Fashion

Best Running Shorts for Women of 2026

Updated October 2, 2026

Running shorts are asked to solve a contradiction. The fabric needs to be light enough to breathe through a humid five-miler, but not so thin that a set of squats turns your warm-up into a peep show. The hem has to stay short enough to keep your legs cool and long enough that your thighs don't introduce themselves to each other at mile three. A good pair handles all of that so quietly that the only thing you're thinking about mid-run is your pace — not your waistband, not your liner, and definitely not whether anyone behind you can see through your shorts.

Over the past four months, my team and I logged miles in 16 pairs, from budget no-names to the big athletic labels, and the differences came down to details you only notice after a few washes: a liner that doesn't bunch, a waistband that stays flat when you pick up the pace, a phone pocket that doesn't slap your hip with every stride. Here's the thing nobody tells a first-time buyer — sizing in this category is wildly inconsistent, and a built-in liner changes the fit more than any number on the size chart, so your usual size is a starting point rather than a guarantee. The picks below cover every length, liner style, and budget we actually liked.

1

Stelle 2-in-1 Running Shorts

Top Pick
Stelle 2-in-1 Running Shorts

Everyday running

Our Score 9.2/10
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Worth Noting

  • Sizing can run small for some
Rise
High
Liner
Built-in inner short
Pockets
Four, including zip

The problem with most running shorts is not the fabric; it is where the phone goes. Stelle's two-in-one pair solves that better than any other short here: zip pockets on the outer layer, plus pockets on the inner liner, so a phone, key, and card can each have a home. That is why it is our top pick.

The liner is the second reason. It is a true inner short rather than a loose brief, so it covers more thigh and resists the upward creep that sends you tugging at the hem. That coverage also helps with chafing, which is the first thing we check on a long run. The outer layer stays relaxed enough for hot weather, so you get support without a compressed feel.

It is not the sleekest short in the group. Four pockets add a little bulk, and the high waist is deliberate enough to show under a cropped top. The outer pocket can also drag when you load a phone into it; use the liner pocket for heavier items and keep the zip for a key or gel. That is a small adjustment, not a dealbreaker.

For most runners, the combination of secure storage and a liner that stays put is the whole game. It is the pair we reach for when we do not want to think about our shorts at all, and the price sits at the lower end of this group.

Bottom line: For runners who want a phone, key, and liner to stay put without a waist pack, this is the pair we trust for everyday miles.

2

CRZ YOGA Dolphin Shorts

CRZ YOGA Dolphin Shorts

Soft high-rise

Our Score 9.0/10
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Worth Noting

  • Sizing can run big for some
Rise
High
Liner
Built-in
Inseam
3 inches
Pockets
One side pocket

The Dolphin short is the one we reach for when we want to forget we are wearing shorts at all. The waistband is soft and wide, the high rise stays put, and the built-in liner keeps the whole thing feeling settled rather than fussy. It is a simpler short than Stelle's, with one side pocket rather than a pocket system.

What makes it worth the step up in price is the fabric and cut. It has a smooth, stretchy hand that works for easy runs, gym sessions, and long walks, and the dolphin hem gives your stride room without turning the short into a flare. We think it is the best soft-feel option in this set, and it is the pair we choose when pockets are not the priority.

The side pocket is fine for a key or gel, but a larger phone makes it sag and can pull the short off balance. If you carry a phone on every run, Stelle is the more practical choice; if you want a quiet, comfortable short for shorter efforts, this is the one.

Bottom line: Choose this if you want a soft, high-rise short with a liner that disappears on easy miles; the storage is minimal by design.

3

CE' CERDR 5-Pack Shorts

CE' CERDR 5-Pack Shorts

Multi-pair value

Our Score 9.0/10
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Worth Noting

  • Sizing runs small for some
Pack
Five pairs
Rise
High
Liner
Built-in
Pockets
Zippered

Five pairs in one order is the reason this set earns a place: it turns a running habit into a laundry rotation instead of a single favorite pair you wash twice a week. The shorts themselves are not generic filler. Each pair has a high waist, a built-in liner, and a zippered pocket, and the fabric is light enough for hot, humid runs.

What we appreciate most is the consistency. The waistband is wide and elastic without digging in, the liner is soft enough to skip underwear, and the zip pocket is a practical place for a phone or key. The colors are varied enough that you can keep one pair for races and the rest for training. For a runner building a weekly routine, that is a more useful package than one premium short.

The reason to choose this set is the routine: five pairs, one less decision before a run. We like the high waist under a singlet and the zip pocket for a key or card. If you are shopping for a single race-day short, the top pick is more refined; if you want a drawer full of reliable training shorts, this is the smarter buy.

Bottom line: This is the set we recommend for runners who want a full week of lined, zip-pocket shorts without thinking about each pair.

