Best running shorts for women reviewed of 2023

When it comes to feeling most at home in a pair of women's running shorts, the Slipstream Twin Skin Shorts from Montane fill the brief. As the name suggests, the two-part design involves snug-fitting nylon undershorts paired with a thin and breathable, stretch polyester outer shell. 

Unlike others here, the two layers align so that you can’t see the undershorts when on. Instead, they work their magic tucked away from sight. They’re tight enough to feel supportive rather than compressive, and long and secure enough for a large smartphone to sit flush in the leg side pocket. The undershorts stay firmly in place while running and being five inches long, are the perfect length to protect from thigh chafe.  

Travelling up the shorts, there’s a nice and wide (7cm) stretch waistband with drawcord, which hugs the stomach gently. Set within the band is a large rear zip pocket and two smaller side pouches for gels. The shorts are true to size and we like the dual-tone navy colourways.

A great pick for those who prioritise their shorts being lightweight and short, these trail running shorts from Fohn have to be one of our favourite options. They’re relatively simple in style, with a nice and thick, high waistband and drawcord in waffle weave, flowing down into loose shorts with a subtly curved hem. If you do like a certain degree of coverage on the legs though, take a look at the longer options in this test as these shorts have a small 2.5” inseam.  

These and Rab’s shorts we’ve reviewed below would be our top picks for hot weather running. Though Fohn doesn’t disclose the material used, its feels very light and breathable when running, with some nice four-way stretch for added movement and comfort.

Pockets include two side gel pouches and a large rear zip pocket with loop for securing keys, this larger compartment can also fit a smartphone, though the weight of this does cause slight bounce when running. All in all, we love the simplicity and comfort of Fohn’s trail shorts, which obviously has a quality build with its bonded hems and reflective detailing.

Dryad is a community-driven sportswear company based in Wales, with a focus on providing transparency when it comes to the sustainability of their products. That’s evident in Dryad’s Eido women’s running shorts, which are made from 88% recycled polyester. 

The most striking feature of these shorts is the high and thick double-layer waistband, which really hugs the stomach while you run. The band has a mesh overlay, within which there are two large pouches located at the front, for easy stashing of gels and bars. Meanwhile, there’s also two slim gel pouches at the sides and a rear envelope pouch with loop for securing keys or a phone. With no zip pocket, we were nervous to leave our keys inside as we ran, but they remained safe and secure while running. It fits a smartphone like a glove.

Though they’re relatively short with a 3.75” inseam, they’re not skin-tight, which is great as this means some extra ventilation while running. A built-in brief (knicker) liner makes the shorts feel even more secure. Due to the length, these would not be long enough to prevent thigh chafe, but others on this test tick that box well. Our size S fits a UK8 well.

The lightest pair of running shorts on test by quite a stretch at 77g, the Rab Talus Trail Light Shorts feel heavenly thin and breathable in action. If you’re wearing running shorts, it’s likely fairly warm out (unless you’re one of those annual short wearers), so you want shorts that’ll help keep you cool and comfortable as you run. Enter, the Talus Trail Light. 

Shorter than others on test (2.5” inseam), the Talus have an in-built, mesh brief liner for modesty and little side cut-outs for greater freedom of movement. Like many here, there’s a thick and high waistband. Now comes our only gripe, there’s no drawcord for tightening. But since the fit is true to size, we found they still managed to stay up well when running. 

When it comes to pocket capacity, Rab hasn't skimped in favour of weight savings. There are two front mesh pockets for stashing stuff on the go, smaller than that of the Dryad shorts, but still adequate. One inner key pouch is the perfect size to prevent bounce, and the large rear zip pocket can just about fit a large smartphone, after a bit of wrestling.

The Rab Talus Ultra Shorts have a similar look and build to Rab’s Talus Trail Light Short (see above review), the main difference being that these provide more coverage, yet less pocket capacity. 

The Talus Ultras have a 2in1 design, with 4” undershorts which are snug without feeling restrictive, protruding from under the top layer so the 2in1 style is visible. They also cover the upper part of the thighs most prone to chafing. Over the top sits a supremely breathable waffle mesh shell made from Rab’s Matrix Aero stretch fabric. 

Though there’s no side phone pocket like with the Montane Twin Skin Shorts, there is a large mesh pouch at the rear that’s accessible via two smaller openings. This means we’re not able to fit our phone inside, but it’s great for easy access to gels and bars. There’s also a small key pouch tucked away inside. Like the Trail Light, a drawstring at the waist would have been appreciated to make the fit more adjustable.

These On Running Essentials Shorts are a simple pair of workout shorts that perform best over shorter running distances. Though they have a 4” inseam, they feel longer than most on test thanks to the boxy style and generous fit. Other stylistic features include two small side slits for range of movement, with the discreet On logo adding reflective detailing. 

It must be noted that these are not run-specific shorts, so it's no wonder the two pockets are set into front of the shorts and open to the side like a normal pair of trousers, making them not super secure for running.

Although, this isn’t a massive issue if you only need to bring a key, as there’s a handy hidden mesh envelope compartment with loop within one of them for this purpose. We like the look of the Essentials Shorts, the design making them more versatile for other activities, such as walking. 

In terms of sizing, size S fits UK8 well with some room to spare, while a drawstring waist allows for adjustment.

The Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra 3" shorts are a pair of short running shorts made for longer distances, as the name suggests. The 2in1 design includes inner shorts made partly from recycled polyester and a very thin waffle weave outer shell with side slits. A wide and very soft waistband completes the ensemble with an inner drawcord for adjustment. 

In use, though the shorts feel comfy at first, the inner lining isn’t tight enough to sit flush to the legs and the silicone hem doesn’t completely keep them in place. Though we appreciated the lightness of the outer shell, this was diminished somewhat by the thickness of the waistband. Nevertheless, we liked the two front pouches for stashing gels and bars, and the back rear pocket and loop for securing our valuables. Our UK8 felt tighter than others of the same size on test.

If you love standing out from the crowd and wearing bright and bold colours, then the Ronhill Tech Distance Twin Short is for you. The shorts have a 2in1 design with an extremely ventilated mesh, purple undershorts and an aerated, bright green outer shell with high side-slit. For the cherry on the cake, Ronhill have added a fluorescent yellow rope drawstring to the waistband. 

Despite its striking looks, these shorts are made for practicality. They’ve got two large side pockets on each leg which can each fit a phone comfortably, a large zip rear pocket, and multiple front storage loops. The loops are too large for one gel, only feeling secure when two gels are wedged in. 

The undershorts have a modest 6” inseam, offering more coverage than most other shorts on test. They also feel very breathable and ventilated when running, with good wicking capacity. 

In terms of sizing, a UK8 is true to size, giving a relaxed fit. The Tech Distance shorts are one of a few on test who use primarily recycled materials, so gets a big tick in our books. If you can look past the colourways, then these shorts.

The Icebreaker Zoneknit Shorts stand out from the crowd with their use of the naturally breathable and odour-resistant mix of Tencel and merino wool. The jersey-like fabric seems a far cry from the technical polyester and nylon blends used in the other shorts on test. Although it is certainly less stretchy, the fabric manages to remain fairly breathable and cool, partly thanks to the use of Icebreaker’s ‘Cool-Lite’ aerated side panels. 

There’s one side envelope pocket that can fit a couple gels, and one rear zip pocket for small valuables. A drawstring waist allows some adjustability, but these shorts are less flexible in terms of size than others here. The merino brief liner is super gentle against the skin. In terms of sizing, we found them to run a little small, so would recommend sizing up for comfort.