27 Best Running Shorts

If you are shopping for the best running shorts, the right pair depends on where you run, whether you want a built-in liner, and how many pockets you need. This roundup compares 27 pairs for men and women, drawn from manufacturer listings and specifications, across road, gym and trail styles. For more background, browse our Running Basics section.

Quick picks

• Daily road and gym runs: Naarts Men’s 2 in 1 Running Shorts (see on Amazon)
• Four-pack in mixed colors: Kinglaman Men’s 2 in 1 Shorts (4-Pack) (see on Amazon)
• Unlined trail short for layering: Haimont APEX Men’s 8-inch Trail Shorts (see on Amazon)
• Women’s trail with a liner: Haimont APEX Women’s 4.5-inch Trail Shorts (see on Amazon)

27 Best Running Shorts compared

How we chose

We compared manufacturer listings and specifications on Amazon as of November 2026. We did not test any product by hand; each entry reflects what the listing states about materials, fit, pockets, liners, size and color.

The criteria were the features and specs each listing states. We grouped products by intended use (road and gym, or trail) and by fit for men or women. We noted liners, pockets, inseam where stated and fabric claims, and we left out any spec that looked implausible or contradicted the listing title.

Men’s shorts for road and gym

Lined and unlined options with 5-inch to 10-inch inseams for gym sessions and road runs.

1. Best overall: 2 in 1 with internal liner pocket: Naarts Men’s 2 in 1 Running Shorts

The Naarts 2 in 1 pair combines a stretch compression liner with a lightweight outer layer. The listing describes an upgraded fabric that dries quickly and offers extra durability, plus two deep side pockets and an internal liner pocket. An invisible drawstring sits inside the elastic waistband to adjust grip. Listed in Black, size Large.

Best for: Runners who want one versatile pair with a built-in liner for road and gym sessions.

2. Best four-pack in mixed colors: Kinglaman Men’s 2 in 1 Shorts (4-Pack)

This four-pack combines mesh material with a built-in compression liner. Listing features include quick-dry fabric, a liner phone pocket, two side pockets and a back zipper pocket for cards or cash. The set includes two black pairs, one blue and one gray, all listed in size Large. The listing describes lightweight, breathable material meant to keep you cool.

Best for: Buyers who want several pairs in different colors for a full training rotation.

3. Best for bold colors and patterns: maamgic Men’s 5-inch Gym Running Shorts

This 5-inch 2 in 1 short uses a compression liner that the listing says can reduce chafing compared with traditional athletic shorts. The outer shell is 90% polyester and 10% spandex, with sweat-wicking fabric. An internal drawstring sits in the elastic waistband. The shorts include two deep side pockets and a back zipper pocket. Listed in Totem Gray, size Medium.

Best for: Men who want a patterned or vivid look with a lined, quick-dry short.

4. Best two-pack with dual zip pockets: Gaglg Men’s 5-inch Running Shorts (2-Pack)

The Gaglg two-pack is listed in Black/Green, size Medium. The listing describes a relaxed fit with a rugged cut-off hem, a breathable elastic panel between the sides and inner seams, and premium polyester stitched with double lock systems. Dual concealed zippered pockets hold small essentials, and the waistband includes an invisible drawstring.

Best for: Men who want two relaxed-fit pairs with zippered pockets for small items.

5. Best split-leg range of motion: TENJOY Men’s Running Shorts

The TENJOY short has a split-leg design that the listing says gives greater range of motion. The shell is 92% polyester and 8% spandex, with a liner of 90% polyester and 10% spandex. Two front zippered pockets are listed for a phone, keys and a wallet, and an internal drawcord sits in the elastic waistband. Listed in Navy Blue, size Large.

Best for: Men who want a split-leg cut and front zip pockets for gym or road sessions.

6. Best for sun protection with UPF 50+: NORTHYARD Men’s Athletic Running Shorts

This unlined short is made from 90% polyester and 10% elastane with four-way stretch. The listing describes flatlock seam construction and built-in UPF 50+ protection. It includes two zip side pockets with breathable mesh lining and an adjustable drawstring in a soft elastic waistband. Listed in Black, size Large, with 5-inch, 7-inch and 9-inch inseam options noted in the title.

