We Tested 8 Running Shorts During A Heat Wave–This One's The Best

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There’s nothing more humiliating than having a huge sweat stain on your butt after strenuous mile repeats—been there, done that. A good run is supposed to lift your mood, not bring you down, so finding the best running shorts to keep the endorphins flowing (and your butt dry) is essential.

Not all workout shorts are made the same. Some offer more compression, others are less restrictive, and some have convenient features like pockets—the holy grail! “You need a place to carry all your resources—pockets are non-negotiable for running gels, electrolytes, phone, wallet, and keys,” says running coach and personal trainer Amanda Katz, NASM. While many athletic shorts can be used for different purposes, running shorts usually have a built-in interior liner, sweat-wicking material, and a non-constrictive design to keep you feeling cool and comfortable as you rack up mileage.

Best Running Shorts For Women

We researched and gathered the best running shorts from a running coach and editors who’ve personally tested them. Whether you’re training for a marathon or a hobby jogger, all the workout clothes we picked are from trusted activewear and athleisure brands that will benefit you in the long run (no pun intended).

What To Consider

Material

Running shorts with sweat-wicking fabric is the way to go. The material is usually a blend of polyester, spandex, or nylon that lifts moisture from the skin while being flexible during movement. It will also allow skin to breathe and keep you cool during hot weather. “Sweat can weigh us down, and as runners, we want the sweat to evaporate so sweat-wicking fabric is important,” says Katz. Based on our testing, it’s best to avoid cotton since it doesn’t dry nearly as fast and clings to the skin when wet.

Fit

It’s important to determine what kind of rise and inseam you desire. High-waisted running shorts offer more coverage and tummy control, while a mid-rise waist sits right at the hips. What you find most flattering for your body type is the best option for you.

The inseam is the length from the crotch to the bottom. A longer length will show less skin, so it’s all personal preference. Some of our running shorts favorites are longer for more leg coverage, but the Lululemon Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short offers a 2.5-inch option if you like a mini fit. As for an interior liner or compression, this will make running shorts fit more snugly. “Compression is a matter of preference, but the goal in this material is to boost recovery,” says Katz. If you want a less constrictive fit, it’s probably best to avoid that feature.

How We Chose

Women’s Health editors, including fitness commerce editor Nicolette Accardi, have extensively tested these running shorts women to determine whether or not they’re the real deal. They’ve worn each style for either training runs or races to see how they perform. We considered essential features to look out for such as materials, inseam, pockets, and adjustability. We also combed through our extensive testing notes on our Women’s Health 2024 Fitness Awards and asked a running coach for their go-to running shorts. Ready to find out more about the best running shorts for women? Keep scrolling.

Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short

After testing countless pairs of running shorts, we landed on this one from Lululemon for its sweat-wicking fabric and comfortable fit. The polyester blend wicks away sweat, never sticks to the body and allows air to circulate when in motion. We were kept cool since the fit is loose and flowy, while an interior liner is built-in for more coverage.

The pockets on the side are small, but can fit essentials like a credit card, key, or energy gels for long runs. For moving at ease, the leg openings are spacious, and there’s an adjustable drawstring at the waist. Want to hit the road at the crack of dawn? Reflective detailing is featured for increased visibility in dark or dim lighting.

The 4-inch length is optimal for longer coverage, but a 2.5-inch is available if you prefer a shorter fit. WH assistant fashion editor Rose Lauture prefers the shorter inseam and doesn’t find them revealing, while WH love and life assistant editor Addison Aloian loves the vast color palette. With tons of colors and sizes to choose from, you can't go wrong.

Read more: Best Running Shoes For Women

YPB motionTEK High Rise Lined Workout Short

Abercrombie's bestselling workout short made the list for our Women’s Health 2024 Fitness Awards, so you know it's great. WH lifestyle director Lindsay Geller loves it so much she has multiple pairs. “These are my new favorite running and walking shorts. I'm so obsessed with them, I now own them in five colors,” says Geller. The light and airy tech fabric flows with every movement while the mesh interior liner acts as compression shorts, which increases blood flow and helps reduce chafing. Other noteworthy features include an adjustable waistband and three pockets.

Read more: Best Workout Clothes For Women

Play Up 3.0 Shorts

If you’re seeking a no-frills pair of shorts with an affordable price point, the Under Armour Play Up 3.0 belong in your running gear collection. The knit fabric is impressively comfy and hides embarrassing sweat stains post-run, despite it being a slightly thicker material. I’ve had pairs for years in eye-catching colors and it's still in good condition with no pills. The waistband is elastic with no adjustability but I found it still fits roomy. It has deep side pockets but no enclosure, so I don’t recommend stashing anything super important besides fuel. I wear it the most for shorter, mid-distance runs and whenever I want to add a pop of color—it has 21 color options!

High-Waisted Athletic Running Shorts

Katz loves Soothfeel shorts as an affordable option with tons of colors to choose from. Although it's under $20, she promises it's lightweight and breathable. More skin may be exposed due to high side splits, but the built-in liner keeps things concealed. While the material is a blend of sweat-wicking polyester and spandex, it’s recommended these are hand-washed.

I recommend it for races or workouts where you plan on running hard. Wearing as little fabric as possible won't weigh you down or cause you to overheat during very strenuous activity. The side splits also allow air to circulate to keep you cool while fighting to snag your personal best time.

RC Short 3 in.

New Balance is a top brand in the running community, and it’s well deserved given its gear is cream-of-the-crop. The shorts run slightly big, but I love extra breathing room during a sweat session. The interior lining is seamless for added comfort, while the waistband is adjustable to tighten or loosen things up. It's made with recycled polyester and the brand’s quick-drying tech fabric to lift moisture from the skin. It has optimal storage for securing small running essentials and even tiny snacks like a granola bar.

High Point 3" 2-in-1 Short 2.0

We love a two-for-one deal. It acts as light compression shorts with a built-in tight liner that doesn’t sacrifice mobility. The fabric is mega durable since it resists tears and water, which makes it ideal for trail running in tough terrain. “I love the high waist, the zipper pocket to carry my keys, and the tight shorts under a looser short aesthetic,” Katz says. Two pockets at the waistband are impressively large enough to fit a water flask, so you can always stay hydrated during your jogs.

Norvan 3" Shorts

Lauture found the Arc'teryx Norvan Shorts comfortable despite the low-rise fit and thin waistband. Check out its unique feature—the 100 percent polyester and water-repellent fabric is treated with antimicrobials to help manage odor, which is a must-have if you’re a heavy sweater, or running in hot weather. The sizing is versatile while the drawcord waist can be loosened or tightened for the best fit. Clocking in at just under three ounces, Lauture said it's “super light and airy” when racking up miles during long runs. It also has a hidden back pocket for stashing fuel.

Spark 5" Short Tight

Katz says the Brooks Spark shorts fit perfectly. “These shorts hug me in all the right places, have an internal drawcord, and don’t ride up,” she says. Another major brownie point? It is chafe-resistant since it's a longer length—it’s no wonder it's a best seller on Brooks’ website. Katz also notes it has adequate storage with deep pockets for carrying a smartphone and gel.

Compared to the brand's High Point short, it doesn't have overlay fabric for additional coverage if you don't like body-defining clothing. The pockets also can't fit a flask, so if you don't like holding a water bottle during runs it may not be the best option.

Read More: Best Compression Shorts

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