I’m a runner and these are my favourite running shorts on the market in 2026

These are the best running shorts I’ve worn for training runs and races across all distances.

Choosing shorts for your regular run sessions or more competitive races often comes down to personal preference. Do you prefer form-fitting shorts or a more relaxed cut? Ultra-light and minimalist, or good coverage with cargo options?

I tested a variety of running shorts over a wide range of distances – from 5k to ultramarathon – and during treadmill and outdoor training sessions as well as competitive events, to bring you the best of the best.

I have tested a wide range of shorts between $40/£30 and $230/£210, to give you plenty of options. There are 3in split shorts for racing, 5in shorts for training and 7in shorts for more relaxed sessions and post-run coffee stops. There’s also a pair of super-technical running tights for out-and-out speed, as well as a pair that can double-up as swim shorts.

I’ve included 2-in-1 shorts that have a brief- or boxer-style inner lining and well as regular shorts that are best paired with moisture-wicking underwear.

So with the widest range of running shorts available in 2026, I’m sure you’ll find your perfect pair in my hand-picked list below.

Best running shorts at a glance

Best running shorts overall	What does the discerning runner about town want to be seen in? Well, I reckon the Lululemon Fast and Free Lined Running Short should be first on his list. These running shorts are so well thought out: they have more features than you can shake a stick at and the fit is sublime. I would need to be wrestled out of them if someone was going to force me into an alternative.
Best 3-inch running shorts	The Satisfy Rippy 3-inch Trail Shorts are the best 3-inch shorts for track performance, offering premium features like Ripstop fabric for breathability and drying speed. They boast four pockets, including two hooded drop-ins and a rear zippered phone pocket.
Best 5-inch running shorts	The Inov8 Race Elite 5-Inch Short offers race-ready performance with a lightweight feel and ample coverage, making them suitable for both training and gym workouts. Enhanced comfort is provided by perforated panels and silky soft boxer liners, while a wide waistband ensures stability.
Best 7-inch running shorts	Under Armour Iso-Chill Run 2-in-1 7in Shorts are perfectly capable of serving you well in the gym, but they’re arguably best suited to being running shorts. Lightweight, non-restrictive, robust. What more could you want?
Best 2-in-1 running shorts	SUDU’s SRS 01 Run Shorts stand out as the best 2-in-1 running shorts, balancing comfort, functionality and thoughtful storage. They offer durability, comfort and performance at a competitive price, making them a solid investment for regular runners.
Best lightweight adventure shorts	If you want shorts to cope with all-day adventures, they need to be lightweight, breathable, comfortable and robust. The Montane Volantis 7in Shorts are all these things, and have useful zipped pockets too.
Best supportive running shorts	More running tights than running shorts, the adidas Adizero Control running shorts provide plenty of support and as well as mild compression. Though I’m not sure I’m brave enough to run in these alone.
Best brief-lined running shorts	However you like your shorts, the Nike Stride Dri-FIT has got you covered. This version has a comfy mesh brief liner but you can go linerless or opt for the full liner short too.
Best hybrid shorts	If you’re looking for one short to cover both running and gym duties, you could do a lot worse than the versatile Vuori HardKore Lined 5in Short, which is light, roomy and super comfortable.
Best 7in shorts for versatility	The relaxed fit of the Fabletics The One 7in Shorts, as well as their ability to double-up as swim shorts, makes them a great all-rounder that won’t break the bank.
Best money-no-object running shorts	You may need to sell a kidney to be able to fund a pair of these Satisfy TechSilk 5-Inch Shorts, but when you wear them you’ll think they’re worth every penny.

These are the best running shorts in 2026

1. Lululemon Fast and Free Lined Running Shorts

These shorts from Lululemon are so well thought out, you can imagine a team of designers sitting round a table and saying: so, we want to make an amazing short – what do we need? Turns out, there’s really nothing missing. Made from sweat-wicking recycled polyester, these shorts make moisture management their middle name: quick drying, with a four-way stretch they are both extremely comfortable and keep your nethers cool when you need it. The streamlined fit gives glutes and thighs breathing room when you need to push the pace.

Read my full Lululemon Fast and Free Lined Running Short review

2. Inov8 Race Elite 5-Inch Short

The Inov8 Race Elite 5-inch certainly feels race-ready, but it’s also a useful choice for logging training miles or even nailing leg drills in the gym. On test, I found that they struck an ideal balance between that lightweight, barely-there feel and confident coverage. The Inov8 5-inch short is just right for ensuring confidence over big-mileage runs.

I also found that the perforated panels kept the air flowing and sweat dissipating, while silky soft boxer liners with flat seams enhanced comfort. A soft, wide waistband resists rolling and reduces pressure. It’s a little light on storage for me, but there’s enough room for a large smartphone or a fistful of gels – as well as a key loop.

Read my full Inov8 Race Elite 5-Inch Short review

3. Satisfy Rippy 3-Inch Trail Short

The premium Satisfy Rippy Short offers a minimalistic race feel and some superb technical features for stellar performance on the track. If you can stomach the stratospheric price tag, you’re onto a winner.

