Best running shorts for women in 2025

Picking the right pair of women’s run shorts can make or break your training. As women, we want to run in shorts that are comfortable, practical, and perform well for running. But with so many styles and brands out there, it can be hard to find the right pair that works for you and your body shape.

In essence, good running shorts are those that allow us to run in comfort and reach our potential during training and running races. It’s important to consider the material used in shorts, whether it’s truly breathable and moisture-wicking for hard efforts. 

In this article, we’ve tested shorts of different lengths, with shorter options for maximum ventilation, and longer picks to help combat the dreaded thigh-chafe. Pockets are a key consideration, especially over longer distances and to store valuables. 

Here’s a round-up of some of our favourite tried and tested women’s running shorts that offer a range of coverage, and why we’d recommend them.

Best running shorts for women in 2025

1. Brooks Run Visible 4″ 2in1 Short 2.0

Price	$84.99 / £60
Material	Shell: 86% recycled polyester, 14% spandex Liner: 87% recycled polyester, 13% spandex Waistband: 87% recycled polyester, 13% spandex
Features	Drop-in pocket and zipped pocket, flat waistband with internal drawcord, 2in1 design with fluorescent liner and shell
Sizes	XS – 2XL

The Brooks Run Visible 4″ 2in1 Short 2.0 excel across the board, providing eye-catching aesthetics, clever pockets and chafe-free comfort.

They kept me comfortable in the heat and dry quickly post-wash.

The fit is closer where you want it. The compressive inner is snug around the legs and waist while the outer shell is unrestrictive elsewhere.

You can carry a large phone in the thigh pocket and other valuables in the zip pocket. SB

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2. Bimble and Bolt Super Strider Shorts 6″

Price	$46.99 / £45
Material	62% recycled nylon and 38% spandex
Features	No front seam to reduce chafing, medium-to-high compression, two side pockets, zipped rear pocket, reflective logos, waistband loop for hanging
Sizes	2XS – 2XL

The Bimble and Bolt Super Strider Shorts 6″ deliver comfort, support and wonderful fit from a high compression, plush and eco-friendly nylon.

On the run, the shorts stayed in place and the 6in length prevented chafing while looking stylish.

With three pockets in total, these Bimble and Bolt shorts can carry more than most rivals.

After several washes the shorts retained their elasticity. SB

3. Inov8 Train Lite 5″ Short

Price	$60 / £50
Material	Recycled polyester and elastane
Features	Inner key loop, zipped pocket, breathable inner brief, waist pockets, DWR coating on outer shell
Sizes	2-12

The Inov8 Train Lite 5″ Short comprise a lightweight, flexible and seamless inner and a looser outer with Durable Water Repellent coating.

They don’t dig into the waist thanks to the elastic and adjustable waistband, and their breathability reduces moisture accumulation.

Useful features include an inner key loop and zipped pocket.

Although the fit was good, the 5in length may have been responsible for some inner thigh chafing. SB

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4. Tri-Fit Sitech Dual Shorts

Price	$103 / £75
Material	80% polyester, 20% elastane
Features	Lightweight outer and compressive inner with flatlocked seams, integrated waistband drawcord, inner phone pocket, reflective thigh strips
Sizes	XS-XL

These Tri-Fit Sitech Dual Shorts feature a great two-in-one design: a loose, light shell on the outside and a comfortable compression liner for support.

The soft waistband has a drawstring to keep everything in place, and the seams are either flatlock or thermo-welded, making for a really smooth fit. 

They’re packed with smart details too, like laser-cut holes for ventilation and reflective strips on the thighs for visibility. 

The inner thigh pockets are highlights. They held my iPhone perfectly with no bounce, and there’s even a port for headphone cables.

My only slight issue was with the inner liner. I would have preferred it to be a little longer to prevent my thighs from rubbing together. SB

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5. Salomon Sense Aero 2-in-1 Running Shorts

Price	$99 / £80
Material	Aerotech: breathable with four-way stretch
Features	Inner liner, elasticated waistband, silicone he grip tape, two pockets (one zipped)
Sizes	XS-XL

The Salomon Sense Aero 2-in-1 running shorts performed exceptionally well, staying in place and not riding up, which is essential when you’re trying to focus on your stride.

