We ran hundreds of miles to find the best running shorts for women. There's just one we recommend to all runners

CNN

17-07-2025

The best running shorts for women we tested
Best running shorts for women: Janji 2-Inch AFO Split Shorts Whether you're training for a marathon or your first 5K, what you wear should add to your running experience, not detract from it. After testing the best running shoes for beginners, I discovered that building a running outfit is not as easy as it sounds. Finding comfortable shoes is one thing, but scoring activewear that is functional, affordable and stylish is a tall order.
For ultimate, long-lasting comfort, running in leggings isn't always going to cut it. So, when it comes to women's running shorts, I wanted to find a trusty pair that could withstand many miles and more than one tumble in the washing machine. To do so, I gathered a small group of runners from the CNN Underscored team to test the performance, design and fit of six popular running shorts. The panel consisted of a seasoned marathoner in the Northeast, an experienced runner from New York with one marathon under her belt and one beginner from California. (I'm the beginner, but I do jog weekly around my Los Angeles neighborhood and range anywhere from 1 to 4 miles.)
Three testers, three cities and six running shorts later, we found a winning pair we'd recommend to any runner.
Janji 2-Inch AFO Split Shorts
The Janji AFO Split Shorts made our testers feel comfortable, supported and lightweight on their runs. This pair is short with its 2-inch inseam, but the flowy design offers additional coverage with a built-in liner and slightly longer fabric in the back. The material is breathable, moisture-wicking and flattering, and it has inner pockets plus a built-in clip for keys. The Janji AFO Split Shorts sprinted to the front of the pack with its sweat-wicking material and secure split style. While some design elements sparked debate, the shorts' combined performance, fit and design scores earned them the winning spot in our evaluation.
The AFO Split Shorts have a 2-inch inseam, with slits on each side that do show a lot of leg. I initially thought they'd be too short, and updates writer Ellen McAlpine, a New Yorker who recently ran the New York City Marathon and is already training for her next race, had similar reservations. However, we all found that the split shorts ended up providing decent coverage and made us feel good on our runs. 'They didn't feel like they were blowing everywhere or way too high,' said digital content strategist Madison Yerke, a Boston-based runner who is a seasoned marathoner.
The shorts are cut like a mullet: shorter in the front and a smidge longer in the back. The lining offers additional peace of mind but was the crux of some additional debate between panelists. Yerke and McAlpine both felt the liner was a tad tight on their initial runs. After washing her shorts, though, Yerke noticed the liner felt looser. While the initial fit was tight for the other two testers, I felt just fine. The lining seemed to grow on McAlpine as well. She appreciated how it did not budge while running and dubbed it 'comfortable and not restricting.'
From long strides to quick sprints, I appreciated the flowy cut of the shorts and felt no major bunching or uncomfortable rubbing while I jogged. Another highlight of the AFO Split Shorts is the moisture-wicking fabric, a feature Yerke and I praised in evaluations (and one that helps avoid chafing). After running in the pair on a rainy day, Yerke said, 'They dried super quickly and hardly felt wet throughout the run.'
In terms of storage, there's a pocket to fit your phone tucked away in the back of the lining. In the front, there's another inner pocket with a bungee and clip to hold your keys. 'I love this feature,' McAlpine said. 'I think it's smart and handy, and adds to the overall value. It's the little thing no one really thinks about.'
Yerke did note some struggles with the pockets being able to hold her keys. If you have a bulky pair (guilty!), you'll need more than these inner-lining pockets — maybe even a running belt.
Overall, the Janji AFO rose to the top of our testing pool. From seasoned marathoners to beginners, we found running in this pair felt effortless. They are comfortable and classic shorts that are bound to be in your rotation for a long time.
We researched top running apparel brands and discussed running shorts recommendations with our active editors. We only considered shorts designed with running in mind, though our selections vary in price and inseam length. The one thing they do all have in common, though, is the inclusion of a lining.
