The Strategist happens to be full of runners, so this week, we hit the ground running (literally), testing tons of running gear and interviewing experts to give every kind of runner all the intel they might need. Welcome to Running Week.
As a lifelong runner — from elementary school track to competing as a Division I collegiate runner, logging 50-plus miles per week — I know that I run my fastest in a pair of shorts. And I’ve put a range to the test. I’ve tried airy shorts with mesh underwear liners, skin-tight shorts that feel like they’re barely there, and even “buns,” which are brief-style bottoms often worn for racing. Those are just a few of the many styles on the market — and whether you’re a longterm runner, too, or training for your first 5K, you’ve probably wondered which pair is right for you.
To find the best running shorts, I asked several experts — including certified running coaches, former collegiate athletes, and even a retired professional runner — to share their favorites, all of which they train in every day. I also included the shorts I’ve worn and loved for ages and some styles I tested specifically for this story. Before I get to those below, a few overarching things to consider when shopping for running shorts: for one, you’ll want to find a pair that stays in place as you move. You’ll also want to consider which style (loose or compressive?) and specific features (drop-in pockets or a longer inseam?) will support you through every step of your run. As Strategist managing editor Kelsie Schrader reminded me, the saying “look good, feel good, run good” often holds true here.
Here, you’ll find shorts for runners of all levels and abilities, whether you’re prepping for a marathon or just browsing for a new pair to set you up for summer jogs. And if you’re looking for more running gear, read our guides to running shoes and the best socks to wear with them.
Best under-$50 running shorts
Schrader has been running for 14 years and says Nike shorts have always been her top choice since they’re incredibly reliable and don’t break the bank. “I primarily wear the Nike Pro 365 because I prefer tighter shorts and run with a waist pack, so for daily runs, I don’t need any fancy pockets,” says Schrader, who’s owned several pairs of Pro 365s over the years. Schrader adds that these no-fuss shorts would be a solid option for someone new to running, thanks to their low price point. “If you’re not sure what you like (or if you even like running), there’s no sense in buying a $90 pair of shorts that you might end up hating or never wearing again,” Schrader says. “A really simple pair of compression shorts like these is a solid starting point.
These Nike shorts are similar to the ones above but have a wide ribbed waistband with a small stash pocket. My former college teammate Annie Boos, who’s a senior digital video producer at TrackTown USA, recommends this pair because the five-inch length is long enough to prevent chafing but not as long as more traditional bike shorts. Boos says the waistline sits right above the belly button, which comfortably hugs her stomach and doesn’t ride down while she’s exercising. Other features she likes include a drop-in back pocket, which fits her keys, and the durable polyester and spandex material, which comes in a range of colors. “I wear these when I’m running, biking, walking, and when I’m dressing in athleisure,” Boos told me. “I tend to wear them the most when I go on long runs because it prevents chafing.”
NYC-based running coach Elizabeth Corkum, also known as Coach Corky, is a fan of these tight-fitting shorts, which are her “go-to for track workouts and racing.” Corkum, who has raced everything from the 5K to the ultramarathon, has a lot of gear in her rotation, but these always put her “in a headspace for speed and racing.” She likes that the compression is snug, so they don’t move around much, which minimizes rubbing or chafing in the groin area.
The classic Nike Tempo Briefs are an excellent under-$50 option if you prefer looser shorts. I’ve been a long-time fan of this style because of the simple elastic waistband and breezy, non-restrictive legs. Though I mainly wear tight compression shorts nowadays, the Tempo Briefs hold a special place in my heart because they were one of the first running shorts I ever owned. Schrader also used to wear them regularly and says they are a durable option that will last you for years.
Best under-$75 running shorts
If you’re looking for more substantial coverage, shorts with a flowy outer shell and a compression liner are a great option. These 2-in-1 hybrid shorts from Athleta are just that and come recommended by our writer Arielle Avila, who likes that the side pockets are deep enough to fit her phone. After hearing Avila rave about this style, Strategist writer Lauren Ro (who had been searching for running shorts with a secure phone pocket) decided to try them for herself. Ro says they give her the perfect amount of support without being too tight or restrictive. “They don’t ride up my thighs thanks to the rubberized inside hem, and the phone pocket keeps my phone snug against my body — it doesn’t bounce around at all,” she says. Though these shorts have two layers, the outer shell is lightweight and “feels like nothing,” but Ro appreciates that it gives her extra coverage around her thighs and butt. “Now that the weather is warmer, it’s the only pair of shorts I reach for,” she adds.
Retired professional runner Heather Kampf suggests these semi-fitted shorts from Oiselle. Kampf, who’s worked at Mill City Running for over ten years, says she’s sold many pairs of the Roga Short in both the four-inch and six-inch lengths. The moisture-wicking fabric, which Kampf told me lays nicely as your body moves but also stays put, offers stretch and flow. Other standout features include an interior drawcord, built-in liner, and a flat waistband with a zippered back pocket for extra carrying capacity.
