The 7 best running shorts for women to wear this summer, tried and tested by us

With the sun finally poking its head through the clouds, it's time to invest in a pair of the best running shorts for women if you haven't already. From long shorts and biker shorts to loose and flowy shorts, ones to buy on a budget, and the ones to splash out on, this is our tried and tested round-up of the top picks available to buy online.

As woman&home's digital health editor, I spend much of my time in running kit. 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 in my time. 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. 

While a pick of the best workout leggings will see you through any season, a good pair of comfortable shorts is an essential in any runner's wardrobe. Here, I reveal the best running shorts for women, as tried and tested by me and a running specialist. All you need to do is pair them with your best running shoes and get going.

Best running shorts for women

best running shorts overall

The best running shorts for women overall need to meet five essential criteria: comfortable, supportive, sweat-wicking, anti-chafing, and with pockets. These will see you through your run whether you're training for your first 5km or prepping for a marathon - trust me, I bought my first pair when I started running three years ago and I'm still wearing them today, one marathon and several half-marathons later. 

The cycling-short design has a higher-waisted fit so the material hugs the body with light compression and doesn't roll up or down as you move, leaving you feeling supported and coverage-confident throughout your run. There's even a drawstring in the waistband to tighten them further, leaving an option to change the size and shape of the shorts to suit your body. 

What I love most about the Sweaty Better 6" Power shorts though is what they feel like when you're running. I find that as I get sweatier, these shorts get more comfortable. They stay put on the leg and waist and develop a 'second-skin-like' feeling with moisture, without clinging uncomfortably, so I hardly notice I'm wearing them. Two pockets - one on the leg and the other concealed in the waistband - keep valuables secure and out of the way. 

There are two lengths of the Power shorts to choose from - my favourite is the 6-inch as they offer good coverage without feeling too restrictive. You can also buy them in a 9-inch leg length for even better coverage - but if you are looking for a longer length, I'd recommend the Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity 9" running shorts, also on this list.

The only downside to these shorts is the price - at £60 per pair, they are cheaper than the equally-loved Sweaty Betty Power leggings but still some of the more expensive on the list. If it works with your budget or you can find a pair in the Sweaty Betty sale, I'd highly recommend it - it's difficult to find shorts that feel and look as good as these. 

best running shorts with pockets

Looking to progress your pick of the best gym leggings with pockets to a summer-friendly pair of shorts? With five pockets in each pair, various colour options available, and guaranteed comfort, the Brooks Running Chaser 5" shorts are a standout.

I took these shorts for a spin while training for my first half-marathon, doing three runs a week. Comfort and durability on longer runs are the reason they make my round-up of the best running shorts for women. They are so comfortable, with design updates including a wider waistband, which naturally stretches around you as you move, and a drawstring band for additional support. 

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 prevent chafing.

The three impressive pockets include a large secure pocket at the back to hold a mobile phone and a pocket at the front designed to carry keys with a cord to wrap around a key ring. The pockets on the Brooks Chaser 7" Short are notably without zips but as the pockets hold your belongings close to the body with a small flap in the material over the top, they feel more than secure enough. 

best split running shorts

Lightweight and breathable with a secure pocket in the leg, I couldn't ask for a lot more from the lululemon Track That High-Rise Lined Short - except maybe more colourways. These are certainly the most breathable shorts I've worn in a long time, thanks to the slits up either side of the shorts. While they allow for plenty of airflow, the full-coverage liner and length of the slit means they aren't revealing in any way. 

lululemon Track That High-Rise Lined Shorts are among the most comfortable on the list, rivalling the Sweaty Betty Power shorts for that second-skin-like feel. Hardly surprising though, given how often we compare Sweaty Betty vs lululemon as brands.

While any free-flowing shorts have a chafing risk, I didn't have to worry about that with these shorts. The cut is designed to be longer towards the inside of the leg which, along with the liner, prevents any riding up or chafing. I wore these when I ran for 30 minutes a day over a week and only had to pull them down once or twice on each run. This was perfectly fine for me - especially compared to other shorts that I seem to spend my entire run pulling down. 

At £48, these aren't the most expensive running shorts for women - but they aren't the cheapest either. It's always worth checking out if there's a lululemon sale before buying if you're on a budget.

best biker shorts for running

MAAP is a cycling brand known for its excellent on-bike clothing - but the excellence of the 'Everyday' range can't be ignored when it comes to finding the best running shorts for women. Given the comfort, support, and pocket security they offer, they would be a strong rival contender for the top spot if they weren't quite so expensive. 

