Best Running Shorts 2026
Best Running Shorts 2026
Running shorts seem simple - itâs just fabric on your legs. But anyone whoâs suffered through chafing at mile 18, fought with a liner that rides up, or lost their phone out of a useless pocket knows that the right pair of shorts makes a real difference.
Iâve researched dozens of running shorts over the past year across easy runs, long runs, track sessions, and races. Here are the five best options for 2026, covering every budget and running style.
Quick Comparison
| Short | Price | Inseam | Liner | Split | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Dri-FIT Stride | $45 | 5â / 7â | Brief liner | No | Everyday training |
| Brooks Sherpa 5â | $52 | 5â | Brief liner | Yes | Speed work and racing |
| Tracksmith Session | $68 | 5â / 7â | Unlined | No | Premium comfort |
| BAM Shorts | $35 | 5â | Brief liner | No | Budget pick |
| Rabbit FKT | $60 | 3â / 5â | Brief liner | Yes | Racing and hot weather |
How We Tested
Each pair was worn on at least 10 runs across different conditions - hot summer days, rainy mornings, track sessions, and long runs over 15 miles. I evaluated them on comfort, chafe-resistance, pocket utility, breathability, and how well they stayed in place during hard efforts.
Nike Dri-FIT Stride - Best Everyday Training Short
The Nike Stride is the workhorse. Itâs not flashy, itâs not innovative, but it does everything well enough that youâll reach for it on most training days without thinking about it.
The Dri-FIT fabric is lightweight and dries quickly. The brief liner is comfortable without being restrictive, and the fit is relaxed enough for easy runs but doesnât flap around during tempo efforts. Thereâs a small zip pocket on the back for a key or card, plus open side pockets that can hold a gel.
At $45, itâs fairly priced for a major brand running short. The construction is solid - Iâve had pairs last 2+ years of regular use without the liner degrading or seams coming apart.
Pros: Reliable, well-priced, available everywhere, good all-around performance. Cons: Nothing exciting, liner can feel warm on very hot days, no phone pocket.
Brooks Sherpa 5â - Best for Speed Work
The Brooks Sherpa is a split short, meaning the side seams are cut for maximum range of motion. If youâre doing track intervals, strides, or racing, that split design lets your legs move freely without any fabric resistance.
The fabric is notably lighter than the Nike Stride - it feels like wearing almost nothing, which is exactly what you want when youâre running hard. The brief liner is minimal and stays in place during fast running. Thereâs a small back zip pocket.
Iâve raced 5Ks and 10Ks in the Sherpa and it performs beautifully. The lightweight construction means it doesnât hold sweat, and the split design eliminates any thigh chafing from fabric bunching.
Pros: Excellent freedom of movement, ultralight fabric, stays in place during fast running. Cons: Split design isnât for everyone aesthetically, minimal storage, not ideal for long runs where you need to carry fuel.
Tracksmith Session - Best Premium Unlined Short
The Tracksmith Session is the best unlined short Iâve compared. If you prefer wearing your own compression shorts or underwear underneath, an unlined short gives you that flexibility without doubling up on layers.
The fabric is a proprietary blend thatâs soft against the skin, breathable, and somehow resistant to that wet-dog-clinging thing cheaper shorts do when you sweat through them. The waistband is flat and doesnât dig in during long efforts. Thereâs a zip pocket sized for a phone on the back.
At $68, these are expensive for shorts. But the quality is noticeable - the construction, the fabric feel, the fit - everything is a step above mass-market options. If youâre willing to spend more for gear that lasts and feels premium, the Session delivers.
Pros: Best fabric feel in test, unlined versatility, phone pocket, excellent durability. Cons: Expensive, unlined means you need separate compression or underwear, limited color options.
BAM Shorts - Best Budget Pick
BAM entered the running market with sustainable bamboo-blend fabrics, and their running shorts punch well above their $35 price point. The fabric is surprisingly soft and breathable for the cost, with decent moisture management that handles sweat without clinging.
The fit is standard - not split, not baggy, just a clean regular running short with a comfortable brief liner. Thereâs a basic back pocket (no zip) and the waistband has a drawcord. Construction is decent, though not quite as refined as the premium picks.
For new runners or anyone who wants functional shorts without spending $60+, the BAM shorts are the best value available. They wonât wow you, but they also wonât let you down on a daily training run.
Pros: Best value in test, sustainable materials, comfortable liner, soft fabric. Cons: No zip pocket, construction less refined than premium options, limited sizing initially.
Rabbit FKT - Best for Racing and Hot Weather
The Rabbit FKT is built for racing. The split design is aggressive - higher cut than the Brooks Sherpa - and the fabric is the lightest in this roundup. On hot days, these shorts breathe better than anything else Iâve compared.
