26 best running shorts for women in 2024

If you need a comfortable pair of shorts you can wear on your run and brunch with your mates afterwards, we've found them. These cycling-style shorts are essentially the summer (or hardcore) version of Sweaty Betty's popular running leggings, so they come with the brand's popular 'bum-sculpting' technology.

But we know that for some, the most important thing is finding running shorts with a phone pocket. Well, you're in luck. There's also a side pocket big enough for an iPhone and a zipped pocket on the back for your keys, plus they're available in four different designs.

Made from the brand's weightless (and confirmed squat-proof) Nulux fabric and with a flattering high waistband, these are some of the most comfortable shorts going.

Silicone grips on the legs stop them riding up, there are reflective details and a handy drawcord on the waist. And did we mention the pockets? There are five, so you can leave that running belt at home. Two are drop-in pockets on the thighs (ideal for your phone/gel), and there are three small pockets in the waistband for keys and cards.

For a cost-effective pair of black shorts to see you through all seasons, you can't go wrong with Nike's mid-rise bike shorts. The fitted legs side-step any chafing concerns, there's a zipped back pocket for your essentials, and a thick waistband with a drawcord to minimise movement as you clock up the miles.

They also come with reflective detailing if you run early or late enough in the day to need extra visibility.

If you're looking for lightweight kit to wear round the track but you prefer to have your thighs covered, these mid-waisted New Balance shorts will be just the ticket. Thanks to well-placed panels they're tight fitting and won't budge on the move.

They also come with handy side pockets for all your essentials and a storage tunnel on the back for stowing extra layers (provided they're lightweight). And best of all they adhere to New Balance’s new green leaf standard, so at least 50% of the materials used come with eco-credentials.

We're big fans of Irish athleisure brand Gym + Coffee These cycling-style shorts are super comfortable, they keep everything in place and they're surprisingly flattering too.

The dark colourways (obsidian or black) are versatile and the shorts didn't budge an inch during our training runs. There are drop-in pockets big enough for a smartphone, but if you're carrying much more you will need to wear a running belt.

Also available in 5 inch length.

Nike's classic running shorts come with a relaxed fit for comfort, sweat-wicking tech to keep you cool and a subtle side split so you can move freely as you clock up the miles.

They also include a zip pocket, a couple of internal pockets big enough for your essentials plus a key loop, and the built-in liner shorts are the ideal length to protect your modesty while beating the dreaded thigh chafe.

Available in five colours.

We genuinely credit these shorts with getting us out running more. They're incredibly comfortable and we particularly liked the double waistband offering a little more coverage. Speaking of, the inner shorts helped us run with confidence, feeling supported and held in, and were perfectly fitted around the thighs — no sausage legs here.

The undershorts also stayed in place with no riding up, while the outer shorts boast zip pockets on each side for the essentials. They're roomy with a touch of flex, so can double up as training shorts as there's no movement restriction whatsoever.

All six designs are currently on sale!

Part of New Balance's official Marathon range, these 2-in-1 beauties are made with a super light, perforated shell and a comfortable liner complete with a thick ribbed hem to keep the shorts in place.

Versatile and geared for performance, they have both internal drop-in pockets on the inner shorts and a zipped pocket on the back of the waistband — all while protecting you from chafe. We're seriously impressed.

These shorts really are 2-in-1, as you can remove the inner cycling-style shorts — they're attached by an interior button and elastic fastening on each side. We'll admit we were initially sceptical of this wizardry (surely the buttons would dig in?) but we actually didn’t feel them at all when on the move.

Then both parts also work brilliantly individually — although it’s worth noting the outer split shorts don’t have any pockets (there is a small storage tunnel to the back), and the inner shorts (with drop-in leg pockets) are shorter than a lot of cycling-style numbers, but ideal if you want something fuss-free.

Also available in rose pink.

These 2-in-1 shorts from Under Armour are on the dinkier side and they are fairly low-waisted, so you will require a modicum of body confidence to hit the road. But the gathered waistband is surprisingly comfortable and thanks to the built-in compression shorts we felt supported and not at all conscious — plus clever mesh panels kept us cool.

The little key pocket also came in handy, plus we love the bright lime colourway too.

No one was sadder than us when lululemon discontinued its Tracker running shorts. But thankfully what's taken their place is (possibly) even better. Yes, the name's not to everyone's taste, but honestly with how comfortable they are they could be called a lot worse and we wouldn't care.

They're super light, the waistband is soft and sits perfectly and they have pockets — one zipped, one stash pocket in the liner. However, the only downside is the lack of phone pocket, meaning you’ll still need to carry a running belt if you run to music.

Available in a plethora of colours, some of which are currently on sale. Also available in 2.5inch length.

If you're shopping for race day run shorts, your hunt is over. Thanks to the brand's 'AeroSwift' technology, these classic split shorts from Nike feel so light and breezy, you'll be clocking up the PBs before lunch.

