Best running shorts 2024 for training and racing for both women and men

All the best running shorts are versatile, breathable, and most are ideal for workouts, but they aren't all the same: some provide more compression while others offer complete freedom of movement. To help you make the most educated decision about which one to get, we reviewed and ranked what we think are the best shorts for running below.

The best running shorts are not exclusive to the summer period either. How so? Combine them with the best compression tights and the best compression socks for running, and voila! You've got the best winter gear for running. Adding a winter running top might help further increase comfort levels.

But of course, the prime season for the best running shorts is the spring/summer season, and when the weather is warm, all you need is the running top and one of the below shorts to feel comfortable and ventilated. We also recommend investing in a pair of good running shoes or trail running shoes too. Or, if you'll wear these shorts for workouts, decent workout shoes.

Whether running track, going for a jog through the city, or prefer running off-road, different shorts will help you get the most out of your run whilst remaining as comfortable as possible. Short shorts or long shorts? It's time to decide.

Best running shorts to buy right now

Brooks' Sherpa 3" Split Shorts are every runner's wet dream. They are short, making them ideal for warm weather runs, but have two pockets to store keys/gels/other stuff you need during your sessions. This versatility makes the Sherpa 3" Split Shorts a notch above the rest.

Of course, there is more to these shorts than the storage they offer. The flat waistband provides a secure fit and ensures the shorts stay where they need to be. The splits on the side of the shorts also help keep things in place; you won't experience chafing or rubbing on your thighs when sporting the Sherpa.

As for moisture management, the sweat-wicking liner with "soft cloud seams" is said to prevent riding up or bunching, so there is no excess fabric over the skin that might block water evaporation. A true masterpiece of engineering, the Brooks' Sherpa 3" Split Shorts are some of the best running garments money can buy.

As in the case of many women's short shorts, the Adidas Women's Marathon 20 Shorts are best for the hot weather. I wouldn't recommend wearing them over compression tights since they haven't got any pockets or any other features that'd make them helpful to wear over them.

No, the Adidas Women's Marathon 20 Shorts are best as minimalist, warm-weather running shorts you can put on and go for a no-frill jog. No phone, no accessories, no makeup, just a pair of running shoes, a vest and the road under your feet early in the morning before the city wakes up.

The Adidas Women's Marathon 20 Shorts are not without features, though: they are equipped with a Climacool ventilation system and are highly breathable, which comes in handy if you run in hot weather.

The Gore R7 2in1 running shorts were designed for warm weather. The R7 is lightweight, packable and provides ample compression to your thighs. Although these shorts sport a 10-inch inseam, due to the cut and the tailored fit, your strides won't feel restricted, and thanks to the flatlock seams, there is no sign of chafing either.

There are some reflective details at the back and the front; if you get the Citrus Green colourway, you can further improve your road visibility. Storage-wise, there are two elastic side pockets on the side for gel packs and a zip pocket at the back for keys/phones etc. We found the Gore R7 2in1 shorts a bit on the tight side, so if you are not after too much compression, go a size up your usual. 

Sundried recommends the Strive shorts for gym training, CrossFit, running, yoga, and casual wear – so basically anything you can possibly do in shorts. The versatility of these shorts is undeniable: thanks to their stretch fit, whatever you try to use them for, you won't feel any chafing or rubbing for sure.

The Strive shorts are made with technical materials and feature qualities such as sweat-wicking, multi-way stretch, odour blocking and UV protection, all of which can be utilised during runs in good weather. The thick elastic waistband holds the shorts in place, and the 7.5-inch inseam is just long enough to cover most of the thighs but leaves enough space for knee compression sleeves, for example.

On the side of the shorts, you'll find two pockets for smaller items but definitely not for phones as they are zipless and quite open too. A key or two would probably stay put in the pockets and wouldn't bother you too much either, however. As for visibility, the logo is reflective, providing these black shorts with at least some visibility. 

Under Armour has the habit of giving their products ridiculously long names, and the Under Armour Qualifier Speedpocket 18 cm/7-inch Linerless Shorts is no exception to the rule either. The main appeal of these shorts is the 'speedpocket': an expandable front-facing pocket integrated into the waistband. Given the position and the layout of the pocket, the huge iPhone you'll probably put in it won't bounce and make you uncomfortable when you run.

