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The best running shorts for summer from £28, tested in the heat by GH runners
From cycling to split shorts – and yes, they have pockets
When the humidity is high and the sun is beating down on you, the last thing you want to do is try to squeeze into leggings – you’ll be a sweaty mess before you’ve even left the house. So, if you love jogging outdoors year-round, you’ll need a good pair of running shorts.
Just like choosing the best trainers, picking the right shorts for your weekly 5K can feel like a minefield. With so many styles available, from 2-in-1 designs to cycling shorts, and brands promising everything from sweat-wicking fabrics to chafe-free seams, it can be hard to know what you actually need. And that’s before you even get to the pockets! So, we’ve done the hard work (and miles) for you.
As a team of keen runners here at the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’ve put the shorts through their paces. Plus, we spoke to marathon runner Hannah Walker-Howard, who shared her tips on how to choose the best pair, covering everything from design and material to why those pockets matter so much.
Best running shorts
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How we choose
We first created a long list of the best brands and styles on the market, based on in-depth research and previous sportswear testing at the Good Housekeeping Institute. We considered the key features shoppers look for in the best running shorts and a range of budgets.
Then, we sent each pair out to a member of the GH team while they ran outside over the summer. They tested them on trails, during their weekly park runs, and even on their commutes. As they ran, they took note of whether the shorts kept them cool, how comfortable they felt, how effectively they wicked away sweat, how secure the waistband felt, and whether the shorts stayed in place without riding up or causing chafing.
They also considered pockets (because you need somewhere for your phone and a place to stash your keys) and overall design. These are their winners.
Best Deal
Gymshark Running 2-In-1 Shorts
Gymshark Running 2-In-1 Shorts
“I usually prefer leggings, as I sometimes find shorts a little too revealing, but I loved the look and shape of these. The double-layered design gave me extra reassurance that I wasn’t going to show off too much. The cycling shorts underneath delivered a flattering level of compression, while still feeling comfortable, and the V-shaped waistband didn’t dig in.
“Layered over the top is a pair of loose-fitting shorts for extra coverage. They were lightweight and helped me stay sweat-free, which made them great for running outside in the heat.
“My favourite part was definitely the hidden pocket sewn into the side of the cycling shorts. My phone fits perfectly inside, which is ideal when I want to go on a parkrun and need somewhere secure to stash it.” – Maddie Evans, GHI lifestyle writer
Key specifications
| Sizes | XXS – XXL |
|---|---|
| Colours | Brown, black and blue |
| Fabric | Nylon, Elastane |
| Style | Double-layered shorts |
Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity 6” Running Shorts
Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity 6” Running Shorts
“I knew I was going to like these Sweaty Betty shorts as soon as I slipped them on. With a 6” inseam, they’re the perfect length for me, giving plenty of coverage without feeling too warm. They’re lightweight, while still providing support and compression around the legs and glutes. After running plenty of 5ks in them, I can safely say I remained chafe-free, and they wicked away sweat well, even on the hottest days.
“When I wore them to the gym, particularly for squats, they stayed secure around the waist, thanks to the adjustable drawstring, although they did ride up slightly on the legs. I’ll forgive this minor flaw, though, because they have three pockets, including a zipped one at the back, which was perfect for keys and cards. They also had two-side pockets, which easily housed my phone, gels and earphones – and stayed put throughout.” – Sarah Finley, GHI wellness editor
Key specifications
| Sizes | XXS – XXL |
|---|---|
| Colours | Black |
| Fabric | Polyamide, elastane |
| Style | Cyling shorts |
Lululemon Shake It Out High-Rise Running Short 2.5"
Lululemon Shake It Out High-Rise Running Short 2.5"
“If the cycling short look isn’t for you and you want something a little roomier, these classic running shorts are a great option. They’re available in two lengths – 2.5” and 4” – and I tried the 2.5” version, which were short for me, but I still found they provided me with plenty of coverage. They also feature a lightweight inner lining, which felt comfortable against the skin, kept me cool and prevented chafing.