Best for: Men training outdoors who want built-in UPF 50+ protection in a multi-sport short.

7. Best single-layer with side splits: MIER Men’s 5-inch Running Shorts

The MIER 5-inch short is a single-layer design with micro air mesh spliced in to keep air moving. The listing describes quick-dry treatment, four-way stretch and side splits at the hem. Pockets include two deep slash pockets and one internal drop-in pocket at the waist, plus an inside adjustable drawstring. Listed as Black Without Zipper in size Large, and machine washable.

Best for: Men who prefer a single-layer short with side splits and several pocket options.

8. Best with NB DRY fast-drying tech: New Balance Men’s Sport Short 5-inch

This New Balance 5-inch performance short uses NB DRY fast-drying technology to wick moisture away from the body. The listing describes an elastic waistband with an external drawcord for a customized fit, a built-in brief for comfort and hand pockets for storage. It is presented for life in and out of the gym. Listed in Black, size Medium.

Best for: Men who want a brand-name 5-inch short with fast-drying fabric and a built-in brief.

9. Best three-pack with headphone hole: JWJ Men’s 2 in 1 Running Shorts (3-Pack)

This three-pack has a 100% polyester mesh outer layer and a compression liner that the listing describes as 20% spandex and 80% polyester. The shorts have a 7-inch inseam, a liner pocket for a phone and a headphone hole. The listing says dimensions are measured and advises checking the size chart. Listed in Black, Dark Grey and Light Grey, size Large.

Best for: Men who want a longer 7-inch inseam in three colors, with a phone pocket in the liner.

10. Best 10-inch inseam with hand pockets: BALENNZ Men’s Athletic Shorts

The BALENNZ short has a 10-inch inseam and pockets on both sides for a wallet, smartphone or small accessories. The listing describes a soft, breathable fabric that wicks moisture away from the skin while staying quick-drying. The shorts have an elastic waistband. The listing names Black, Navy, Dark Grey and Light Grey, and lists size Large.

Best for: Men who prefer a longer 10-inch inseam with hand pockets for gym and casual wear.

11. Best four-pocket layout: persimar Men’s 2 in 1 Running Shorts

The persimar three-pack uses a lightweight outer layer over a muscle-support compression liner. The listing describes premium polyester and spandex with a meshed quick-dry material, and a larger mesh leg opening with non-slip detailing. It lists four functional pockets: a zippered back pocket, dual deep side pockets and an inner phone pocket. Listed in size Large.

Best for: Men who want the most pocket options in a lined 5-inch short.

Men’s shorts for trail running

Trail-focused men’s pairs with storage, grip and layering options.

12. Best for stash pockets on trail: adidas Men’s Terrex Multi Light Trail Shorts

This Terrex short is built for trail running or other outdoor use. The listing describes a regular fit that sits between loose and snug, a drawcord on the elastic waist and front pockets plus one back zip pocket for keys, phone and valuables. The product is shown in Black, size Large with a 5-inch inseam.

Best for: Trail runners who want front and back pockets in a regular-fit short.

13. Best for a Fair Trade Certified build: Arc’teryx Norvan Liner Short 7

The Norvan Liner Short 7 is a lightweight, brief-lined 7-inch trail running short. The listing describes it as part of a trail-running system for extended high output in challenging terrain. It names synthetic fibre materials and notes production in a Fair Trade Certified facility. Listed in Black, size Large.

Best for: Trail runners who want a brief-lined 7-inch short and prefer the listed Fair Trade Certified production.

14. Best Dri-FIT trail short from Nike: Nike Men’s Trail Second Sunrise Shorts

The Nike Trail Second Sunrise is a 5-inch brief-lined running short for trails. The listing describes Dri-FIT moisture-wicking support, a cool-feel finish and secure pockets that protect essentials. It is presented as designed for trails and ideal for off-road runs. Listed in Black, size Medium.

Best for: Trail runners who want a brief-lined 5-inch short with Dri-FIT moisture-wicking.