The material used for the Under Armour Qualifier Speedpocket 18 cm/7-inch Linerless Shorts is light and fast wicking, plus there are also mesh panels on the side for even more ventilation. The fabric also has a 4-way construction that moves effortlessly in every direction. No chafing here!

The Under Armour Qualifier Speedpocket 18 cm/7-inch Linerless Shorts also have some reflective details for low-light runs and side pockets for your hands, although these pockets haven't got zips, so we don't recommend putting anything valuable in them. They are great for shoving your hands in when you bump into someone you haven't seen in ages and have to go through awkward small talk.

Before you buy, make sure you check our Under Armour discount codes. 

If you’ve got a race coming up, you’ll want as much freedom of movement as possible. These short running shorts from dhb are designed to be spacious for those long strides. The drawcord allows you to adjust the feel of the shorts, and the polyester material is quick-drying, so you can expect to stay cool and dry all the way around the track. Integrated odour control does what it says.

By now, you have probably noticed there are quite a few compression shorts on this best running shorts list. The reason is that they are the perfect type of shorts for those intermediate days when it's not quite warm just yet but too warm for full-length tights, or for those crisp mornings when the sun hasn't woken up yet, and a bit of extra warmth around the quadriceps muscle-area is welcomed.

There is one thing we like more than two-in-one shorts: variety. Therefore, let us introduce the TCA Endurance 2-in-1 shorts, running shorts with – you guessed it – an integrated compression liner. It's slightly longer, with an 8-inch inseam length, but thanks to the mesh panels on the side of the legs, it isn't too warm and also not uncomfortable to run in.

There are also two zipped (!) pockets to securely store your valuables/keys/gels as you devour the miles. Don't fill them up too much, though, because it will weigh down the otherwise not feather-light shorts even more. Also, if the TCA Endurance 2-in-1 shorts get wet, they might get even heavier, something to keep in mind before you head out for a drizzly jog after work.

You may find that running in shorts is better for your performance, but you find you get too cold. In which case, these men’s running shorts from Asics may be the perfect solution for you. The woven material is designed to block out the wind and keep your legs insulated on your run. They have a deep pocket which is suitable for holding most sizeable smartphones, and they are stretchy for ultimate comfort, too. Users found them to be long-lasting and reliable for training.

Women may find these short shorts are perfect for running races as they have a shaped hem for enhanced coverage of the legs without looking too baggy, and the woven fabric will ensure you don’t get too cold when running against the wind. With mesh side panels, you’ll find these shorts don’t retain sweat like others, and they are fast-dry, too, if you happen to get caught in the rain. With front hand pockets and hidden back pocket storage, you can keep all your essentials with you, and the reflective back panels make these shorts a good choice for city or nighttime jogging.

Not going to lie, I wasn't overly impressed with the looks of the Saucony Interval 9-inch 2-1 Shorts when I first laid eyes on them. They look pretty unflattering in general and probably a bit too long as well. But all my concerns went away after trying them on and – most importantly – running in them.

Long they might be, the Saucony Interval 9-inch 2-1 Shorts are very comfortable to wear and don't restrict your movement during running. The integrated compression lining will not keep your thighs warm and oxygenated, but it has a large slip-in pocket for phones as well. And having the phone close to your thighs is 100% better than having them in your side pocket, where they just bang against your legs as you run.

The Saucony Interval 9-inch 2-1 Shorts have received an "antimicrobial treatment" to help eliminate odour. There are some reflective elements on the shorts, too, although if you are planning on venturing out in the dark, I still recommend wearing a head torch for running for added safety.

How to choose the best running shorts

Running shorts come in a variety of lengths and may sport many different features, not to mention the fabric choices available. There are also many styles and colour options as well, so even if you are a seasoned runner, it might take a considerable amount of time to pick the right running shorts for your needs.

If you find short shorts exposing, longer knee-length shorts still allow for freedom of movement and are that little bit better on cooler days, even if only psychologically. Your other option, of course, is shorts over tights – and that goes for the guys these days too.

A few features to look out for are: moisture-wicking, the number/location of pockets, and the type of stitching used (seamless being the preferred choice). Runners often go commando and skip wearing underwear under their running shorts, so the material used on the inside of the running shorts is also an important factor.

Using the correct underwear is always preferred when running, though, if for nothing else, for hygienic purposes. Runderwear (retailer link) has a range on chafe-free underwear options for both men and women, better check them out as well.