The 7 best running shorts for women to wear all year, tried and tested in 2026

Whether you're planning to take up running in the new year or just want to upgrade your kit, investing in a pair of the best running shorts is worthwhile, whatever the season.

Granted, wearing running shorts outdoors during the winter months isn't for everyone, but they are a versatile piece of kit for indoor workouts all year round, and you can wear a looser pair of shorts over the best workout leggings for outdoor sprints.

As woman&home's digital health editor, I spend a lot of time running. I run a couple of times a week before or after work, opting for shorts in the gym and during the warmer months. So, it's fair to say that I've sweat-tested a fair few pairs. Plus, as someone who also does other activities like strength training, spinning, and socialising in my shorts, alongside running, I know the value of a multi-purpose short that looks as good as it performs. Here are the best ones to buy - all you need to do is pair them with your best running shoes, and you're ready to go.

The quick list

Best running shorts for women in 2026

The best running shorts overall

If I only wore one pair of running shorts again, it would be the Lululemon Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Short 8" 5 Pocket, which also comes in 6" and shorter lengths.

The blend of Lycra and polyester materials feels premium, soft against the skin when you first put them on and then weightless once you start sweating on your run. I've worn these for multiple 10km runs, half-marathons, and a marathon, and I've found they provide comfort and lightweight support. A drawcord in the waistband and silicone grippers at the bottom of the legs keep these in place as you move, and an impressive five discreet pockets provide secure space for your phone and valuables.

I prefer biker shorts over the flowy chaser shorts, as I find the material between my legs helps to reduce chafing. Everyone's different, though, so consider the two types before making a decision, and if possible, try both.

The best long running shorts

With a 9" option, these are the go-to for me when I want a little more coverage. The Sweaty Betty Power shorts are comfortable, supportive, sweat-wicking, anti-chafing, and have pockets. They also truly stand the test of time, too. Trust me, I bought my first pair when I started running four years ago, and I'm still wearing them today, three marathons and several half-marathons later.

The material, which feels thicker than the Lululemon Fast and Free shorts, hugs the body with a noticeably secure compression, offering more coverage than others on this list, as well as length in the legs if you opt for the 9" option. They are comfortable enough to wear for a few hours on end and stay up with a drawstring in the waistband that helps tighten them further, should you want to alter the size and shape slightly to suit your body.

They also come with two pockets, one on the leg and the other concealed in the waistband, which fit your phone, credit card and keys.

The best double layer running shorts

I took these shorts for a spin while training for my first marathon, doing three runs a week. Comfort and durability on longer runs were two of my main criteria while compiling my edit of the best running shorts - and these shorts ticked both boxes. They are super comfortable, with a wider waistband, which naturally stretches around you as you move, and a drawstring band for additional support. The double layer, featuring a layer of tights and another of chaser shorts constructed with DriLayer fabric, means they're sweat-wicking and offer a bit of extra coverage.

With 5" inches on the inseam, I was initially unsure how these would feel over a longer distance, but I was pleasantly surprised. While shorter than others on the list, they have a secure, silky-smooth lining that helps to keep chafing away.

If you're training outside or want to keep your valuables secure and by your side, it's definitely worth investing in the best gym leggings with pockets and a pair of shorts that offer the same. Featuring five pockets and guaranteed comfort, the Brooks Running Chaser 5" shorts are a standout for this, too.

The best running shorts for treadmill workouts

The New Balance Sleek Pocket High Waisted Short are very similar to my favourite option, but with only one pocket, they are best for treadmill workouts, cardio sessions, and exercising in the gym, where you don't need so many storage options.

Lightweight with a material that feels soft against the skin and then weightless when you start sweating, these are hands-down some of the most comfortable and supportive shorts on this list. They are so good, I got these shorts in the leggings version too.

6" is enough for me to feel covered on my lower body, without feeling constricted, as I sometimes do with longer shorts. They dry quickly, wicking away sweat as I'm moving, and the silicone hem stops them from riding up.

These shorts only have one pocket, but as I recommend them for treadmill and weight training, this shouldn't be an issue, as you won't have as much to carry as when you're running outdoors. I just like the pocket for keeping my phone off the gym floor.

The best running shorts on a budget

If you're on a budget, you can't get much better than the Goodmove Go Move Shorts, which are part of M&S's activewear range, sold with most sizes available and most cheaply at The Sports Edit right now.

The 9" length offers more coverage than others, with a drawstring in the waistband keeping them up no matter how long you move for. I've worn them for many training runs, and they feel comfortable and supportive, drying quickly when I've finished running. With two pockets, they cover the basics for storage and hold up well even when they are packed out with my phone, keys, and other items.

The only downside of these cheaper shorts is the material. It looks noticeably less premium than others on this list, and I've found they lose their shape more quickly, which may be expected with the price tag. But don't let that put you off - these are a great pair for all kinds of running and tick all the boxes.

The best biker style shorts for running

It makes sense that a cycling brand would have a pair of the best running shorts in the biker style, and the MAAP Everyday Short became a staple in my rotation a couple of years ago when I was training for my marathon. The secure fit, longer length, and sweat-wicking materials make them a go-to in my workout wardrobe.

