Best running shorts for men and women in 2025
Running shorts are a staple in any triathlete’s wardrobe. A good pair of running shorts will be comfortable, breathable, and supportive for runs of any distance. Here we test the best run shorts for both men and women.

A good pair of running shorts will drastically improve your run training and racing. The best running shorts prioritise comfort and proven functionality while running.
When it comes to choosing your next pair of shorts for running, there’s a lot to say about personal preference. What’s certain is that the best running shorts provide a balance between lightweight fabric, excellent breathability, and freedom of movement.
Whether you’re after built-in support in the shape of a liner, or practical pockets to stash nutrition, we’ve carefully considered the key run-specific features of each pair of shorts on test here.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the top running shorts for men and the best women’s running shorts, catering to different budgets, styles, and needs. From high-performance options to versatile designs for everyday runs, we break down some top-notch short options and why we recommend them.
Best running shorts at a glance
- Best men’s running shorts: Salomon Sense Aero 7” | Buy now from Salomon
- Best women’s running shorts: Salomon Sense Aero 2-in-1 Running Shorts | Buy now from Salomon
- Best running shorts for support: Zone3 2-in-1 Phantom Short | Buy now from Sports Direct
- Best budget running shorts: Queenieke Sport Shorts | Buy now from Amazon
- Best hot weather running shorts: New Balance RC Short 5” | Buy now from New Balance
Best running shorts for men reviewed
Best men’s running shorts
Salomon Sense Aero 7”

220 Triathlon verdict
Hard to fault the comfort, style, and practicality of these running shorts. Score : 92%
Pros
- Good coverage and breathability
- Full range of movement
Cons
- No zip pocket
- £65 / $70
At £65, the Sense Aero 7″ shorts may seem pricey, but they deliver excellent value compared to even more expensive options.
The seven-inch length provides solid coverage, while the ultra-light, four-way stretch fabric feels nearly weightless and offers unrestricted movement with great breathability, too.
A supportive brief liner inside ensures comfort, with flatlocked seams and minimal waistband stitching to prevent irritation.
Though there’s no zip pocket, four elasticated pouches below the waistband securely hold essentials like gels, keys, or a phone. Be aware, though, that these pockets can get sweaty. Even without zippers, I found the storage reliable during runs.
Soar Run Short

220 Triathlon verdict
With the high price tag comes high quality, reliability, and comfort. Score: 88%
Pros
- High breathability and ventilation
- Good coverage cut
Cons
- Pricey
- £95 / $130
The Soar 17cm Short is built for smooth, chafe-free runs, with lightweight, breathable fabric and ventilation holes to prevent overheating. While lacking warmth for extreme cold, they’re perfect for milder weather, and the fast-drying material keeps you comfortable.
The cut provides good coverage, sitting just above the knee, though sub-zero conditions might call for tights. A rear zip pocket fits keys, gels, or a phone, and reflective details improve visibility.
At £95, they’re pricey, but their comfort, versatility, and quality make them a worthwhile year-round investment for dedicated runners.
Best running shorts for support
Zone3 2-in-1 Phantom Short

220 Triathlon verdict
Great shorts if you’re a fan of compressive inner lining. Score : 82%
Pros
- Supportive compressive layer
- Sleek design and high-quality
Cons
- Liner pulls at waistband
- £85
Zone3’s 2-in-1 Phantom shorts sit at the premium end of the market but justify their price with standout features.
The sleek design impresses, but the highlight is the inner compression layer. This lining provides warmth in cooler conditions and claims to enhance performance by improving blood flow and reducing lactic acid. While hard to verify, it felt supportive, though some may find the fit overly snug, especially at the hem.
The shorts are comfortable for running, though the tight liner occasionally pulled the waistband down. Moisture-wicking is excellent, and a hidden elasticated pocket holds essentials like keys or a phone, though sweat buildup is possible.
Best hot weather running shorts
New Balance RC Short 5”

//v// One for short short fans and hot weather running. Score: 80%
- £60 / $64.99
New Balance’s RC five-inch run shorts are among the shortest men’s options we’ve tested here, making them ideal for warm-weather runs with excellent breathability and ventilation.
However, they may feel too chilly for winter, especially as the lightweight design lacks substantial lining. A snug brief liner offers solid support, but might feel restrictive for some, especially if paired with underwear.
While movement is unhindered, the shorts tend to ride up, potentially causing thigh chafing for some. The perforated fabric wicks moisture effectively, and a zip pocket fits keys, cards, or gels.
With nine colors available and an adjustable drawstring waistband, they’re pretty versatile, too.
Want more options? Find more tried and tested men’s running shorts.
Best running shorts for women
Best women’s running shorts
Salomon Sense Aero 2-in-1 Running Shorts

220 Triathlon verdict
A top option for runners after comfort, functionality, and style. Score: 81%
Pros
- Supportive inner liner
- Practical pockets
Cons
- Better reflective detailing, please
- £75
The Salomon Sense Aero 2in1 are a great performing pair of women’s run shorts. Critically, there’s no budge while running nor chafing, allowing us to focus on our run without distractions.
There’s a built-in liner that offers additional support, without feeling restrictive or creating a case of sausage-leg. While the waistband sits lightly agains the stomach, without digging in.
What we really liked, though, is the thoughtful placement of the pockets. Sitting around the waistband at different intervals, they’re strategically placed to avoid bounce while running.
Several pockets can hold run essentials such as a phone and gels, while a subtle back pocket can hold valuables securely with a zip closure. The only feature we’d optimise more is the reflective detailing, which was minimal at best.
Best budget running shorts
Queenieke Sports Shorts

