The best running shorts balance lightweight comfort with the coverage, support, and storage you need to stay focused through every mile. This roundup compares 10 options for men and women, including split styles, lined designs, high-waisted pairs, and quick-drying workout shorts.
Whether you prefer a short race-ready cut, a longer training length, or a 2-in-1 design with built-in support, the right pair should match your workout routine and personal fit preferences.
Best 10 Running Shorts Picks for 2026
Best Overall Support
maamgic Men's 2-in-1 5.5-Inch Running Shorts
- Built-in compression liner helps reduce chafing
- Three pockets, including a rear zipper pocket
- Quick-drying, high-stretch fabric
Best For: Men wanting supported, pocketed running shorts for training
Best for Lightweight Runs
CRZ YOGA Women's 3-Inch Split Running Shorts
- Soft, weightless, quick-drying fabric
- High split allows unrestricted movement
- Built-in mesh liner helps reduce friction
Best For: Women who prefer lightweight, short running shorts
Best Longer-Length Option
BALENNZ Men's 10-Inch Athletic Shorts
- Longer 10-inch inseam for added coverage
- Quick-drying, breathable polyester fabric
- Two side pockets and adjustable waistband
Best For: Men wanting versatile shorts for running and multiple sports
Best Multipack Value
Kinglaman Men's 2-in-1 Lined Running Shorts
- Four-pack for easy workout rotation
- Compression liner plus quick-drying outer layer
- Phone, side, and rear zipper pockets
Best For: Frequent trainers wanting multiple pairs of lined running shorts
Best Value Pack
Women's 5-Pack Athletic Running Shorts
- Five lightweight pairs in assorted colors
- Quick-dry fabric with inner liners
- Two deep zippered side pockets
Best For: Women building a versatile workout-short rotation
Best for Lightweight Storage
- Lightweight, sweat-wicking four-way stretch
- Three pockets, including a rear zip pocket
- Reflective details for low-light visibility
Best For: Men who need mobile storage during runs and workouts
Best 2-in-1 Coverage
- Supportive inner liner with breathable outer layer
- Moisture-wicking, quick-drying polyester
- Liner pocket and adjustable drawstring waist
Best For: Women wanting coverage and support for active movement
Short-Inseam Speed
Men's 3-Inch Zipper-Pocket Running Shorts
- 3-inch split-leg design for mobility
- Two front zippered pockets
- Quick-dry outer layer with supportive liner
Best For: Fitted training and running with minimal coverage
Everyday Support
Men's 2-in-1 5-Inch Running Shorts
- Stretch compression liner with lightweight outer layer
- Quick-drying, durable fabric
- Outer and internal pockets for essentials
Best For: Versatile running, gym, and training sessions
Longer Coverage Value
JWJ Men's 7-Inch 2-in-1 Running Shorts
- 7-inch inseam for added coverage
- Three-pack in neutral colors
- Phone, zippered, slash pockets, and towel loop
Best For: Regular training with longer coverage and rotation
Best Overall Support – maamgic Men's 2-in-1 5.5-Inch Running Shorts
These running shorts combine a lightweight outer layer with a built-in compression liner, making them a practical option for workouts where coverage, support, and storage matter. The moisture-wicking, stretchy fabric is designed for quick drying and flexible movement.
Best For: Men who want lined running shorts with multiple pockets for gym sessions, running, cycling, and other training activities.
Pros:
- Built-in compression liner helps reduce chafing and provides thigh support.
- Three pockets include two deep side pockets and a rear zipper pocket.
- Adjustable internal drawstring and high-stretch fabric support a customizable fit.
- Quick-drying, breathable materials are suitable for high-intensity workouts.
Cons:
- The 5.5-inch length may feel shorter than traditional athletic shorts.
- The compression-lined design may not suit shoppers who prefer an unlined fit.
Choose these if you prioritize liner support and secure storage in a versatile pair of running shorts. Their fitted, two-layer construction is especially useful for active workouts where reducing ride-up and chafing is important.