I found them to be light, breathable, comfortable, and impressively quick-drying shorts thanks to the durable Ripstop fabric. Surprisingly for a 3-inch short, there’s also a useful array of four pockets. That includes two hooded drop-in pockets that can hold up to six gels and a rear zippered sweatproof phone pocket.

If you’re brave enough to shell out more than $200 for a pair, you may as well go all-in and get the bold Leopard print.

Read my full Satisfy Rippy 3-Inch Trail Short review

4. Under Armour Iso-Chill Run 2-in-1 7in Shorts

The Iso-Chill Run 2-in-1 Shorts from Under Armour are a great choice for running, CrossFit or gym workouts. The 7in inners offer compression support and skin cooling benefits, while the shorter 5in outer shorts are well fitted but with plenty of room to move, thanks to the large seam split.

There aren’t any pockets in the outer shorts, which adds to the fitted style, but there is a hidden one in the liner that is large enough for a phone. The inner lining shorts sit around 4in above the knee but this works well for running, because there’s no restriction around the lower quads.

Overall the Iso-Chill Run 2-in-1 Shorts are lightweight but strong, stretchy and robust.

The UA Iso-Chill Shorts have now been replaced by the UA Launch Elite 2-in-1 Shorts

Read my full Under Armour Iso-Chill Run 2-in-1 7in Shorts review

5. Montane Volantis 7-Inch Short

It’s no surprise that Montane’s 7in running short should be designed for mountain adventures. Made from its proprietary GRANITE Stretch Nano fabric, it has a winning combination of ultra low weight at just 135g, four-way stretch and robust construction.

Bonded hems add to their rugged appeal and eliminate any possible chafing risk. I found the wide, soft, low-profile waistband bumps up the comfort factor while the slim-looking design proved surprisingly roomy when technical trails meant I had to start scrambling.

Testing the Volantis in Scotland meant I discovered its excellent water-shedding and moisture management properties fairly quickly. If you’re the kind of runner who likes all-day excursions in the hills, Montane’s offering won’t let you down.

6. Vuori HardKore Lined 5in Short

If you’re looking for shorts that will literally go the distance on epic runs, I don’t think you can go wrong with these Vuori HardKore shorts. They’d make a great pair of gym shorts too. They are super-comfy, have great moisture management and the lightest liner I’ve come across. Of course that price might be something of an issue. But the quality feel of these suggests they might even outlast my knees! Storage could be a little better but I don’t know a runner who likes to store anything substantial in their shorts.

Read my full Vuori HardKore Lined 5in Short review

7. SUDU SRS 01 Run Shorts

SUDU’s SRS 01 Run Shorts blend comfort and functionality, featuring lightweight fabric and thoughtful storage. Overall, I think they’re a solid choice for versatile running and general workouts, offering durability and comfort at a competitive price.

Whether for long runs or gym sessions, they provide reliability and performance, making them a worthy investment for regular runners seeking quality gear. However, snug sizing and occasional leg cuff rolling should be noted.

Read my full SUDU SRS 01 Run Shorts review

8. Nike Stride Dri-FIT Shorts

When I run in the hotter summer months I want shorts with that barely-there feel that do a great job of shifting moisture. Unsurprisingly, Nike’s dri-FIT technology does exactly that; expelling sweat and allowing air to flow as you crank up the pace.

This version has a comfy mesh brief liner but you can go linerless or opt for the full liner short too. As usual, Nike’s range of colors is eye-popping but sizes are somewhat limited. However, if you can find your size that stretch-fit comfort is guaranteed and the thin waistband is softer and more forgiving than it looks.

9. Adidas Adizero Control Running Short Tights

I found that for shorter, faster sessions and intervals on the track, these shorts were great. But it’s almost impossible to say whether they improved my efficiency. During some test sessions I hit my interval splits; during others I didn’t.

But if you’re after a pair of running shorts with a second-skin, locked-in feel, these are excellent at keeping everything supported and in place. And you’ll at least feel like you’re an Olympian – even if you need more than the advertised marginal gains here to get anywhere near that.  

Read my full adidas Adizero Control Running Short Tights review

10. Fabletics The One 7in Shorts

The One Shorts from Fabletics are designed for versatile training – they’re even suitable for swimming. 

They feature an inner lining with a high-stretch fabric hidden by a soft, light outer. They’re sleek, streamlined and fit well, without being as tight as other shorts on test. I found the outer shorts to be stretchy and relaxed without being baggy.

Overall, I really liked the feel of these shorts – they’re comfortable, quick drying and well constructed and work well during gym workouts, as well as shorter outdoor runs, treadmill training and even swimming sessions.

Read my full Fabletics The One 7in Shorts review

11. Satisfy TechSilk 5-Inch Short

If you need a short that can swallow your day’s trail running essentials, look no further than Satisfy (just don’t look at its prices). Its TechSilk 5-inch short has two hand pockets as well as two interior sweatproof ones for phones and other valuables. A strong but soft technical two-way stretch silk fabric helps cut weight to just 4.2oz / 120g, but it still incorporates a hybrid inner design with a silky boxer-style brief, making them extra comfy to wear.