They also come with a drawcord waistband plus a hidden drop-in pocket for your house keys. Available in fabulous pink or teal.

If overheating is your personal bugbear, these stylish running shorts from Vuori are made from sweat-wicking, four-way-stretch fabric, with a breathable mesh brief liner to help you keep your cool. They're pyjama-comfy but have all the technical features you want from a pair of running shorts: quick-drying (and anti-odour!) material, a zipped stash pocket (ideal for a key), reflective detailing and a 2.5" inseam.

We loved the drawcord elasticated waist and how incredibly lightweight the shorts are, plus they're made in part from recycled materials and come in a bunch of cool colours.

With a deep split and lightweight, flexible construction, these Asics road shorts are made for freedom of movement.

We'll admit we're big fans of the chilli red colour, but there's lots to love on the functionality side too; the thick, supportive waistband, excellent breathability, pockets for both phone and keys and a couple of storage loops at the back so you can stash your tee when things heat up.

Also available in lack and green.

Comfortable, with a built-in pant liner, these high-waist shorts holds you in throughout your run, while the relaxed fit lives up to its promise of feeling light and airy.

At 5'9, our tester initially thought these may come up too short, but they were the perfect anti-chafe, box-short length, with the brief liner providing added security. There's secure stash pockets on each side for gels, and a larger zipped pocket on the front (unusually, instead of the back), which is big enough to hold a smartphone.

These classic shorts from Nike are simple but effective. They come with a comfortable drawcord waistband to keep things in place, a relaxed fit and side splits for freedom of movement and a couple of stash pockets for your house keys.

You'll still need to wear a running belt if you're carrying your phone, but if you're after an affordable pair of running shorts, you can't really go wrong.

Also available in pink.

These funky mid-rise shorts from New Balance are designed for speedy running, but frankly they'd look just as cool whizzing around the dance floor.

The woven shell fabric is moisture-wicking to help you stay cool, while the dreamy lilac print and bold piping give extra style points for race day. Plus they have hand pockets on both sides.

These lightweight running shorts pack a lot of features into an affordable package. Wide, ruched waistband? Check. Comfortable, stretchy undershorts? Check. Sweat-wicking, reflective detailing and flattering high-waisted fit? You betcha.

We liked how these are a little longer than some 2-in-1 offerings, as well as the contrasting undershorts and deep split hem. They're available in a range of colours too. However, they don't have pockets, so grab yourself a running belt to carry the essentials.

We love this classic pair of funky three-stripe running shorts from adidas. They're comfortable to wear, come with handy reflective detailing for late night running (or dancing!) and the built-in briefs are great for extra coverage as you move — plus they have a handy stash pocket.

And best of all, they're made from recycled fabric, and with the pink pair you can even channel the trend du jour — Barbiecore. For maximum effect, pair with this breezy running tank top from the same brand.

Plus you can even personalise them with your name for race day.

At under £10, these simple running shorts from Decathlon are a great choice if you're looking for lightweight run kit. They have a wide waistband that includes a drawcord to minimise movement, plus a small zipped pocket for your valuables and leg splits for speedy running.

These Tempo Race shorts from Nike are designed for running fast. The loose, ventilated design will allow you to focus on your run with zero distractions.

As with most race day shorts, they don't have a huge amount of pocket space. But if you're travelling light and you have a PB in mind, the simple design and sweat-wicking fabric will keep you comfortable. Available in three colours.

Tracksmith call these ‘short tights for serious training’ and they’re not wrong. They are extremely comfortable, with a high waist and a lightweight, soft fabric. They feel cool while holding everything in place comfortably, and they have no less than five pockets for your essentials.

We wore these for both speed work and longer runs and they didn’t ride up or down once. Tracksmith don’t currently have any shops in the UK, but you can order from their website in a ton of colours — we're particularly partial to the loden green.

These cycling-style shorts from On Running are designed for speed sessions and race day. But unlike most sprinter shorts, they come with several pockets including a mesh drop-in pocket on the leg for carrying gels.

We particularly like the deep, comfortable waistband and flattering panels. They're also made from 50% recycled fabric too.

Our fave French brand Hoka added running kit to their collection fairly recently, and these shorts are winners. Whether you're cruising 100 miles or sprinting one, they will keep you comfortable.

They've got drop-in pockets big enough for your smartphone (in the hidden liner), have a water-resistant finish and they're made from a silky-soft, stretchy fabric that feels cool and comfortable against the skin. A drawcord ensures you get the perfect fit, there's a breathable mesh brief liner and a handy bungee loop for your key.

Of course, no one says you have to run in tiny shorts on race day, so if you prefer a few more inches of leg wear these shorts from 2XU will do the trick. They are extremely lightweight, moisture-wicking and ideal for race day.

They come with a wide, elasticated waistband that doesn't budge, a zipped pocket on the back for your valuables and side splits for when you pick up the pace.