The built-in liner is a great touch, offering extra support without causing chafing, even on longer runs. The waistband is comfortable and sits lightly without digging in or causing discomfort.

A standout feature is the thoughtful placement of pockets which are placed around the waistband, designed to hold items such as phone, gels, additional layers.

There’s a discreet zippered back pocket that securely holds essentials like keys or a credit card/ID.

These pockets feel strategically designed to minimise bounce and didn’t feel bulky. KM

6.Under Armour Women’s UA Fly-By 2-in-1 Shorts

Price	$40 / £36
Material	Main body: 90% recycled polyester; Liner: 84% polyester / 16% elastane
Features	Side zip pocket, breathable mesh panels, compressive inner shorts, elastic waistband with internal drawcord
Sizes	XS-3XL

The Under Armour Women’s UA Fly-By 2-in-1 shorts’ fit is spot on — neither too tight nor too loose.

The lightweight, fabric feels soft against the skin and allows for a full range of motion.

During my runs, these inner lining stayed in place, whilst the outer material did rise up and gather, but this did not feel restrictive. 

The zipped pocket located on one side of the shorts, can securely hold essentials like keys or a credit card, however not large enough to hold a gel.

The sleek design and modern aesthetic make these shorts versatile enough to wear beyond the running track. They come in black or pale blue, making it easy to find a pair that matches your style preference.

The reflective detailing is minimal, for early morning or evening runners, better visibility features would be a welcome addition.

7. Queenieke Side Pockets Running Shorts

Price	$19.99 / £21.99
Material	86% Nylon, 14% Spandex
Features	Gusset crotch and interlock stitching, high waist, two side pockets, back waist pocket
Sizes	XS-2XL

I know picking the right running shorts can be a bit of a minefield, to say the least. But I can attest to the durability and fit of these Queenieke shorts from Amazon, having used them for years.

What I like about these shorts is that with a six-inch inseam, they’re just the perfect length. They’re long enough to cover the upper thighs, but not too long that they go all the way down to the knee.

A thick and high waist band keeps you feeling secure and comfortable, with a flattering seam placement and multiple colours to choose from.

The best part? The Queenieke has two side pockets large enough to fit a chunky smart phone, plus keys and gels, so there’s no need to carry an extra hip bag or running backpack.

They must be one of the best women’s running shorts with pockets I’ve come across.

8. Castore Speed Shorts

Price	£55 (UK only)
Features	Mid-rise, mesh waistband; slide slits; reflective detailing
Sizes	6-16

This lightweight and stylish pair of performance running shorts from Castore just feels like quality.

Ideal for running in warmer climates, the shorts have a mid-rise, mesh waistband with in-built moisture-wicking properties and an inner drawstring.

They’re designed with a flattering curved hem and slight side slits for ventilation, with reflective detailing.

When on, the shorts feel secure and comfortable; all they’re missing is some pocket capacity for the essentials.

9. Brooks Chaser 2-in-1 Short

Price	$63 /£55
Material	36% recycled
Features	Short-tight liner, elastic waistband, two side leg pockets, two front liner pockets, rear zip pocket
Sizes	XS-2XL

Also available in black or blue, these Brooks run shorts are supremely comfortable thanks to the soft, sweat-wicking inner lining that also has useful in-built side and front pockets.

We like the five-inch inseam, making them just long enough to protect against thigh chafing, while ventilation panels throughout are great for long runs.

Plus, these women’s running shorts have pockets in-built along both sides (as well as a smaller zip pocket) that are just big enough for a phone/gel.

How we tested the best women’s running shorts

Our team tested this round-up of the best women’s running shorts over a period of several weeks and months to find the favourite options to recommend. Our expert running gear testers and journalists, Kate Milsom and Sarah Broadley, wore each pair of shorts out on runs of distances from 3mi / 5km to 26mi / 42km. 

During testing, comfort was one of the main considerations. Choice of materials, moisture-wicking, and non-budge hems all factor into a good, comfy pair of run shorts. 

While storage capacity was also important, especially over longer runs. As a woman, it was important to our tester to be able to carry her phone for security while running. Typically, the more pockets the better, with a mix of zips and easy-stash pouches proving to be a winning combination.  

We judged whether these shorts proved to be true to size, and also their longevity, thanks to the long duration of our testing period.