I found the sweat-wicking and drying to be top-drawer, making these a good choice for hot, sweaty summer runs. All its technical details, premium materials and stylish flourishes mean a hefty price tag, but if you invest in a pair you’ll reap huge comfort and performance benefits.

Read my full Satisfy TechSilk 5-Inch Short review

How we tested the best running shorts

Our run gear testers Kieran Alger and Laurence McJannet tested each of these running shorts over a period of at least two months. They wore them in warm and cool weather, as well as in sunshine and rain, to test their breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities. They noted the fit, feel and weight of the material – as well as its overall comfort and storage options.

By running both 5km and 10km or longer sessions, they got a feel for their suitability for tempo runs, endurance work and recovery session. Finally they took the price, availability, robustness and versatility into consideration before awarding each pair of shorts their overall score.

Which length of running shorts should you wear?

Running shorts tend to be categorized by their inseam length – usually 3, 5 or 7 inches. Choosing your ideal length depends on the kind of running you intend to do. For competitive running, sprint sessions or long-distance training you can’t beat the barely-there feel of 3-inch shorts. Their split seams allow the most freedom of movement and the best ventilation but might not be the wisest choice for post-run cafe stops.

For mixed sessions, trail runs or day-long excursions where you want to carry essentials, consider 5 or 7 inches. 5-inch shorts tend to combine the benefits of a lightweight race cut with good flexibility of movement, as well as sensible storage options and improved coverage. While 7 inches offers the best coverage and storage options, although they are the heaviest.

Whatever shorts you choose for running, there are some details that the best running shorts all have in common:

What to consider when choosing the best running shorts

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing running shorts. First and foremost is the type of running you do. Are you a track runner looking for ultra-light 3-inch shorts? Are you a trail runner looking for a little more coverage and storage options? Do you think you’ll want shorts with some crossover potential for those post-run coffee stops? Would you prefer 2-in-1 shorts with a liner instead of teaming regular shorts with moisture-wicking underwear? Whatever type of shorts you’re after, it’s worth considering the following:

• Flexible movement
• Neither too tight or too loose
• Made from comfortable material
• Flat, chafe-free seams
• Good ventilation
• Quick drying and moisture-wicking
• Storage for gels, keys, cards or phone

What the experts look for in the best running shorts

We talked to athletes and coaches about what they look for in a good pair of running shorts. Jake Dearden, HYROX master trainer and 247 Represent head coach and athlete, says: “I like a 5-inch short with a skin layer underneath. This prevents the legs chafing but is cool enough to not overheat.

“The back, just below the waistband, needs to be big enough for a mobile phone for when you’re out for a run and don’t want to have to carry it or have anything else round your chest or arm to hold it.

“Waistbands need to have draw strings so they’re adjustable. The liner needs to be comfortable and ideally stop chafing (like a 2-in-1 short). It needs to be long enough so your thighs don’t rub together. You can always wear chafing cream to prevent that.”

Jonny Mellor, New Balance athlete and online running coach, adds: “It’s important to choose shorts that offer fast drying technology such as NB DRYx to wick moisture away from your body. If I’m doing a long run and carrying gels the New Balance half tights offer pockets on both sides, which are perfect for carrying gels. They also have a zipper pocket perfect for carrying a car key. For easy day-to-day running I prefer to wear something a little more loose fitting and lightweight.   

“If you want to carry gels then the half tights are perfect; if it’s just a set of keys then shorts with a zipped pocket are important. Personally I prefer that to be at the back of the short as I don’t notice it jiggling around. But again it will come down to personal preference, and you may prefer to use a running belt instead.”

Benefits of running

The benefits of this simple, accessible and enjoyable exercise are almost too numerous to count. Some of the biggest benefits include improving heart health, boosting muscle maintenance and bone strength, and helping proprioception. Other great reasons to run include boosting your mental health and accelerating fat loss, reducing stress and lowering the risk of dementia – as well as being a really easy way to give yourself a full-body workout.

What else to wear on a run

To get the most out of your run sessions, it’s important to know what to wear on a run. Dedicated technical running wear is so much better than a baggy old T-shirt and shorts. That’s because you’ll benefit so much more from run kit that has been designed with performance in mind – from slimline, lightweight cuts to materials that will dry quickly and allow air to flow and keep you cool. You can also choose compression gear that will help support tired muscles and even reflect your body’s energy back into your muscles.

Related content:

1. Post-run stretching routine
2. Best moisture-wicking underwear
3. How to improve running form

• November 2025: prices and affiliate links checked, Nike Stride Dri-FIT shorts added to the summary box, main image updated.
• December 2025: Lululemon shorts added as best overall running short, inov8 Race Elite added to summary box.
• February 2026: Refreshed all of the product links and added a new main image.
• March 2026: Vuori HardKore short added to buyers guide and summary box.
• April 2026: Brooks Sherpa 5in and Lululemon License To Train 7in shorts removed as they’re no longer available. New buyers guide template implemented with Schema spec and comparison tables and new at-a-glance summary box.