Best Running Shorts for Women (Summer 2026): Tested and Reviewed

What makes the best women’s running shorts comes down to personal preference. All of us, however, want them to wick sweat, dry quickly, carry what we need, and make us feel confident. The best women’s running shorts are the ones that we look forward to putting on and let us forget about them while we’re out there. Over the past 18 months, our team of testers has put hundreds of miles on a whopping 72 pairs of shorts. These are our favorites.

Best Women’s Running Shorts: At a Glance

The inseam length of these shorts may be a mere three inches, but the relaxed fit, subtle branding, and easy flow of the lightweight polyester/spandex shell fabric make them versatile enough to run errands or grab a coffee (or beer) afterwards. The fabric raised suspicions at first, as it is a soft knit that appears as if it would hold sweat. But we were pleasantly surprised. “The fabric is a miracle,” one tester raved. “It dries quickly and has a really nice drape to it.”

The liner, made of Italian-sourced nylon/elastane, adds to the luxurious feel and functionality of the Session Shorts—soft against the skin, extremely lightweight, and quick drying. Three interior pockets in the liner add storage options to the one exterior zippered pocket, which holds items like AirPods rather awkwardly. Some testers found the thin waistband unflattering, as it can create a “muffin top” around the midsection. Otherwise, we love how well these shorts perform on and off the trail.

Best Value

New Balance RC Essential Short 5”

Sizes: XS-2XL

Pros and Cons
+ Excellent wicking
+ Zero chafing
– Can feel frumpy

Many 5-inch shorts feel constricting and hot; not the RC Essential Short. The length provides modesty, while a roomy cut and substantial side notch allow mobility. The perforated four-way stretch woven shell helps keep these shorts comfortable on the run, and New Balance’s fast-drying fabric technology (think capillary action moving moisture) does a great job wicking sweat.

Testers called these shorts “easy to wear,” and said they didn’t experience any chafing or discomfort, despite the longer length. They also liked the four drop-in pockets at the waistband (a feature usually reserved for pricier shorts) and the zippered back pocket. These RC Essential Shorts also come in a 3-inch length.

Most Comfortable Running Shorts

Oiselle Roga Shorts

Sizes: 2-24/26

Pros and Cons
+ Universally flattering length
+ Comfortable, stretchy fabric
– Tighter fit around the booty/thighs than other shorts

We love Oiselle’s original Roga Shorts for their wide, flat waistband that makes them sit as comfortably as yoga pants. The 4-inch inseam length and tapered sides are flattering, and the stretch woven polyester/spandex fabric is both substantial and lightweight. A semi-fitted cut provides coverage while the stretchy material moves with your body. “They fit in between a short tight and a more traditional running short,” said a tester, who described the material as having more structure than other shorts. “I liked it—it wasn’t wimpy, but also not heavy or thick,” she said.

Minimal seams in the crotch add to comfort, even during high-friction moves like high knees, and the shorts proved comfortable in hot and humid running conditions. “I wore these for a treadmill run when I was super sweaty after sitting in a sauna, and they were great—no chafing,” said a tester. Bonus: A tiny loop on the interior backside allows for easy hanging to dry from all that sweat.

Most Comfortable Short Tights

Patagonia Endless Run Shorts 6”

Sizes: XXS-XL

Pros and Cons
+ Material dries quickly
+ Three no-bounce pockets
– Drawstring seems unnecessary

Many running brands are designing short tights right now, but the capabilities of the Patagonia Endless Run Shorts caught our attention. These shorts dried quickly from sweat, keeping us from getting hot when it was warm and from feeling cold and clammy even when the weather turned.

The 6-inch length on a trail run provided coverage and protection from both the sun and overgrown trees on tight singletrack. The next-to-skin fit kept us covered while scrambling on rocks (no flashing trail partners), and the wide, flat waistband stayed put during fast efforts and long, rambling runs alike. The lack of a center seam kept these comfortable, even when doing high-knee warm-ups or during rock scrambles. One tester raved: “A perfect length (not too short, but also not so long that they felt frumpy), perfect level of compression of the smooth, soft material that made me forget I had the shorts on.”