4

Ksmien 5- and 7-Inch Running Shorts

Ksmien 5- and 7-Inch Running Shorts

Longer coverage

Our Score 8.6/10
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Worth Noting

  • Waist can run tight for some
Fabric
Quick-dry
Inseam
5 or 7 inches
Pockets
Zippered

If most running shorts feel like they were cut for someone six inches shorter, the Ksmien pair is the correction. It comes in a five- or seven-inch inseam, which gives tall runners and anyone who wants more thigh coverage a real option without falling into biker-short territory.

The rest of the short is built for hot weather: quick-dry fabric, a wide elastic waist that sits high, and zippered pockets deep enough for a phone. We like that the longer inseam does not turn into a compression short; it stays loose through the leg, so it breathes on easy runs and walks. The seven-inch version is the one we point to for travel and long days on your feet.

The five-inch is our everyday pick, and the seven-inch is the travel pair. Neither looks like a biker short, and the zip pockets keep essentials from bouncing. The high waist sits comfortably under a tank, and the fabric dries fast enough for humid mornings.

For coverage-first runners, this is the most straightforward short here. It does not have the four-pocket system or the softest hand in the group, but it solves the length problem without making you feel strapped in. That is the trade we are happy to make.

Bottom line: For tall runners or anyone who wants more thigh coverage, this is the running short we recommend first, with zip pockets and a high waist.

5

Tough Mode 3-Inch Running Shorts

Tough Mode 3-Inch Running Shorts

Cross-training

Our Score 8.8/10
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Worth Noting

  • Waist can run small for some
Liner
Mesh
Fabric
Lightweight
Inseam
3 inches
Pockets
Zip pocket

Tough Mode's short is the one we point to when a run is only part of the workout. The three-inch cut, mesh liner, and zip pocket are set up for a circuit of running, rowing, and lifting, and the fabric has enough substance to handle gym equipment without feeling precious.

We like the liner here because it is a true mesh brief, not a second pair of shorts. That keeps the short light and airy, and it is the better choice if you find full inner shorts too warm. The length is also well judged for cross-training: short enough to squat and row without fabric catching, long enough that you are not adjusting the hem between sets. It is not as soft as the CRZ pair, but it feels more purpose-built for mixed sessions.

The cut is not as streamlined as the top pick, and the mesh liner is a different feel: airy rather than compressive. That is the trade for a short that handles a mixed session. If your runs are steady and long, the Stelle or CRZ short is more comfortable; if you move between cardio and weights, this is the pair we choose.

Bottom line: For runners who mix cardio and strength work, this is the short we choose, with a mesh liner, zip pocket, and a cut that stays out of the way.

6

BMJL 2.5-Inch Athletic Shorts

BMJL 2.5-Inch Athletic Shorts

Short inseam

Our Score 8.6/10
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Worth Noting

  • Only one pocket
  • Waist can feel tight on some builds
Rise
High
Inseam
2.5 inches
Pockets
One pocket

A two-and-a-half-inch inseam is a deliberate choice, not a compromise. This BMJL pair is for the runner who wants the least fabric possible without giving up a high waist, and the cut sits at the short end of what we call a running short. It is also one of the least expensive pairs here, which makes it an easy way to try a shorter length.

The high waist is the part that makes it work. It covers the lower stomach, stays put on shorter runs, and gives the short a smooth line under a tank. The fabric is light and quick to dry, and the cut is easy to pair with a tank or tee. We like it for speed sessions and hot-weather runs where a longer short feels like too much.

The cut is not for everyone: a two-and-a-half-inch inseam leaves more thigh exposed, so it is a poor match if you want fabric between your legs or extra coverage on long runs. For short, fast efforts, though, the minimal cut is the point. We also like the color range, which makes it easy to build a set without spending much.

Bottom line: If you want a high-waisted, barely-there short for fast, hot runs, this is our pick, provided one small pocket is enough.

7

THE GYM PEOPLE Running Shorts

THE GYM PEOPLE Running Shorts

Color range

Our Score 8.6/10
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Worth Noting

  • Pocket is too small for a phone
Rise
High
Liner
Mesh
Fabric
Quick-dry
Waistband
Wide

This is the pair that turns up in every color in a runner's drawer. The Gym People short has a wide high waistband, a soft quick-dry fabric, and enough color options to make matching a tank easy. It is a popular short for a reason: it looks neat, feels light, and does not ask much of your running wardrobe.

We like it best for easy days, walks, and gym sessions rather than hard intervals. The wide waistband is comfortable and flattering, and the mesh liner gives it a more athletic feel than a plain pull-on short. The length is on the short side, and the fit can run generous in the waist and loose through the leg, so it is not the most precise option for a narrow, long-strided runner.

The color range is the fun part: it is easy to build a set without spending much, and the darker shades look polished enough for errands after a run. It is not the pair we choose for a tempo session, but it is the one we grab for a coffee run after a loop in the park. That everyday ease is why it stays in the drawer.

Bottom line: For easy miles, gym days, and everyday wear, this soft high-waisted short is an easy yes if you do not need phone storage.

