7 Best Running Shorts for Women in 2026: Pockets, Lengths & Fit
The short answer: the Oiselle High Rise Roga is the best all-round starting point. It comes in 4-inch and 6-inch versions, has a soft high-rise waistband and gives you useful phone storage without turning into a bulky trail short. If you prefer buying through Amazon, the Saucony Outpace 5″ is the simpler everyday pick.
Running shorts are personal in a way that spec sheets cannot fully explain. A waistband one runner forgets about may annoy another after ten minutes. Start with inseam, rise and what you carry. Those three choices will narrow the list faster than comparing fabric percentages.
This article contains affiliate links. Running Gear Lab may earn a commission if you buy through one of them, at no extra cost to you. The overall pick does not have an Amazon link. It earned the top position because it is the strongest match for the widest range of shoppers.
Best overall for most runners
Oiselle High Rise Roga
Choose the 4-inch version for moderate coverage or the 6-inch Long Roga when you want more thigh coverage and an extra side pocket. Both use a soft high-rise waistband, a built-in liner and a rear phone pocket.
4″ or 6″
High rise
Phone pocket
Built-in liner
Shop by need
Find your shorts without reading the whole guide
Pick the card that sounds most like your runs. The longer explanations are farther down the page if you need them.
Best Amazon pick
Saucony Outpace 5″
Light daily short with three small storage pockets.
Speed and warm weather
Nike Tempo Luxe
Light fabric, side slits and a classic fast feel.
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Choose in 30 secondsCompare all sevenFull reviewsBuying guideFAQ
Updated September 2026
Choose in 30 seconds
Want one versatile pair? Try the High Rise Roga. Prefer a 5-inch everyday short from Amazon? Start with the Outpace. Carry a phone and want zippers? Choose Brooks. Run hot or like a shorter cut? Try Nike. Mostly run trails? Patagonia makes more sense. Shopping on price? Check the Under Armour listing first.
Thighs rub
Start with a 6-inch short or a fitted liner. A short loose hem cannot prevent skin-to-skin contact.
Waistbands slide
Choose a drawcord if you are between sizes or plan to load the pockets.
You carry a large phone
Read the pocket dimensions and recent reviews. “Phone pocket” does not guarantee every phone and case will fit.
You hate liners
Do not settle. Buy linerless shorts and choose your own underwear instead.
At a glance
The 7 best running shorts for women
Best overall
Oiselle High Rise Roga Shorts
The easiest recommendation when you want a soft waistband, useful storage and a choice of lengths.
Best for: Daily runs and all-round comfort
Inseam: 4″ or 6″ versions
Fit: High rise with a loose leg
Storage: Rear phone pocket and rear zip pocket
Buy it if: you want a traditional loose running short without giving up phone storage or a higher waistband.
The Roga feels like the pair I would hand a friend who says, “I just want comfortable shorts with a real pocket.” The fabric is light enough for warm runs but has more structure than a flimsy split short. The wide waistband spreads pressure instead of creating one narrow pinch point.
Choose carefully between the two lengths. The 4-inch version is cooler and works for runners who like moderate coverage. The 6-inch Long Roga gives you more thigh protection and adds a side zip pocket. Neither version has a drawcord, so runners between sizes should pay close attention to the waist measurement.
What works
- Soft, supportive high-rise waistband
- Useful rear phone storage
- Two lengths for different coverage needs
Watch for
- No drawcord to rescue a loose waist
- Loose fabric can bunch on some thighs
- Direct purchase rather than Amazon
Best Amazon-friendly daily short
Saucony Outpace 5″ Shorts
A light, mid-rise 5-inch short that covers the basics without feeling complicated.
Best for: Daily road runs and workouts
Inseam: 5″
Fit: Mid rise with external drawcord
Storage: Rear zip plus two liner pockets
Buy it if: you want a straightforward 5-inch running short and do not need to carry a large phone.
Five inches is a useful middle ground. It gives more coverage than a racing short but still feels like shorts, not a half tight. Saucony uses smooth stretch-woven fabric, a brief liner and perforated panels near the hem. The external drawcord is handy once sweat or pocket weight starts changing the fit.
The storage description needs some perspective. You get three pockets, but they are a rear zipper and two small drop-ins inside the brief. Think key, card or gel. If your phone is the first item you pack, the Roga or a fitted pocket short is the safer choice.
What works
- Versatile 5-inch length
- Light stretch-woven fabric
- Drawcord gives you fit control
Watch for
- No dependable large-phone pocket
- Mid rise will not suit everyone
- Colour and size stock changes
Best for secure pockets
Brooks Chaser 5″ Short 2.0
A steady long-run option with two pockets that close more securely than open drop-ins.
Best for: Long runs and secure storage
Inseam: 5″
Fit: Semi-fitted with drawstring
Storage: Turn-and-lock rear plus side zip
Buy it if: you care more about keeping two items secure than collecting several small open pockets.
