Best running shorts to buy this summer, according to experts
These running shorts from Nike, Rabbit, Hill City, Girlfriend Collective and more are both functional and stylish.
Christine Clark
Christine Clark
If you prefer your shorts a little longer, this Rabbit pair has the same features as the daisy dukes but with a bit more coverage.'
Jordan Zimmerman, a marathoner based in Louisville, Kentucky, likes this pair for its “high, comfy waistband,” zippered pocket and light coverage.
It also comes in a men’s version, featuring the same zipped pocket for your phone, keys or whatever else you need to bring.
Zimmerman also loves this short. “Compression on the inside and flowery on the outside so that you don’t feel like you’re showing off your assets,” she said. The back pocket easily holds a smartphone, too!”
“You know what chafes a lot?” queries Zimmerman. “Undies. Lots of marathoners don’t wear them.” If that sounds unappealing, she suggests a short with built-in briefs, like this pair from Nike.
“Everyone loves shorts with pockets,” says Leigh Power, a longtime runner based in Vancouver, Canada. She is a fan of these, which are longer than most running shorts and are also size-inclusive (up to 5XL).
Power also recommends these shorts by Lululemon for their durability — and fun colors.
Another great size-inclusive (up to size 40) option: These bike shorts from Universal Standard. Chelsea Francis, a photographer and outdoor workout enthusiast based in Austin, Texas, loves them for their comfort and pockets. “I should really just get rid of all my other workout clothes and buy another pair of these,” she said in jest.
Another Francis favorite are these shorts from Beyond Yoga, which go up to size 3X. “They are incredibly comfortable and soft while retaining good structure,” she explains.
Erika Owen, a powerlifter and runner based in Brooklyn, New York, recommends these bike shorts from Girlfriend Collective, which go up to a 6X. “They’re technically bike shorts, but great for running too,” she says. “They’re technically spandex-like and form-fitting, but so comfortable.”
Hill City’s approach to running shorts gets you abrasion-resistant nylon that stretches four ways, repels water and resists wrinkles. The liner is anti-odor and quick-drying and includes a handy smartphone pocket.
We’ve covered SAXX before in our guide to the best men’s underwear — and their running shorts are just as notable. These running shorts are odor-resistant and sport the same proprietary Ballpark Pouch as their underwear — a hammock-like compartment at the groin — to keep everything comfortable and breathable.
The highly-rated Session Short from Ten Thousand is very customizable. You can choose the best color, size, inseam length and liner option for you. The Sessions are made of a 4-way stretching polyester and spandex blend and are moisture-wicking and quick-drying.
Mack Weldon — another favorite in our guide to men’s underwear — offers up an anti-odor silver-equipped pair of shorts that stretch four ways and are made with a polyester and spandex blend, as well as zip pocket and inside liner.
Rhone’s Versatility Short is designed to be breathable, quick-drying and sports UPF 50+ in its fabric, a great summer feature. For these shorts, Rhone lets you choose between different lengths and whether you want them lined or not.
Janji’s running shorts are focused on running — they’re quick-drying, moisture-wicking, stretch four ways and are made with recycled polyester. A liner on the inside boasts a key-loop cord — and you’ve got some really great designs to choose from.
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