Most Comfortable Short Tights

Tracksmith Twilight Short Tights

Sizes: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
+ Super soft, comfortable waistband
+ Don’t ride up
– Side pockets are long and narrow

The ribbed exterior of these short tights adds style and compression, while a smooth-as-butter interior finish caresses the skin. The fabric’s nylon/elastane blend was a big hit among testers. It looks elevated, gently supports muscles, and doesn’t ride up. Adding to the comfort is a wide, super-soft waistband and a brushed, breathable, and moisture-wicking liner panel.

Testers praised the snug support: “They’re a little thicker than some other short tights,” said one, “but I like the feeling of structure kind of holding me in.” Another said that these kept her “feeling supported through the run.” Testers also liked the drop-in pockets on the legs and the zippered pockets on the back.

Best Pockets (Shorts)

Rabbit 3” Stashems

Sizes: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
+ Ample, no-bounce storage pockets
+ Can work for road and trail running
– Drawcord can feel bulky

With a mesh pocket that wraps 360 degrees around the torso, these function like a waist belt and a pair of shorts in one. We loved them for storing gels, chews, and our phones; all of which carried comfortably and with minimal bounce. The cut of these is more generous around the hips than other Rabbit shorts—most testers liked the extra room, but some felt the fit was a little too baggy. We all liked the flattering angled leg openings and side slit, and the feel of the shell fabric that is both lightweight and durable.

Best Pockets (Short Tights)

Janji W’s 5” Pace Short

Sizes: XS-XXXL

Pros and Cons
+ Lightweight, comfortable fabric
+ Well-placed storage pockets
– No zippered pocket

The Janji 5” Pace Shorts are so comfortable that they converted more than one tester who prefers the modesty of looser-fitting styles from “never-ever would I wear skin-tight shorts like this” to “okay, now I occasionally wear shorts like this.” The nylon/spandex fabric lightly compresses upper leg and glute muscles while remaining extremely lightweight, and the multiple pockets give runners storage options.

We liked the side pockets for carrying a phone or gels, the back pass-through pocket for holding things like gloves or even a long-sleeve layer, and the internal waistband pocket for stashing a key. The silicone grip dots on the leg hems keep the shorts in place and don’t leave a mark, and the 5-inch length strikes a good balance between coverage and freedom. “I like that they are tights without being bun-huggers,” said a tester.

Best Short Shorts

Arc’teryx Norvan Short 3”

Sizes: 00-16

Pros and Cons
+ Zippered back pocket
+ Lightweight, durable shell material
– Pricey

For those who prefer a short with a classic shell and liner instead of a short tight for trail running, we’re recommending the Arc’teryx Norvan Short 3”. We love the feel of the lightweight shell material, a recycled polyester that’s water repellent and durable enough to slide down rocky slabs on our butts. “These performed exactly as I’d want them to and I didn’t have to think about them,” said a tester who wore them regularly on a 7-mile trail loop in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado. “There’s no chafing, even though I’ve been sweating a ton, and they provide just the right amount of leg and butt coverage.”

Best Shorts for Extreme Heat

Janji W’s 2″ AFO Split Short Ultra

Sizes: XXS-XXXL

Pros and Cons
+ Internal key clip
+ Great pockets
+ Split short mobility
– Can feel skimpy

These super-light, über-comfortable shorts offer split short mobility without baring all. The polyester/elastane blend shell overlaps on the side of the leg and only opens into a split short when in motion. We found the liner and waistband—both made of soft, lightweight, sweat-wicking, and quick-drying blends of polyester/spandex—particularly comfortable.

Two drop-in pockets on the back work great for stashing Airpods or a key fob. “They’re secure, but easy to access,” said a tester. The back zippered pocket holds a phone without bouncing, and a front drop-in pocket features a small key clip. Reflective detailing, which looks like piping, is subtle and stylish.

“I took these shorts on an 8-mile run the first time I wore them,” said a tester. “They were comfortable from the first step, and didn’t rub or chafe.”

