The collection of barely worn shorts and the amount of money I’ve wasted on them is frustrating. It feels as if I’m forever on a quest to find the perfect pair that don’t ride up, chafe or fit like a diaper. Speaking with other women runners I know, I’m not alone in feeling frustrated.
Since how a pair of shorts fit in the dressing room isn’t always a sign of how they’ll perform while running, I dread trying out new run shorts. I hate not realizing until mid-tempo run that they really do ride up!
Since summer has unofficially arrived in the northeast and it is shorts weather, Jess D. and I decided to give you the skinny on some of the shorts we’ve logged miles in. Our initial list was ridiculously long so we cut it down to 8 different pairs and mostly included ones that we find ourselves wearing instead of the ones we will never wear again.
The shorts in our list are in order from shortest to longest. We’ve included the details we think are most important when making purchasing decisions. Lastly, while Jess and I have very different body types it might be helpful to know that we’re both rather petite (ahem under 5’2), so these shorts will most likely fit our long-legged friends a bit differently.
Our star rating guide:
- 1 star = we wish we could get our money back
- 2 stars = not the worst pair of shorts we’ve ever worn, but we only wear them if it’s laundry day
- 3 stars = not bad, not great
- 4 stars = almost perfect, but not quite
- 5 stars = perfect fit, perfect pockets, perfect material
1. Lululemon Speed Short
cost: $54
fit: low rise, loose in the leg
length: 2 1/2 inch inseam
waistband: wide & low rise
number of pockets: 1 back zipper pocket, and 2 waistband pouches
overall ranking: 3.5 stars
running reflections: This used to be my favorite short & something shifted last summer. Now, they are a bit short for my comfort zone & seem to have lost their shape after numerous washes. Still a great option- but I don’t think I would count on them for a long training run in the heat. ~ Jess D.
I wanted to make these shorts work for years because of the cute designs, but the fit just isn’t right for my thighs. Ultimately they are just too short for me and I’ll never be able to wear shorts this short. ~ Jess U.
2. Nike Pro Short
cost: $28
fit: spandex/tight
length: 3 inch inseam
waistband: thick elastic band at the top
number of pockets: 0
overall ranking: 2 stars
running reflections: I know some runners love these shorts- but I am not one of them. They continuously ride up while you are running, resulting in chafing. When you combine that with the lack of pockets, it doesn’t leave too many options aside from a short shakeout or recovery run. ~ Jess D.
There’s no way I could ever, ever pull of this style of short, so I’ll never even try them on. I admire the ladies that can pull them off. 😉 ~ Jess U.
3. Oiselle Women’s Distance Shorts
cost: $44
fit: loose in the leg and true to size
length: 3.25 inch inseam
waistband: stretchy, regular rise
number of pockets: 3- 1 front zip, 1 rear zip, 1 internal key
overall ranking: 4.5 stars
running reflections: I fell in love with these shorts last summer & ordered another pair during marathon training. They don’t move while you’re running, are well equipped for long runs with all their pockets (hence the name Distance short), and they are cheaper than most Lululemon options. They sell out quickly- so stock up! ~ Jess D.
The cut of this short is one that has been proven to work over time and reminds me of a modern, but much better version of the classic Nike Tempo short. These are the only shorts I have to size down in out of all the ones I own. ~ Jess U.
4. New Balance Impact Short
cost: $45.00
fit: mid-rise, loose in the leg and fit a bit big in the waist
length: 3.5 inch inseam
waistband: wide and mid-rise
number of pockets: 1 side/hip zipper pocket
overall rating: 4.5 stars
running reflections: These shorts are super comfortable and don’t ride up but the pockets drive me crazy. Add a real pocket and these shorts would get 5 stars. Because of the lack of pockets I don’t wear them for long runs. ~ Jess U.