15. Best for abrasion-resistant CORDURA: Haimont APEX Men’s 4-inch Trail Shorts

The Haimont APEX 4-inch short uses lightweight stretch CORDURA fabric that the listing describes as abrasion-resistant. It includes a compression liner with anti-slip leg grippers and a 360-degree waistband storage system for gels, soft flasks, keys and phones. Reflective details are included, and the split-leg construction is listed for unrestricted stride movement. Listed in Orange, X-Large.

Best for: Trail runners who want a lined 4-inch short with CORDURA fabric and waistband storage.

16. Best unlined 8-inch for layering: Haimont APEX Men’s 8-inch Trail Shorts

This unlined 8-inch trail short is designed to pair with your own base layer or compression shorts. The listing describes laser-cut perforations across high-heat zones, integrated waistband storage and a rear zip pocket with trekking pole loops. Seam-reducing construction is mentioned to help limit chafing. Listed in Black, size Large.

Best for: Trail runners who prefer an unlined 8-inch short to wear over their own base layer.

17. Best for a rear pole hanging system: FlipBelt Men’s Trail Compression Shorts

The FlipBelt men’s compression short uses a high-stretch, dense-knit fabric that the listing says stabilizes muscles. A silicone grip at the hem is designed to prevent ride-up, and dual padded zones on the back support a rear pole hanging system for poles, jackets or windbreakers. Flat stitched seams are listed to reduce chafe. Listed in Trail Black, size Medium.

Best for: Trail runners who carry poles or layers and want a grippy compression short.

Women’s shorts for trail running

Trail-oriented women’s shorts with pockets, pole carry and bib options.

18. Women’s trail with YKK phone pocket: Haimont APEX Women’s 4.5-inch Trail Shorts

The Haimont APEX women’s 4.5-inch trail short includes a compression liner with silicone grippers that help keep the liner in place. The listing describes 360-degree waist storage and a rear YKK zip pocket that secures a phone, plus back pole loops. Side splits and laser-perforated front panels are listed for airflow. Listed in Black, size Small.

Best for: Women trail runners who want a lined 4.5-inch short with a secured rear phone pocket.

19. Best for a race bib lanyard: FlipBelt Women’s Trail Compression Shorts

The FlipBelt women’s trail compression short is listed in Armor Green, size Small. The listing describes a full-circle 360-degree waistband that holds a phone, a small water bottle, keys, headphones and energy gels without bounce. It includes a race-ready bib lanyard for attaching numbers without pins, along with a padded rear pole carry system.

Best for: Women trail racers who want a bib lanyard and full-circle waistband storage.

20. Best 3-inch women’s trail short: adidas Women’s Terrex Multi Light Shorts

This adidas women’s Terrex short is a lightweight option for trail running and outdoor use. The listing describes a regular fit, a drawcord on the elastic waist for adjustment and front pockets for small items. It is shown in Black, X-Small with a 3-inch inseam.

Best for: Women trail runners who prefer a 3-inch inseam with a drawcord and front pockets.

Women’s shorts for road and gym

High-waisted and two-in-one women’s shorts for gym, yoga and everyday runs.

21. Best five-pack with four pockets: CE’ CERDR Women’s 2 in 1 Shorts (5-Pack)

This five-pack of high-waisted women’s shorts comes in black, navy, dark grey, light grey and pink. The shell is 95% polyester and 5% spandex, and the inner liner is 75% nylon and 25% spandex. Two zippered outer pockets and two hidden inner pockets are listed, along with a side split hem and a drawstring waistband. Listed in size Medium.

Best for: Women who want five shorts in mixed colors with four pockets each.

22. Best 3-inch double-layer with zip pockets: CRZ YOGA Women’s 2 in 1 Running Shorts

The CRZ YOGA 3-inch short has a high rise and a double-layer design with a built-in spandex short. The listing describes a soft, quick-dry fabric it calls feathery and slightly stretchy, plus anti-slip dots and zip pockets. The listing says the fabric makes no swish-swish sound. Listed in Vita Pink, size Small.

Best for: Women who want a 3-inch high-rise double-layer short with zip pockets.