If you opened the drawer where I keep my running shorts, you’d find many versions of Lululemon’s Speed Up Shorts. I’ve worn these shorts for several years because they’re lightweight yet supportive and give my lower half complete range of motion, whether I’m in a full-out sprint or getting in some post-run lifting reps at the gym. They come in various rises (low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise) and inseam lengths (2.5-inch and four-inch), so there are plenty of options when it comes to your preferred fit. And if that’s not enough, the ventilated construction keeps you cool, while a comfortable built-in liner offers lots of coverage in the hip and butt area.
Another Speed Up short enthusiast is Alison Marie Helms, a certified personal trainer and running coach who swears by the mid-rise style. Helms says the waistband is her favorite feature. “It’s nice and wide and not too tight, so it’s super comfortable and flattering,” she says.
Schrader tested these Janji shorts, and after wearing them on many of her daily runs, she says the AFO Middle Shorts are a nice lightweight option for the warmer months. They have a comfortable waistband that you can adjust via the ties, and while these are shorter style at 3 inches, “they’re not so short I’m self-conscious,” Schrader says. They also have a surprisingly large rear pocket — a not-so-common feature for looser shorts — that stretches across a decent portion of the back. Another detail that impressed Schrader was the bright reflective strips that offer extra visibility during runs after dark.
If you’d prefer a compression-style short, look no further than this pair from Girlfriend Collective, which our newsletter editor Ashley Wolfgang wears for running any distance. “I love how compressive they are, and the legs never ride up like with some running shorts I’ve found,” Wolfgang says. She also likes that pockets on both legs fit everything she needs, including her keys, AirPods, phone, and multiple gels.
These five-inch Vuori shorts are slightly longer than the Girlfriend Collective pair above but offer the same number of pockets. Kampf loves the ultra-soft fabric and flattering high-rise fit, noting that they don’t move around or ride up. And if you’re hoping to carry a few small items on your run, a drop-in pocket at the waist and two side pockets provide multiple stashing options.
Another five-inch, high-waist compression option is these Athleta shorts, which Meredith Corda, a Berlin-based singer-songwriter and former teammate of mine, recommends. Corda loves this style so much she owns three pairs, describing the smooth nylon and lycra fabric as super comfortable. “I have other bike shorts that are more performance material, which I wear for races and workouts, but for easy runs, these are my favorite,” Corda says.
Cindy Kuzma, a Chicago-based journalist and co-author of Breakthrough Women’s Running and Rebound, loves the “gentle compression” of Oiselle’s Pocket Joggers — so much so that she estimates she owns around seven pairs. “I wear them almost all the time, but they’re especially great for long runs when I want to carry a lot of stuff,” Kuzma says. That’s because the side pockets offer enough room for a phone, gels, and even a small water bottle; meanwhile, a zippered back pocket is perfect for securing her keys. “It all stays in place without being annoying,” she adds. Unlike other compression shorts on this list, the Pocket Joggers are available in three lengths — 5.25 inches, 7 inches, and 8.25 inches — so you can pick an inseam that works for you to help prevent chafing. Though Oiselle running gear is pricier, Kuzma says these shorts are worth the splurge: “Some of my Pocket Joggers have lasted for years without getting overstretched, faded, or pilled.”
Emily Pifer, author of The Running Body and a doctoral candidate at Syracuse University, likes these Lululemon shorts, which are technically designed for yoga but have become her “absolute go-to” through pregnancy and postpartum running. “I love their buttery-soft, not-too-thin-or-too-thick feel and how their generous stretch has fit my body through its many shifts,” Pifer told me. “Plus, the six-inch length is perfect for chafing prevention.” She wears them for every kind of run but has found them especially great for relaxed long runs. They feature one small yet convenient pocket along the waist, perfect for keys, gel packs, or your phone.
Best under-$100 running shorts
Corkum likes these six-inch shorts for her training runs, whether that’s a few easy miles or a longer session. They don’t move or shift around, and both the right drop-in pocket and zip-back pocket are ideal for storing the necessities, such as her phone, gels, and keys. Because these shorts are pricier, Corkum likes to wait for Sweaty Betty sales and stock up.
“I’ll probably run my next marathon in these,” Schrader says of Bandit’s Stamina shorts, which she describes as among the most flattering styles she’s tried. Along with their nice-looking fit, these are also highly functional: They have two deep, tight side pockets, which can be loaded with gels or a phone without worrying about anything falling out; plus, there’s a small back pocket that can hold smaller items, and the zip closure adds a nice layer of security. The leg openings have sticky strips to keep the shorts in place, which is why Schrader says they take the cake in the “don’t move at all” category. They also have a tie draw cord, which helps adjust the waistband.
Another pair in Avila’s rotation is the airy Rush Shorts, which she likes to wear as an alternative to her usual compression shorts. They’re loose and lightweight, so Avila says they’re ideal for days when she’s feeling bloated (or has her period). “I actually wore them for the Brooklyn Half and didn’t overheat or chafe,” Avila adds.
I recently tested these Bandit shorts and was blown away by how smooth and effortless they felt during my runs. As I mentioned above, I’m more of a compression short girl, but these have changed my tune. I love how the curved hem makes my legs appear longer, but it isn’t just for looks. The cut-out offers space for fluid motion, while still providing enough coverage for the front and back of my thighs. The elastic waistband also gives a nice held-in feeling for my lower abs that never digs in or pinches.
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