34 Pairs of Running Shorts Marathoners Swear By – Self
34 Pairs of Running Shorts Marathoners Swear By Self
We asked marathon runners to recommend their favorite running shorts that are comfortable, have plenty of pockets, and help reduce chafing.
Photos courtesy of the brands
If you regularly run long distances or train for marathons, you understand the importance of having comfortable apparel that won’t distract you or interfere with the task at hand. Running is a fairly low-cost sport, but there are some essentials worth investing in, especially if you’re spending more than an hour or two a day using them. For me, shorts are at the top of my priority list, right up there with comfortable shoes and a quality sports bra.
Living in Houston, Texas, I train in shorts year-round and sometimes, in brutally hot conditions. If my shorts don’t fit well, I know I can end up dealing with painful chafing, or the annoyance of constantly pulling them down when they ride up.
I found my perfect pair of shorts seven years ago: the Oiselle OG Distance shorts. In addition to fitting me well and not being too short for my liking, they have two zip pockets, which are a must for anyone who’s ever lost their keys on a run (as I have), and for carrying up to four gels on a long run or during a marathon. I keep five pairs of them in heavy rotation during Houston’s ridiculously hot and humid summers (black only, so they won’t turn see-through when I sweat). No lie: I might cry a little if they ever get discontinued. I realize, though, that these shorts only go up to a size 12, so while I love them, they’re unfortunately not going to be a good choice for all runners out there.
Even though I’ve found my perfect pair of running shorts, I know there are many runners still on the hunt for theirs—especially because it’s still harder than it should be to find size-inclusive activewear. Some mass brands are slowly but surely extending their size offerings, and many new and wonderful size-inclusive activewear brands have launched in recent years (check out these 40 plus-size brands our Big Fit Girl columnist, trainer Louise Green, recommends), but we still have a long way to go when it comes to this issue.
For this reason, we gathered running shorts recommendations from a wide variety of professional and recreational runners so that we could include as many options as possible, with the hope that all runners can find something that might work well for them.
Here are 34 running shorts to help get you through your longest training runs and races.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
SuperFit Hero Pocket Shorts, $58
“Not only is SuperFit Hero inclusive of all sizes (they go as high as a 5X or 6X, depending on the product), but these shorts are complementary to my size and exceptionally practical. They don’t chafe, have great functionality, and still allow me to breathe. It feels good to know that I can function as an athlete regardless of what size I’m at and I can still look just as fierce as I feel.” —Latoya Shauntay Snell, runner and Hoka OneOne ambassador in New York City
Available in sizes XS-5XL.
Buy it: $58,
Athleta Running Free Short, $59
“I have a hard time finding shorts that fit my short muscular legs. These don’t ride up, chafe, or expose too much, and they aren’t too big or tight. They are just right!” —Thuyvi Norris, runner in Houston, Texas
Available in sizes XXS-XL.
Buy it: $59,
Janji 2-in-1 Pace Short, $42
“I love the soft liner on these shorts, which also includes a pocket on either leg. I haven’t chafed in them and have worn them in runs up to 100 miles.” —Stefanie Bernosky, runner in Seattle, Washington
Available in sizes XS-XL.
Buy it: $42,
C9 Champion Plus-Size Mid-Rise Knit Layered Shorts, $21
“I like that these have compression shorts underneath the outside short and that they don’t ride up or give me any thigh-rub.” —Jamie Callahan, runner in Fishers, Indiana
Available in sizes 1X-4X.
Buy it: $21,
Nike Tempo Shorts, $30
“These shorts are comfortable to run in, the length is perfect and they provide good coverage.” —Jennifer Montoya, runner in Houston, Texas
Available in sizes XS-2XL.
Buy it: $30,
Oiselle OG Distance Shorts, $48
“These are super comfortable and don’t ride up at all. Plus, they come in tons of fun colors/patterns and have two zippered pockets.” —Shannon Bishop-Green, runner in Washington, D.C.
Available in sizes 2-12.
Buy it: $48,
Old Navy Plus-Size Compression Bermudas, $10
“I love these because they fit larger sizes, the compression is fantastic, and they last pretty long for the price.” —Nikkia Raedawn, plus-size runner, Nuun, ProCompression and Spibelt ambassador in Richmond, Virginia
“These are great because they prevent my thighs from rubbing together when I’m running.” —Cassandra Wilson, runner in Ottawa, Ontario
Available in sizes 1X-4X.
Buy it: $10,
Lululemon Run Times II, $58
“These shorts stay up and they are the perfect length given that I’m 5’9. I’ve run four marathons in them; they are totally my go-to shorts.” —Amy Conner, runner in Weston, Massachusetts
Available in sizes 0-14.