Best for Lightweight Runs – CRZ YOGA Women's 3-Inch Split Running Shorts
For runners who prefer a barely-there feel, these running shorts use lightweight, soft fabric with a high split for freedom of movement. The built-in mesh liner adds coverage while the wide waistband and two pockets improve everyday practicality.
Best For: Women seeking lightweight running shorts for comfortable, unrestricted movement during runs and exercise.
Pros:
- Feathery-fit fabric is soft, weightless, quick drying, and slightly stretchy.
- High split supports a wide range of movement.
- Built-in mesh liner helps reduce friction.
- Wide elastic waistband is designed for a comfortable fit.
Cons:
- The 3-inch inseam offers less leg coverage than longer running shorts.
- The high-split style may not appeal to runners seeking a more traditional silhouette.
This is a strong choice when low weight and mobility are more important than extended coverage. The mesh liner and quick-drying fabric make the design practical for regular running, while the split construction keeps strides unrestricted.
Best Longer-Length Option – BALENNZ Men's 10-Inch Athletic Shorts
These running shorts offer a longer 10-inch inseam for runners and athletes who want more coverage than short-cut styles provide. The breathable polyester fabric is quick drying, while side pockets, an elastic waistband, and an inner drawcord support practical training use.
Best For: Men who want versatile, longer running shorts for running, gym workouts, court sports, and travel.
Pros:
- 10-inch inseam provides more coverage than shorter athletic shorts.
- Breathable, moisture-wicking fabric dries quickly.
- Two side pockets hold a phone, wallet, or small accessories.
- Encased elastic waistband and inner drawcord help keep the shorts in place.
Cons:
- The longer cut may feel less airy than shorter running shorts.
- The standard, medium-stretch polyester construction may offer less compression than lined styles.
Consider this pair if you want one set of running shorts that can also handle several other sports. Its longer cut and classic construction make it a practical alternative to split or compression-lined designs.
Best Multipack Value – Kinglaman Men's 2-in-1 Lined Running Shorts
This four-pack gives active men multiple pairs of running shorts with a two-layer design, quick-drying fabric, and several storage options. The built-in compression shorts provide a close-fitting base layer, while the lightweight outer shorts support airflow during exercise.
Best For: Men who want a four-pack of lined running shorts for frequent workouts and mixed sporting activities.
Pros:
- Four-pack includes two black, one blue, and one gray pair.
- Built-in compression shorts offer a close fit and thigh support.
- Storage includes a liner phone pocket, two side pockets, and a rear zipper pocket.
- Lightweight, breathable, quick-drying fabric has high stretch.
Cons:
- The multipack includes limited color variety.
- The supplied notes do not specify a separate waistband adjustment feature beyond the drawstring closure.
This multipack makes sense for runners who train often and want ready-to-rotate gear. Its combination of liner support, high stretch, quick drying, and extensive pocketing is well suited to repeated workouts and mixed-use training.
Best Value Pack – Women's 5-Pack Athletic Running Shorts
This five-pack of women’s running shorts is a practical option for building a workout rotation. The lightweight, quick-drying polyester-spandex fabric, high-rise elastic waistband, side splits, inner liners, and zippered pockets cover the basics for running, gym sessions, yoga, and everyday wear.
Best For: Women who want multiple versatile pairs with pockets for workouts and casual use.
Pros:
- Five solid-color pairs provide variety and repeat-wear convenience.
- Quick-drying, moisture-wicking fabric with medium stretch supports active use.
- Two deep zippered pockets hold essentials such as a phone, keys, or cards.
- High-rise waistband, side splits, and soft inner liners add coverage and mobility.
Cons:
- Regular fit may not provide the close compression some runners prefer.
- The five-pack may be more than shoppers seeking only one pair need.
Choose this set if convenience and wardrobe flexibility matter most. Its combination of multiple colors, storage, and liner coverage makes it a useful everyday running-shorts rotation.