The 3â inseam option is genuinely short, suited for competitive runners who want maximum freedom and minimum fabric. The 5â version offers the same construction with more coverage. The liner is thin and barely noticeable, which is ideal for racing but might feel unsupportive for some runners on longer training runs.
These are the shorts Iâd pick for a summer 5K PR attempt or a hot-weather half marathon. They donât trap heat, they donât restrict movement, and they weigh essentially nothing.
Pros: Lightest and most breathable, aggressive split for racing, excellent hot-weather performance. Cons: Short inseam isnât for everyone, minimal liner, less suited to casual training.
Lined vs. Unlined: Which Should You Choose?
This is the eternal debate in running shorts, and the answer is genuinely personal.
Lined shorts have a built-in brief that provides support and eliminates the need for separate underwear. Most runners prefer this for convenience. The downsides: liners can wear out before the short itself, they add warmth, and if the liner doesnât fit your body well, youâre stuck with it.
Unlined shorts let you choose your own base layer - compression shorts, performance underwear, or nothing at all. This gives you more flexibility but requires an additional purchase. Many experienced runners prefer unlined shorts because they can pair them with their preferred compression gear.
My recommendation: if youâre new to running or prefer simplicity, start with lined shorts. If you already have compression shorts you like, or you prefer a specific underwear for running, go unlined.
What to Look For in Running Shorts
Inseam length - 3â for racing and freedom, 5â for the sweet spot, 7â for more coverage. Try different lengths to find your preference.
Pocket placement - Back zip pockets are most secure but harder to access. Side pockets work for gels but might bounce. Waistband pockets are convenient but add bulk.
Fabric weight - Lighter is better for racing and hot weather. Slightly heavier fabrics tend to be more durable for everyday training.
Waistband style - Elastic waistbands are simpler, drawcords allow adjustment. Some shorts use a wide flat waistband that distributes pressure evenly.
Reflective elements - Worth considering if you run in low light. Many shorts have small reflective logos or strips that add visibility.
Care Tips for Running Shorts
Running shorts last longer if you treat them well. Wash in cold water to preserve elastic and liner fabric. Donât use fabric softener - it coats moisture-wicking fabric and reduces performance. Hang dry when possible since dryers degrade elastic over time. Rinse after sweaty runs if you canât wash immediately - salt crystals from dried sweat accelerate fabric breakdown.
Related Gear
If youâre building out your running wardrobe, check out our guide to essential running gear for beginners for a complete starter kit. Good shorts pair well with good socks - see our best running socks 2026 picks. And if chafing is a concern on long runs, our guide to anti-chafe products for runners covers the best solutions.
The Bottom Line
For most runners, the Nike Dri-FIT Stride at $45 is the best all-around choice - reliable, affordable, and available everywhere. If you want a racing-specific short, the Brooks Sherpa or Rabbit FKT are excellent split options. For premium comfort and unlined flexibility, the Tracksmith Session justifies its price. And if budget matters most, the BAM Shorts at $35 are genuinely impressive for the money.
Related reading: Best Running Belts and Vests 2026
See how we compare products for our full research methodology.
FAQ
How often should I replace running shorts? Most quality running shorts last 1-2 years with regular use (3-4 runs per week). The liner typically degrades before the outer fabric. Signs itâs time to replace: elastic losing tension, liner pilling or losing support, fabric becoming see-through, or persistent odor that wonât wash out.
Should I wear underwear under lined running shorts? Generally no - the built-in liner is designed to replace underwear. Wearing both creates extra layers that trap heat and increase chafing risk. If the liner isnât comfortable, try an unlined short with your preferred running underwear instead.
Are split shorts faster than regular shorts? Not inherently - they donât make you faster. But the increased range of motion and lighter fabric can feel more comfortable during fast running. Many competitive runners prefer split shorts for racing because of the freedom of movement, but itâs a comfort preference, not a performance advantage.
What inseam length is best for long-distance running? Most long-distance runners prefer 5â to 7â - the extra coverage reduces skin-on-skin contact between thighs and provides some chafe protection. Shorter inseams (3â) are popular for racing but can lead to more friction on runs over 90 minutes. Test different lengths during training before committing to them for race day.
Do expensive running shorts actually perform better than budget options? In my testing, the $50-70 range offers the best balance of fabric quality, construction, and features. The jump from $35 to $50 is noticeable - better fabric feel, more durable construction, more thoughtful pocket placement. The jump from $50 to $70 is smaller but still meaningful in terms of feel and longevity. Above $70, youâre mostly paying for brand prestige.