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 a 15km run, I found they turn into more of a second skin-style material, like the Sweaty Betty Power 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 other running shorts too, so particularly perfect if you're after extra coverage. Three pockets - two in the legs and one in the waistband - keep essentials secure.

At £135, the MAAP Everyday Shorts are more expensive than many other picks - but if your budget can stretch and you are looking to invest in a pair of high-quality shorts that'll leave you feeling supported, comfortable, and chafe-free, these are a great choice. I've had my pair in rotation throughout the winter and summer for over a year and the material has held up very well, with the quality still there after countless wears and washes. 

best running shorts on Amazon

If speedy delivery is the priority above all else, take a look at the Under Armour Speedpocket Performance shorts. These are comfortable and supportive for medium-length runs - I found that they started chafing at 10km - but it's the pockets in these shorts that give them a place on our list of best running shorts for women. 

Under Armour's Speedpocket Performance shorts (including the pockets) are made from quick-drying, sweat-resistant materials, so they stay breathable throughout the workout and belongings you store in the pockets come out dry. This is where the Under Armour Speedpocket Performance differs from many others. While the pockets in both of the Sweaty Betty Power Shorts on this list make them a great option, I did find that my phone came out of the side pocket glistening with sweat after my run. This wasn't the case with these shorts. Instead, my phone and keys fit snugly and securely into the front waistband pocket, much like they would in a running belt. 

The flat-lay stitching and short inner brief prevent these shorts from riding up or chafing too much, but they did feel shorter than others. If you're looking for shorts with great pockets and a little more coverage, the Sweaty Better 6" Power Shorts or Brooks Chase 5" shorts may be a better option. 

best long running shorts

Longer running shorts are a great choice for anyone who wants a little more security in their workout kit and with 9 inches on the inseam, the Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity Cycling Shorts are one of the best pairs around. I love the high-waisted design, with its adjustable waist and unique compression technology in the fabric. This makes them a great pick for any sport where you want a little more support and lightweight body coverage, whether on a long run, sprints, or a bike ride.

As these shorts are biker style and a little longer than most, I was concerned they'd ride up as I was running - but this wasn't the case. Even on my 18km run, I found the shorts stayed in place around the legs and waist. To secure them, there's a handy drawstring in the waistband that you can tighten and loosen as you like. I'd avoid pulling them up too high though as the seam through the middle increases the chance of accidental camel toe. While they initially feel very tight and a little restrictive, after the first few wears it's almost as if the material moulds into your body shape and they become much more comfortable. 

The pockets on these Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity 9" Cycling Shorts are a huge plus. There are two in total: one in the waistband and another down the leg, both large enough to store a phone of any size, your keys, and other essentials. The pocket in the back also has a zip. 

Best Nike running shorts

Having endorsed several record-breaking runners over the years, it's perhaps no surprise that Nike is one of the most established running brands. Available online and in-store, it offers an impressive range of expertly engineered fitness clothing - including running shorts, naturally. 

In many ways, the Nike One Women's Dri-FIT Ultra shorts are similar to the lululemon Track That High-Rise shorts. They both have a thick ribbed waistband that helps the shorts stay in place during slower runs and short, high-intensity workouts. These also have useful pockets, tucked away for security. However, the key difference that gives them a top spot across the range of Nike women's running shorts is the smooth, sleek, ultra-soft fabric. The woven material feels comfortable while also being sweat-wicking and fast-drying. These shorts are also a little more breathable, and looser than the other Nike shorts I've tried. 

Not everyone will like high-waisted running shorts though. If you'd prefer a low-rise pair, the Adidas Marathon 20 shorts could be a good option. Also, I found a Medium size was a comfortable fit for me, but I can imagine that those who are between sizes and opt for a smaller size could struggle with the tighter waistband in this area.  

How we tested the best running shorts for women

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 half-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 for you 

• 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 on the product description. Depending on your height or 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 a 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 sits above my hips/on my waist. If you are the same, look for short that has a high waist band in the product description." 
• Pocket: Much like the best workout leggings with pockets, 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. "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 weight in 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 psychologically makes you feel speedier, then why not?"