If you prefer long shorts, youll love the coverage and comfort you get with these Lululemon 10-inch shorts. Designed with runners in mind, the shorts feature a lightweight waistband and continuous drawstring so theyll stay in place without digging into your sides. We operate independently from our advertising team. They didn't make the main list though because they were a little too short for me, and I did find myself adjusting the middle a little more than I would have liked. With such an affordable price, you may want to stock up and get them in several of the 40+ color options. Available in sizes XS to XXXL, these shorts also have a hidden zippered pocket for small items, like keys or credit cards. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider It has a pocket on each side of the inner short, so your extra gear stays close to your body, plus a zipped pocket in the back of the main short that fits most phones. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Best of all, the pockets arent bulky at all. With a compressive fit that helps them stay in place, theyre ideal for avoiding chafing and peek-a-boo incidents while running. They were beat out by the Tracksmith shorts because of a more comfortable waistband and better fit, but I find myself reaching for these shorts regularly on runs, too. Categories Gear Reviews, Hiking Gear + Tips. The shorts come in womens sizes 0 through 14 and, if you prefer a little bit shorter, theyre also available in a 6-inch length. It's a matter of personal preference and body shape. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. She's been covering fitness, nutrition, and health for more than a decade, writing for publications like Health, Women's Health, Men's Journal, Runner's World, and more. With a 4-inch inseam, they're just the right lengthnot too short or too long. Theyre also very stylish and come in several colors, so they can easily work their way into your casual wear wardrobe. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. The built-in merino wool liner and water-repellent finish also add a nice, comfy touch. Theyre made from Lululemons fast-drying, lightweight Swift material, which wicks away moisture, keeping you dry and cool. If you have more muscular things or wider hips, you may want to size up. As small as it sounds I love that these shorts have two small pockets in them, one on the back with a zipper, and one of the front without a zipper where I can throw any small items I need to get by for the day whether its a credit card, a couple of bucks, or a key to the house. Unlike other split shorts, this pair isnt too long, bulky, or stiff. Made from material thats moisture-wicking and quick-drying, theyll keep you cool and comfortable, no matter how far youre running. Just avoid running in bike shorts with built-in padding, as those would be too bulky and uncomfortable. Available in womens sizes 0 to 10 and in several gorgeous colors, these durable shorts will quickly become a go-to staple for avid runners. However, they still have a smooth fabric that feels great against the skin, a high waist, sit a little lower on the thigh, and they have a pocket on each side. These high-quality shorts from Hylete feature a stellar design thats both practical and flattering. She knows that the right pair of running shorts can make the difference between a mediocre run and a fantastic one. In fact, I probably wouldn't have even noticed the ride up if I wasn't paying extra close attention for testing purposes, and reviews on the Brooks site don't mention this being a problem for most women. Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. In addition to their aesthetic, the mesh material allows for airflow and includes antimicrobial properties to keep stink away. Athleta Ultimate Stash Pocket 7" Short ($50): These shorts rival the Lululemon Fast and Free shorts (which scored the best overall spot), but they're just not as silky, a little heavier, and not quite as cool in temperature. Materials: Polyester and elastane | Storage: Expandable, water-resistant waistband pocket and back zippered pocket | Care: Machine wash and tumble dry. That's why I tested 13 shorts to find those that feel soft and breathable, stay in place, and look flattering, too. The C9 Champion 3.5-inch Premium Running Shorts are a comfortable and lightweight choice that's budget-friendly. Plus, they are the perfect shorts for hiking, as well as, many other types of adventures. Theyre available in sizes extra-small to 3XL and come in a short 5-inch and long 8-inch length, so you can choose how much coverage you want. Under Armour Womens Qualifier Speedpocket Shorts, What to Look for in Running Shorts for Women. Theyre made of durable, stretchy fabric that was made for exploring and will last you a long time. Tracksmith won in terms of overall comfort they don't move as much on the run as these, which flap in the breeze but this pick certainly makes me feel speedy. The downside of these shorts is that they do run hotter and hold sweat (especially around the thighs and crotch) more than other pairs. Available in a wide range of sizes from XXS to 6XL, these comfy shorts from Girlfriend Collective are flattering and well-designed for runners of all shapes and sizes. The Best Running Shorts for Women That a Running Coach Loves. It's worth noting that in my experience, these shorts did ride up at the thigh occasionally. They have plenty of pockets and a silky soft material, which comes from recycled fabric and feels so great against the skin and on the move. There are no thick layers of fabric getting in the way of your adventures and theyre super small and packable making them great for backpacking/traveling. Choosing the right shorts can mean the difference between a comfortable, successful run and one that gets cut short due to chafing, discomfort, or wardrobe malfunctions. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram, The best loose-fitting women's running shorts, What to look for in women's running shorts, which shorts I don't think are worth your money, Amazon's Core 10 Women's All Day Comfort High Waist Yoga Short with Side Pockets, Icebreaker Women's Cool-Lite Merino Impulse Running Shorts, Hoka One One Women's Performance Woven 2" Short, Hoka One One Women's Performance Knit 3" Short, Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. And I wear them almost every day! productslearn more about A back zippered pocket keeps your cash, credit cards, and other small items secure. Dont be overwhelmed. The no-slip waistband ensures that they wont slip down or ride up, so you can stay focused on your workout. Learn how your comment data is processed. With an expandable, water-resistant waistband pocket and a zippered pocket in the back, they also have plenty of space to stash essentials for long runs or distance races. The comfortable, breathable fabric and four-way stretch construction allows for excellent mobility in every direction. In 2016, we spent 6 months traveling through Europe with only a backpack each, and these were our go-to shorts for the trip. Robyn (right) and oldest daughter, Gabi (left), are the co-founders of nomadswithapurpose.com and the creators behind the growing multi-media adventure and lifestyle brand. The back-zip pocket can fit most phones and the two small pockets in the front are ideal for your long-run fuel. Whether its hiking, biking, exploring, climbing, acro yoga, trail running, adventuring, city touring, yoga, or working out, the Lululemon Speed Up Shorts are the best shorts for active women and adventure enthusiasts. Whether youre running long, short, or on the trails, the split short design allows for an excellent range of motion. Outdoor Voices Hudson 2.5" Shorts, Expert-Reviewed: 7 Best Workout Shorts That Look and Feel Amazing, Best for Long Distance Runs: These shorts are super durable and ready to take on anything. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. These high-performance womens running shorts from Lululemon earn our top overall spot for their quality, features, and comfort. Email us at reviews@insider.com. The internal brief liner provides additional comfort and support, while the moisture-wicking fabric and vented sides keep you cool and dry. The comfortable knit waistband keeps them secure and the built-in brief liner offers additional protection and comfort. Materials: Polyester/Spandex | Storage: Two side pockets and hidden waistband pocket | Care: Machine-washable. For women who also enjoy cycling, they also work well as bike shorts. For women, finding shorts you love is hard, period. Hoka One One Women's Performance Knit 3" Short ($58): If you prefer shorts that are so short they kind of feel like underwear, then you'll love these (no shade). Which is best for you is a matter of personal preference and body shape, but generally, tight-fitting bike shorts prevent thigh chafe and be more flattering for the average woman, while looser-fitting shorts are much cooler to run in. But for others, a looser-fitting short causes the least bunching. Why do women's running shorts have liners? Even better, they're made from recycled post-consumer water bottles, so you can feel good about helping to eliminate waste from the environment. Since then, weve backpacked in many destinations all over the world and these are still the only shorts we pack for our adventure travel. The Lululemon Speed Up shorts are our best overall because they're a comfortable, durable, high-performance pair of shorts. Every day we are hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, surfing, doing yoga, working out, or running. While running, I also focused on whether they moved with me whether I was keeping my stride slow or moving fast or if they bunched up, slipped down, or turned at my hips at all. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. Tracksmith Van Cortlandt Shorts ($60): These shorts remind me of the uniform for high school athletes in the '70s and I love it. For a comfortable, high-performance, and durable pair of shorts, you cant go wrong with the versatile Lululemon Speed Up shorts (view at Lululemon). Available in womens sizes 00 to 26W, these shorts are an ideal choice for women seeking a flattering, reliable staple for their warm-weather running wardrobe. With a streamlined, relaxed design and a wide, elastic waistband, these New Balance Impact shorts will keep you feeling comfortable and confident as youre logging serious mileage. They also have five pockets one on each side, plus three at the waistband, all ideal for bringing everything from your phone to running fuel. The five small waistband pockets are perfect for storing essentials, like your money, keys, or credit cards. I just did not feel comfortable in these super short shorts, and they did ride up into my crotch more than I hoped they would. Read more about them in "what else we tested. The loose overlay is lightweight and you barely feel it, but it overrides that skin-tight aesthetic of the bottom layer. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Pros: Silky feel, moisture-wicking and quick drying, cool, high waist, pockets, Cons: Expensive, hard to size correctly, no plus-size option. I also love that these shorts are decently-priced at $66 and are sustainable, being made of recycled fabric constructed from plastic water bottles. Some womens running shorts are skin-tight, while others feature a looser fit and a split-style that allows for great range of motion. For hands-free running, compression shorts with side pockets are ideal, since there should be plenty of space for even large phones and theres little risk of bouncing. I also paid attention to how they felt when I got super hot and sweaty, and whether they made me feel cooler or hotter in those warmer temperatures. Together they are inspiring others to explore the outdoors, defy the norm, and live their dreams. