Unlike most gym shorts, running shorts don't hinder movement. They are cozy and lightweight! Have you ever heard of runner's high? If you have, you know that running or even brisk walking has proven to have some mood-boosting effects. So if you are a woman who is an avid runner or just starting, you may want to invest in a pair of running shorts to make your runs more comfortable.
We want to help you find the best running shorts that are available online. In this article, you will find a buying guide fact-checked by fitness coach Michelle Estuar and our top product recommendations to help you find the perfect match for you as well as narrow down your options as you add things to your cart.
Quick List - Top Running Shorts for Women
Michelle Estuar is the Head Coach of one of the indoor cycling studios in Metro Manila. She trains individuals interested in becoming cycling coaches. She also designs and develops programs to meet fitness goals. To add to that, she is a former triathlete, running coach, and ultra-marathoner, and has completed long-distance events such as a 102km run and a 10km open water swim. Michelle is addicted to anything related to sports and fitness as well as diet and nutrition. She has tried (and will keep on trying) the latest trends in diets, apps, equipment, gears, and accessories—she will do anything to stay fit and healthy.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Here are some key points to consider:
Running is an intense physical activity that requires a lot of movement and mobility. So your running shorts must allow you to have a great range of motion. The length of a pair of running shorts lies in its inseam.
If you have a set of shorts lying around, you can get the inseam length by measuring from the bottom of the shorts up to where it meets the crotch area. Short running shorts are about 3 inches long, while medium ones are around 5 inches long.
Short to medium-length shorts are non-restrictive. These are suitable for long or short-distance runs, as well as sprints. However, if you plan to do off-road runs, long-length shorts that are about 7 inches long will offer you more protection from the sun and debris.
If you are new to the world of fitness and running, it may come as a shock to you that some fitness apparel doesn't require you to wear any undergarments. You can even go commando if the running shorts you purchased already come with lining.
Lined running shorts are more comfortable than unlined shorts. The lining allows additional ventilation and prevents the build-up of sweat. This may prevent chafing and discomfort caused by undergarments, making it ideal for running.
Since comfort is one component to getting the most out of a workout, the type of women's running shorts plays a vital role. That is why in this section, we go in-depth on the different kinds available.
V-notch shorts are often mistaken for split-type running shorts. Their main difference is the cut and style. V-notch shorts have a v-shaped cut on the outer leg seams, while split-type shorts have a higher slit, with some being almost the same length as the waistband.
A higher slit gives more room for your legs to move. That is why both of these shorts are very similar in the range of motion they provide. These are unrestrictive and have a relaxed fit, unlike compression shorts, which some runners prefer.
Avid runners are no strangers to muscle soreness and fatigue. However, there is a way to reduce its occurrence by wearing compression shorts. Compression shorts are snug and fit like a glove. These kinds of shorts offer more muscle support and can aid in muscle recovery.
Compression shorts are warmer and are best in preventing chafing. Research suggests that compression clothing can contribute to the improvement of endurance and overall performance of runners. Studies have shown several benefits in wearing compression clothes, such as the reduction of muscular pain and swelling, as well as injury prevention.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Nike Women's 2-in-1 Running Shorts|CK1005-010 | ![]() | V-Notch Shorts With a Compressed Under-Layer | |
2 | Under Armour Women's Project Rock DC Shorty | ![]() | Made With Super-Light HeatGear® Fabric | |
3 | Lotus Active Wear Lorelei Running Shorts | ![]() | Overlapping Running Shorts in Solid Colors | |
4 | 2XU MCS Run Compression Shorts | ![]() | Compression Shorts With Muscle Containment Stamping | |
5 | Nike Women's Swoosh Run Running Shorts | ![]() | Lightweight and Made With Sustainable Materials | |
6 | Adidas Believe This 2.0 Short Tights | ![]() | High-Rise Short Tights for a Flattering Silhouette | |
7 | Outtobe Running Shorts | ![]() | Mesh Running Shorts With Moisture-Wicking Technology | |
8 | Under Armour Play Up 3.0 Shorts | ![]() | Anti-pill Finish for Extra Durability | |
9 | Lotus Active Wear Sprinter Shorts | ![]() | High-Rise and All-Around Running Shorts | |
10 | Domyos Cardio Training Loose-Fit Shorts|100 Women's Fitness | ![]() | Loose Cut Running Shorts for Maximum Movement |
Nike's Women's 2-in-1 Running Shorts is a modern take on a classic. As the name suggests, this product is a combination of compression and v-notch shorts. These bottoms are soft and lightweight and are great for both beginners and seasoned runners.
These shorts feature Nike's Dri-FIT technology, which is excellent news for those who like to go on long runs. This pair can keep runners sweat-free and leave them feeling comfortable. It also comes with pockets that are large enough to store essentials, such as house keys and cards.