“The premium-looking shorts are available in a range of colours, including red, blue and citrus. I tested the navy pair, which have a light blue underlining that looked stylish as I did my weekly lunchtime runs around Hyde Park. I would have preferred a larger pocket – the brief liner includes a small one, but it was only big enough to fit keys or a bank card. They also have a drawstring waistband, which helped to keep them secure.” – Megan Geall, GHI senior homes & lifestyle writer
Key specifications
| Sizes | XXS – XL |
|---|---|
| Colours | 12 – including white and pink |
| Fabric | Polyester |
| Style | Double layered |
“I was slightly dubious when I first opened these, as they’re a shorter style than I’d normally choose. But with Harry Styles spotted sauntering around London regularly in his tiny running shorts, I decided to be brave and embrace the (lack of) length. They were easy to pull on, thanks to the stretchy waistband that didn’t dig in or create any bulges. Despite how short they were, the lightweight fabric and streamlined cut helped make them easy to wear.
“I do resent the lack of side pockets, although I know some people prefer a back pocket. There’s a small, zipped pocket in the waistband, but it was only big enough for keys and not my phone. I’ll probably wear these more for pounding the treadmill at my local gym, as I’d like something more modest for my outdoor jogs – after all, what if I bump into Harry?” – Florence Reeves-White, GHI senior beauty writer
Key specifications
| Sizes | XS – XL |
|---|---|
| Colours | Black |
| Fabric | Polyester |
| Style | Split short |
Asics ROAD 2-N-1 3.5IN SHORT
Asics ROAD 2-N-1 3.5IN SHORT
“I found these shorts really comfy, particularly the wide waistband, which felt soft against my skin while still providing plenty of support throughout my run. The pocket design was also well thought out. There’s a handy side pocket that easily fits a phone, plus a small hidden one at the back that’s ideal for keeping keys or a headphone case safe without them bouncing around.
“My main criticism was the inner shorts, which rode up quite easily. If you’re between sizes or prefer a little more room, I recommend sizing up for a comfier fit. That said, the quick-drying fabric was impressively breathable and lightweight. I wore them during a heatwave, and they stayed cool even in high temperatures, making them a great option for warm-weather runs and workouts.” – Ella Duggan, GH household advice writer
Key specifications
| Sizes | XS to XL |
|---|---|
| Colours | 4, including black and light blue |
| Fabric | Polyester and Elastane |
| Style | 3-in-1 shorts |
BAM Enduro Pocket Bike Shorts
BAM Enduro Pocket Bike Shorts
“BAM is renowned for its ultra-soft, stretchy fabrics and these shorts are no exception. The bamboo and cotton blend feels luxuriously soft without compromising on quality. The fabric is quite thick and completely opaque, so there’s no risk of a VPL, and they are fully squat-proof. I did find them a little too warm for running in hotter weather, but they dried quickly and stayed firmly in place as I ran.
“My only gripe? The waistband is a little unforgiving. I found myself wearing them while WFH, too, and at times they would dig in. However, they do have two handy phone-sized pockets and multiple colourways to choose from.” – Amy May Ellis, SEO manager
Key specifications
| Sizes | XS – XXL |
|---|---|
| Colours | Five, including green and blue |
| Fabric | Bamboo, Cotton, Elastane |
| Style | Cycling shorts |
Under Armour Vanish Seamless Women’s 6.5” Shorts
Under Armour Vanish Seamless Women’s 6.5” Shorts
“The seamless, high-waisted design means these shorts hug in all the right places without digging in, and the thick, stretchy fabric felt supportive during runs, cycles and reformer Pilates. I found the gentle compression particularly helpful on longer runs, where my muscles felt well supported, while the four-way stretch meant they never restricted my movement. Although I tested the small size, which was slightly too loose on me, they still stayed in place throughout every workout.
“The downside of the thicker fabric is that these aren’t the coolest shorts to wear in warm weather. On hotter runs, I found they retained more heat than other styles, making them feel a little warm and less breathable. I’d also recommend sizing down if you’re between sizes, as the fit was a little roomier around the waist than expected.” - Melanie Giandzi, GH senior food and drink writer
Key specifications
| Sizes | XS – XL |
|---|---|
| Colours | Pink and black |
| Fabric | Nylon, elastane |
| Style | Cycling shorts |
Helly Hansen Women's HP Short Leggings
“These were perfect for interval running and HIIT classes because they moved with me without riding up. The four-way stretch fabric felt snug from the moment I put them on, while the high waistband gave me extra support. My only complaint was the fact there’s just one side pocket, and it was only big enough for a couple of gels and my keys, so I still needed to wear a hydration backpack for longer runs.
