If you’re a runner, you know when shorts start to fall short of expectations. They might appear well-designed: streamlined cut, flattering fit, even structured enough to disguise the aftermath of a wild Saturday night. But once you start moving, the issues kick in: they ride up, trap sweat, cling in places they shouldn’t, and become a distraction mid-run.

Thankfully, the Nike monopoly is over and we can now breathe a small sigh of relief at the number of brands engineering shorts for real-world running. You don’t need a mortgage for a decent pair (yet), but with many priced north of £50, you want to get it right.

To help, our team took one for the running team-  testing a range of performance shorts across multiple 10Ks, in the punishing heat of a London summer.

How to find the best running shorts for you

Good running shorts do one thing well: they let you run without distraction. That means a waistband that holds snugly around your waist without digging in or sliding down during your run.

Fabric makes all the difference. Most runners prefer synthetic blends like polyester or nylon mixed with elastane. These fabrics wick sweat away from your skin and dry quickly, so you don’t end up feeling damp or weighed down. Natural fabrics like cotton or bamboo feel soft but tend to hold onto moisture, which can cause chafing, especially on longer runs.

When it comes to length, it’s really about what works for you. The most common inseams range from 3 to 5 inches. Shorter shorts, around 2 to 3 inches, give you maximum freedom and are popular for track or sprint training. Longer shorts, closer to 5 or 7 inches, offer more coverage and help prevent chafing, which is why many marathoners and trail runners favour them.

Marathon runners usually go for lightweight, snug-fitting shorts with plenty of stretch. Small zip pockets are great for keeping your keys or gels safe without making the shorts feel bulky. And reflective details help keep you visible when you’re out running early or late.

Some of the best running shorts for women for this summer, run-tested

1. Bimble & Bolt Super Strider Shorts

These Super Strider Shorts are one of the few pairs that feel just as good 20km in as they do in the mirror. The 6” version sits mid-thigh and actually stays put – I’ve run over 30km in them and they’ve never ridden up. They’re supportive but not shapewear-y, and the fabric is soft and breathable.

One of the best features for me is the hidden drawcord in the waistband. Most shorts loosen a bit over time, especially at the waist, so it’s a win being able to tighten them without any bulky knots or dangling ties.

You get two deep thigh pockets that actually fit a phone (even the larger iPhone Pros) plus a zipped back pocket for keys or gels. They come in a decent range of colours and sizes, too.

• Fabric: 62% recycled nylon, 38% spandex (OEKO‑TEX® and GRS certified) 
• Sizes: XSS to 2XL
• Price: £45
• Colours: Bimble Black, Midnight, Mermaid Teal, Bimble Blue, Wine, Berry, Violet Vogue 
• Best for: Absolutely everything – they’re your trusted pair.

Pros

• They hold their position during long runs and hot weather, so you won’t waste time constantly pulling them down or adjusting your fit.
• The hidden drawcord lets you tighten the waist discreetly without bulky knots or strings flapping around.
• Breathable, recycled performance fabric which controls sweat but also feels soft and comfortable.

Cons

• The compression level is moderate. They offer enough support for most runs but won’t provide the firm, muscle-hugging compression some athletes prefer for recovery or intense training.

You can purchase these here.

2. Salomon SHKout Core 4” Shorts

I’ve worn the Salomon SHKout Core 4″ Shorts in fartleks and long-distance runs, and they’ve been a solid option overall. The liner stays in place and doesn’t ride up, and the outer fabric is lightweight and dries quickly. I went for the beige, which was probably not the best call – sweat marks start to show after a few kilometres, so I’d definitely go for a darker colour next time.

The waistband is soft and comfortable, and the hidden drawcord and small pockets are useful for storing gels. There’s some extra fabric through the waist where the elastic is stitched in, which adds bulk and makes them less flattering than other pairs I’ve worn. They’re not shorts I’d pick for a super sculpted look, but for day-to-day running, they’re breathable, comfortable, and easy to wear.

Fabric: 100% recycled polyester outer with anti-chafing mesh brief liner
Sizes: XS to XL
Price: £55
Colours: Available in black, brown, olive green, apricot yellow, pink and lilac (one light and one dark shade)
Best for: Everyday training

Pros

• The built-in brief liner stays in place from start to finish, even during longer running sessions
• The outer fabric is breathable and dries quickly, which makes a real difference in warmer weather. It doesn’t cling or feel heavy once you’ve broken a sweat
• The waistband is soft against the skin and feels shaping but still very comfy

Cons

• A bit of extra bulk at the waist from the elastic stitching – doesn’t lie totally flat under tight tops
• Only one small zipped pocket; great for a key or gel, but not big enough for a phone

You can purchase them here.

