13 Best Women’s Running Shorts For All The Miles You Will Crush This Summer

Sweat stains on your behind after a run? No thanks. Luckily you won’t have to worry about any of that with Fly By Shorts, which are made from sweat-wicking material designed to keep you dry. Other awesome features include a wide and comfortable elastic waistband so you know they won’t ride up or fall down while you are out crushing some miles. Also reflective details and built in briefs. These come in more than 35 fun color combinations like mango orange and green typhoon so you can stock up on your faves. Some of them even have built-in reflection if you tend to run at night or early a.m. hours. It’s a best seller on Amazon with over 9,200 reviews on Amazon. One fan wrote, “These shorts are amazing! I was so excited to workout in them and I did. Very comfortable and breathable!”

If biker shorts are more your jam while running, you’ll feel uber comfortable in this high-wasted pair from TSLA. They are designed to stretch so they won’t feel tight and are breathable enough for all your outdoor runs on hot days. (They even have built in UV protection for the win.) They are great for any other workouts, too, including yoga or cycling. Plus, there’s a stretchy pocket for your phone so you don’t need to worry about also bringing along an extra pouch or armband. These shorts have over 1,000 positive reviews on Amazon and growing, with one jazzed up runner saying, “Love, love, love these shorts! I’m a curvy girl and just now getting back into running after an 8-year lapse. The shorts are a lifesaver (or a thigh saver at least.). They’re long enough to prevent thigh rub and keep me really comfortable during my run. They also are snug and strong enough to provide support and minor compression, but somehow do it without that horrible muffin top effect.”

Lululemon has top-notch yoga pants, but have you tried their running gear yet? These shorts have a cult following, too. They are beloved for their longer length (4″), lightweight feel and quick drying material. They offer you multiple pockets for your phone and fuel. And don’t let the higher price deter you too much, as an investment these will hold up well in the wash for years. One reviewer says these go the distance, writing, “I bought these a few weeks ago and have since used them on a number of runs including a half marathon. I am in LOVE. The waistband is incredible. The fit of these is incredible. Never change! Please make them in ALL OF THE COLORS. I loved the dark red color.”

Biker shorts are the look of summer 2021. Despite the name, they also make great running shorts in addition to being a serious fashion statement. This version from BALEAF offers moisture-wicking fabric for the hottest days, plus chafe-free and ergonomic seams so you can run around freely without worrying about any discomfort. Brilliant! You can even wear them under a dress or with an oversized sweatshirt when you aren’t running—and they are stretchy and comfortable, so you definitely are going to want to. Black or navy are classic, but these come in several fun colors like coral, rose red and Niagara blue, if you feel like mixing it up. These beloved shorts have over 45,000 reviews on Amazon, with one ultra-marathoner who is a fan writing, “I wore them for the first time during a 10K race and they served me well. The high waist keeps my tummy in place. The inseam is a comfortable length on my thigh—not too short or long. The legs didn’t ride up either. The pockets were perfect for my big phone. Perfect thickness of fabric and not see-through when squatting. Several of my runner friends were interested in them for themselves. I immediately bought another pair in navy.”

Looking for some old-school running shorts that will bring back memories of your high school athletic endeavors? Look no further than the Dry Tempo Print Running Shorts from Nike. These sporty shorts will carry you through all the miles (or whatever active pursuits you take on.) And you’ll be happy to hear running shorts have come a long way since your school days. These are moisture wicking so you don’t need to worry about getting a little (or a lot) sweaty as you move. Plus they come in classic colors like navy, red, green or royal blue so you can even pick one that reminds you of your school’s old colors, if you want to go there. Runners on Amazon can’t get enough of them, with one writing, “These are my favorite running shorts! I’ve always had issues with shorts riding up, being tight around my bigger thighs, or just being uncomfortable. These shorts don’t do any of that! I have them in several colors and I love them all. Would highly recommend to any runner or active person.”

It’s so hard to come by budget-friendly running clothes that are also high quality. Well no worries if you’ve already spent your entire summer budget on stuff to keep your kids entertained at home—you can still get a few things for yourself, too. For example, these biker-style running shorts from Dragon Fit are just $18! And they’re comfortable, so you’ll want to wear them all summer long. They are moisture wicking and designed for movement while you are running or getting your strength workout in. You can also wear them under dresses or with an oversized sweatshirt when you aren’t working out. They have over 4,000 positive reviews on Amazon, with one satisfied customer writing, “I love these shorts for working out and even for the occasional grocery trip. They’re very comfortable and the perfect length—not too short and not too long.”

Live somewhere with extreme heat and humidity in the summer? You’re probably in need of a really lightweight pair of running shorts to keep you cool and this option from CRZ Yoga delivers. They are made with an ultra lightweight fabric that’s quick-drying and cool to the touch (especially if you get them in white.) They also have built-in briefs so you don’t have to wear separate underwear, which can add to the sweat factor (yuck.) Even though they are lightweight, there’s still a bonus pocket for your keys or an ID. They have over 246 positive reviews on Amazon, with many reviewers comparing them to Lululemon Hotty Hot Shorts, but for just $25! One runner wrote, “I wore these little shorts for my last half marathon and loved them. They had a little zipper pocket for my gel, they stayed in place, and they were really cute. I appreciate any shorts that don’t constantly ride up. They fit perfect. I got them in white and they were not at all see-through even with all the sweat and the dark underwear I was wearing. They are short enough to not be revealing.”

Nighttime runners need a little more safety precautions while putting on a sweat in low light. These run shorts from ASICS are black, but super reflective to make sure you’re seen when you need to be. On top of that, they’re comfortable, adjustable (with a drawstring), and include an inner-brief lining for coverage and support. “So flattering!” said one reviewer. “Love these!! I’m used to athletic shorts being baggy and unflattering to be comfortable to workout in, but these bring the best of both worlds! Perfect length, perfect material, definitely will be buying more in the future.”

These are yout go-to shorts if you’re a heavy sweater. The Flex Short from Outdoor Voices is known for it’s breathable TechSweat fabric that’s both lightweight and soft to the touch. These maybe the most comfortable running shorts we’ve come across in a while, so make sure to grab a few pairs before they’re out of stock! One fan reviewed the short and said, ” I live and die by these shorts. I use them as shorts to exercise but also they are thin enough to wear under dresses etc.” Another reviewer said, “I work in a distribution center. In the summer temps run 100°+ for 3 months straight. I’m constantly moving & lifting, and have just accepted that summer brings chafing and shorts rolling up into my crotch. Being short and curvy doesn’t help much either. But then I bought these shorts and– I kid you not– *life changing.* I have not chafed ONCE since wearing these. They roll up sometimes, but it’s barely noticeable. The hidden band is my FAVE and keeps them comfortably on my hips. 1000/10 need more.”

The Mesh Racer Run Short from Athelta is a top-rated, best-selling, and an overall fan favorite among the athletic community. How do we know? There are over 1600 positive reviews of people awing over it! One reviewer said, “Get ready to forget you’re wearing shorts! Personally, these are the best shorts I’ve ever worn. They have a built in liner that’s so soft and are made with incredibly breathable material. I got the 4 inch pair because I’m taller and they work great!.” These shorts are great for short and long distance runs as they’re a relaxed fit and have silky feel. The mesh allows extra ventilation, and the two pockets give your room for headphones, snacks, etc.

Fabletics is famous for their PowerHold fabric — and yes, it does what it sounds like. These high waist, chafe-resistant shorts are comfortable and breathable, whether you’re running on the treadmill or squatting at the gym. One reviewer said, “LOVE THESE SO MUCH!!!!! SO comfortable and are so flattering. The fabric quality is great.”