5. Brooks Epiphany Short
cost: $42
fit: regular rise, very loose in the legs and run big
length: 3.5 inch inseam
waistband: elastic
number of pockets: 1 internal key pocket
overall ratings: 3 stars
running reflections: These are a good for quick, short runs. The relaxed fit means I’m not self-conscious if I run errands on the way home from the park. These aren’t shorts I’d consider wearing for a long run due to the pockets and looser fit. ~ Jess U.
6. Oiselle Toolbelt Roga
cost: $47
fit: loose in the leg and true to size
length: 4 inch inseam
waistband: wide & low rise
number of pockets: 3 open top pockets & a back zip pocket
overall ranking: 5 stars
running reflections: My new obsession- love these! They have the flattering low rise look, but with a longer leg that makes them ideal for long runs. Oiselle nailed it with the toolbelt design, giving you plenty of places to “pack up” and also cooling side vent panels that are ideal for high (and hot) mileage. ~ Jess D.
7. Nike Rival
cost: $55
fit: low rise, loose in the leg and run a bit big in the waist
length: 4 inch inseam
waistband: wide & low rise
number of pockets: 1 back zipper pocket, 1 back waistband pouch, 1 front waistband pouch
overall ranking: 4 stars
running reflections: The legs on these shorts have just the right amount of material. I can move freely in them, but there isn’t so much material that they bunch up. The lightweight fabric means these will be perfect for the hot summer days ahead. The three pockets mean there’s plenty of places to stash fuel, money and an I.D. during long runs. ~ Jess U.
8. Lululemon Run Times Short 4-way stretch
cost: $54
fit: medium rise, loose in the leg and run true to size
length: 4 inch inseam
waistband: wide & medium rise
number of pockets: 1 back zipper pocket, 2 front waistband pouches
overall rating: 3.5 stars
running reflections: Though these are still my go-to shorts for long runs, the waistband stretches out after just a few wears. If that issue was fixed these would be the perfect run short for me and get upgraded to a 5-star review. The length and width of the legs fits me just right and the lightweight material makes them perfect for summer long runs. ~ Jess U.
If you’d like to see more shorts added to this post, let us know and we’ll keep adding them on!
You know I am ALL about Oiselle shorts and the Toolbelt Roga is my new favorite too!!! I cannot run in shorts without pockets unless it’s a quickie, which it usually never is. This is such a great breakdown – thank you!
Love this review! I also have a drawer full of running shorts that never get worn. I do have a pair of Lululemon shorts I love, but not enough pockets for long distances. Have you tried the Pearl Izumi Ultra Split Running shorts? They have two side pockets that can hold a small hydration bottle and a back zippered pocket. I haven’t tried them with water, but they would also be awesome for holding gu.
I love this post!
I used to LOVE the speed short but I agree 100% that they stretched out and are too short to be that baggy!
I wear Nike spandex for yoga only, no running because they give me a camel toe lol!
Rogas will forever be my favorite!! SO stretchy and flattering. The fact that they are longer in the front/back and shorter on the sides is amazing.
Thanks for this post! I love reading running short reviews and then comparing them to my own experiences. I’m curious to try the Oiselle Toolbelt now. I tend to gravitate toward the 2″ inseam (Oiselle’s Mac Roga my current favorite distance short), but may be willing to give it a try since you gave it such high reviews. Please do a running top post next! I get horrible chaffing on inner arms even on short (~4-5 mile) runs and need good tank recommendations for Summer because it is already 80F where I live and soon to be in the 100s.
Check out the Saucony Speed of Lite shorts. The material is great, and there’s a zipped back pocket. My complaint is that the side pockets are worthless, and I wish they had a waistband pocket like the Impulse (which might be worth a review as well).
I am LOVING the New Balance shorts right now after wearing them for the Savannah Half back in March. I also want to try the Athleta ones that Theodora is raving about these days!
I get serious chub rub chaffing, and I’m wary of any “loose” shorts!!! I run in compression shorts, but you’re absolutely right when you said you can run errands in them etc (Because, let’s be real, my uniform is predominantly running clothes!!!)