Buy it: $58,
Outdoor Voices Hudson Shorts, $55
“I love that these are a split short with a [wide waistband], a pocket big enough for my phone, and another zippered pocket on the side.” —Danielle Heffernan, Jersey City, New Jersey
Available in sizes XS-XL.
Buy it: $55,
Nike Dri-Fit Flex 2-in-1 Shorts, $40
“I don’t often run in shorts, as it can be problematic with big legs. But this short is great. It has a built-in compression short underneath so it does eliminate some rub. I also like their style—I always just want to look like other athletes and not have some weird kitten print biking short for plus-women (if you know what I mean).” —Louise Green, plus-size trainer, athlete, author of the book Big Fit Girl, and SELF columnist
Available in sizes 1X-3X.
Buy it: $40,
Reebok Cardio High-Rise Shorts, $30
“I love that these tight shorts have a longer inseam, kind of like bike shorts but without the seat cushion. My thighs will rub a hole through my leg if I wear non-compression shorts, even if I put on all the BodyGlide in the world.” —Karen Kittredge, runner in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Available in sizes 2XS-XL.
Buy it: $30,
New Balance Impact 3-inch Short, $45
“I love that these shorts are not so short I feel exposed, and that they have mid rise soft waist, which forgives a little weight fluctuation.” —Kristie Barbee, runner in Houston, Texas
Available in sizes XS-XL.
Buy it: $45,
Janji 3-inch AVR Middle Short, $60
“I like these for easy runs because they’re soft and silky and light.” —Becky Wade, professional marathoner and author of “Run the World: My 3,500-Mile Journey Through Running Cultures Around the Globe”
Available in sizes XS-XL.
Buy it: $60,
C9 Champion Training Shorts, $20
“I’m always in search of good compression shorts longer than 6 inches so that they won’t ride up. Otherwise, I deal with so much chafing. I’m currently loving these, especially since they also have a side pocket.” —Kristin Miller, runner in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Available in sizes XS-XXL.
Buy it: $20,
Lola Getts Hi-Rise Bike Shorts, $60
“These shorts have amazing compression and they do not ride down while you are in motion.” —Olivia Frempong, three-time World Marathon Majors runner, running coach, Zumba instructor, and ambassador for Black Girls RUN!
“Lola Getts is really upping its game in performance apparel. These shorts are high-waisted, stay put while you’re moving, and look beautiful.” —Mirna Valerio, ultramarathoner and author of A Beautiful Work in Progress
Available in sizes 10/12-26/28.
Buy it: $60,
Senita High-Waisted Rio Shorts, $22
“I love the length of these shorts, and the fact that they have pockets. Also, the compression is perfect, the brand is super empowering to women, and they’re affordable.” —Alyssa Jack, runner in Houston, Texas
“I love that these have pockets big enough for my phone and gels. They’re a marathon training game-changer.” —Avanna O’Brien, runner in Houston, Texas
Available in sizes XS-3X.
Buy it: $22,
Nike Elevate Shorts, $40
“These come in lots of colors and I especially like them because they have a back pocket that my large iPhone can squeeze into, as well as a small pocket for keys in front. They have a loose fit and a nice split on the side, so they’re not constricting, and are long enough that I don’t have issues with chafing.” —Carly Gill, runner in Brooklyn, New York
Available in sizes XS-2XL.
Buy it: $40,
Oiselle Kara Shorts, $54
“I designed these shorts for Oiselle because I love wearing short spandex shorts in the summer. These are made from a great breathable fabric that provides good coverage but isn’t heavy, and the cut is short but doesn’t ride up. They are my favorite!” —Kara Goucher, 2008 and 2012 Olympian and Oiselle-sponsored athlete
Available in sizes 2-12.
Buy it: $54,
Old Navy Semi-Fitted Plus-Size Run Shorts, $17
“I love that these shorts are made of quality material and don’t chafe.” —Sandra Mikulic, runner in Kelowna, British Columbia, and Seattle Marathon ambassador
Available in sizes 1X-4X.
Buy it: $17,
ASICS 2.5-inch Sprinter Shorts, $35
“I love that the material of these shorts is light and breathable. They don’t ride up, and aren’t too restrictive in the waist. I don’t notice them at all when I’m running, which is the goal.” —Sara Hall, ASICS-sponsored professional runner
Available in sizes XS-XL.
Buy it: $35,
Old Navy High-Rise Side-Pocket Elevate Compression Shorts, $14-$20
“I hate to spend a ton on running clothes because I like to change it up a lot with colors and prints. I also find that these fit well and don’t ride up, and I love that they have a pocket.” —Katy Mummey, runner in York, Pennsylvania
Available in sizes XS-XXL.
