REI Co-op Swiftland 7-Inch Running Shorts running shorts will result in a seriously miserable run, whether it’s due to a pinching waistband, crunchy material, or (heaven forbid) thigh chafing. While some people have a higher tolerance for the Thigh Chafe, I’m willing to bet most runners have a go-to pair of shorts that they know won’t do them wrong.
That means a comfortable fit that allows for a full range of motion, a non-pinching waistband, and an inseam length that helps prevent chafing without interfering with your stride. These are partially personal preference, but this slew of shorts has been through many miles of testing and have come out on top.
in. M | 4 in. W tempo runs and long outings, have no-pinch waistbands, and (depending on the style) they’re either airy or provide just the right amount of compression. These are our top runner-recommended shorts for 2024, including some classic favorites that make the list every year, some under-the-radar pairs, and our favorite budget-friendly picks.
Since most brands make their highest-performing running shorts in gender-specific cuts, our picks are selected to work for both. We’ve also listed any differences in inseam length and sizing options in the key specs for each model.
The Best Running Shorts
- Best Overall: Tracksmith Session Shorts
- Best Budget: Baleaf Quick-Dry Athletic Shorts
- Best for Trail Running: REI Co-op Swiftland 7-Inch Running Shorts
- Best Two-In-One: Soft, comfortable, and stretchy
- Most Breathable: Janji AFO Middle Shorts
The Expert: I started running in grade school, joining the cross country and track teams in a very average-but-dedicated way. Plus, the team school bus stopped at McDonalds on the way back from meets, so I had ulterior motives. I started taking running seriously in college, and while I never competed at a high level, it was my social and athletic outlet.
I started trail running when I moved out west 12 years ago, and it’s still my most prominent four-season activity. I test running shoes and apparel for a variety of outlets, and have been writing about and professionally testing gear for more than a decade.
What to Consider When Shopping for Running Shorts
Shorts are a very personal preference, which is why we’ve included a lot of styles. We’ve listed pairs in all lengths, fits, and flavors—but the best style is the one that feels best on you.
Running Shorts Features
Inseams: Longer inseams (generally, 8- to 10 inches for men and 4- to 8 inches for women) provide more coverage, which can be beneficial if you’re hitting the trails, want sun protection, or just prefer a modest cut. Shorter compression-style shorts like Tracksmith’s Turnover Short Tights are great for speed workouts, race day, and runs when you want to feel fast and flash a little thigh.
Interior Liners: Keep in mind that many running shorts include underwear. Built-in briefs or compression liners can help simplify your workout wardrobe, while making your runs more comfortable (and chafe-free). In addition, some shorts include extra support features, like Saxx’s BallPark Pouch featured in its Hightail running shorts, which keeps sensitive body parts from jostling around and rubbing against your thighs as you run.
Pockets: Zipper pockets and hidden pouches make it easier to carry the essentials—especially if you’re heading out for a long run. Most pockets are large enough to stash your house key and some cash, but pay attention to size if you want more space for a phone, wallet, and fuel (or if you’re the type who pockets those random found-on-the-run treasures).
Find The Right Material
We won’t stop you from running in your favorite all-cotton bottoms, but be wary that the fabric gets heavy when wet, dries slow, and can cause chafing. Plus, 100-percent cotton shorts will most likely do some serious shrinking in your dryer. Some better options are technical fabrics that blend various materials—like polyester, elastane, spandex, and nylon.
If you want shorts that really wick sweat fast, choose a mix with a higher percentage of nylon. Or if extra stretchiness is a must-have, seek out more spandex. Synthetic fabrics with open weaves or larger fibers will also breathe better on humid runs, and some even have antimicrobial properties for combatting bacteria and odor
Still, if you’re a die-hard for the comfort of cotton, try a 50-50 blend that pairs it with a second, more sweat-friendly material, like polyester. You’ll still get some of that cottony softness but with added durability and even UV ray protection.
Compression-Style or Split Shorts?
Choosing between compression-style (spandex) running shorts and looser pairs depends on your comfort, performance needs, and personal preference. And there are plenty of material and inseam options within those categories.
Spandex shorts offer a snug fit that reduces chafing, provides muscle support, and enhances aerodynamics—I love them for longer runs and high-intensity workouts. For hot days or combo trail runs, I opt for looser running shorts for the better ventilation, freedom of movement, and lighter materials for faster wicking.
How We Selected
This is my second update on this running shorts article, and like previous updates, I drew on my own experience running and testing gear. Runner’s World staffers and gear writers Michael Charboneau and Emily Shiffer had valuable input from past seasons, and since they run at different intensities, in varying climates, and at different mileages than myself, it was important to utilize their testing notes.
This piece used a lot of my own testing notes from the past several seasons, and included brands I hadn’t considered for previous updates. I took into account range of motion, sweat wicking, how well they stayed in place during runs, and how they prevented chafing. Finally, even if the shorts weren’t my particular style (I run in at least a 4” inseam in compression-style shorts) I gave everything a test and had a crew of runners also testing and providing input.
