9 Best Running Shorts for Women in 2026

If your preferred running shorts have a barely-there feel, Athleta’s Speedwork Mid Rise 2 ½” Run Shorts are a must. This airy option features feather-light stretch fabric that moves with your body effortlessly, including an internal shell that can act as a substitute for underwear (which could bunch up). The internal shell mops up moisture and prevents chafing between the upper thighs. This pair is particularly beneficial if you’re running in hot temps and/or tend to run hot, according to Hislop. “In hot and humid weather, lightweight and flowy material can be more comfortable,” she says. And with such a short inseam, you’ll be leaving a lot of bare leg, which can feel freeing on hot days and allows for plenty of air flow.

The shorts are made from recycled polyester and spandex, two common synthetic, lightweight, breathable materials. And since the shorts are wrinkle-resistant, don’t worry about throwing them into your bag if you’re on the go. With their machine-washable and super quick-dry fabric, the shorts are incredibly easy to care for. An internal hidden pocket lets you carry a few essentials like a card and keys — but not as many as some competitors, so keep that in mind. Also, with a 2.5” inseam, they’re on the more revealing side. And if your thighs rub together, you may chafe, Hislop says.

We love luxury workout gear as much as anyone, but sometimes we’d rather save our hard-earned money for other priorities. We are thrilled to see you can get a great pair of running shorts for just $20 — or less, if you snag Old Navy’s Mid-Rise StretchTech Run Shorts on one of their many sales. Like many competitors, the shorts are made from breathable, lightweight polyester and spandex, are moisture-wicking, quick-dry, and have some stretch to make your jogs comfy. Moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabrics are “crucial for warm weather conditions, wet weather training, and effective sweat-wicking,” Rodgers says. “These pull moisture away from your skin and dry quickly.” 

We love the size inclusivity — the shorts run from XS to 4X. A zippered right pocket gives you room to safely stow keys and a card. “Whenever I have a key with me, I want to make sure the pocket closes,” said Hislop. Our only gripe with these shorts is that they’re made from two-way stretch rather than four-way stretch material. This means it won’t feel as flowy and easy to move around as some competitors. Some users also say the shorts run big, so consider sizing down.

Staying dry on your runs can help you feel cooler, more comfortable, and avoid painful chafing. Nike’s Aeroswift Women’s Dri-Fit ADV shorts are designed to provide maximum moisture-wicking protection. Not only is the fabric made to mop up moisture quickly, but the shorts are strategically constructed to maximize air flow and keep you dry. We love that the split sides on the shorts allow for a full leg extension without restriction. The shorts also have a built-in liner with smooth seams to prevent rubbing. Liners are designed to replace underwear, which can easily bunch up during movement.

We’re a fan of the recycled polyester spandex material. These synthetic fabrics are known to be breathable, and the sustainability element always wins points in our book. The pleated back can help you move more freely. Finally, the shorts come in a variety of eye-catching colors like fuchsia and lavender. Just note that the largest sizes are frequently sold out. Also, in our research, we found that users had issues with the sizing — some found it ran big, others found it ran small, and others found a combination of issues. 

If you like the feeling of having more support as you move, Lululemon’s Fast and Free High-Rise Short is a fantastic choice. These high-rise shorts cover much of your midsection, holding in your waist and belly for a sleek and weightless feel. Plus, the tight fabric and 6-inch inseam prevents friction between your thighs and can prevent chafing, Hislop says. We love that the shorts have nice, four-way stretch Nulux fabric to give you a feeling of ease and mobility while still feeling held in. The shorts are also super lightweight, sleek, and smooth, providing full UPF 40 protection that keeps your skin safe from the sun’s harmful rays. They’re also quick-drying and sweat-wicking — both crucial for any runner. Reflective details add some visibility if you tend to run at dawn or dusk.

The shorts have silicone grippers to keep them from riding up, but note that some users found they weren’t effective. And while having a full five drop-in pockets is handy, we wish at least one of them had a secure closure.

If you love combining fitness and nature therapy, trail-running should be on your workout rotation. And there’s no better pair of shorts to help you hit the trail than Janji’s W’s 4” Trail Short, in our opinion. We’re particularly impressed by the short’s storage capabilities. It has tiered side pockets to keep packets of trail mix or energy gels handy, a clip in one of the pockets to keep your keys secure, and a tube-shaped pocket in the back that you can roll an extra lightweight layer into for when the temps drop.

The shorts are made from lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric that, in our research, users say has a barely-there feel. The shorts are lightly compressive, keeping you held in, and long enough to prevent chafing between the thighs. Silicone grips on the bottom hems are meant to keep the shorts from rolling up — though a few users have mentioned they weren’t entirely effective. They’re also a little pricey compared to competitors.

Sustainability should not be overlooked when it comes to choosing workout wear. We are thrilled to see the brand Quince creating eco-friendly garments, including this Flowknit Mid-Rise Short. They’re made from Global Recycled Standard-certified yarn, which recycles plastic on its way to the ocean or landfills. It also contains eco-friendly dyes and is washed with low-water techniques. Lightweight, breathable, four-way stretch fabric keeps them comfy — in our research, users loved the fit and felt they were cozy for running and everyday wear. All of that said, Quince rates the shorts as most suited for low-intensity workouts. You may have to experiment to see if the shorts work for your runs. They also only come in grey.