Once our research was complete, we laced up our shoes and got to running, taking these shorts on spins in our respective routines. The habits of this testing panel vary mileage-wise. Yerke averages 40 to 50 miles a week and McAlpine runs anywhere between 10 to 15 miles. As the beginner of the cohort, I'm nowhere near their pace or their mileage; I run one to two times a week, focusing more on hitting a movement goal than a specific distance.
By capturing this range of perspectives, we were looking to find something that worked well for everyone. Once we wore our shorts on a run, we washed them to see how well they held up. Any difference in fit or functionality lost the shorts some points.
After exhausting ourselves over many runs, we based our evaluation on the following criteria.
Fit: Our testers represent sizes XS to medium. We noted how the fit and feel of the shorts were on our first run and after the first wash.
Design: The shorts in our testing pool varied in design. We tested split-shorts and those with plain, flowy pockets on the side or tucked away on the waistband. Others had a zipper compartment or no additional storage. The designs that made shorts comfortable to sport but functional to perform in scored high in this category.
Performance: After taking each pair of shorts for a run, our panel described how the pair either enhanced or hindered their performance. As Yerke described in one of her evaluations, shorts you don't notice during your run are a good pair. Our favorite shorts also kept us cool and comfortable on the trail or treadmill. Shorts that felt bulky or that bunched up while running fell behind the pack.
Wash test: After working up a sweat in each pair of running shorts, our testers threw each pair in the wash and laundered them based on manufacturer instructions, then noted any difference in fit or performance. Most shorts held up well, but a few felt looser after the initial wash.
At the end of the day, your running shorts need to work for you. Fit and style will vary, but investing in a quality item means looking for performance and lasting wear.
The length of the shorts you choose is also important. Flowy, split-short designs will feel light when you're speeding away, but they provide less coverage than shorts with a longer inseam. Choose based on your preference and what will keep you most comfortable for miles and miles.
Shorts with built-in storage make your life easier on the go too. Not all pockets are created equal, of course, with some of our testers noted that things flew out of their shorts while testing. But shorts with pockets that kept miscellaneous items secure made runs easier.
When it comes to running in shorts, there's also always the possibility of chafing. As CNN Underscored's resident marathon runner, Yerke spoke about her experience dealing with this discomfort. 'To avoid chafing, make sure to prioritize wearing and running in loose shorts that don't ride up in the thighs,' she said. 'Spandex or tight shorts are fine, as long as they stay comfortably put when you're moving and don't ride up to the point where your thighs are scraping each other and the material.'
Elaina Raponi, a running coach with Team RunRun, echoes this sentiment. 'Ultimately, it comes down to finding what works best for your body through a bit of trial and error,' she said.
Athleta Weekender High-Rise Stripe Run Shorts
The Athleta Weekender High-Rise Run Shorts were praised by our panel for their flattering fit. However, while the high-waisted style made them stand out, our more advanced runners deemed this pair better for athleisure. 'I was obsessed with these the moment I put them on,' McAlpine said. I echoed this sentiment, writing in my notes that these shorts were the most flattering on my body. The lining of the shorts fit comfortably, the waist felt snatched and the 3-inch inseam felt comfortable around my hips.
When it came to running in the shorts, though, the reviews were mixed. While I enjoyed running in the Weekend High-Rise, the fabric of this pair is not as lightweight as others in the testing pool. I was mostly running in an indoor gym with A/C, so this did not bother me as much, but Yerke and McAlpine expressed frustrations with the bulkier fabric during their runs. The lining in the Weekend High-Rise shorts stayed in place across our panel, and we all found this pair one of the most comfortable.
To the seasoned runners, these shorts felt more like athleisure than high-performance workout gear. In the end, the Athleta Weekender High-Rise Stripe Run Shorts ranked second overall. Where it lost points in performance and design, it made up for in the fit category.
Bandit 4-Inch Vento Wave Shorts
The Bandit Vento Wave had an overall strong performance score. Our panelists loved the feel of the fabric and appreciated the functional design. However, the fit was inconsistent, making the Vento fall short in our ranking. Bandit makes some of my favorite compression shorts I've tested, so I was ready to put the Bandit Vento Wave shorts to the test. Yerke praised the length of these Vento shorts with their 4-inch inseam. 'I thought the length and material were perfect,' she said. Not only did the material feel nice but the lighter shorts did not show sweat marks, a major win for annoying running in hotter temperatures.