8

Under Armour Fly By Shorts

Under Armour Fly By Shorts

Minimalist running

Our Score 8.8/10
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Worth Noting

  • Light colors can be see-through
Liner
Built-in
Fabric
Lightweight, quick-dry
Pockets
Small key pocket

The Fly By is the short for the runner who wants less: a light shell, a built-in liner, and a cut that stays close without compression. It is the closest thing in this group to a pure race-day short, and it feels stripped back in the best way.

What we like is the way it moves. The fabric is airy, the liner prevents chafing, and the waistband does not feel like it is trying to fall down. The cut is short enough for fast turnover but not so short that you feel exposed, and the colors are strong without fading. For a simple run where you carry nothing but a key, it is a clean, fast-feeling option.

The lack of pockets is a design choice, not a defect, but it does mean this is not the pair for a phone. If you carry a phone on every run, the Stelle short is the more practical choice.

For fast, uncluttered runs, this is a strong minimalist choice. The liner, waistband, and airy fabric do the work, and the short stays out of your way from the first stride. That is exactly what we want from a race-day pair.

Bottom line: For fast, uncluttered runs where a key is all you carry, this lightweight Under Armour short is a strong minimalist choice.

How We Tested Women's Running Shorts

We built the shortlist by reading through hundreds of reviews and filtering for the things that separate running shorts from shorts you'd wear to the grocery store: whether there's a liner and what type, inseam length, pocket placement, size range, and price. That left us with 16 pairs, which we wore on rotation for four months.

Every pair went through the same schedule — weekly outdoor runs in heat and humidity, treadmill intervals, one longer weekend run, and at least one strength session where we squatted, lunged, and stretched. We ordered our usual size first, then sized up or down when the chart looked questionable, noting where the waistband landed, whether it rolled during a hard effort, and whether the liner bunched or rubbed. Each pair was washed after every wear, because seams, pilling, and color fade after ten cycles tell you far more about quality than the first try-on does.

Opacity got its own test: we squatted, bent over, and stretched in front of a mirror in daylight, and for the lighter colors we held the fabric up to a window to see how much light came through. For pockets, we ran with a phone, a key, and a gel to see what bounced, what slapped, and what dragged the waistband down. We also measured every inseam ourselves and tracked how far the hem crept up over a run, since a 3-inch short that stays put beats a 5-inch one that doesn't.

How to Choose Running Shorts for Women

Pick the Inseam for Your Stride and Comfort Zone

A shorter inseam gives you freedom and less fabric to heat up, which is why 2.5- and 3-inch cuts dominate fast running. But the right length is personal. If your thighs rub, a 5-inch or 7-inch short like the Ksmien gives you more fabric between the legs without becoming a biker short. If you like a barely-there feel and do not need coverage, the BMJL 2.5-inch cut is the one we point to. Check the back rise as well as the inseam; a high waist can make a short feel longer than its measurement.

Choose Between a Brief Liner and a Two-in-One

A built-in brief liner is light and keeps underwear out of the equation; a two-in-one short adds an inner short that covers more thigh and is the better bet for chafing. We prefer two-in-one designs for long or sweaty runs because there is less to adjust, and the Stelle and CE' CERDR pairs show how little bulk that adds. A mesh liner, like the one in the Tough Mode short, runs cooler and suits cross-training. Whichever you choose, the liner should fit without pinching or riding up before you take the tags off.

Put Pocket Security Ahead of Pocket Count

One zippered pocket that holds your phone is more useful than three slip pockets that bounce. Look for a zip that sits against the body, a pocket deep enough for your phone, and a second spot for a key. The Stelle short has the most complete storage here; the CRZ Dolphin and Under Armour Fly By are deliberately minimal. If you run with a phone, put it in the pocket and jog in place before race day. A pocket that sags or swings will only get worse at speed.

Treat Sizing as Part of the Purchase

Running shorts sit close enough that a half-size difference changes the whole feel. Size charts vary, and a high waist can feel tighter than a mid-rise even when the hip measurement matches. Measure your waist and hips, read the size chart, and choose a retailer with easy returns. If you are between sizes, go with the larger one for a two-in-one short and the smaller one for a loose shell. The waistband should stay put without leaving marks after a run.

Check Fabric, Opacity, and Care

Light, quick-dry fabric is pleasant in heat, but thin fabric can turn sheer in bright sun, especially in white or pale colors. Hold the short up to a window before you run in it, and choose a darker color if you see the liner clearly. A liner and elastic waist are the parts that age first, so air-dry the short rather than putting it in a hot dryer. That is especially worth doing with a five-pair set you plan to rotate all season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

Our default is the Stelle two-in-one short: it keeps a phone, key, and liner in place, and it costs less than most of the specialist pairs here. If you want a softer, simpler short and carry little, take the CRZ YOGA Dolphin. If you need more coverage, the Ksmien comes in five- and seven-inch inseams; if you want a full week of training shorts in one order, the CE' CERDR set is the practical buy. Start there, then adjust for the one feature you cannot run without.