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The Best Running Shorts For Women

Last updated on August 8, 2022

We looked at the top 10 Running Shorts For Women and dug through the reviews from 35 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Running Shorts For Women.

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

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Our Picks For The Top Running Shorts For Women

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

BALEAF High-Waist Women’s Biker-Style Running Shorts

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BALEAF

High-Waist Women's Biker-Style Running Shorts

With longer inseams (5, 7 or 8 inches) for coverage, a broad, high-rise waistband and super-soft, moisture-wicking polyester/Spandex material, these exercise shorts are perfect for working out and relaxing. They even have two large side pockets that are big enough to fit cellphones!

Overall Take

Just the Right LengthYou'll want to live in these shorts; they're good for much more than working out!

Pros
" Thanks to clever pocket placement, these shorts also make it possible for me to hit the town purse-free, easily sliding my iPhone 6 into the side pocket and stuffing my keys into the tiny front pouch."
Cons
"Waistband occasionally rolls down. Aren't as durable as those from premium brands."
 Runner Up

Blooming Jelly Active-Layer Quick-Dry Women’s Running Shorts

Blooming Jelly

Active-Layer Quick-Dry Women's Running Shorts

Available in more than 35 colors and patterns, Blooming Jelly's women's running shorts are made with lightweight fabric and feature a side zipper pocket and an elastic closure. Best of all, a built-in underwear liner that will never ride up.

Overall Take

These Have a LinerIf you're tired of flimsy running shorts that don't provide enough coverage and comfort, this pair was made for you!

Pros
" Made from a quick-dry material that's lightweight and breezy, they're a good versatile short for all your summer activities, like working out, running errands, and lounging around."
Cons
"Waistband can feel a bit constricting"
 We Also Like

Under Armour Fly By 2.0 Women’s Running Shorts

Under Armour

Fly By 2.0 Women's Running Shorts

Under Armour's flattering running shorts have a 3.5-inch inseam and are made from fast-drying, sweat-wicking 100% polyester. They have a soft waistband, built-in brief, an inside drawstring and a crossover hem accentuating the legs.

Overall Take

They're Athletic and FeminineThese have everything you want in a pair of running shorts; pull them on and head out the door.

Pros
" Designed with a shaped hem to enhance coverage without appearing too bulky. Has a comfortable built-in brief. Reflective details boost wearer's visibility to drivers. Stay-put waistband won't shift or ride up during activity. Available in almost 20 colors."
Cons
"Piping at the edge of legs is restrictive"
 Also Great

Blevonh Women’s Yoga & Running Shorts

Blevonh

Women’s Yoga & Running Shorts

How great is this pair of 3-inch running shorts? They have a looser fit that provides the right amount of coverage and a built-in liner. They're made from fast-drying, lightweight fabric and have pretty piping along the seams. These shorts even have nice big pockets to stash your stuff. You can wear these outside all summer and to the gym the rest ...

Overall Take

With Big Pockets!These shorts are not too tight, but they will stay put when you're moving.

Pros
" Moisture-wicking"

Buying Guide

Running shorts generally fall into two categories: short and loose or compression. The first kind is designed to provide increased breathability and a wider range of motion. The inseams generally range from 3 to 6 inches and can be V-notch or split shorts. The V-notch styles are like regular shorts, with V cutouts on the sides. Split shorts have two panels, with the front one overlapping the back.

Compression shorts are made to support and compress, which can improve blood flow and decrease muscle oscillation. You will find these with longer inseams, generally from 5 to 8 inches. Note that these are different from bicycle shorts that are made to be worn by bicyclists. Those have padding on the insides, which is not appropriate for running.

Loose running shorts are breathable because more air can get into the wider leg openings. Look for shorts with built-in liners; otherwise, your undergarments might show. They are not great for keeping you warm, and some find the material can chafe against the skin. Compression shorts are not as breathable and can restrict runner movement. Still, they provide more warmth, and some people feel that compression styles help with endurance.

Modern running shorts come in endless colors, patterns and styles; many have strategically-placed zippers for keys, phones and other small things. It’s good to have storage options like this. The looser versions can have elastic waistbands and drawstrings, but you won’t see the latter on compression shorts. The choice is up to you.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
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Products Considered

We identified the majority of the running shorts for women available to purchase.
10

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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35

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Today, Popsugar, Elite Daily, Health, The Yoga Nomads.

233,142

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 10 Running Shorts For Women and also dug through the reviews from 35 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Running Shorts For Women.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in their category.

The Best Bang For Your Buck

Blevonh Women’s Yoga & Running Shorts

Key Takeawy

How great is this pair of 3-inch running shorts? They have a looser fit that provides the right amount of coverage and a built-in liner. They're made from fast-drying, lightweight fabric and have pretty piping along the seams. These shorts even have nice big pockets to stash your stuff. You can wear these outside all summer and to the gym the rest of the year.

What other experts liked

Moisture-wicking
- Style Craze
These athletic shorts feature an adjustable drawstring waistband, a hidden pocket, and an inner lining that won’t ride up and will prevent chafing.
- LifeSavvy

What other experts didn't like

Not true to size
- Style Craze

What to Look For

  • Compression shorts have higher waistbands, while looser styles hit below the waist.
  • Look for soft, breathable materials that have stretch.
  • Vaseline and anti-chafing balms can help with chafing.
  • Running shorts come in women’s, men’s and unisex designs.
  • You don’t have to wear underwear if the shorts have a full liner.
  • Many runners wear compression shorts under looser shorts.
  • If you run at night, wear bright-colored running tops and bottoms.
  • Compression shorts are great for yoga, other activities and floor work exercises. If you do those movements in loose shorts, the material will move around and reveal more skin.

More to Explore

Running is an excellent habit to get into, as long as you do it safely. Bring your keys, cell phone and ID and always be well aware of your surroundings; running with headphones is fine, but do not zone out. Switch up routines so that you’re not always on a predictable route, but stay in familiar areas. It is safer to run against traffic than in the same direction, and you should always look both ways before heading into intersections. If something dangerous happens, get to a safe place and call 911.

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