Best Shorts for Extreme Heat

Oiselle Flyout Chill

Sizes: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
+ Lightweight
+ Highly breathable
+ Comfortable cut
– Waistcord is very long

The Flyout Chill shorts are as comfortable as baggy pajamas thanks to a super-soft, lightweight polyester material and a loose-fitting cut. But technical features—like a mineral cooling fabric treatment, mesh interior liner, small key pocket, and waistband drawstring—make the Flyout Chill shorts ready for a run of any distance. “I love the material of these shorts,” said a tester. “They never felt wet when I was sweating.”

They’re the least pocketed shorts in the bunch, but we like their simplicity and appreciate the ability to do post-run, belly-up core work without having a zipper digging into our backs (although they are cut very short, so beware of flashing fellow gym-goers). We also love the curved hemline and flattering style.

Best 2-in-1 Shorts:

Rabbit Pacer Shorts 2-In-1 4”

Sizing: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
+ Comfortable midrise fit
+ Complementary combo of inner and outer short
– Drawstring is a bit bulky

The best 2-in-1 shorts have interior tights that don’t ride up and an outer shell that is light and breezy in summer heat. The Rabbit Pacer Shorts 2-In-1 4” fit the bill. Testers loved the feel of the lightly compressive inner tight made from a recycled polyester/spandex-blend, describing it as “super soft and comfy” with “just the right level of compression.” The split-cut shell, made of a stretchy polyester/spandex blend, allows full mobility and plenty of airflow.

“I have worn these shorts in a variety of conditions, from the trails to the roads to the track,” said a tester. “I love the split short feel and performance benefits with the added bonus of the comfortable, supportive, chafe-reducing short tight underneath.”

We liked stashing Airpods, energy chews, lip balm, and even a phone and small hydration flask in the compression-short leg pockets. The zippered back pocket secured keys and more. A tester who ran with the pockets fully loaded said they handled it all effortlessly. “Nothing bothered me,” she said.

Women’s Running Shorts Comparison Chart

What to Look For in Women’s Running Shorts

When you’re shopping for the best women’s running shorts, look for breathability, moisture-wicking, and a chafe-free fit.

Materials

Sweat-wicking and quick-drying fabrics are essential in running shorts. These are usually made of polyester or wool blends and have a wide variety of proprietary names and textures. Polyester weaves tend to be the most breathable and highly durable, while wool resists odors and has a natural feel next to skin. Try on as many options as you can to find the ones that are both soft against your skin and feel cool and airy.

Fit

The fabric should not restrict your movement or be so tight as to interfere with your breathing at all. When trying on women’s running shorts, do some dynamic stretching such as leg swings, lunges, and running in place to experience your body’s whole range of motion in the apparel.

Style

Besides material and fit, there are a few key features to consider in running shorts for women: pockets, inseam, and waist height.

If you like to carry items like your phone, keys, sunscreen, water flask, gels, or snacks, you’ll need more pockets (if you don’t run with a hydration vest). Make sure the pockets are large and robust enough to fit and secure what you’re carrying, and located in spots where they won’t bounce or irritate. When you’re trying on running shorts with pockets, test how they feel when the pockets are full—especially if you intend to carry something heavy like a cell phone, which can drastically change the way a pair of shorts fits and rides.

Consider whether you prefer shorts with a longer inseam—like four to six inches—for more coverage and to avoid chafing, or ones with a shorter inseam that show a little more leg and feel less restricted.

The rise is crucial to consider, too. While some runners prefer a higher waist to feel more secure, others prefer a waistband that hits right at their hip bones and doesn’t constrict.

How We Test Women’s Running Shorts

•   Number of testers: 9
•   Number of products tested: 72
•   Most extreme temperature experienced during a run: 95-degree Florida beach runs
•   Most elevation gained during a run: 2,300 feet

With six testers based in Colorado, one in California, and two in Virginia, the season’s warm-weather apparel received a full gamut of testing conditions. All testers have been running for two to four decades, and consistently put their apparel through the paces…with scrutiny.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Lisa Jhung writes, runs, and generally adventures from her homebase in Boulder, Colorado. Raised as a California beach kid, she also makes it back to the coast—any coast, but primarily the Pacific—as often as possible. She’s been testing gear for Outside for a couple of decades and co-manages the road and trail running shoe tests, and manages the women’s running apparel, sports bras, and running hydration vest tests.