23. Best with two hidden side pockets: Stelle Women’s 2 in 1 Running Shorts

The Stelle women’s high-waisted short has a two-layer design, with a bottom layer described for compression and chafing protection. Four pockets are listed: two exterior zipper pockets and two hidden pockets built into the sides. A split outer hem and a stretchy elastic waistband complete the fit. The listing describes high-quality polyester. Listed in Black, size Medium.

Best for: Women who want four pockets, including two hidden ones, in a high-waisted short.

24. Best for many activity types: Yevrimow Women’s 2 in 1 Running Shorts

The Yevrimow women’s short has a double-layer design, with an inner layer for support and an outer layer with side slits for movement. The listing describes quick-drying, moisture-wicking material and an elastic waistband with a functional drawstring. Occasions named include yoga, Pilates, swimming, hiking and travel. Listed in Black, size Medium Short.

Best for: Women who want one short for a wide mix of workouts and everyday activities.

25. Best with a left-side zip pocket: CAMPSNAIL Women’s Running Shorts

These CAMPSNAIL high-waisted running shorts have a built-in mesh liner that the listing describes as soft and breathable. The listing describes a wide, elastic waistband, lightweight quick-dry fabric and a zippered pocket on the left side for keys or cards. Listed in 1# Black, size Medium.

Best for: Women who want a high-waisted short with a secure zip pocket and a mesh liner.

26. Best two-pack in Black and Bell Blue: Ultra Performance Women’s Shorts (2-Pack)

This two-pack of women’s workout shorts has a 2 in 1 compression liner and is listed as 90% nylon and 10% spandex. The listing describes a built-in phone pocket, a 3-inch inseam, and sizing from XS to 2X across 10 colors. The pack is listed in Black and Bell Blue, size Medium.

Best for: Women who want two pairs in black and blue with a built-in phone pocket.

27. Best for high-waisted tummy control: THE GYM PEOPLE Women’s Running Shorts

These high-waisted women’s shorts have a double-layer design with a lightweight inner liner and a side-slit outer layer. The listing describes a hidden waistband pocket, a back waistband zipper pocket and a wide elastic waistband that it says provides tummy control. The fabric is listed as 4-way stretch and moisture-wicking. Listed in Black, size Small.

Best for: Women who want a high-waisted short with tummy control and a hidden waistband pocket.

How to choose the best running shorts

When you compare the best running shorts, start with the run you do most. Road and gym sessions usually suit a lighter, more fitted short, while trail runs call for pockets, storage and grip that the listings describe for longer or rougher outings. Read the product type in the listing first, then check the details below.

Liner is the next decision. Some shorts have a built-in compression liner or brief, while others are unlined. Listings such as the Haimont 8-inch and NORTHYARD say they are unlined, which suits runners who prefer to wear their own base layer. Check whether a liner is described as compression or support, since listings use those terms differently.

Pockets matter if you carry a phone, keys or gels. Count the pockets listed, and check whether they are zippered, hidden or on the waistband. Some listings describe specific pocket layouts, while others do not mention pockets at all. If a feature matters to you, confirm it on the listing before you buy.

Inseam and fit come next. Inseam is the length from the crotch to the hem and is often shown in the title. Listings describe fits as regular, relaxed, high-waisted or split-leg. The JWJ listing says to check the size chart and suggests sizing up for a looser fit, so compare your measurements to the chart rather than relying on your usual size.

Fabric and drying claims are common across listings. Most mention polyester, nylon or spandex blends and quick-dry or moisture-wicking treatments. Treat these as manufacturer claims. For general guidance on staying active, see the federal physical activity guidelines, and browse more articles in our Running Basics section.

FAQ

Do I need a shorts liner?

It depends on your preference. Listings show both built-in liners and unlined designs. Unlined shorts such as the NORTHYARD and the Haimont 8-inch suit runners who want to wear their own base layer.

Are trail shorts different from road shorts?

Trail listings in this roundup tend to add pole loops, larger storage zones, grippy hems or reflective details. Road and gym listings focus more on fit, liners and simpler pockets. Compare the listed features rather than the category label alone.

How should I choose a size?

Use the size chart in each listing. The JWJ three-pack listing says the fit can be looser than expected and suggests sizing up if you prefer a looser fit. Check the chart before you order, and see our Running Basics articles for more context.