These are the best running shorts to wear for training runs and races of any 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. So read on to discover my findings in full.
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These are the best running shorts I tested
The inov8 Race Elite 5-Inch Short are the best pair of running shorts I’ve tested. They offer 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.
Other running shorts recommendations
| 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 quick-drying. Despite the high price, they boast four pockets, including two hooded drop-ins and a rear zippered phone pocket. Opt for the bold Leopard print if you’re brave enough. |
| Best 7-inch running shorts | If you prefer a longer pair of shorts, On’s Lightweight 7-Inch Shorts are an excellent option. They offer unparalleled freedom of movement, with an athletic cut and increased breathability from the perforated back. Despite their thinness, the material feels both soft and robust. |
| 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. |
1. inov8 Race Elite 5-Inch Short
Men’s Fitness verdict
These lightweight shorts offer excellent airflow and cooling with perforated panels. They feature silky-soft liners, a comfortable waistband and limited but functional storage.- Lightweight and comfortable
- Good airflow and cooling
- Chafe-reducing liners
- Storage could be better
- Potential fit issues
- Only two colors
| Materials | Recycled polyester; elastane |
| Details | Integrated boxer liner; rear zipped pocket with key loop |
| Sizes | XS – XL |
| Colors | Black / navy |
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 our full Inov8 Race Elite 5-Inch Short review
2. Satisfy Rippy 3-Inch Trail Short
Men’s Fitness verdict
These shorts blend high-end fashion with elite performance, offering top-notch design and excellent storage with four pockets. Despite the price tag, they provide superb comfort and flexibility.- Excellent storage
- High comfort and flexibility
- Premium design
- High price
- Limited color options
| Materials | 100% polyamide |
| Details | Back zipper pocket with two pouches; two hip pockets; phone pocket; carabiner |
| Sizes | XS – XL |
| Colors | Vetiver / indigo batik / leopard / black |
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 our full Satisfy Rippy 3-Inch Trail Short review
3. On Lightweight 7-Inch Short
Men’s Fitness verdict
Ultra-light at 150g, with a perforated back for breathability. They offer a soft, stretchy, robust material, an athletic fit, and secure storage, ideal for long distances and mixed terrain.- Very light
- Highly breathable
- Comfortable fit
- No traditional drawstring
- Unusual pocket placement
- Pockets are without zips
| Materials | Front polyamide and elastane; rear polyester; inner polyester and elastane |
| Details | Athletic fit; waistband pull loop; rear pocket; key loop |
| Sizes | Small – 2XL |
| Colors | Black / cerulean / glacier / niagara / twilight |
On’s ultralight 7-inch shorts have an athletic cut which gave me plenty of freedom to move while testing. I also appreciated the perforated back which increased airflow and breathability.
The quality of the shorts was immediately obvious, despite the incredibly light and thin material. The fabric is soft and stretchy but feels comfortable and reassuringly robust.
The On Running Lightweight Shorts have that barely-there feel, even on long runs or over mixed terrain. That’s unusual for 7-inch shorts, but these are the most comfortable on test to wear in hot or humid conditions. Though seriously light, they’re not lacking in features. Though if you need more than one pocket you might have to look elsewhere.
- Read our full On Running Lightweight Short review
4. SUDU SRS 01 Run Shorts
Men’s Fitness verdict
These shorts offer comfort, flexibility and decent storage, suitable for various activities – not just running. Tight sizing should be noted though.- Comfortable, with good freedom of movement
- Suitable for running and general workouts
- Effective moisture management
- Tight sizing
- Leg cuffs roll up occasionally
| Materials | 89% polyester; 11% spandex |
| Details | Mesh undershorts; elastic waistband; reflective branding |
| Sizes | XS – 2XL |
| Colors | Black & light blue / dark blue & pink / grey & yellow |
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 our full SUDU SRS 01 Run Shorts review
5. adidas Adizero Control Running Short Tights
Men’s Fitness verdict
These high-tech shorts offer a locked-in feel with reactive polymer stripes to support muscles. Ideal for fast sessions, they provide warmth, but may feel restrictive and hot in summer.- Muscle support thanks to the reactive polymer
- Comfortable fit
- Potential overheating
- Restrictive on long runs
- Chunky seams
| Materials | 83% recycled polyester; 17% elastane doubleknit |
| Details | AEROREADY and RHEON technologies; stretch waist; reflective details |
| Sizes | XS – 3XL |
| Color | Legend ink |
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 our full adidas Adizero Control Running Short Tights review
6. Lululemon License To Train Lined 7-Inch Short
Men’s Fitness verdict
Heavy-duty protection with a secure, elastic waistband and plenty of pockets. The stretchy inner lining and lightweight outer layer provide comfort and range of movement.- Durable design
- Ample storage
- Comfortable fit
- Inner lining sits very close to the knee
- Heavy waistband
| Materials | Lycra™; Luxtreme™ |
| Details | Quick-dry mesh waistband; draw-cord; secure pockets; 2.5-inch split outer seam; abrasion-resistant |
| Sizes | XS – 2XL |
| Colors | 8 colors available |
Lululemon’s License to Train Lined 7-inch Shorts are heavy duty but stay comfortable for long periods. From my own experience, I think they’d work equally well out on a hiking trail as they would in the gym.
I found the Lycra/Luxtreme lining to be close-fitting, acting like a pair of compression tights. The outer layer also felt soft and well-constructed on test. This robustness means they’re not the lightest 7-inch option, but they are one of the most versatile.
The shorts are packed with features, too, including a reversible draw-cord waistband, secret elasticated pocket and split outer seam, which gave me a good range of movement while testing.
- Read our full Lululemon License To Train Lined 7in Short review
7. Satisfy TechSilk 5-Inch Short
Men’s Fitness verdict
These shorts blend high-end style with performance, using lightweight silk fabric and premium features like bonded seams and ample storage. The price will prove a major sticking point, though.- Lightweight and comfortable
- Minimal chafe risk
- Excellent storage
- High price
- Less bold color options than the 3-inch alternative
| Materials | 88% polyamide; 12% elastane |
| Details | UV protection; 4 pockets; carabiner for keys; double waistband; reflective print |
| Sizes | XS – XL |
| Colors | Black / fossil |
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 our full Satisfy TechSilk 5-Inch Short review
8. Brooks Sherpa 5-Inch 2-in-1 Short
Men’s Fitness verdict
Versatility with a hybrid design, combining lightweight comfort with ample storage. However, items may not sit securely in open pockets during vigorous movement.- Hybrid twin trail short design offers coverage and comfort
- Comfortable fit
- Items might not sit securely in open pockets
| Materials | 79% recycled materials |
| Details | Integrated boxer liner; flat waistband; 4-way stretch fabric; 3 pockets with key loop |
| Sizes | XS – 2XL |
| Colors | 10 available |
A longer, 5-inch version of Brooks’ classic race-fit Sherpa 3-inch split short, it pairs the same silky, lightweight four-way stretchy shell outer with a perforated inner short, with both giving extra coverage lower down your leg.
Its soft, sweat-wicking liner has flat, chafe-free seams and countless perforations, making them the coolest and comfiest shorts I tested. Two large drop-in mesh pockets handle most storage needs, while a wide, soft waistband won’t roll or cinch at your waist.
- Read our full Brooks Sherpa 5-Inch 2-in-1 Short review
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
- 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.”
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