Best running shorts for women in 2025

Picking the right pair of shorts can make or break your run training. The best women’s running shorts need to be comfortable, have the right fit and be practical for your running needs.

Consider the material used and whether the shorts are breathable, whether they’re long enough to avoid that dreaded thigh-chafe and if they offer any handy pockets to store keys, a phone and maybe even a gel for longer efforts.

Here’s a round-up of some of our favourite options and why…

• How to choose the best running shorts for you
• Best running skirts
• Best running tops for women

Best running shorts for women in 2025

Salomon /SENSE AERO 2IN1 Running Shorts

• £75

The Salomon /SENSE AERO 2IN1 running shorts performed exceptionally well, staying in place and not riding up, which is essential when you’re trying to focus on your stride.

The built-in liner is a great touch, offering extra support without causing chafing, even on longer runs. The waistband is comfortable and sits lightly without digging in or causing discomfort.

A standout feature is the thoughtful placement of pockets which are placed around the waistband, designed to hold items such as phone, gels, additional layers. There’s a discreet zippered back pocket that securely holds essentials like keys or a credit card/ID. These pockets feel strategically designed to minimise bounce and didn’t feel bulky.

One minor gripe: I noticed that the reflective detailing is minimal. For early morning or evening runners, better visibility features would be a welcome addition. 

Under Armour Women’s UA Fly-By 2-in-1 Shorts

• £36

The fit is spot on — neither too tight nor too loose. The lightweight, fabric feels soft against the skin and allows for a full range of motion. The built-in liner is a great touch, offering extra support without causing chafing, even on longer runs. The waistband was loose but adjustable, with no restriction. 

During my runs, these inner lining stayed in place, whilst the outer material did rise up and gather, but this did not feel restrictive. 

The zipped pocket located on one side of the shorts, can securely hold essentials like keys or a credit card, however not large enough to hold a gel.

The sleek design and modern aesthetic make these shorts versatile enough to wear beyond the running track. They come in black or pale blue, making it easy to find a pair that matches your style preference.

The reflective detailing is minimal, for early morning or evening runners, better visibility features would be a welcome addition.

Queenieke Sport Shorts

• $19.99 /£21.99

I know picking the right running shorts can be a bit of a minefield, to say the least. But I can attest to the durability and fit of these Queenieke shorts from Amazon, having used them for years.

What I like about these shorts is that with a six-inch inseam, they’re just the perfect length. They’re long enough to cover the upper thighs, but not too long that they go all the way down to the knee.

A thick and high waist band keeps you feeling secure and comfortable, with a flattering seam placement and multiple colours to choose from.

The best part? The Queenieke has two side pockets large enough to fit a chunky smart phone, plus keys and gels, so there’s no need to carry an extra hip bag or running backpack.

They must be one of the best women’s running shorts with pockets I’ve come across.

Hoka Hupana 5in Short

Buy now from Hoka

• $38 /£35

These women’s running shorts from Hoka are some of the softest and comfiest we’ve ever worn. The 5” inseam’s long enough to protect the inner thighs from chafing, while the wide, high waistband is supportive and flattering.

It’s designed with three in-built pockets too, enough for all your mid-race essentials. If you’re after practical and soft shorts, you won’t be disappointed.

Castore Carolina Speed Shorts

• £55 (UK only)

This lightweight and stylish pair of performance running shorts from Castore just feels like quality. Ideal for running in warmer climates, the shorts have a mid-rise, mesh waistband with in-built moisture-wicking properties and an inner drawstring.

They’re designed with a flattering curved hem and slight side slits for ventilation, with reflective detailing. When on, the shorts feel secure and comfortable; all they’re missing is some pocket capacity for the essentials.

Brooks 2-in-1

• $63 /£55

Also available in black or blue, these Brooks run shorts are supremely comfortable thanks to the soft, sweat-wicking inner lining that also has useful in-built side and front pockets.

We like the five-inch inseam, making them just long enough to protect against thigh chafing, while ventilation panels throughout are great for long runs.

Plus, these women’s running shorts have pockets in-built along both sides (as well as a smaller zip pocket) that are just big enough for a phone/gel.

Hoka Performance Shorts

• $39.99 / £39

If you’re after a pair of super light and no-fuss running shorts, this feather-thin pair from Hoka will do the job perfectly.

A mid-rise and sweat-wicking waistband secures the woven, four-way stretch shorts, which are designed with slits along both sides for ventilation on the go.

These minimalist shorts feel like they’re barley-there, but still offer a small inner pocket with bungee to secure keys and small valuables. These performance shorts from Hoka would be our pick for hot weather running.

Also consider…

Nike Women’s Elevate Shorts

• £31.82

Constructed with Nike’s ‘Dry-Fit’ technology, these performance run shorts are designed to provide sweat-wicking comfort and freedom of movement.

An in-built rear zip-pocket comes complete with a ‘vapour barrier’, which aims to keep your valuables and phone dry when on the move, while an additional left inner pocket offers extra storage capacity.

Nike says the material used here is lightweight and airy to help avoid overheating on the run, while it’s available in a range of colours and patterns for all tastes.

Under Armour Women’s Play Up Shorts 3

• From £17.90

These everyday run shorts from Under Armour are designed to be lightweight and comfortable, featuring a thin polyester material for hot runs and a thick elastic waistband.

They’ve also got two upper side pockets and are built with flattering curved hems, styled with that classic Under Armour branding.

Sundried Women’s 2-in-1 Running Shorts

• From £10

Made from 100% recycled materials, these double-layered sports shorts from Sundried offer a bit more coverage than others in this round-up, with a compression-style inner short giving way to a thinner upper layer with ventilation slits.

Sundried says that the wide, drawstring waistband is ultra-soft and comfortable, housing a small inner pocket to stash keys.

Sweaty Betty Women’s Shorts

• From £48

These Sweaty Betty shorts are designed in a longer style with an adjustable drawstring waistband. Sweaty Betty says that they’re both sweat-wicking and quick-drying, and have been designed with bum-sculpting technology.

These fitted shorts also have a small, zip-up back pocket and a side pocket that is said to be suitable for a phone.

• Best sports bras for running
• Best thermal running tights and leggings for winter
• Best running jackets for men and women
• Best running shorts for men
• Best running movies for inspiration

Top image credit: Greg Rosenke/Unsplash