Where the Vento shorts lost momentum was in the fit. All three testers struggled with a functional aspect of the design. For Yerke, the waist of the shorts was not secure; she had to pause to adjust the drawstring. McAlpine and I had similar experiences with the loose waistband. On my smaller frame and curvier body type, I also did not like where these shorts sat on my hips and waist. In the future, I would consider sizing up.
These inconsistencies in fit did not mean the shorts performed poorly on our runs. All three participants enjoyed jogging or training in them. Still, the fit gave us pause when it came to deciding if we would continue reaching for them.
Nathan Sports Essential Shorts
The Nathan Sport Essential Shorts proved to be a divisive pair for our panel. While we appreciate the breathable fabric and flowy design, the low-waisted and ultra-short fit did not work for two of our panelists. If you're OK with rocking short shorts and prefer a lightweight feel, you'll enjoy getting your steps in with this pair. To put it simply, the Nathan Sports Essential Shorts were a mixed bag for our panel. The 2.5-inch-inseam design is also extremely low-waisted and feels short across the board. While Yerke praised this fit for being breathable and flowy, McAlpine and I had some qualms about it. I've never run in anything this low-rise before, so while I enjoyed the material, the fit took me some time to get used to. Had their performance not felt as great as it did on my run, I wouldn't consider wearing them again. McAlpine felt similarly, stating she felt 'exposed' in the fit. Of course, the lining offers extra comfort and coverage, but there is no denying that these are short shorts.
Concerns on fit aside, these shorts performed well during my run. I appreciated the lightweight feel, something that Yerke raved about in her assessment of theses shorts. 'A good running short is a pair that you don't notice during a long run,' she said, 'and these fit the bill for me when I had almost no notes by the end of my run.'
Yerke's assessment reminds us that high-performance running shorts should be comfortable and functional. McAlpine's and my evaluations of Essential Shorts' fit and design made this pair fall in the ranking, but there is no denying the quality of the lightweight material.
Tracksmith Session Shorts
The Tracksmith Session Shorts include an inner liner, three inner pockets and a drawstring to cinch the waist. Unfortunately, the fit did not work for different reasons across our panel. Each felt the shorts either sat on them weirdly or felt tight in certain places. While fit was a concern, our panel did note their comfort. 'As much as I didn't love the fit, these were comfortable to run in,' McAlpine said. All three testers appreciated the functionality of the Tracksmith Session Shorts but did not love the fit. My first impression of the 3-inch-inseam shorts was that my legs were eating the material; in other words, the flowy fabric was bunching while I was jogging. Since the fabric is lightweight, this didn't cause any discomfort, but it was something I noticed while running.
McAlpine and Yerke also had fit concerns with the Session Shorts. According to McAlpine, the shorts were 'a little too tight and hit in just a strange spot waist-wise,' while Yerke described them as being 'bottom heavy.' Compared to previous iterations of the Session Shorts she owns, Yerke felt a difference while testing, and not in the best way.
All testers validated the Session Shorts for being comfortable, though. The fabric felt soft on my runs, from the liner to the outer fabric, and the material felt almost cooling at times. It's also available in five colors, the yellow being my personal favorite. Aesthetics aside, this thicker fabric proved to cling to our bodies when we sweat. In the end, these Tracksmith shorts were vastly outpaced by our winner (and others made of a lighter material).
Janji 5-Inch Multi Shorts
The Janji Multi Shorts are the longest pair in our testing pool with a 5-inch inseam. If you're thinking they look like gym shorts from middle school, two-thirds of our panel thought the same thing. The longer Multi meant more fabric and some extra bunching on runs. If you're interested in longer shorts that still have a lining, this pair will keep you covered while you're being sporty. The Janji Multi Shorts have a 5-inch inseam, separating them from the other, shorter pairs our panel tested. Yerke noted they are 'surprisingly comfortable,' while I appreciated the small slits on the hem of the shorts, making them feel elevated as well as comfortable.