Best for Lightweight Storage – Men's 5.5-Inch Running Shorts
These men’s running shorts emphasize a lightweight feel, flexible movement, and practical storage. The 5.5-inch inseam, sweat-wicking stretch fabric, adjustable drawstring waist, reflective details, and three-pocket layout suit running, training, walking, and other active uses.
Best For: Men who want lightweight running shorts with phone storage and low-light visibility details.
Pros:
- Lightweight, breathable 90% polyester and 10% spandex fabric offers high stretch.
- 5.5-inch inseam supports a relatively free-moving, athletic fit.
- Two deep side pockets and a rear zip pocket provide useful storage.
- Reflective front and back details add visibility in low light.
Cons:
- The supplied fit guidance says the shorts run small and recommends sizing up near the upper limit.
- A single-color option may offer less versatility than a multi-pack.
This is a strong choice when comfort, movement, and carrying essentials are priorities. Pay close attention to the size chart, especially if your waist measurement is near the top of a size range.
Best 2-in-1 Coverage – Women's Liner Running Shorts
These women’s running shorts combine a loose outer layer with a supportive inner liner for added coverage during movement. Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric, a drawstring waistband, side slits, and a liner pocket make them suitable for running, gym workouts, yoga, cycling, and everyday activity.
Best For: Women who prefer double-layer coverage and a dedicated liner pocket for essentials.
Pros:
- Two-in-one construction pairs a supportive liner with a breathable side-slit outer layer.
- Quick-drying, moisture-wicking polyester helps manage sweat during exercise.
- Elastic waistband and drawstring allow an adjustable fit.
- Built-in liner pocket helps keep a phone or small necessity from slipping.
Cons:
- The supplied details list a single pocket, so storage is more limited than multi-pocket styles.
- The mid-rise design may not suit shoppers specifically seeking high-rise running shorts.
Consider this pair if coverage and movement are more important than extensive storage. The layered design offers a practical balance of support, breathability, and everyday versatility.
Short-Inseam Speed – Men's 3-Inch Zipper-Pocket Running Shorts
These running shorts are built for men who prefer a fitted, short-inseam design for training, gym sessions, jogging, and other active pursuits. The split-leg construction supports movement, while the lightweight quick-dry outer layer and breathable liner help keep the design practical during exercise.
Best For: Runners and gym users who want a fitted 3-inch short with secure storage and built-in support.
Pros:
- 3-inch split-leg design allows a broad range of motion.
- Two front zippered pockets help secure a phone, keys, or wallet.
- Quick-dry, lightweight construction includes a supportive compression liner.
- Stretch polyester-spandex materials offer a fitted, flexible feel.
Cons:
- The 3-inch inseam offers less coverage than longer running shorts.
- Hand-wash care may be less convenient for frequent training.
- The low-rise, fitted style may not suit shoppers seeking a relaxed fit.
Choose this pair if freedom of movement and zippered storage matter more to you than extended coverage. Its short inseam and supportive liner make it especially suited to fast-paced workouts and runners comfortable with a fitted silhouette.
Everyday Support – Men's 2-in-1 5-Inch Running Shorts
These 2-in-1 running shorts combine a lightweight outer layer with a stretch compression liner for coverage and support during running, workouts, fitness training, and hiking. Quick-drying fabric and multiple pockets make them a versatile option for active routines.
Best For: Athletes who want moderate coverage, built-in compression support, and storage for exercise essentials.
Pros:
- 2-in-1 construction pairs a lightweight outer short with a stretchy liner.
- Quick-drying fabric helps manage sweat during and after exercise.
- Two deep outer pockets and an internal liner pocket provide useful storage.
- Elastic waistband and hidden drawstring allow an adjustable fit.
Cons:
- Hand-wash care may add maintenance compared with machine-washable options.
- The layered design may feel less minimal than a single-layer short.
