |
| Sizes | XS to 2XL |
| Pockets | 5 |
| Liner | Yes |
The RC Essential 3” is a short made for racing—at a best value price. The amount of storage alone makes the RC Essential a winner; individual compartments along the waistband make separating your gels easier (no more caf or no-caf surprises midrun). The four drop-in compartments are complete with a zippered rear pocket for storing discards (though the pocket is large enough to store a phone, doing so results in jostling).
I tested the short and loved the short inseam and split-leg design. The lightweight, quick-drying fabric alone makes these shorts not a distraction, but I can’t help thinking the lack of fabric on my thighs makes me stride better—and faster.
Shop Men’s at newbalance.com | Shop Women’s at newbalance.com
Pros
- Pockets have lots of room for storage
- Surprisingly durable for a budget short
Cons
- Sizing runs big and long
Key Specs
| Inseam | 5 inch. |
| Sizes | S to 3XL |
| Pockets | 3 |
| Liner | Yes |
Runners flock to the cheap Amazon brand Baleaf because its threads are comfy and check all the boxes when it comes to affordable, functional activewear. Take the men’s Running Athletic Shorts: these bottoms are adjustable, breathable, have inconclusive sizing, lots of storage, and just feel dang comfy.
“The shorts performed very well,” said a tester. “My first time wearing these was at a local 5K in August, and the shorts did not hold me back in any way. The drawstring made the shorts nice and secure. I carried only my keys in the zipper pocket on the back, and there were no issues there either. I continued running in them on various types of runs following the race and it was more of the same. Great performance and very comfortable.”
Sweat-wicking mesh briefs provide support, while an internal drawcord allows you to adjust the waistband to ensure a secure, non-slip fit. You may need to tighten that drawcord too, since these shorts run large.
There are two side pockets and one lower back zipper pocket; all are sizable for a phone, in case you’re a thigh phone pocket runner or the much advanced lower back pocket runner.
Old Navy Mid-Rise Stretch-Tech Run Shorts
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Built-in briefs
- Stretchy and flexible
- Great size range
Cons
- Only one pocket
Key Specs
| Inseam | 3 inch. |
| Sizes | XS to 4X |
| Pockets | 1 |
| Liner | Yes |
These Old Navy shorts are at a jaw-dropping price—and our testers were impressed with how they performed on their runs. Even though the inseam is only 3 inches, Assistant Commerce Photo Editor Saba Ahmed reported no thigh chafing on her runs. “These are definitely the shortest inseam running shorts I own and I surprisingly really enjoyed running in these, especially on an almost 80 degree sunny day!” she said.
The elastic waistband has a drawstring for adjustability. The poly-spandex material felt especially breathable, even on very hot days. The only downside with the shorts was the one side pocket. “I was pretty confused on why there was only one pocket on one side,” said Ahmed. “I appreciated that it had a zip but I found myself trying to find a pocket on the left side as well and then remembering there was none.”
Bandit Vanisher 5” High Waist Compression Shorts
Bandit Vanisher 5” High Waist Compression Shorts
Pros
- Don't show sweat marks
- Waterproof pockets
- Several gel and phone pockets
- Gripper hemming
Cons
- Retains sweat
Key Specs
| Inseam | 5 inch. |
| Sizes | XS to XL |
| Pockets | 7 |
| Liner | No |
Features Senior Editor Pavlína Černá had a problem: her favorite pair of shorts showed a gigantic crotch sweat mark postrun. Enter the Bandit Vanisher collection, which promises threads that don’t show sweat. Černá tried the Vanisher shorts (in this season’s popular bright red) and found her bottoms absent of sweat marks.
“The apparel does exactly as it promises: it makes sweat vanish,” she wrote in her review. “I ran 9 miles in 80-degree heat one weekend and 10 miles the weekend after, and while my skin was glistening, there was not a single sweat mark on my outfit.”
Another plus: waterproof pockets so your phone won’t become sweat-logged, because even though these shorts don’t show marks, they still retain moisture.
lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Short 6”
Pros
- High waistband with storage
- Silicone grippers along the hem
- Smooth, comfy material
- UPF 40+
Cons
- Sizing requires some troubleshooting
Key Specs
| Inseam | 6 inch., 8 inch. |
| Sizes | 0 to 14 |
| Pockets | 5 |
| Liner | No |
The Fast and Free High-Rise has silicone grippers along the hemline to prevent the legs from riding up as you run. That’s a big win if you’re prone to thigh-rubbing. Another win: pockets galore. The short has five pockets that our testers took advantage of on all their runs, from fartleks to long runs and 5Ks to marathons.
“The plethora of pockets definitely hits the nail on the head for me in regards to functionality,” said Content Hype Editor Ashley Tysiac. “Nothing bothers me more than when a brand neglects to add pockets to their women’s shorts, so to see the amount of storage the Fast and Free HR shorts provided certainly made me pretty happy as a runner who doesn’t want to wear a running belt.”