220 Triathlon verdict
Good durability and phone pockets, a no thigh chafe zone. Score: 80%
Pros
- Supportive and comfortable
- Nice phone pockets
- Affordable price
Cons
- Not super breathable
- £21.99 / $19.99
I ran my first marathon in the Queenieke Sport Shorts. That alone should tell you all you need to know about their durability and comfort. The Queenieke hits the right balance between supportive, flattering, and a nice amount of coverage.
With a six inch inseam, they’re the perfect length for stashing a phone down either of the side pockets.
They’re long enough to cover the upper thigh and scare away any potential thigh chafing, but not as long as the almost knee length biker style.
A thick and high waist band holds in the stomach and made us feel secure and aero while running. The main and only downside that I can tell after over five years of use, is that the material isn’t the moist breathable compared to others on test. This is only something you’d notice in hot climates, though.
Brooks Chaser 2-in-1 Short

220 Triathlon verdict
Ideal for runs of any distance, these shorts are both comfortable and highly functional. Score: 90%
Pros
- Functional liner with pockets
- Comfortable
Cons
- Too bulky for some
- £55 / $63
Available in black or blue colourways, these Brooks running shorts stand out for their exceptional comfort and versatility, thanks to a smooth, moisture-wicking inner liner that includes handy side and front pockets for storage.
The five-inch inseam offers an ideal length, providing enough coverage to prevent thigh chafing, while the strategically placed ventilation panels enhance airflow, making them perfect for extended runs.
Additionally, these women’s shorts feature integrated pockets on both sides, along with a smaller zip pocket, offering just enough space to securely carry essentials like a phone or energy gels.
Bimble and Bolt Super Strider Shorts

220 Triathlon verdict
Well designed shorts that are flattering and practical. Score: 88%
Pros
- Feel comfortable and supportive
- Good coverage
Cons
- Hard to think of any!
- £44
Running shorts might not be the obvious choice for outdoor training right now, but they’re a staple in our wardrobe for indoor workouts—and these deserve a spot in your rotation.
Bimble and Bolt offer the Super Strider in two lengths (8-inch and 6-inch), which is a game-changer for anyone tired of the overly skimpy designs often found in women’s running gear.
I went for the 8-inch version in a lovely Teal shade (other colors are available). Made with 62% recycled nylon and 38% spandex, these shorts stay securely in place during intense sessions—no rolling up, thankfully.
They’re also equipped with practical storage: a zippered back pocket and two side pockets for your essentials.
Under Armour Women’s UA Fly-By 2-in-1 Shorts

220 Triathlon verdict
Good comfort, functionality and style. Just a few tweaks needed to be perfect. Score: 67%
Pros
- Well fitting
- Liner does its job
Cons
- Minimal pocket capacity
- £36
These shorts offer a balanced fit—neither too tight nor too loose—crafted from lightweight, soft fabric that allows unrestricted movement. The built-in liner provides reliable support without chafing, even on longer runs, while the adjustable waistband adds extra comfort.
The inner liner stays put, though the outer layer may ride up slightly without being restrictive. A zippered side pocket secures small essentials like keys but is too small for gels.
With a sleek, versatile design available in black or pale blue, they’re great beyond workouts. However, minimal reflective detailing limits visibility for early morning or evening runs.
How we tested the best running shorts
These men’s and women’s running shorts reviewed here have been tested by our 220 Triathlon expert panel, who have years of kit testing experience between them.
These running shorts have been tested in a range of weather conditions and across varying differences. Spanning several months, we also had the opportunity to test these shorts in different temperatures and after a few washes, can attest to their durability.
We’ve tested these shorts following specific critera, with one of the main considerations being comfort. Other important factors include breathability, moisture-wicking, value for money, and run-specific features (pockets, drawstring, relective details) that work well.
Features to look out for in running shorts

Comfort
As we mention at the start of this article, comfort is king when it comes to running shorts. You’ll be spending a lot of time in them, so it’s important to choose an option that doesn’t chafe or restrict your movement. Be sure to try on the shorts before buying, or within the returns period.
Material
Opt for fabrics that are lightweight and moisture-wicking, like polyester or nylon, to keep you cool and dry while running. While a four-way stretch fabric allows for better range of motion.
Length
Opt for a comfortable, non-restrictive fit that allows freedom of movement. Avoid shorts that are too tight, or overly loose, unless you prefer this type of fit. Choose a length based on your preferences—shorter styles (3-5”) offer better freedom of movement and breathability, while longer options (7”+) provide more coverage.
Liner
Some shorts come with an inner liner, especially 2-in-1 options and men’s running shorts. This is typically in the form of a brief or a longer compression-style liner that helps minimize chafing.
Compression liners, depending on their design, may provide added advantages like improved circulation and reduced muscle soreness. That said, these benefits can be difficult to measure, and many liners are simply snug-fitting rather than genuinely compressive.
It’s worth assessing your needs for support and comfort to determine if a lined option suits your running style.
Pockets
A minimum of one zipper pocket for values is a must when it comes to storage in a pair of running shorts. But most runners will likely find options with additional pockets for a phone or gels even more practical.
Looking for a good running top to complete the ensemble? Check out our list of the best running tops for men and the best women’s running tops.