Best running shorts for women in 2024, tested by a runner

Being a runner in winter takes commitment, perseverance and dedication – three qualities that are truly tested here in the UK with every torrential downpour, hail or rogue alphabetised storm.

In the midst of the mileage, when we’re at our most soggy and sad, we dream of pounding the pavements with the sun warming our skin and a gentle breeze acting as an ever-so-welcomed cooling touch.

As the months go on and the British summer finally arrives, it brings with it a complete attitude change. Even the most run-averse find themselves lacing up their trainers just to have an excuse to get out in the sunshine.

We resign our waterproof jackets, thermal leggings and waterproof kicks to the back of our wardrobes, hoping and praying they won’t be needed for at least a few months. Instead, we fill our running rotation with lightweight tanks, breathable trainers and most importantly of all, shorts.

Yes, the summer season calls on us to flash some skin. But when it comes to those suitable for running, it requires something more specialised than the cotton cut-offs reminiscent of our school PE days.

Running shorts are constructed with technical fabrics. These materials are not just lightweight but breathable too. They must be moisture-wicking and quick-drying so that nothing stands in the way of your strides – especially not chafing. Whether you’re a long-distance runner racking up the kilometres or sprinting where every second matters, your shorts need to move with you and keep you cool and comfortable.

You will find a plethora of loose-fit styles complete with an elastic waistband to stay in place as well as cycling shorts – but our favourite combines the two with a built-in brief so you get the freedom of the former and the anti-rubbing of the latter. They also come in a huge array of colours and lengths.

Shop the best shorts for running below

Lululemon Fast and Free Reflective High-Rise Classic-Fit Short 3"

Lululemon’s shorts are built with everything we’ve come to expect from the brand - lightweight, sweat-wicking and breathable materials.

With a chunky high-rise waist, they’ll contour the stomach, while the continuous drawcord will make you feel supported as you pound the pavements. The waistband is also made from “no-stink zinc” to stop any odours from creeping into your shorts.

The three-inch shorts float off the legs with plenty of room for long strides or even a HIIT class, if you fancy it. They are embellished with reflective detail for illumination at night.

Buy now £65.00, Lululemon

Nike Go Women’s Firm-Support High-Waisted 20cm Biker Shorts with Pockets

Pockets. Need we say more? It’s so rare that women’s gym gear has proper, secure pockets so these shorts have won serious brownie points in our eyes. There’s the traditional small pouch at the back but these gym shorts are also fitted with six in total that include three drop-in, two angled and one zipped iteration on the thigh so you can store everything you need when you’re going from gym to brunch.

They are constructed with a compression fabric that is supportive where you need it with a wide waistband so it won’t roll or slide mid-squat. You will also find Nike’s signature Dri-FIT Technology that is sweat-wicking for comfort with every rep.

Buy now £59.95, Nike

Sweaty Betty Tempo Run Shorts Colour Block

Pound the pavements in style with Sweaty Betty’s vibrant activewear. These colour block shorts come in an array of colours, or if you’re looking for more intrigue, tropical prints - all with coordinating tops to match. The lightweight material is selected for its ability to see you through high-intensity exercises like running as it’s quick-drying and moisture-wicking. The shorts are lined with an inner to prevent chafing and accidental flashing.

Buy now £65.00, Sweaty Betty

Gymshark Running 2 in 1 Shorts

Complete with a modesty-securing inner short, Gymshark designed these bottom halves with running in mind. The long-distance-ready style comes complete with a technical construction that keeps you cool, dry and collected as you rack up the miles and an internal drawcord to tailor the fit. There’s even subtle reflective detailing that you won’t notice when it’s light out but comes into its own when the sun goes down.

Buy now, Gymshark

Salomon Women's Agile Shorts

These shorts from Salomon caught our attention thanks to the lively green colourway but they have become a staple in our running arsenal for their technical features. Function and fashion combined, they are made from a lightweight fabric that is just the right fit so as not to cause distractions during the run. While remaining comfortable, the shorts also offer reflective touches for visibility during sunrise and sunset sprints.