The Chaser is the reassuring choice. The waistband is wide, smooth and adjustable, while the lightweight four-way stretch fabric leaves room to move. The back pocket uses a turn-and-lock closure and the side pocket zips, so a key or card is less likely to escape.
Be careful with old reviews and retailer descriptions. The current Chaser 5″ Short 2.0 has two secure pockets, not the five-pocket layout often repeated online. Brooks also sells separate Chaser lengths and a 2-in-1 version. They are related products, not interchangeable versions of the same short.
What works
- Two properly secured pockets
- Adjustable stay-put waistband
- Balanced 5-inch coverage
Watch for
- Fewer pockets than older descriptions claim
- 2-in-1 is a different product
- Some sizes sell out
Best for speed and warm weather
Nike Tempo Luxe
A light, classic running short for runners who prefer less fabric around the legs.
Best for: Speed sessions and hot runs
Fabric: Stretch polyester with Dri-FIT
Cut: Side slits for movement
Storage: Side zip plus two interior pockets
Buy it if: you like a shorter, airy running short and do not need thigh coverage.
The Tempo Luxe is for the runner who feels better with less fabric moving around. The stretch shell and side slits stay out of the way during quicker strides. It also gives you more storage than the minimal look suggests, with a side zipper and two small interior pockets.
Nike says the side pocket can hold a phone, but recent wearer feedback is mixed about larger phones and cases. Treat it as a bonus, not a promise. The fit can also feel snug through the hips and thighs, so use the measurements rather than ordering on brand loyalty alone.
What works
- Light and easy to move in
- Side slits suit faster running
- Three small storage areas
Watch for
- Short cut offers little thigh protection
- Larger phones may not fit
- Fit can feel snug through hips
Best technical trail short
Patagonia Strider Pro 3.5″
A light mountain-running short with bonded seams and waistband storage for smaller essentials.
Best for: Trails and warm mountain days
Inseam: 3.5″
Fit: Wide knit waistband with drawcord
Storage: One rear zip plus two side pockets
Buy it if: you want a short technical trail design and already know 3.5 inches gives you enough coverage.
The Strider Pro is made for runners who want the shorts to disappear while climbing, descending and stepping over rough ground. Bonded seams reduce bulk. The wide waistband adds an internal drawcord, which matters once you load the pockets with a key and a few small items.
The current design has three pockets, not five. One closes with a zipper and includes a key loop. The two side waistband pockets are only semi-secure. That is useful for gels, but I would not describe this as a belt replacement for everyone. The short inseam is also a poor match when inner-thigh rubbing is already a problem.
What works
- Light technical trail construction
- Low-bulk bonded seams
- Drawcord helps with pocket weight
Watch for
- Only one fully zipped pocket
- Short inseam can expose chafe areas
- Not every phone will fit securely
Best budget pick
Under Armour Fly-By Running Shorts
An inexpensive lined short for shorter runs, gym sessions and figuring out which fit you actually prefer.
Best for: Budget shopping and shorter runs
Current model: 3″ Fly-By
Fit: Mid rise with internal drawcord
Storage: Small side zip pocket
Buy it if: you want a low-cost basic and are willing to check exactly which Fly-By version the retailer is selling.
The Fly-By is a sensible first pair when you are not ready to spend premium-short money. The current Under Armour version uses lightweight woven polyester, mesh ventilation, a brief liner and a small zipper pocket. It is simple, breathable and available in a wide range of colours.
This is where reading the retailer title matters. Fly-By 2.0 listings are still around, while Under Armour now sells an updated 3-inch Fly-By and a separate 2-in-1. Inseam, pocket placement and materials are not identical. Buy the features shown on the exact listing, not the family name.
What works
- Usually one of the least expensive picks
- Light fabric and mesh ventilation
- Internal drawcord and built-in brief
Watch for
- Retailers may carry different versions
- Pocket is too small for most phones
- Shorter than the old article claimed
Best for waistband gel storage
lululemon Speed Up High-Rise Short 4″ Updated
A familiar road-running shape with connected gel pockets, a secure rear pocket and added back ventilation.
Best for: Race fuel and road running
Inseam: 4″
Fit: High rise with continuous drawcord
Storage: Connected gel pockets and secure rear pocket
Buy it if: you like a high-rise road short and want several gels spread around the waistband.
The updated Speed Up is much easier to recommend for its storage than for any claim about preventing ride-up. Connected waistband pockets keep gels spread out, while the rear pocket secures a smaller essential. A continuous drawcord helps when the pockets are full, and mesh across the back adds airflow.
The old version of this article claimed silicone hem grippers. Lululemon’s current product page does not list them. Treat this as a light, high-rise lined short, not a compression short that physically grips the thigh. The updated fit also receives mixed reviews, so this is a good one to try in store when possible.