“The flatlock seams meant I completed a 10K in the heat without any chafing. They also have built-in UPF 50+ sun protection – although I still made sure to wear sunscreen. I’d love to see them in more colours, as the navy pair absorbed quite a bit of heat in the sunshine.” – Sarah Finley, GHI wellness editor
Key specifications
| Sizes | XS – XL |
|---|---|
| Colours | Blue and black |
| Fabric | Polyamide and elastane |
| Style | Cycling shorts |
New Balance RC 2-in-1 Short 3”
“The standout feature of this design is the inner cycling short layer, which stayed firmly in place throughout my run and even during squats and lunges, something I’ve really struggled to find in other 2-in-1 shorts. The fabric is thick but stretchy, offering plenty of support without feeling restrictive.
“The fit was perfect for me, they had a supportive waistband and the length provided enough coverage. For running, I liked the handy pocket for my keys, but the fabric did feel a little warm for hot days, although they did dry quickly.” - Lydia Eleftheriou, Ecommerce SEO lead
Key specifications
| Sizes | XS – XXL |
|---|---|
| Colours | Black |
| Fabric | Polyester and spandex |
| Style | 2-in-1 |
How to choose the best women’s running shorts
Marathon runner and co-founder of Bimble & Bolt, Hannah Walker-Howard, talks us through the key factors to consider before buying.
Material: “Rather than absorbing sweat, the right fabric will draw moisture away from your skin and spread it across the surface of the material, where it can evaporate quickly, helping to keep you cool during hot weather runs,” says Hannah. “A high-quality, lightweight nylon blend with good compression is my personal favourite.”
If you’re looking to avoid chafing, Hannah adds: “A smooth, premium nylon fabric will create less friction against the skin than rougher, cheaper materials. Flatlock seams or carefully positioned seams also help reduce pressure points, although the biggest difference usually comes down to the fit rather than seam construction alone.”
Higher-quality fabrics, such as recycled nylon or spandex, also tend to be more durable. “Premium shorts are more likely to keep their shape, maintain their support and look better after repeated washing. Cheaper materials can lose elasticity, become baggy or go see-through over time. That’s where investing in better fabrics really pays off.”
Length: Running shorts come in a range of lengths, so it’s worth considering both your body shape and what type of running you do. Hannah offers this general guide.
- 4” or shorter offers minimal coverage and maximum freedom of movement, but they are more likely to ride up and could cause chafing.
- 6” is a popular length for a lot of runners as it provides a good balance of coverage, comfort and freedom.
- 8” shorts offer extra coverage and are particularly popular with taller runners.
- 10” provides maximum coverage and typically sits just above the knee, providing extra compression and support across the thigh. Because the hem is well below the widest part of the leg, they’re less likely to ride up.
Pockets: For many runners, pockets are non-negotiable. “A well-designed pair of running shorts should let you carry everything you need without needing a running belt or hydration vest,” says Hannah.
“Large side pockets are my preference because they keep your phone or other accessories close to your thigh, which feels much more stable and natural than carrying everything around your waistband. A good rear waistband pocket is perfect for keys or gels, while side pockets should comfortably fit today’s larger phones.”
Sarah is our wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. She can be regularly found on a yoga mat or training for a run, so she knows what to look for when it comes to the best yoga leggings, hydration vests or running trainers. From fitness trackers to the best supplements, she also has extensive experience writing about the latest products and writing detailed honest reviews.
Prior to joining the GHI, Sarah was a freelance journalist for 10 years, specialising in health, fitness and travel for national newspapers and magazine. During her time at Women’s Health, she interviewed celebrities about their fitness routines, for the Telegraph she investigated the health risks of Lime Bikes and visited Thailand to look at the trend of longevity travel - while for the London Standard she wrote about topics including AI powered PTs and smart ice baths.
When she isn’t testing out the latest smart watches, lifting weights at the gym, or hopping on a flight, Sarah can be found running around South London or devouring the latest trending TV show.