Shop Men’s at shop.lululemon.com | Shop Women’s at shop.lululemon.com
lululemon Fast and Free Short Review
Tracksmith Twilight Half Tights
Pros
- Three pockets with lots of storage space
- Soft, ribbed material
- Long, fitted legs don’t ride up
Cons
- Thick liner that’s visible through fabric
- Fabric is thick for humid runs
Key Specs
| Inseam | 8 inch. (M), 5 inch. (W) |
| Sizes | XS to XXL (M), XS to XL (W) |
| Pockets | 3 |
| Liner | Yes |
While testing the Twilight Short Tights I honestly couldn’t stop brushing the palms of my hands against my thighs. The textured fabric, a nylon/elastane blend, is ultra soft.
I wore the shorts during my marathon training and appreciated the storage they provided for fuel and my phone.
Editorial Assistant Michael McDonough was surprised at the Twilight’s generous storage space despite having only three pockets when he tested the men’s version, the Twilight Half Tights.
“Though it may not seem like it at first glance, the Tracksmith Half Tights have great storage capacity,” he said. “Their three pockets (two drop-in side pockets and a rear zippered pocket) look skinny—very skinny. The side pockets are just over 2.5 inches wide, and the rear pocket runs just over 3.5 inches at its max depth. But the secret to the pockets is their stretch. My phone is over three inches wide, but it was still able to fit in the side pocket.”
Shop Men’s at tracksmith.com | Shop Women’s at tracksmith.com
Tracksmith Twilight Half Tights Review
LSKD Accelerate 3” High-Rise Running Short
Pros
- Split short design with ventilation
- Woven high waistband
- Breathable, lightweight material
Cons
- One narrow interior drop-in rear pocket
Key Specs
| Inseam | Split short design with ventilation |
| Sizes | 2XS to 3XL |
| Pockets | 1 |
| Liner | Yes |
These shorts come in mid-rise, which tester and deputy editor Mallory Creveling, CPT, prefers—but I added the high-waist version to this list because the woven band sits comfortably above my belly button without causing my stomach to cramp from discomfort.
These shorts feel light and feathery, the split legs almost making them feel like a flowy dance skirt.
Creveling also tested the high-rise version, and felt the same way running in the Accelerate. “I like how light and breezy they were and how I didn’t have to think about adjusting them as I ran,” she said.
The only knock is the very small interior pocket that’s big enough to store a key or squeeze in a card. But when the temperature is scorching—I’m reaching for these shorts.
Ciele FSTTight Short 8”
Pros
- Trimmable legs with guides for customizable length
- Large, secure pockets
Cons
- Waistband is on the tighter side; strongly recommend sizing up
Key Specs
| Inseam | 8 inch. (M), 7 inch. (W) |
| Sizes | XS to XL |
| Pockets | 2 |
| Liner | No |
If you’ve never considered yourself a tailor, Ciele has made alterations easy with its trimmable FSTTight shorts. The men’s 8-inch can be trimmed down to a 6-inch inseam, while the women’s inseam can be as short as 5 inches. Internal printed cut lines serve as a cheat so your trimming won’t look super hacky after chopping your shorts. I trimmed my shorts with hair shears, and the guide worked like a charm. You couldn’t tell the inseam length was DIY.
The FSTTight has two side drop-in pockets for fuel, but you can carry more gels by sliding them into the waist’s external side bands.
Though most of our testers found the shorts comfortable, our stockier testers found the leg openings a little snug on their thighs and wished the waistband wasn’t as tight.
Shop Men’s at cieleathletics.com | Shop Women’s at cieleathletics.com
Janji Trail Shorts
Pros
- Silicone grips on the leg cuffs
- S-biner key clip inside the right pocket
- Impressive amount of storage in the pockets
Cons
- Women’s inseam (4 inches) rides up on thick thighs
Key Specs
| Inseam | 8 inch. (M), 4 inch. & 9 inch. (W) |
| Sizes | S to XL (M), XXS to XXXL (W) |
| Pockets | 5 |
| Built-in Liner | No |
If you’re heading out for a long run on the trail, the Janji Trail Shorts and Half Tights have impressive deep pockets for storing any size smartphone, lots of snacks, headlamp, and anything else you’d want to carry during your time away from civilization.
A rear mesh pocket that takes up most of the back waistband’s real estate is perfect for those runs where the sky looks iffy; you can run distraction-free by tucking your jacket or long sleeve inside the pocket.
The Trail shorts come in half tight lengths, with men’s at an 8-inch inseam and women’s 9-inch. You may want to wear the 9-inch, since a couple of our women’s shorts testers found the 4-inch wasn’t the best short for thick thighs.
Shop Men’s at janji.com | Shop Women’s at janji.com
Pros
- Two drop-in pockets for storing fuel and other items
- High waistband with infinity cord
Cons
- No back pockets, only two side ones
Key Specs
| Inseam | 2 inch. |
| Sizes | 2 to 12 |
| Pockets | 2 |
| Liner | No |
I raced the Boston Marathon in the Dart Mini and appreciated how the high waist didn’t cause my stomach to turn from long-term constriction (and three hours of jostling). But the win for me was the two pockets. I stored three Maurten gels in each, plus a pack of tissues and a small tube of Aquaphor. The pockets fit all of the above and granted me easy access midrace.