Buy now £14.99, Sports Shoes

Nike Tempo Luxe Women's 2-In-1 Running Shorts

You can always rely on the sportswear giant for every detail considered. These Nike shorts are the best of both worlds with a loosely fitted exterior but cycling-esque inner lining. But, and what makes them stand out from the crowd is the storage options. Women’s clothing is so often lacking pockets but not these shorts which have a side pocket that is sizeable enough to stash your phone inside - should you need it for music or maps mid-run. There is also an inner drop pocket for petite possessions like keys and cards.

These shorts are kitted out with Nike’s signature Dri-FIT technology to stay comfortable during elevated mileage and are made from at least 50 per cent recycled polyester.

Buy now £39.95, Nike

On Running stretch-nylon shorts

Keeping you going mile after mile, these shorts come courtesy of the running experts at On. You may know the brand more for its footwear offering but don’t sleep on its apparel, which has been put through its paces to propel you further and faster. The shorts have a good level of stretch to encourage smooth movement with an elasticated stretch-jersey construction and side slits. They even have a zipped pocket at the back for the essentials.

Buy now £70.00, Harvey Nichols

Adidas Own The Run Shorts

While these shorts hark back to Adidas’ retro apparel with the three-stripe detail down the side, this is some seriously technologically advanced kit. The piece is constructed from the sportswear label’s AEROREADY fabric which will empower you through your run by keeping you dry and comfortable.

The logo detailing disguises reflective touches, while the zip pockets mean your valuables are to hand. They are also made entirely from recycled materials. That is all without mentioning the attractive colourways that include the dusty pink hue pictured as well as an eye-poppingly bright green and soft blue-grey.

Buy now £35.00, Adidas

New Balance RC Short 5"

Whether it’s speed runs or distance challenges on your training program, these stretchy shorts have got you covered. New Balance has crafted this design from a four-way stretch fabric so that no movement is a struggle. This also promises a secure fit, especially at the elasticated waistband.

So you can pay attention to what matters, the shorts are made from a distraction-free sweat-wicking, quick-drying perforated fabric, while the brand ensures the internal brief has minimal seams that can cause irritation. There are two lengths (three or five inches) and three neutral colourways.

Buy now £60.00, New Balance

Alo 5" Seamless Ribbed Favorite Short

Upgrade your activewear with Alo. The LA label is a master in flattering sportswear and these shorts are no different with their contoured fit and ribbed construction. In four shades and with a fully coordinated outfit available, the design will look just at home on the track or the gym as it will out and about - and no matter what you’ll feel comfortable with the high-rise waist.

Buy now £59.00, Alo

Under Armour Women's UA Run Stamina ½ Tights

If you prefer a more fitted, cycling short-like design, the Run Stamina ½ Tights is the design you’ll want in your running rotation. Like a second skin, these shorts allow for a full range of motion where the design stretches during dynamic movements. There’s no fear of them getting itchy or chafing either as the material is super fast drying and boasts tactical mesh panels and perforation to prioritise breathability. There’s the added bonus of a pocket too which is expandable and should fit your phone.

Buy now £55.00, Under Armour

Adidas 3-Stripes High-Waisted Short Leggings

Go for classic styling in your gym wear and opt for cycling shorts from Adidas’ heritage collection. They have the signature three stripes down the side that can be easily matched to the coordinating top, and likely your footwear too. The shorts have a slightly longer shape than some of the other short shorts on the market, which makes them ideal for endurance sessions and longer runs where the style should stay flat and smooth without riding up throughout. The AEROREADY fabric should keep you cool and dry so nothing can stand in your way of reaching your PB.

Buy now £33.00, Adidas

Runderwear Women's Anti Chafing Shorts

Designed for long distance running, these shorts have been tested against friction to within an inch of their lives. The result? They can withstand hours of continual rubbing without tearing your thighs to shreds.

The common issue with shorts as an anti-chafe method is that the legs have a tendency to roll up under clothes, which means you’re constantly readjusting. Not the case with Runderwear.

Made with a 92 per cent Polyamide and 8 per cent Elastane mix, the breathable long shorts have a non-slip band at the leg’s hem which means they stay put whether you’re meandering around town or running an actual marathon. Wear with or without knickers.

Buy now £34.96, Amazon

Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Short 4"

Working out in summer means breathable cycling shorts to suit and this four-inch iteration from the activewear experts at Lululemon will have petite frames covered. They come in a range of colours including this soft powder blue so we won’t blame you if they become a regular feature when exercising isn’t on the cards.

Buy now £48.00, Lululemon

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