24-03-2025
The Best Running Shorts for Racing, Training, and Adventures
As a woman runner, I come across the same conundrums as my colleagues, but with the additional problem that shorts tend to ruck up or down around my differently shaped waist and hips. One way of getting around that is with tight shorts, but my favorite are Oiselle's Roga (running-yoga) shorts, which are running shorts with a wide, soft yoga-style waistband. It's semi-fitted, so it's not too revealing, and the 4-inch inseam is modest enough on my 5'2" self. The wide, soft waistband has a zip pocket that's big enough to hold my iPhone 16 immobile against the small of my back while running. There's a liner, so you can wear these commando (although I usually do not) with an interior drawstring to adjust the fit. I particularly like Oiselle's Roga fabric, which is a blend of bluesign-approved polyester and Spandex that's simultaneously light while having enough weight to it to hang properly and not get crinkled up in between your legs. I've worn these for about a year and they've held up—I put them in the washing machine, but I also hang them to air dry. My only caveat is that these are medium-weight shorts and they're worn high, so they're a little heavy for summer weather or racing. —Adrienne So
Tracksmith Session Speed Shorts
I'm not a huge fan of running with my upper thighs on show. But when I want to feel completely free and super light for all-out efforts, I'll sometimes reach for the shortest of short shorts, and when I do, these racy Session Speed Shorts are my go-to.
A speedier—and shorter version—of Tracksmith's excellent Session Shorts, these 3-inch inseam speedsters strip everything back to the almost-bare basics, so you can drive forward, unencumbered in total comfort. (Editor Adrienne So runs in the women's version of these as well.) The high-stretch Italian knit outer is light, loose, and incredibly soft and luxurious. The retro overlapped side splits add a touch of classic style while boosting your range of movement. The comfortable brief-style liners aren't as supportive as you'll get from a two-in-one short, and everything can feel a little bit 'naked.' But your dignity is well protected. I've run scores of track sessions in these without fretting over potential wardrobe malfunctions. Those inner briefs also pack Polygiene antimicrobial powers to ward off unwanted stinks.
I'm also impressed with the storage, which is pretty good for short shorts, too. There's a hidden zippered pocket on the right hip and another small fuel pocket in the liner. It's all a bit unstructured, and anything too heavy tends to bounce around, but if you really need to stash small essentials, it's good to have the option.