Pros
- Moisture-wicking and odor-resistant
- Soft, comfortable, and stretchy
Cons
- Minimal storage
Key Specs
| Inseam | 5 in. (M), 2.5 in. (W) |
|---|---|
| Size Range | XL–2XL (M), XS–XL (W) |
| Pockets | 1 |
| Built-in Liner | Yes |
The Session has kept its place on this list through several rounds of testing, and both the men’s and women’s receive top marks year after year. It’s beloved for its buttery soft, lightweight stretch knit fabric (a nylon-elastane blend) that is as cozy as cotton. Yet it still packs a performance punch; the sweat-wicking, odor-resisting material allows you to wear them a couple of times before having to throw them in the wash.
An internal drawstring provides adjustability, and a back pocket (outfitted with a zipper on the men’s) offers modest storage. The fit and fabric is comfortable and “clings in all the right places,” according to one tester. After runners asked for more options, Tracksmith debuted a 7-Other Hearst Subscriptions and the Session Speed, a more minimal, race-ready option.
Pros
- Standard fit and wide size range
- Spandex helps hold shape
Cons
- Liner can feel tight
Key Specs
| Inseam | 5 in. (M) | 3 in. (W) |
|---|---|
| Size Range | S–3XL (M) | XS–L (W) |
| Pockets | 1 |
| Built-In Liner | Yes |
There are certainly types of apparel where I wouldn’t recommend budget picks, but the running shorts category is packed with comfortable, wicking options comparable to name brands without the price tag. Baleaf makes a variety of durable, odor-resistant, wicking athletic gear, and I’ve worn my running shorts from them for trail runs, day hikes, and backpacking trips and had no complaints.
They come in a range of sizes (and colors), and include several features typically found on more expensive pairs. They’re made from a polyester-spandex blend (10-percent spandex, mid-range for this style) for durability and good freedom of movement, and the men’s have a mesh liner and the women’s have a solid antimicrobial liner. Plus, Baleaf makes several models without liners and with different inseam lengths.
Pros
- Durable, abrasion-resistant material
- Waistband doesn’t slide
Cons
- Liner can feel loose after a few washes
Key Specs
| Inseam | 7 in. (M) | 5 in. (W) |
|---|---|
| Size Range | S-3XL (M) | XS-3XL (W) |
| Pockets | 3 |
| Built-in Liner | Yes |
Made with 27-percent spandex (compared to 10-15-percent in many models), these running shorts have more durability and structure than others in our testing lineup. They have the wicking and four-way stretch that keeps me dry and comfortable without impeding my range of motion, and feature a nylon / spandex liner that breathes well and isn’t too tight, though it does feel loose after a good amount of wear.
The 7-inch inseam is a great middle-ground for this men’s style, with the women’s coming in at a generous-but-not-sloppy 5 inches. This offers enough coverage without feeling like too much material, and the extra stretch and durability is appreciated on more rugged trail runs. Three convenient pockets round out these durable shorts, and they can handle season after season (and plenty of washes) without stretching or fading.
Pros
- Extended inner shorts stays in place to prevent chafing
- Wide, high waistband
Cons
- Limited range of sizes available
Key Specs
| Inseam | 7 in. (M) | 5 in. (W) |
|---|---|
| Size Range | S-XL (M) | XS-L (W) |
| Pockets | 3 |
| Built-in Liner | Yes |
Hoka has really come into its own with running apparel, and this lightweight, high-waistband model with a stay-in-place liner gets top top marks in the category. The main body is a four-way stretch material featuring a DWR treatment to keep light moisture at bay, and the liner is as breathable as they come.
I was able to stash my keys and an energy gel in the mesh waistband pockets, and while I don’t usually use the pass-through pocket on the back, this feature is becoming more popular with runners who shed layers and aren’t wearing a pack.
Like others on this list, the main difference in the men’s and women’s models besides general shape (constructed specifically for men’s and women’s hips and waist) is the inseam length. The men’s are a standard 7 inches and the women’s have a 5-inch inseam. I’ve found this to be the Goldilocks length for compression shorts, lined shorts, and standard shorts, and these are no exception.
Pros
- Bonded inner seams to reduce chafing
- before I put on pants
- Zippered back pocket
Cons
- Can run a little small in the waistband
Key Specs
| Inseam | 5 in. (M) | 3 in. (W) |
|---|---|
| Side Range | S-XL (M) | XS-3XL (W) |
| Pockets | 1 |
| Built-in Liner | Yes |
Janji is consistently updating even its most popular running shorts, and this recent update to the mid-range length (5 inches for men, 3 for women), makes this fan favorite even more lightweight and breathable. These shorts use an airy four-way stretch shell that dries fast, prioritizes breathability, and wicks sweat as fast as you can manufacture it through your pores.