Buy it: $14-$20,
RSports Hope Tri Shorts, $98
“These shorts are very comfortable and designed to meet the specific needs of serious athletes who happen to be plus-sized.” —Mirna Valerio, runner, ultramarathoner and author of A Beautiful Work in Progress
Available in sizes L-6X.
Buy it: $98,
Nike Pro 3-inch Floral Shorts, $35
“I love that these are fitted, come in fun prints, and make me feel fast.” —Brittany Charboneau, Olympic marathon trials qualifier and comedian
Available in sizes XS-2XL.
Buy it: $35,
Athletic Works Plus Size Active Bike Shorts, $18.50 for pack of 2
“I love these shorts because the high waist helps them stay up while I’m running. They’re also very affordable, so I have several pairs.” —America Davis, runner in Reno, Nevada
Available in sizes 0X-4X.
Buy it: $18.50,
Athleta All-In 7-inch Short, $30-$49
“I like that these are high-rise and long enough to be modest, but not overly long. They’re great for women with thick thighs who want zero chafing.” —Melanie Naquin, Austin, Texas
Available in sizes XXS-XL.
Buy it: $30-$49,
Skirt Sports Free Flow Skirt, $74
“I usually don’t like running in shorts due the painful chafing I often experience during long runs, so I love that these skirts have built-in tight shorts underneath, are made of quality material, and help keep my thighs from chafing.” —Sandra Mikulic, runner in Kelowna, British Columbia, and Seattle Marathon ambassador
Available in sizes 1X-3X.
Buy it: $74,
Oiselle Roga Shorts, $56
I prefer the classic length of these shorts. The inseam is angled so that it’s a little bit longer on the inner thigh. The waistband and pockets are comfy and strategically placed.” —Bean Leonard, runner in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Available in sizes 2-14.
Buy it: $56,
Road Runner Sports R-Gear 8-inch Compression Short, $24
“I love these shorts because they don’t ride up, are the perfect length, and have a zip pocket.” —Kalie Spurgas, runner in Cheyenne, Wyoming
Available in sizes XS-XL.
Buy it: $24,
Shebeest La Toile Ultimo Short Plus, $95
“Although these are technically triathlon shorts, they’re great for running because they’re long enough to prevent my thighs from rubbing together. —Cassandra Wilson, runner in Ottawa, Ontario
Available in sizes 1X-3X.
Buy it: $95,
Tracksmith Race Brief, $58
“I love these briefs for racing because they don’t cut into any sensitive areas, there’s absolutely no rubbing anywhere, they’re made of super comfy material, and they don’t ride up too much. Some brief waistbands have a tendency to be too tight and it can be uncomfortable, but the elastic in these is perfect.” —Carissa Galloway, Olympic marathon trials qualifier in Portland, Oregon
Available in sizes XS-L.
Buy it: $58,
Saucony Bullet Tight Short, $55
“These shorts have a side pocket that’s good for a gel or even your phone, and a zipper pocket in the back that I like for my keys. They also come in cute designs and are a good length (not too short like racing shorts, so you don’t feel weird going to the grocery store after your run).” —Molly Huddle, 2012 and 2016 Olympian and American half-marathon and 10K record holder, and Saucony-sponsored athlete
“I like these for workouts and long runs because they’re tight and sleek and make me feel fast.” —Becky Wade, professional marathoner and author of “Run the World: My 3,500-Mile Journey Through Running Cultures Around the Globe”
Available in sizes XS-XL.
Buy it: $55,
Skirt Sports Go Longer Skirt, $37-$74
“My favorite pair of running shorts is actually a skirt with tight shorts underneath. They’re fun, functional, cute, and above all, comfortable.” —Jill Angie, host of the Not Your Average Runner Podcast
Available in sizes XS-XXL.
Buy it: $37-74,
Senita Summit Shorts, $22
“I love that these have pockets that will hold everything, don’t ride up or down, and last for years.” —Heather Carr, runner in Houston, Texas
Available in sizes XS-XL.
Buy it: $22,
Oiselle Long Roga Shorts, $60
“These have a 6-inch inseam and wide waistband, making them great for long legs, or those wanting more coverage. I also love that they have so many pockets.” —Lynn McGrew, runner in Houston, Texas
“I love these because in addition to having pockets, they actually cover the spot where my legs rub together, so I don’t chafe.” —Emily Baum, runner in Tallmadge, Ohio
Available in sizes 2-14.
Buy it: $60,