Features to look out for in women’s running shorts

As you may have spotted from our shorts on test, not all women’s running shorts are made equal. Certain features make a huge difference when it comes to the comfort, longevity, and functionality of your next pair of running shorts.

To make the most of your next purchase, look out for these key features:

Length

The length of your short leg is largely personal preference, but many women prefer a slightly longer leg to provide extra coverage that’ll ward off chafing and add extra support. 

That being said, on the other side of the spectrum you’ll find floaty, short, single-layer run shorts which many short-distance athletes prefer for their lighter weight and breathability. As we said, it’s a mater of preference. 

Pockets

A game changer when it comes to longer distances in particular, opt for a pair of shorts that can house at least a set of keys and a gel.  

For safety and navigational purposes, you may want to also bring a phone. Look out for shorts with thigh pockets to slide in a phone, or a large and stable enough back zip pocket. 

You’ll want a mixture of zip and non-zip pockets, so there’s no worrying about losing your post-run, chippy tenner or car keys while running. 

Style

As we mentioned when discussing length, women’s running shorts have quite a range of styles. This is again a choice of taste, but you should also consider what you feel most comfortable in. 

Styles range from light, paper-thin shorties that allow maximum ventilation (see the Hoka Performance shorts), to the 2in1 style which offers both great coverage and often lots of additional storage.

Meanwhile, the rising popularity of the biker short style provides a more modest offering with more structural, compressive support than other styles.  

Material

We’re happy to see that many brands are incorporating eco-friendly or recycled materials into their shorts these days.

For running shorts, it’s key to look for lightweight or breathable fabrics, like nylon or polyester blends. Moisture-wicking is also important, these help to avoid you getting drenched in sweat straight off the bat and your shorts chafing due to excess moisture.

Seams

The placement of seams on running shorts can make them super flattering, but watch out for seams that rub or cause irritation. At the end of the day, functionality trumps style.

Safety features

Additions such as reflective detailing or brighter colours will make you easier to spot by cars and passers-by when running in low-light conditions. The ability for the shorts to house a phone while running is also a safety feature worth considering.

Why wear 2 in 1 running shorts?

You’ve likely seen many runners sporting the 2in1 running short style and wondered about the benefits. This style is so popular because it offers extra capacity for pockets, while enjoying the comfort and support provided by compression running tights. 

The inner layer tends to have good moisture-wicking and anti-odour properties, allowing you to run without underwear, should you desire. It may sound bizarre, but like cycling bib shorts, running without underwear translates to less chance of rubbing and a more comfortable ride (plus, less clothes to wash afterwards!). 

Though the 2in1 isn’t for everyone, it does typically provide good freedom of movement, breathability, and comfort while running. 

What length shorts are best for running?

As you’ll gather in our key features recommendations above, running short length is a hugely personal choice as all bodies are different. That being said, there are some typical lengths that running brands tend to offer. 

The shortest length is normally 3”, this would be best for those who don’t suffer from upper thigh chafe and like the freedom of wearing short shorts. Then there’s 4”, which offers just a smidge more coverage to that of the 3”. 

Most women tend to go for around 5” or 6”, this length covers fully the glutes and some of the upper high in a medium coverage, while still retaining that classic short look and length. 

Longer, biker short options range from 5 or 6” to around 9” and fully cover all of the upper thigh and most of the leg above the knee. The main downside of these are that they are less breathable for running in hot conditions. For most women, this is eclipsed by the benefits of extra support, coverage, and pockets.  

Is it better to run in loose or tight shorts?

Running in loose shorts allows for a lot more ventilation as you run, which is particularly beneficial for runs in the summer months. They also offer more freedom of movement and are preferred by those who aren’t fans of skintight clothing. 

Loose shorts don’t necessarily make you slower, it’s about personal comfort. One of the most decorated ultra runners of all time, Courtney Daulwalter, is famed for running in basketball-style, loose running shorts. 

Tight running shorts will typically be more aerodynamic, but less ventilated. However, running shorts are made from breathable and moisture-wicking materials, so this shouldn’t prove too much fo a problem. One style isn’t better than the other, it’s about finding the right running shorts for you, your needs, and your preferences.

Looking to complete the ensemble? Check out our guide to the best running jackets.