I am a monster in the heat, and shorts make me want to go slightly less crazy during the hottest summer runs. The liners are also highly wicking, though I’ve been known to cut out the brief-style liners for even more breathability. These are some of the lightest shorts I’ve worn, with the women’s pair weighing just over three ounces.
Pros
- Provides support without constriction
- Buttery-smooth material
Cons
- Size range is limited, Tracksmith can run small
Key Specs
| Inseam | 9 in. (M) | 4.5 in. (W) |
|---|---|
| Size Range | S-XL (M) | XS-L (W) |
| Pockets | 3 (M) | 2 (W) |
| Built-in Liner | Optional (M) | No (W) |
Inner thigh chafing can come from a lot of places, but I’ve experienced it most frequently from loose shorts material bunching between my legs during sweaty runs. Compression shorts take the guesswork out of this, with a next-to-skin fit that stays in place and provides light support. I will say these have less of a muscle-support compression than others I’ve worn, but that makes them more wearable for everything from sprint sessions to long-haul trail runs.
The comfort is paramount here—they’re stretchy without binding, the waistband lies smooth, and they have reinforcements around the base of the legs to stay in place without riding up. I also love the mid-range 4.5-inch inseam, which is long enough to stay put but short enough to not feel too exposed. The men’s comes in a 9-inch inseam, a great length for coverage without constriction.
ciele athletics DLYShort Long Brief Shorts
Pros
- 100% polyester is fast-wicking for long, hot runs
- Men’s and women’s have similar inseam length
Cons
- are great for
Key Specs
| Inseam | 4 in. (M) | 4 in. (W) |
|---|---|
| Size Range | XS-2XL (M) | XS-2XL (W) |
| Pockets | 3 |
| Built-in Liner | Yes |
These shorts are stretchy, breathable, and have three secure pockets for stashing gels or a card on long runs—including a zippered back pocket where I feel comfortable storing a car key. The lightweight inner liner helps reduce chafing when it gets hot. The waistband is lightweight but doesn’t shift around, and it’s soft and high enough to not contribute to stomach cramping.
I like these for both trail and road, and appreciate the longer inseam. The liner is the brand's no-chafe design (it’s worked for me so far) and even the liner has a small storage pocket that sits tight against your leg and reduces bounce.
What Makes a Great Pair of Running Shorts, According to Michael Charboneau and Emily Shiffer
RW: What weather do you consider to be shorts weather?
M.C.: Once the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, I start to think about maybe wearing pants. But in cold weather the more important thing is to keep my core warm. In other words, I’d put on a long-sleeve baselayer and/or a jacket before I put on pants.
E.S.: Hot and humid. Living in Pennsylvania, I don’t love having to throw on pants over shorts to hit the gym (which I do out of necessity). But once summer comes, and the air is thick (yes, Pennsylvania is humid!), my philosophy is: The less fabric, the better.
RW: What’s one must-have feature or criteria you have when shopping for running shorts?
M.C.: A drawcord waistband. To me, there’s nothing worse than poorly fitting shorts that slip down as you run. Elastic waistbands can fit well, but nothing beats the locked-in fit of a drawcord. I think it’s even more essential if you plan on carrying anything in your shorts pockets. Without a drawcord, the added weight will just make your shorts slip down even faster.
E.S.: I am constantly in pursuit of the perfect running short, and I don’t think I’ve found it yet. I always have my iPhone with me because I stream Spotify when I run. If my phone doesn’t fit in the shorts, I throw on my FlipBelt. But shorts with a pocket big enough to store that (as well as an apartment key or car key), like the Nathan Front Runner, XS-2XL M | XS-2XL W.
RW: We all like a deal, but when is it worth it to invest in a pair of shorts over $50?
M.C.: One of my favorite aspects of running is that it doesn’t require much gear—so don’t overcomplicate it by buying a bunch of stuff. Start with the gym shorts that are already in your drawer, and pay attention to how they perform as you run. If they work fine for you, great. If not, take note of what you need—maybe a drawstring or more (or fewer) pockets—and use that to guide your shopping.
You might find that an under-$50 pair of shorts will get you what you need, or you might opt for a more expensive pair because it has better materials or other key features. The important thing is to be smart about what you buy: Invest in quality gear that meets your needs, and you can focus on running instead of getting distracted by uncomfortable clothing.
Maggie Slepian is a full-time freelance writer in the outdoor industry and has tested gear professionally for almost ten years—she is an avid backpacker, trail runner, bikepacker, and horseback rider and has thru-hiked thousands of miles on the Appalachian, Colorado, and Ouachita trails, along with backcountry travel on terrain including coastal trails, the desert, and high alpine peaks. Maggie has written for New York Magazine, Huffington Post, REI, and Outside. She is a columnist with Backpacker Magazine and is the co-founder of BackpackingRoutes.com. Contact her at MaggieSlepian.com.