I love an oversized shirt look, and as someone with thicker thighs, I appreciate the extra length. But with a longer length comes more fabric. This excess fabric was a tad bulky, but it didn't bother me during my runs as much as it did the other testers.
For instance, McAlpine did not enjoy the fit or the performance of this pair. 'The length is just not the vibe,' she said. Yerke echoed this, sharing that she is not the biggest fan of longer shorts to begin with. She admitted that these did not hinder or enhance her performance.
If you're not a fan of long shorts, skip this pair from Janji. If you're in the market for running shorts with extra coverage and don't mind a gym-shorts aesthetic, then you might consider stepping out in the Multi Shorts.
The following FAQs have been answered by Becky Wagner, the general manager of th specialty run store Fleet Feet; running coach Elaina Raponi; and seasoned marathoner Madison Yerke.
Do all women's running shorts have liners?
Do all women's running shorts have liners?
Wagner described two distinct categories for women's running shorts: flowy or split shorts, and compression, biker-shorts style.
According to Wagner, flowy or split-cut shorts typically include a liner that offers additional coverage. Compression or biker shorts are tighter; therefore, they don't include an additional liner.
Can women run in men's running shorts?
Can women run in men's running shorts?
'There really aren't — and shouldn't be — any rules about what you wear to run, as long as it's comfortable and functional for you,' Raponi said. 'It's all about personal preference and what helps you feel your best while moving.'
What is the range of inseam lengths for women's running shorts?
What is the range of inseam lengths for women's running shorts?
Women's running shorts range in length. According to Raponi, inseam lengths vary from 3 to 10 inches. 'The right length depends on what you're looking for: more coverage, greater freedom of movement or help preventing chafing,' she said. 'It's all about what feels most comfortable and functional for your body and your run.'
How can you prevent chafing when running in shorts?
How can you prevent chafing when running in shorts?
'To avoid chafing when running, fit and fabric are key,' Raponi said. 'I look for shorts with moisture-wicking materials and minimal seams. Some runners prefer longer inseams or shorts with built-in liners to reduce friction.'
Raponi and Wagner also shared that anti-chafing balms can help ease discomfort caused by running in shorts. 'The formulas aren't greasy, and one application can usually protect for an entire race,' Wagner said.
What tops can you pair with running shorts?
What tops can you pair with running shorts?
'I always look for a top that is lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking so it doesn't get too uncomfortable,' Yerke said. 'Bonus points for a shirt that fits a bit loose on the skin and sits right past the waistband of the shorts, so it can be tucked in and/or doesn't go too far past the bottom of the shorts.'
If you're interested in a cropped look, Yerke recommends the Tracksmith Turnover Top. 'This top has a built-in bra for extra support, is cropped at just the right length and makes me feel speedy no matter what miles I'm logging that day,' she said.
If you're not feeling a crop top, Yerke's recommendations for a classic T-shirt include the Ciele FSTTShirt and this classic Nike tank.
I asked two CNN Underscored editors to join me in testing the best running shorts for women. Our panel of three included different sizes and running experiences.
Updates writer Ellen McAlpine had completed on marathon and is training for another as we speak. She runs weekly and logs around 10 to 15 miles a week outside of her race training.
Associate testing writer Gareen Puglia is a beginner when it comes to running. While she typically prefers a ballet class, she runs anywhere from 1 to 4 miles weekly.
Digital content strategist Madison Yerke has run over 200 races and averages between 40 and 50 miles per week.
Elaina Raponi, marathon runner and NCCP-certified running coach with TeamRunRun
Becky Wagner, general manager of specialty run store Fleet Feet
Madison Yerke, digital content strategist at CNN Underscored and a runner with over 200 completed races and the 26th American-born Black woman to break three hours in a marathon
CNN Underscored thoroughly tests the products in our testing guides and provides full transparency about how we test them. We have a skilled team of writers and editors who have many years of testing experience and ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item.
Associate testing writer Gareen Puglia enlisted the help of seasoned runners and fellow CNN staffers Madison Yerke and Ellen McAlpine. The panelist put in miles and miles to evaluate six different pairs of running shorts to find the very best.