Whether you’re hammering out intervals on the track, cruising a chatty social run, or lacing up for the long haul on the trails, a good pair of running shorts is mission critical. The best running shorts offer killer comfort and total freedom to move. They wick sweat, dry fast, and ward off unwanted chafe. The only problem? There’s hundreds of styles from dozens of brands, and not all shorts are created equal.
Don’t fear, we’ve got you—and your downstairs—covered. As one of WIRED’s running gear experts, I’ve logged hundreds of miles testing the latest shorts, and I’m here to help you sort the winners from those that come up, well erm, short. Here’s my tried and tested picks for your bottom half. Be sure to check out our other sport and fitness buying guides, including the Best Running Shoes, the Best Running Underwear, the Best Treadmills, and the Best Merino Wool.
Different Types of Running Shorts
Running shorts come in a wide variety of styles. Shorter shorts tend to be suited to shorter, faster runs, while two-in-one shorts and longer lengths are often used for longer distances and trails. You may find that there’s a lot of crossover. Long inseams and superlight fabrics are now suitable for speed while offering good coverage. Even short shorts now offer storage for a phone or gels.
Short shorts: 3-inch and 5-inch shorts are cut high on the thigh from lightweight fabrics, designed for total freedom and a barely-there feel. Storage, where there is any, tends to be limited. These are most at home on the track or a marathon start line.
2-in-1 shorts: These pair a tighter—and sometimes longer leg—liner short that acts as built-in underwear, with a lighter, baggier outer short. Good for colder climates and arguably more appropriate for your post-run coffee stop.
Half-tights: Dropping just above the knee they offer a tight, second-skin fit, excellent support and are made to maximize mobility. Mainly found on the track or road, this aesthetic leaves little to the imagination.
Max-storage shorts: Designed for longer runs, ultras, and adventures where you need to carry more kit with easy access, these shorts tend to also be the hybrid 2-in-1 with built-in liners, but the main aim is to beef up storage with built-in mesh belts, thigh pockets, and zippered back pockets.
Here’s what to look for in a pair of running shorts.
Does it have a liner? Some shorts come with built in liners for added support. These range from loose net briefs to longer-lined shorts. Some of them add compression to help prevent the little micro tears that happen with excess muscle movement, while some net briefs can increase your chafe risk. It pays to check the seams on the liner shorts, too. Remember, the flatter the seams the less chafe risk. It’s always useful if they’re accommodating enough so you can bring your own running underwear to the start line.
Does it have side splits? Small details sometimes make a big difference and side splits–often found in the shorter race shorts–are important for boosting range of motion, helping the shorts to move with you when you pick up the tempo.
Roll up. It’s often overlooked, but the waistband and leg cuffs can be critical for comfort. The best shorts offer a wide, soft-lined waistband with drawstrings for tweaking the fit. The bands and leg cuffs should be secure enough to avoid rolling up, but not so tight they cut in.
Can you carry a phone? Most runners require some stash space for a phone, fuel, and even hydration. The good news is that most brands offer handy storage. If your style is more packhorse than Prefontaine, look for shorts with built-in storage belts, zippered back pockets and drop-in pockets on the liner briefs. Your phone, keys, and other essentials shouldn’t bounce about as you run.
Let’s talk about inseam—aka the length from the crotch to the leg cuffs. The most common inseam lengths are 3, 5, 7, and 9 inches. The old adage says, the shorter the shorts, the faster the runner, but what works for you boils down to personal preference.
The shorter the inseam, the less material there is to limit your movement. If you’re smashing out 400-meter intervals, you’ll benefit from the additional freedom. It’ll also keep things cool in the summer, but the 3-inchers are probably reserved for the brave in winter. When you push the distance and clock more time on feet, longer-inseam shorts not only offer extra protection from the elements—the sun and the cold—they can also limit the chafe risk from rubbing thighs.
If there is a happy balance between modesty and free movement, a lightweight non-liner 7-inch short is probably it.
