Apr 10, 2026 9 min read

Roundups Running Womens

The Best Running Shorts For Women in 2026

The best running shorts for women; tested for comfort, chafe prevention, and real-run performance. Lined, compression, and linerless picks for every distance.

Finding running shorts that actually work is harder than it should be. They ride up. They chafe. The liner shifts after mile three. The pockets bounce. If any of those problems sound familiar, you're in the right place.

I test running gear on pavement, bike paths, and mountain trails, so the picks below have been through real miles in real conditions, not just tried on once in a fitting room.

Whether you're running 5Ks, training for a marathon, or logging ultra-distance miles, there's a pair of women's running shorts on this list for you. I've covered loose-fit lined shorts, high-waisted options, compression/bike-short style, and a range of inseam lengths; because fit preferences vary more than most roundups acknowledge, and the right answer for chafe prevention isn't always the same as the right answer for race day.

➡ Running on trails? Check out our dedicated best trail running shorts guide — it covers women's trail-specific picks including the Patagonia Strider Pro and Arc'teryx Norvan alongside the men's options.

➡ Looking for our Best Running Shorts For Men guide instead?

If you purchase through links in this article, we may earn a small affiliate commission.

What makes a great women's running short

A lot goes into a genuinely good pair of running shorts, and the stakes are higher for women — fit issues like riding up, liner drift, and waistband roll are real problems that make runs miserable. Here's what I require before anything makes this list:

Material: Lightweight, breathable, and sweat-wicking. Synthetic fabrics (or synthetic-wool blends) only; cotton has no place on a run.

Liner or design: For loose-fit shorts, a built-in liner is non-negotiable, one that actually stays put, wicks sweat, and means you don't need underwear underneath. For compression/bike-style shorts, the short itself acts as the liner; it should be supportive, non-rolling, and comfortable for the full duration of your run.

Pockets: At minimum one secure zippered pocket for a key, card, or phone. Bonus points for gel storage without bounce.

Waistband: Wide, soft, and either stays put on its own or has an effective adjustment system. No rolling, no muffin-top, no digging in.

Inseam: Mid-range options in the 4–7" range for most runners. I personally favour longer inseams — they provide more coverage on descents and, importantly, help prevent inner-thigh chafe, which is a genuine issue for many women and not talked about enough in most gear guides.

Price floor: I don't recommend shorts under ~$45. The savings aren't worth the comfort trade-offs.

The best running shorts for women | Reviewed

🥇 lululemon Speed Up High-Rise Short ($68)— WINNER | Best Overall & Best for Marathon

The Speed Up High-Rise Short has been a staple in my running kit for years, and the updated high-rise version makes a good short even better. The high waistband sits securely above the hip, it doesn't roll, it doesn't slide down during a long effort, and it doesn't create the muffin-top effect that mid-rise shorts can on certain body shapes. If you've struggled to find running shorts that stay put, the high-rise cut solves most of that.

The four-way stretch Swift fabric is genuinely lightweight and fast-drying, and the liner sits where it should and stays there, even on long, sweaty marathon-training efforts. The connected gel pockets on the waistband plus the secure rear zippered pocket cover most of what you'd want to carry. These are my go-to recommendation for marathon day. They're light enough not to get in your way over 26.2 miles, with enough storage that you're not dependent on a belt.

My personal pick is the 4" length as they provide enough coverage to prevent thigh chafe on longer runs without feeling heavy. The 2.5" version is there if you prefer a more minimal, race-day feel.

Available in a wide range of colors including black, brights, and seasonal options. Sizes 0–14.

Shop at lululemon

Best for: Road running, marathon racing, everyday training, runners who want a high-waisted fit that won't ride down

Brooks Chaser 5" Short 2.0 ($65)

The Chaser 2.0 is a linerless shell short that's lightweight, semi-fitted, and built for runners who prefer to run in their own underwear or base layer rather than a built-in liner. The 2.0 update brings a genuinely improved wide, smooth waistband made from a thinner material with a drawcord for adjustability, a more inclusive leg opening, and GO₂ four-way stretch fabric that moves cleanly without restriction.

Pockets are well-designed; a turn-and-lock back pocket handles a phone securely, and a zippered side pocket keeps smaller essentials in place. At 76% recycled materials and bluesign certified, it's a thoughtfully made short. Backed by Brooks' 90-day Run Happy Promise.

Available in Halogen Blue/Dark Halogen, Black, Sonic Cosmo, and Luminary. Sizes XS–XXL.

Shop at Brooks

Best for: Runners who prefer to wear their own base layer, everyday training, distance running on road

REI Co-op Swiftland Running Shorts (~$50–$65)

5" High-Rise → | 3" Mid-Rise →

The Swiftland is REI's strongest running shorts line, and it earns its place here on value and versatility. The soft, lightweight fabric has a built-in brief-style liner that sits flat without bunching, and the overall construction holds up well across road runs, gym sessions, and light trail crossings.

What makes the Swiftland stand out at this price point is how complete the feature set is — multiple pocket options (rear zip, waistband, internal key) depending on the inseam you choose, a wide size range from XS–3X, and multiple inseam lengths (3" and 5", with 2-in-1 and tight variants in the broader Swiftland line).

For runners who want a reliable, well-rounded short without the premium price tag of lululemon or Brooks, these are consistently one of the best options available.