These compression shorts from Under Armour fit like a second skin. It offers the right amount of coverage and support and can withstand even the most intense of exercises. It has an ergonomic flatlock stitch that makes the wearer feel comfortable and go about chafe-free.
The Women's Project Rock DC Shorty also has a four-way stretch construction and features a super-light HeatGear® fabric that can keep runners dry and fresh. These running shorts are also high-rise and come with anti-odor technology.
Lotus Active Wear is a leading local brand that provides affordable and high-quality fitness apparel. So for those looking for 2-in-1 running shorts that are reliable and budget-friendly, the Lorelei Running Shorts may be what you need. It is made from polyester and spandex, offering the right amount of support and comfort for runners of all levels.
It is an overlapping type of running shorts that comes with inner cycling shorts. It is available in solid colors that are easy to match with other gym clothes. It also has pockets large enough to hold valuables, such as a locker key and phone.
2XU's MCS Run Compression Shorts are best for seasoned and trained runners. The 2XU shorts are quick-drying and come with muscle containment stamping or MCS. This traces the quadriceps and removes the load transfer on the knee joint, offering the lower body maximum support during runs.
2XU's products use a durable fabric called PWX, which the sports company made with a blend of lycra and nylon. The shorts also come with a reflective X logo on the thigh that provides visibility in low-light conditions. It even features waistband storage, mesh pockets for gels, and a flatlock finish that helps reduce chafing.
Nike's Women's Swoosh Run is made from 75% recycled polyester fibers. These are perfect for those who are all about living a sustainable lifestyle. But these shorts aren't just good for the environment - they also offer runners a supportive feel. Plus, it features glossy graphics giving off the right amount of streetwear vibe.
These running shorts also feature Nike's Dri-FIT technology that helps keep runners dry and fresh. It also comes with an elastic waistband, a drawstring, and pockets where you can store your valuables as you exercise.
Stay dry, confident, and secure as you work out with Adidas' Believe This 2.0 Short Tights. The seams on these compression shorts hug the body, effectively keeping them in place while also giving the wearer a flattering silhouette.
These Adidas shorts come with moisture-absorbing AEROREADY technology that keeps runners dry as they train for long hours. These bottoms are also versatile and are perfect for all kinds of exercises, from running to HIIT and yoga.
For those looking for a pair of running shorts that they can also use for leisure activities, such as meditation and yoga, Ottobe has the product for you. These affordable 2-in-1 mesh bottoms, made with polyester and spandex, are soft, stretchable, and lightweight.
These shorts are available in both pink and black and are non-see-through. It also comes with moisture-wicking properties, and the elastic waist and drawstring help provide a better fit. The mesh on the shorts also makes them more breathable, which helps prevent any unpleasant odors.
Under Armour's Play Up 3.0 Shorts are the next go-to pair to wear to the gym. These shorts, made from polyester, are lightweight and breathable. It also features a smooth, elastic waistband. It has a looser and fuller cut for complete comfort.
The bottoms are available in five color variations. Each pair comes with a curved hem, giving wearers a more streamlined and flattering silhouette. It also has anti-odor properties and is highly durable with its anti-pill finish, which prevents any tears and abrasions from forming in the fabric.
Show off the body you've worked hard for with Lotus Active Wear's Sprinter Shorts. The all-around running shorts, made from a blend of polyester and elastane, is perfect for indoor and outdoor runs. These are also lined, which helps prevent chafing.
The bottoms fit true to size, are high-rise, and are available in 5 different solid colors- plum blossom, gray, deep dive, orchid, grape kiss, and camo. You can mix and match them with other activewear. Lotus Active Wear's running shorts come with an elasticized waist.
Decathlon is an international sports brand dedicated to providing sports apparel for beginners and professionals alike. That is why their 100 Women's Fitness Cardio Training Loose-Fit Shorts, which has moisture management and opacity, is popular among all kinds of runners.
The Domyos shorts are lightweight and come in a loose fit, which offers as much freedom in movement as possible. This pair is perfect for those who sprint or do long jumps. However, it does come unlined, so wearers would have to wear undershorts.
Running shorts aren't the only kind of fitness apparel that can help you feel comfortable. So take a look at the following articles below about other workout essentials that can help you get the most out of your run!
Author: Hannah G. Caga
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Nike|Women's 2-in-1 Running Shorts|CK1005-010
No. 2: Under Armour|Women's Project Rock DC Shorty
No. 3: Lotus Active Wear|Lorelei Running Shorts
No. 4: 2XU |MCS Run Compression Shorts
No. 5: Nike|Women's Swoosh Run Running Shorts
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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