- The product is listed with a 5-inch leg opening, which may not appeal to those seeking a shorter cut.
This is a practical middle ground for runners who want more coverage than a short split-leg style without giving up liner support. Its pocket layout also makes it useful for workouts where you need to carry small personal items.
Longer Coverage Value – JWJ Men's 7-Inch 2-in-1 Running Shorts
For runners who prefer longer running shorts, this 7-inch 2-in-1 set combines a breathable polyester mesh outer layer with a flexible compression liner. A three-pack format, dedicated storage features, and quick-drying fabric make it a practical choice for regular workouts and active use.
Best For: Runners and fitness users who want longer coverage, liner support, and multiple pairs for rotation.
Pros:
- 7-inch inseam provides more coverage than shorter running shorts.
- Compression liner is designed to support movement and muscle comfort.
- Phone pocket with headphone hole, towel loop, slash pockets, and a small zippered pocket add utility.
- Three-pack includes black, dark gray, and light gray pairs.
Cons:
- The longer 7-inch cut may feel less airy than shorter styles.
- The listing recommends sizing up for a looser fit, so fit preferences require attention.
- The product has medium stretch rather than the highest stretch rating.
This set stands out for shoppers who value coverage and everyday practicality. The three-pack supports regular training rotation, while the liner and storage details make it suitable for runs, gym sessions, yoga, and general exercise.
How We Picked the Best Running Shorts
We focused on the features that matter most during actual training: comfortable materials, useful inseams, secure storage, moisture management, freedom of movement, and supportive construction. The selection includes multiple lengths and silhouettes so runners can compare minimalist split shorts with more covered 2-in-1 styles.
We also considered versatility. Some pairs are designed primarily for running, while others work well for gym sessions, walking, yoga, and general athletic use. Because fit varies widely by body type and brand, check each product’s size chart and read current customer feedback before ordering.
Quick Comparison
| Style | Best For | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Split shorts | Racing and speed work | Lightweight fabric and unrestricted stride |
| 2-in-1 shorts | Training and extra coverage | Comfortable liner, secure fit, and pocket placement |
| High-waisted shorts | Women’s training and gym workouts | Stable waistband and non-restrictive stretch |
| Longer 6- to 7-inch shorts | Gym sessions and casual training | Coverage, durability, and breathable fabric |
Key Buying Factors for Running Shorts
Length and Coverage
Shorter inseams generally provide more airflow and freedom of movement, making them popular for racing and hot weather. Longer cuts offer additional coverage and may feel more comfortable for strength training, mixed workouts, or everyday wear.
Liner and Support
A built-in brief or compression liner can reduce chafing and provide support without requiring separate base layers. Look for soft seams, a secure but nonbinding fit, and enough stretch to move naturally. If you prefer loose shorts, choose a design with a comfortable inner brief or wear your preferred performance underwear.
Pockets and Storage
Think about what you carry. Zipper pockets are useful for keys or cards, while open liner pockets can provide quick access for a phone. Test the pocket location and capacity against your usual running gear; storage that bounces or pulls at the waistband can become distracting.
Fabric and Waistband
Quick-drying synthetic fabrics are practical for sweaty workouts and humid conditions. A breathable, flexible waistband should stay in place without digging in. For high-waisted styles, make sure the rise remains comfortable when bending, stretching, or sitting.
Who Should Buy Which Running Shorts?
Choose split or shorter Running Shorts if maximum airflow and stride freedom are your priorities. Pick 2-in-1 shorts if you want built-in support, reduced chafing, or more coverage during longer runs and gym workouts. High-waisted designs suit shoppers who prefer a secure women’s fit and a waistband that stays put during movement. Longer 6- or 7-inch styles are better for runners who prioritize coverage, versatility, or a less revealing silhouette.
For regular training, owning more than one style can be useful: a lightweight pair for hot-weather runs, a supportive lined pair for longer sessions, and a pocket-equipped option for routes where you carry essentials.