3. Castore Apex Training Shorts

The Castore Apex Training Shorts feel more like biker shorts than standard running shorts, which is definitely a choice. I wasn’t sure at first because they’re longer than anything I’ve run in before and way more compressive, but surprisingly, they’re really flattering (I mean, really!).

They are incredibly compressive and supportive but don’t feel too restrictive, so they’re more than suitable for longer distances. There’s no tie at the waistband, which could be an issue if they start to loosen, but so far the fit has stayed consistent for me.

The material is somewhat stretchy and holds shape well, with no chafing or sagging, even on longer runs. Only thing to watch out for is the potential camel toe if you pull them too high (nobody wants that!), but aside from that, they’re probably the most shapely, streamlined shorts I’ve run in.

Fabric: 88 % nylon and 12 % elastane interlock (95 gsm), moisture-wicking with Protek™ water resistance
Sizes: XS to 2XL
Price: £48
Colours: Black and light blue
Best for: High-intensity or longer runs

Pros

• Supportive, biker-short fit with real compression that lifts and shapes your waist and tights
• The fabric’s stretchy and doesn’t soak through easily, so it holds up well in light rain
• The zipped back pocket with reflective details is large enough to store keys or cards

Cons

• There’s no internal drawcord so if the waistband starts to loosen after some wear, there’s no quick fix
• It’s a close, thigh-hugging fit — which won’t be everyone’s preference.

You can purchase them here.

4. BAM Enduro Sport Shorts

When I think of bamboo shorts, I don’t automatically think “made for running,” but these surprised me as a decent multi-purpose option. You can’t compare the material to a proper breathable nylon or spandex short (that would be pushing it), but for shorter runs – 5K or so – they do the job. For anything longer or more intense, they’ll start to show the sweat and ride up a little.

That said, they don’t properly ride up, and because they’re fitted, they feel secure and actually quite flattering. The length is a good middle ground too — not as short as a split short, but not a full biker short either. I’d buy them for the eco credentials and if I was planning to mix in gym work or general training as well.

There’s no drawcord or pockets, which can be dealbreakers for some people. Weirdly, probably thanks to the fabric, they don’t feel like they’ll stretch out or go baggy.

Fabric: 64% bamboo viscose, 24% organic cotton, 12% elastane
Sizes: UK 8 to UK 16
Price: £32
Colours: Black, navy blue, or Zephyr print
Best for: Short-distance runs, gym training, or mixed sessions

Pros

• 10 points for sustainability: a rare option made with bamboo and organic cotton that still holds its own on the run.
• The waistband sits flat and smooth, and feels supportive without being restrictive, making these shorts ideal for mixed running/gym sessions

Cons

• It does lack ventilation and breathability, as the fabric’s weight and density make the shorts feel warm in hot weather
• There’s no storage, so not ideal for runs where you need to carry anything

5. Oner Active Unified Double Layer Shorts

These are easily the most flattering double-layer shorts I’ve worn. They fit tighter than your usual shorts, so if you’re in between sizes, it might be worth going up. I got an XS, which is what I normally wear, and while they’re snug, it didn’t bother me while running.

The fabric is super stretchy, which helps, but the inner shorts do ride up a bit -not in an annoying way, but they don’t stay completely put. I’ve done various 10-20km runs in these, and they’ve held up well. They also just look really good on with no bulk effect, which, for this style of short, is quite rare.

There’s two small square-shaped zip pockets on each size that can fit keys or a card, and no waistband drawcord. If you care as much about performance as you do for having a sleek look, these might be the best choice.

Fabric:
Inner: 69% polyamide, 31% elastane
Outer: 90% polyester, 10% elastane
Lining: 90% polyamide, 10% elastane

Sizes: XS to XXL
Price: £48
Colours: Black, dark khaki, cloud blue, red, green, off white, lemon yellow, tropical blue, purple, flame orange, brown, and powdered blue
Best for: Long runs

Pros

• They are way more flattering than most double-layer shorts; they don’t bunch, and they sit properly on the body
• The fabric is very soft and stretchy, so even on sweatier runs, it doesn’t stick to your skin or feel heavy
• There are an impressive 12 different colours to choose from, which is about 10 more than most brands offer (usually swinging between the black and blue)

Cons

• If you prefer looser or more relaxed fits, these won’t be your thing — they’re form-fitting and very huggy
• Side pockets are quite small so storage is limited

You can purchase them here.

See also our review of Shokz’s latest earphones for running and the best trainers for long-distance runners.