The material is impressively high-quality and offers four-way stretch, so whichever way you pull them on and move, these shorts will move with you. After sweating in them for over 20 kilometres one day, I found they turn into more of a second-skin-style material, like the Sweaty Betty Power shorts or the Lululemon Fast and Free shorts, where you don't even notice they're there. At 9" on the inseam in length, the MAAP Everyday Shorts are a little longer than most, too, so they're particularly suitable if you're after extra coverage. Three pockets - two in the legs and one zipped in the waistband - keep essentials secure.

I've had my pair in rotation throughout the winter and summer for over a year, and the material has held up very well across loads of runs and cycling workouts, with the quality still there after countless wears and washes.

The best shorter running shorts

If you're looking for a shorter pair, turn to the Under Armour Fly-By shorts. Coming in at under £30, these shorts are a great option, though I'd perhaps recommend them for slightly shorter runs, thanks to the shorter length.

Made from quick-drying, sweat-resistant materials, the Fly-By shorts stay breathable throughout your workout. The flat-lay stitching and mesh inner brief prevent these shorts from riding up or chafing too much, and the mesh panels at the side offer good ventilation.

These shorts also have a very small, invisible pocket that can store a credit card, headphones or keys. This will either be a pro or a con, depending on how much stuff you carry around with you on your run. It means that you're not weighed down by heavier items, but you'd need a belt or clip if you normally run with your phone.

Testing the best running shorts for women

How I tested

As woman&home's digital health editor, a keen runner and a gym-goer, I put over 15 pairs of running shorts to the test, taking them out on runs from 5km up to marathon distance, through sweaty gym workouts and strength training sessions. Only shorts that held up to these three environments - in comfort and coverage - made the cut.

I also enlisted the help of Anna Ward, a true specialist and marathon runner, to offer advice on choosing the best running shorts and some recommendations of her own.

The factors I considered when testing were:

• Support: Support means different things to different people. Some prefer biker shorts for compression around the hips, groin, and legs, while others will appreciate a looser, more free-flowing design. I've gathered a selection to offer a variety, including plenty of 2-in-1 options for those who want a little of both.
• Comfort: This is arguably the most important factor when choosing your running shorts. Shorts that ride up, chafe or otherwise sit uncomfortably won't work. My top tip: don't be nervous about giving your shorts a proper test when trying them on in-store or at home. Jump around, lift your knees as high as you can, play around with the waistband, anything to make sure you'll be comfortable in these shorts.
• Pockets: Not a problem for those who wear belts or running vests, but if you're looking to carry your phone, keys, lip balm, and other essentials on your run, you'll need a secure pocket. We made sure to highlight the top picks in this area.
• Design: Running shorts need to be designed specifically for continuous movement over a relatively long period, so I took note of the design of each short to ensure it would allow for this, specifically looking at elements like material, stitching, pocket placement, and more.

How to find the best running shorts

• Look at the length: This is one of the most important features, says Ward. "Before you buy a pair of running shorts, make sure you look at the length in the product description. Depending on your height or the amount of coverage you want, you can make sure you purchase the right length."
• Think about material: "When I am running for longer periods, I want to make sure that the inside of my thighs isn’t rubbing as I will chafe, so I make sure that the shorts are a comfy material and won’t rub along the inside thigh," she says. "A cycling short is usually the best to prevent this. However, for faster and shorter runs, I prefer a free-flowing short that doesn’t make me feel as restricted so I can speed and lengthen my stride."
• Consider floaty or tight: Running shoes come in two varieties: biker-like shorts and floaty, loose running shorts. Think about which type you'd prefer, suggests the trainer. "I would usually wear shorter and freer flowing short for shorter and faster sessions. It is hard not to get a bit of friction between the legs when wearing these sorts of shorts for running."
• Choose a liner if you go floaty: If you're opting for floaty running shorts, make sure they come with a liner. "For a looser fit short, a built-in liner is essential for better coverage and privacy," she says. "It also means you may be able to get away with going commando, which may sound strange, but the liner can act like a pair of panties, improving comfort."
• High-waisted or on the hips? It's perhaps one of the more undervalued features of running shorts, but it can make a big difference, says Ward. "It can change how comfortable running shorts are. I like a short that sit above my hips/on my waist. If you are the same, look for shorts that have a high waist band in the product description."
• Pocket: Shorts have them too, and as we've seen, they're incredibly useful. "I love a short with at least one secret pocket," says the trainer. "They are great because if you aren't running with a belt, you can put your card, a key, a gel, or even your lip balm in there."

Is it better to run in shorts or leggings?

It's entirely a personal preference from a comfort and style point of view as to whether you wear leggings or shorts. In winter, unless you're a die-hard shorts wearer, it's worth looking at other options for what to wear running in the cold.

"I would always say to clients and friends, where what you find comfortable," says Ward. "The worst possible thing is being uncomfortable when running, so make this a priority as chafe isn’t fun, nor is hitching up your bottoms."

It also depends on how much you sweat and warm up while you run, which again is completely personal. "I find running in leggings very restrictive and uncomfortable, and therefore find it noticeably impacts my running," says the personal trainer. "I would rather wear shorts as I feel more comfortable and lightweight. I am quite a hot and sweaty runner too, so I like to wear as little clothing as possible. Because shorts are more lightweight, they may make you feel a bit freer and faster. It's a tiny difference in added weight, but if it psychologically makes you feel speedier, then why not?"