Often on sale — worth checking regularly via the links below.

Shop 5" High at REI

Shop 3" Mid at REI

Best for: Budget-conscious runners, beginners, versatile everyday training, inclusive sizing

Oiselle Pocket Jogger Shorts ($86) — Best Compression Running Shorts

If inner-thigh chafe is your primary concern, or if you simply prefer the security and coverage of a compression-style short over a loose-fit lined design, the Pocket Jogger is the pick. The soft, stretchy high-rise Nyelle fabric is compressive enough to hold everything in place and eliminate thigh-on-thigh friction across any distance, but it's not so tight that it becomes uncomfortable on longer efforts.

Five pockets is the headline: two phone-sized leg drop-in pockets, two mesh waistband pockets, and a secure rear zip pocket. Everything stays put, nothing bounces, and because the compression keeps the fabric close to the body, there's nothing to ride up or shift mid-run. The 5.25" inseam provides meaningful coverage without restricting your stride.

Shop at Oiselle

Oiselle's inclusive sizing (2–14, 16/18, 20/22, 24/26) is worth noting; the Pocket Jogger is one of the few genuinely high-performance compression running shorts that runs to an extended size range without compromise.

Best for: Chafe prevention, compression-style preference, runners with thicker thighs, maximum storage, inclusive sizing

Rabbit Speed Leggy 4" Shorts ($68) — Best for Race Day

The Speed Leggy is a fitted compression-style short, think mid-length boy shorts, not a traditional running short with a loose outer layer. The 75% nylon/25% spandex fabric hugs the body and provides its own coverage, so there's no liner because the short itself acts as one. No ride-up, no shifting, nothing to adjust mid-run.

The mid-rise waist sits securely without a drawcord, and the side pockets are integrated to minimise bounce, two stash pockets fit most phones, plus a back reflective zip for keys or nutrition. The 4" inseam gives good thigh coverage without restricting your stride. Lightweight and quick-drying.

Shop at REI

Best for: Road races, half marathons and marathons, runners who prefer a fitted compression style, zero ride-up coverage

Ultimate Direction Women's Velum Short ($59.96)

The Velum Short is built for runners who want to move fast and carry just enough. The full side splits, lightweight UltimateDRY fabric, and anti-chafe bonded hem make it one of the most unrestricted-feeling shorts in this lineup. They're ideal for tempo runs, hot-weather training, or race day when you just want fabric that stays out of the way.

The 2.5" inseam keeps it minimal, and the best feature is the 360° pocketed waistband: four pockets holding your phone, gels, keys, and other small essentials without any bounce. The built-in brief liner provides coverage and comfort without bulk. Frequently on sale, making it exceptional value for the storage system it offers.

Shop at Ultimate Direction

Best for: Fast training days, hot weather running, ultra-distance road or trail running, runners who prioritise pocketing over coverage

A note on fit types: lined shorts vs. compression shorts

Women's running shorts broadly split into two categories, and which you prefer is genuinely personal:

Loose-fit with liner (lululemon Speed Up, REI Swiftland, Ultimate Direction Velum): The outer shell is relaxed or semi-fitted, with a built-in liner underneath. You don't need anything else. Good for: varied weather, casual aesthetic, carrying more in waistband/hip pockets.

Linerless shell (Brooks Chaser): A traditional-looking short with no built-in liner; wear your own underwear or base layer underneath. Good for: runners who prefer to control what they wear underneath.

Compression/fitted (Oiselle Pocket Jogger, Rabbit Speed Leggy): A fitted compression-style short that provides its own coverage; no separate liner needed because the short itself is the layer. Good for: anti-chafe coverage, runners with thicker thighs, zero ride-up, race day.

Neither is universally better. If inner-thigh chafe is a consistent issue for you, a longer inseam in either category, or specifically the Oiselle Pocket Jogger's compression design, will help more than any chamois cream.

Quick guide: which women's running shorts are best for you?

Best overall: lululemon Speed Up High-Rise Short
Best for marathon running: lululemon Speed Up High-Rise Short (or Rabbit Speed Leggy for a more minimal feel)
Best for chafe prevention / thick thighs: Oiselle Pocket Jogger (compression) or lululemon Speed Up 4" (longer inseam with liner)
Best high-waisted running shorts: lululemon Speed Up High-Rise Short
Best compression running shorts: Oiselle Pocket Jogger Shorts
Best for runners who hate shorts riding up: Rabbit Speed Leggy (compression boy shorts) or Oiselle Pocket Jogger
Best with phone pocket: Ultimate Direction Velum (360° waistband), Oiselle Pocket Jogger, or Brooks Chaser
Best value: REI Co-op Swiftland Running Shorts
Best inclusive sizing: Oiselle Pocket Jogger (up to size 24/26) or REI Swiftland (up to 3X)
Best for trail running: see our best trail running shorts guide →

The picks above work across road, pavement, and light trail. For technical singletrack, mountain races, or trail ultramarathons, the requirements shift toward faster-draining fabrics, more secure storage for vests, and trail-specific construction.

Our best trail running shorts guide covers dedicated women's trail picks including the Patagonia Women's Strider Pro 3½" and the Arc'teryx Norvan Short 3" alongside the men's lineup.

Trail & Kale tests all gear in real conditions. Some links in this article are affiliate links — if you purchase through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This never influences our recommendations.