The 2-inch inseam isn’t for everyone, but if you always wanted to run in buns but are afraid to commit—or just can’t find a pair of briefs with the right amount of storage—these shorts are prime race day material.
Oiselle Dart Shorts Mini Review
FlipBelt Comp Shorts Elite
Pros
- Multiple storage options
- Silicone leg grippers
- Two-side drawstring
- Reflective tabs for visibility in low light
Cons
- Some colors show sweat stains
Key Specs
| Inseam | 5 inch., 6 inch., 7 inch. |
| Sizes | XS to : |
| Pockets | Semicircle waistband storage with compartments, drop-in side pockets |
| Liner | Yes, small panel |
I’ve been looking for shorts that have a roomy but secure drop-in rear pocket for my phone, as well as a side pocket option (if you’re that kind of runner). Senior Features Editor Pavlína Černá had raved about the FlipBelt Thermal Leggings and how her phone didn’t bounce in its pockets as she ran. Naturally, we had to test FlipBelt’s compression shorts to see if they matched the functionality of the leggings.
The Comp Shorts Elite have a rear mesh pocket that spans the entire area of my lower back, making it perfect for storing my iPhone. I don’t have to struggle with a zipper or take the phone out of its case for it to fit in the mesh compartment. Side sections serve for easy gel access, while a small diagonal-zippered pocket is ideal for stashing earrings, safety pins, or an apartment key. The side pockets can also be used to store a phone or snacks.
“What I love about FlipBelt in general is the waistband that feels very secure, stays up no matter how much stuff I put in all the pockets, and just makes me not worry about what I am wearing on my lower body whatsoever,” said Černá. “Additionally, the bottom of the leg sleeve has a silicone thigh grip, which ensures these shorts are not going anywhere.”
The FlipBelt Ouray Compression Short for men was tested by our testers. They praised it for its high storage capacity, as well.
FlipBelt Comp Shorts Elite Review
Pros
- Perforated material increases airflow
- Lightweight
- Relaxed fit
Cons
- Not as much storage compared to other shorts on this list
- Back pocket not stable for holding phone
Key Specs
| Inseam | 3, 5, 7 inch. (M), 3, 5 inch. (W) |
| Sizes | XS to 2XL |
| Pockets | 3 |
| Liner | Yes |
These New Balance shorts are primed for racing. The lightweight material is perforated to promote airflow—very much appreciated when the temperature gradually went up at the year’s London Marathon, where I raced in the shorts. Pockets are limited but still have room to store the essentials: two rear drop-in pockets to reach for gels, and one secure zippered pocket for even more gels and discards.
The waistband has an internal drawstring for adjusting. They sit low, hitting the belly button, so some runners may want to opt for a high waist short if that’s not your style. On the other hand, the RC is available in multiple inseams, so you can pick and choose your desired coverage.
Shop Men’s newbalance.com | Shop Women’s newbalance.com
What to Consider
Type of Short
It’s about comfort and intention. Some runners prefer a bike short (compression or half-tight, as these shorts are also called) to ensure the legs don’t ride up. Many brands add grip tape on the inside of the cuffs to make the legs stay secure.
On the other hand, a flowy short (or loose or relaxed fit) provides more airflow and can come in a split-leg style, which some runners prefer for racing to enhance mobility.
Inseam Length
Inseams can be as little as 1.25 inches or as long as 10 inches for maximum coverage Some runners prefer a longer inseam to prevent the dreaded thigh chafing, while others want as little leg coverage as possible for racing. For running shorts for thicker thighs, check out our roundup.
Liner
To run with underwear or commando is a question RW staff heatedly discusses every so often. The right liner wicks away moisture and doesn’t cause a wedgie or cameltoe midrun. If you prefer to run with underwear, who’s to know? But there are some shorts out there sans liner. Head to our Best Running Underwear for recommendations.
Pockets
Another hot topic besides running with or without underwear: Storing your phone in the thigh or back waistband pocket? If you run with a phone, location is one thing to consider as well as security. After all, no one wants to feel their phone constantly hitting their leg as they run.
Brands are also finally understanding that both men and women need pockets. Some shorts come with 360 waistband storage; others have deep side pockets. Lastly, if you carry small valuables like keys or an ID, you’ll want to consider zippered or envelope pockets over drop-ins.
Price
We included some options for runners on a budget, but we understand our top picks are up there in cost. These shorts are made of durable, sweat-wicking materials that should last you for races and years to come. But we understand not every runner can afford such an investment.
Some ways to make your shorts last longer are washing without fabric softener (you should do this with all workout clothes so it doesn’t devolve sweat-wicking capabilities) and air drying.
Q&A
Cat Bowen, senior editor of commerce; reviews, is a seasoned runner with more than 20 years of distance running experience, including dozens of marathons, half marathons, and even a few ultra marathons. For over a decade, she has tested parenting, fitness, home, and running gear and written in-depth guides to help readers with their next purchase. Holding multiple advanced degrees and currently studying kinesiology, Cat Bowen brings research-backed insight to all of her guides. Passionate about women’s health and neurodivergent inclusion, she advocates for closing research gaps and helping others—especially AudHD people—find joy in running and fitness.
Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.