As a year-round shorts runner, I’m an expert in the good, the bad, and the miserable when it comes to running shorts. Comfort, potential for chafing, and storage are front-of-mind when I’m shopping for a pair. When runners look for their next pair, there are all kinds of questions to consider: What’s the right inseam to prevent friction?
Are the pockets big enough to store my phone, sunscreen, and gels? For all my hot summer runners and year-round leg barers, this guide is for you. We go over the best shorts that’ll have drawer life well beyond the first fall leaf, plenty of race-day storage for all the gels and gummies, and other features to look out for when shopping for bottoms.
Runner’s World has been testing products since 1966, vetting the best gear for runners so they can train hard, race their best, and enjoy all the other runs throughout their lifetime. Over the course of three weeks, we had our staff test several shorts to narrow down the best men’s and women’s bottoms during their workouts, from trail running to marathon training, from speed to recovery. The RW team includes runners of varying levels (not all of us have run a 26.2!), ages, body types, heights, and running goals.
We considered well-known shoe brands’ offerings, activewear-centric apparel, and lesser-known brands to give you a range of shorts styles and pricing. Our input lends a well-rounded collection of feedback so we can find shorts for every type of runner. We awarded Tracksmith’s Session Shorts in our annual Gear of the Year, because they have all the essential features, including comfort, storage, and adjustability.
The older version had a zippered side pocket that positioned the girth to the front, causing whatever you stored inside to hit your thigh as you ran. The newest Session remedies that issue, with the girth set to the back. The waistband is also updated; it’s more flexible and has an internal drawstring, unlike the previous Session.
The “Session 3.0” is great for training and racing; three rear drop-in gel pockets make fueling easy when you’re hours on the road, and the silky material provides plenty of airflow. Shop Men’s at tracksmith.com | Shop Women’s at tracksmith.com The RC Essential 3” is a short made for racing—at a Best Value price. The amount of storage alone makes the RC Essential a winner; individual compartments along the waistband make separating your gels easier (no more caf or no-caf surprises midrun).
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