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. They come in women's sizes 0 to 14 and in a variety of colors and patterns. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Honorable mention: The Icebreaker Women's Cool-Lite Merino Impulse Running Shorts($80) were a very close second pick here thanks to their super lightweight fabric and comfortable, loose fit. They didn't make the list because on a windy day, I felt like I might be mooning people as the fabric blew in the breeze. Wearing shorts with built-in briefs eliminates the need for underwear, helping to simplify your running wardrobe. Nikes Dri-FIT technology wicks sweat away and the shorts mesh panels increase ventilation and cooling. Theyre lightweight and breathable, but still provide the coverage and support you need on the run. Materials: Nylon, polyester, and spandex | Storage: Two side zippered pockets | Care: Machine wash cold and tumble dry low. This combo pair from Brooks checks the boxes for comfort and function, featuring a super soft, lightweight, moisture-wicking liner. Shorts that are made from synthetic materialssuch as polyester, nylon, or spandexwill provide the most comfort and optimal performance on the run. The built-in no-show breathable mesh liner doesn't ride up or limit your range of motion, even when you're sprinting. However, Lululemon doesn't offer extended sizing into plus-sizes, which is disappointing. UA RUSH Run Pocket Shorts ($48): These shorts were our top pick for tight-fitting shorts with their high-waist, mid-thigh length, and silicone grips around the thighs to keep these shorts from moving. The easy fit and curved hems allow for a wide range of motion, and the soft fabric adds to the overall comfort. I kid you not, Ive had some of my Lululemon Speed Up shorts for 5 years and they still work like a charm. Some prefer split-style shorts and shorter inseams for speed workouts and racing since they offer a good range of motion and flexibility. For us, we are the less is more mentality and prefer having a few high quality pieces of clothing that we can depend on for our lifestyle and adventures. Although the color options are limited, these shorts are a good wardrobe staple for runners. Materials: Polyester and spandex | Storage: Zippered pocket | Care: Machine wash and tumble dry. We are very active women. They are passionate about adventuring in the outdoors through surfing, climbing, mountain biking, and hiking. However, paying more for the perfect pair of shorts that can be used for everything from running miles to running errands helps justify the price for most. Materials: Recycled polyester and polyester | Storage: Interior stash pocket | Care: Machine wash and tumble dry. Lululemon Fast and Free Shorts, Best Petite: They fit like your typical gym short nice and loose, with a cinched elastic waistband. Womens running shorts come in many different lengths, from 3- to 10-inch options, so you can choose the one that suits you best. ", Pros: Silky soft liner, moisture-wicking, breathable, pockets, Cons: More expensive, occasionally rode up at the inner thighs. Many runners like storage options in their shorts so they can carry their phone and stash other running essentials. In this blog we are excited to share with you why we think Lululemon Speed Up shorts are the best womens hiking shorts. These durable, high-performance shorts come in a range of neutral and fun colors and in sizes 0 through 14. Since the liner is built-in, it moves with the shorts and helps them stay put and also reduces your risk of chafing on the run. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Athleta Run With It 3.5 Shorts, Best for Marathons: The lightweight, stretchy, and breathable fabric allows for excellent range of motion and the wide, high-rise waistband enhances the shorts overall comfort. The secure back pocket and the continuous gel pockets on the waistband provide plenty of flexible storage options. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Here are the best running shorts for women for every budget and preference, according to a running coach. Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. If youre looking to stock up on budget-friendly shorts for your summer running wardrobe, the C9 Champion 3.5-inch Premium Running Shorts (view at Amazon) are a high-quality, comfortable pick that works well for both short and long-distance running. We're glad you found us! Materials: Recycled polyester and spandex | Storage: Back zippered pocket | Care: Machine wash and dry. Fit: Your running shorts shouldn't squeeze or cut into any part of your leg, and they shouldn't fall down or bunch up as you move, as this causes an added distraction when you're suffering miles. Although a lot of factors below play into comfort, at its core, comfort means you feel good in any pair you buy. However, this is going to be the case for most budget shorts, and I found that it was only a big issue on seriously hot, sweat-days where I'd probably opt for a looser-fitting pair like the Tracksmith Session Speed Shorts, below, orCore 10's Knit Waistband Woven Run Short. Runners should avoid shorts made of cotton because theyre not quick-drying and can lead to chafing and discomfort. They also come in tons of sizes and colors and feature a lightweight, stretchy material with an inner liner that's comfy too. Finally, and what it always comes down to for the workout gear you love, I wanted to feature the pairs I was inclined to continue to grab time and time again and those I could comfortably spend the day wearing. If you prefer your running shirts to have built-in briefs for support, coverage, and protection from chafing, these Nike Dry Tempo Shorts are an affordable and high-quality choice. After wearing a variety of brands and styles on road runs around Pennsylvania and New York City, these four were the best at withstanding sweat, speed, and distance. While these highly-rated shorts from Tracksmith perform well for any type of run, theyre especially good for speedwork and sprinting. The soft, silky recycled polyester material is sustainable and lightweight, with exceptional wicking and water-repelling capabilities. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. The only negative of Lululemon Speed Up shorts is the price tag. Made with lightweight, buttery-soft fabric, they also have excellent wicking capabilities and are quick-drying. The other major downside is, as with most Lulu gear, these run a little pricier at just under $70. C9 Champion 3.5 Knit Premium Running Shorts, The Best Running Shorts With Pockets, According to a Running Coach, Best for Comfort: I didn't find that they held me back on my runs, but I did want to change out of these as soon as I got home, whereas I could stay in the Lululemon shorts for hours after even a sweaty run. Made of polyester and elastane, they offer four-way stretch and moisture-wicking properties. If you prefer a higher, flatter waistband, they'd beat out Tracksmith in the loose-fitting short category (it does add a different level of comfort). Materials: Swift fabric and Lycra | Storage: Zippered back pocket and continuous waistband gel pocket | Care: Machine-washable. 2022 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. They are absolutely the best womens hiking shorts weve ever owned! With a 3.5-inch inseam, theyre not too short or too long and sit comfortably on the waist, with a wide, stretchy waistband to keep them in place. These shorts are also high-waisted with a thick waistband so they don't fall down while you're running, and come in three length options: 6-inches (perfect for me at 5'0), 8-inches, or 10-inches if you prefer them longer. They are made with a soft, thick waistband that makes them stay in place on all your adventures while also allowing free movement for your legs. Comfortable and well-made, they have a high-stretch waistband and four-way stretch fabric that moves with you while you run. Overall, the Lululemon Speed Up shorts are perfect for hiking because they are: While they are expensive, they are well worth the price tag in our opinion and if you have a strong, muscular build, similar to the 3 of us, I think you too will love them! I love that Lululemon Speed Up shorts come in two lengths, 2.5 inch or 4 inch. The elastic waistband hits just above the hips at the belly button, and even though I typically prefer a high waistband, these still felt super comfortable. For distance runners, Under Armours Speed Pocket shorts are perfect for keeping them comfy and chafe-free. However, this only happened a couple of times and because the inner layer is so thin, it wasn't that distracting. I also know that wearing clothes that keep me going, instead of holding me back, is vital. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best The fabric also feels cool to the touch, is moisture-wicking, and fast-drying all nice features in hot weather and features four-way stretch which gives the shorts mobility to move with you. Blogs that appear on this website may contain affiliate links. Available in sizes 0 through 22, these shorts will quickly become a staple in your summer running clothes rotation. Get one simple hack every day to make your life healthier. Lululemon Speed Up shorts are amazing! They also have those coveted pockets two on the sides and one in the front. These shorts sit firmly on your hips and feel light on the thighs. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. Nathan's Women's Front Runner Shorts ($55): These two-in-one shorts are so soft, smooth, stretchy, and very lightweight, I wanted to love them. Unlike other bike-short style shorts that you're constantly pulling down, these stay in place; however, finding the right size is crucial to getting them to stay put. Because of the slit on the side and the thin fabric, they're super breathable too. I love the cut and length options to help these shorts fit a range of body types, shapes, and sizes. Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. The lightweight, stretchy fabric is soft, smooth, and feels comfortable against your skin, while the shorts targeted ventilation and quick-drying fabric keep you cool and dry. Some womens running shorts have liners to provide additional support and coverage. I love how these shorts are made with simple, light fabric that dries quickly. Whether you prefer lightweight racing shorts or compression shorts, quality and comfort are top priority. Lululemon Speed Up Lined Short 4 at Amazon, C9 Champion 3.5 Knit Premium Running Shorts at Amazon, Girlfriend Collective High-Rise Run Short at Girlfriend.com, Baleaf Women's High Waist Running Shorts at Amazon, Tracksmith Twilight Split Shorts at Tracksmith.com, Athleta Run With It 3.5 Shorts at Gap.com, Best Overall: In addition to allowing for excellent mobility, those fabrics are very breathable and moisture-wicking. If youre looking for a new pair of active shorts for hiking and adventuring, you need to get your hands on a pair of the Lululemon Speed Up shorts. If you wish you could wear your favorite pair of leggings all summer-long, youll love the feel and comfort of these shorts from Outdoor Voices. The activewear industry is huge in this day and age and when the time comes that your trusty pair of running or hiking shorts need to be retired, it seems just so overwhelming to pick a new pair thatll be just as good. Personally, I love the longer length because I have more developed quads and the shorter ones ride up too much.