What works
- Connected waistband gel pockets
- Continuous drawcord
- Light, quick-drying fabric
Watch for
- No listed silicone hem grippers
- Premium price
- Updated fit may differ from older pairs
Compare all seven women’s running shorts
| Shorts | Best for | Inseam | Storage | Main caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oiselle High Rise Roga | Best overall | 4″ or 6″ | Phone pocket and zip pocket | No drawcord |
| Saucony Outpace | Everyday road running | 5″ | Rear zip plus two liner pockets | Not ideal for a large phone |
| Brooks Chaser 2.0 | Secure pockets | 5″ | Turn-and-lock back plus side zip | Not the old five-pocket design |
| Nike Tempo Luxe | Speed and hot weather | Short cut | Side zip plus two small pockets | Fit can feel snug |
| Patagonia Strider Pro | Trail running | 3.5″ | Three waistband pockets | Short for chafe-prone runners |
| Under Armour Fly-By | Budget | Version dependent | Small secure pocket | Check the exact model |
| lululemon Speed Up | Gels and race training | 4″ | Connected gel pockets plus back pocket | Updated fit has mixed reviews |
Check the version before ordering: brands reuse names while changing pockets, fabric and rise. Match the product name and photo on the retailer page to the review below. This matters most for Brooks Chaser, Under Armour Fly-By and lululemon Speed Up.
How to choose running shorts you will actually wear
Start with the problem your current shorts cause
If the waistband slides, look for a drawcord. If your thighs rub, go longer or choose fitted shorts. If your phone bounces, put storage ahead of colour. It sounds obvious, but it stops you from buying a prettier version of the same problem.
Choose inseam for your body, not your pace
A short inseam can feel airy and unrestricted. It can also bunch immediately if your thighs touch. There is no rule that fast runners need short shorts. Three to four inches suits runners who like minimal coverage. Five inches is a practical middle ground. Six or seven inches gives more protection from thigh rub.
Decide whether you want the built-in liner
A good liner replaces separate underwear and keeps the outer shell from clinging. A bad liner can create its own rubbing. If you prefer to choose the layer against your skin, look for linerless shorts and use the guide to the best running underwear for women.
Test the pockets with the items you carry
A pocket count is not enough. Put your phone in its case, add your keys and jog around the room. If the waistband starts pulling down before you leave home, it will not improve after an hour. Use the shorts pocket only when it stays stable. A separate belt may be more comfortable for heavier items.
Plan for heat and chafing separately
Longer shorts can reduce skin-to-skin rubbing, but a wet seam can still chafe. For warm weather, favour quick-drying fabric and flat seams. The running outfit calculator can help with the rest of your layers before you head outside.
Cold or windy day? Shorts may not be the right starting point. Compare the Best Running Pants for Women before trying to make summer shorts work in uncomfortable weather.
How these picks were selected
This is a researched shopping guide, not a claim that one person personally ran in every size and version. We checked the current manufacturer pages for inseam, pockets, waistband, liner and model changes. We also compared current independent wear testing and recent customer feedback for recurring problems such as bunching, phone fit and waist slippage.
The list is organised by the job each pair does. There is no universal “won’t ride up” short because body shape, stride and fit change the result. I would rather point out that a pocket is small or a model has changed than make every product sound perfect.
Common questions
Women’s running shorts FAQ
What inseam is best for women’s running shorts?
Three to four inches gives a light, minimal feel. Five inches is a useful middle ground. Six to seven inches gives more inner-thigh coverage. Your stride and where your thighs touch matter more than your pace or distance.
How do I stop running shorts from riding up?
Try a longer inseam, a fitted short or a more structured fabric. Make sure the leg opening is not pulling tightly across the widest part of your thigh. A different size may help, but changing the cut is often more effective.
Should I wear underwear under lined running shorts?
You usually do not need separate underwear when the liner fits comfortably. Adding another layer can create more seams and friction. Wear performance underwear if you remove the liner or choose linerless shorts.
Which shorts are best for carrying a phone?
The Oiselle High Rise Roga has a rear drop-in pocket designed for a phone. The Brooks Chaser uses secure pockets, but phone fit depends on device size. Always test the phone with its case because brand descriptions do not account for every model.
Are 2-in-1 shorts better for chafing?
A longer fitted liner can prevent skin-to-skin contact and helps many runners. It also adds warmth and another layer that can hold moisture. A separate fitted short may work better if you dislike the outer shell and liner moving differently.
What fabric should running shorts use?
Look for quick-drying polyester or nylon blended with elastane for stretch. Avoid cotton for sweaty or long runs because it holds moisture and becomes heavier against the skin.
Product and testing sources
- Oiselle High Rise Roga specifications
- Saucony Outpace 5″ specifications
- Brooks Chaser 5″ Short 2.0 specifications
- Nike Tempo Luxe specifications
- Patagonia Strider Pro specifications
- Under Armour Fly-By 3″ specifications
- lululemon Speed Up 4″ Updated specifications
- iRunFar 2026 tested comparison
- OutdoorGearLab 2026 tested comparison
