Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.7 Best Athletic Running Shorts | 35 Miles and No Chafe Later

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The CRZ YOGA 2-in-1 design is the goldilocks solution for runners who hate separate underwear but still want compression support. The 7-inch outer shell sits cleanly above the knee while the integrated liner provides a second-skin fit that eliminates thigh chafe even on runs longer than 10 miles. At 5’10” and 175 lbs, reviewers report a true-to-size medium with zero ride-up during lunges or sprints.

What sets these apart is the phone pocket embedded within the compression liner — a rare feature that keeps a smartphone locked flat against the thigh without bounce. The outer zippered side pocket handles smaller items like keys or cards. The 86% polyester, 14% spandex blend offers genuine 4-way stretch and rapid drying after a soak in sweat or a swim.

After a full year of weekly wear, reviewers note zero pilling, fading, or elastic breakdown. The hidden drawstring inside the waistband is a clean touch. The only gap: there’s no back pocket for those who prefer rear storage. Overall, this is the most versatile, premium-feeling short at a mid-range price.

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Women’s running shorts often sacrifice either coverage or breathability — the CRZ YOGA Mid Flat Waisted shorts split the difference cleanly. The 3-inch inseam provides enough fabric to feel secure during high-knee drills while the mid-rise flat waistband stays put without digging in. At 5’5″ and 145 lbs, a medium offers a relaxed fit with room to move, though XS or small works for a snugger feel.

The mesh liner inside is breathable and designed to prevent panty lines, a thoughtful detail for those who dislike built-in compression. The side zippered pocket is slim but functional for a phone — though one reviewer noted the pocket could be more generous. The fabric is stretchy without being transparent, and the Palm Green Court color option is an earthy stand-out for spring and summer rotations.

Multiple reviewers say these are “better than Lululemon” and “better than Vuori” for a fraction of the cost. The waistband stays flat during movement and does not roll down on long runs. After washing, the color remains vibrant and the elastic holds its tension. The one consistent criticism is the pocket size could be larger, but for running light — key, phone, card — it works.

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The maamgic 5-inch shorts are built for the runner who hates excess fabric flap. At 5’11” and 167 lbs, a size medium delivers a form-fitting but non-constricting silhouette that moves with you rather than against you. The 86% polyester, 14% spandex fabric feels like a soft, cool cotton but dries three times faster — a critical advantage for morning runs followed by a commute.

The pocket layout is the smartest in this test. The right-side main pocket includes a top zippered compartment that fits a key fob, while the left side has an additional inner stow pocket perfect for a contact lens case or small earbuds case. The back right pocket zips vertically and fits an iPhone fully — no half-hanging tongue. All pockets are seam-secured so contents don’t bounce or sag.

Reviewers at 5’6″ and 170 lbs found the medium fits perfectly despite the size chart suggesting large. The waistband uses a stretch elastic with a quality drawstring that doesn’t twist. The 5.5-inch inseam is slightly longer than standard 5-inch, offering a touch more coverage for those who want a short short without showing too much. The liner-free shell requires separate underwear, but the freedom of movement is exceptional.

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When you need a full rotation of running shorts without chasing five separate packages, the BALENNZ 5-pack delivers. Each pair includes a zippered side pocket large enough for a modern phone plus a high-waisted elastic waistband that stays put during interval work. For a 5’9″, 208 lb reviewer, the fit provided full coverage without riding up — a rare combo in budget multi-packs.

The built-in underwear is wide enough to prevent wedgies and uses a moisture-wicking tech that keeps the fabric lightweight even in humidity. The shorts run slightly baggy, so sizing down one step yields a more athletic fit. The zippered pocket is genuinely secure — no risk of losing a phone during a sprint finish or a trampoline workout.

Fabric holds up well to repeated washing with no pilling or fading across the five color options. The high-waisted design offers extra core coverage for those who prefer not to flash skin at the gym. Reviewers consistently note the versatile utility: running, strength training, lounging, even beach vacations. The only trade-off is the slightly looser cut, which may not appeal to runners wanting a streamlined silhouette.

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NORTHYARD offers a rare trifecta of inseam lengths — 5, 7, and 10 inches — under one SKU, letting you dial in exactly how much thigh you want to show. For shorter athletes at 5’6″, the 5-inch version lands cleanly above the knee, solving the eternal problem of NBA-length shorts swallowing shorter frames. The poly-mesh fabric is aggressively ventilated, making it the best choice for sweltering outdoor runs.

The zippered pocket on the right side is deep enough for a phone but lies flat against the thigh to minimize bounce. At just 5.29 ounces, these are the lightest shorts in this comparison — you barely feel them on. Drawstrings are internal and don’t dangle, and the waistband uses a standard elastic that holds through intense movement.

Comfort is the consistent headline across reviews: “the most comfortable shorts I’ve ever owned for working out and casual wear.” The quick-dry mesh construction means they also double as hiking or beach shorts. Durability is solid for the weight class — no loose threads after repeated wash cycles. The trade-off is a more utilitarian look; these won’t turn heads in the gym but they’ll keep you dry and unencumbered.

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Under Armour’s Tech Vent series is a staple for a reason: it nails the “does everything well” brief. The 7-inch inseam hits just above the knee on a 5’9″ frame, providing enough coverage for the gym or a casual errand run without looking sloppy. The material is Under Armour’s signature HeatGear tech — lightweight, moisture-wicking, and stretchy with a soft hand feel against the skin.

There’s no built-in liner here, which gives you the flexibility to pair with your preferred briefs or compression. The elastic waistband with external drawstring is tried-and-true secure. One reviewer noted the side pockets are almost too big — a phone inserted horizontally can shift sideways mid-stride, creating an uneven silhouette. This is a minor ergonomic miss that power walkers and fast runners may notice.

Durability is impressive: after a year of weekly wear including tennis, kickboxing, and yard work, the fabric shows no shrinkage, wrinkling, or color fade. The 1.4-pound package weight reflects a slightly heavier fabric that feels more substantial than the NORTHYARD mesh. If you want one short that goes from the squat rack to the sofa without changing, this is it.

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Under Armour’s Tech Play Up for women solves two common complaints in one inexpensive package: it has no awkward built-in liner, and it is not too short for real life. The 3-inch loose fit provides full freedom of movement for sprints, squats, and stretches while the longer cut relative to typical running shorts makes them school- and work-appropriate for younger athletes.

The fabric is lightweight enough to hide sweat marks — a hugely appealing feature for anyone self-conscious about pit or back moisture. Side pockets are standard mesh size and work well for a phone or keys. The elastic waistband with a drawstring is straightforward and comfortable across different body types. Multiple reviewers noted ordering multiple pairs after the first fit confirmed true-to-size sizing.

These are not technical compression shorts; they are a classic, free-flowing running short for women who hate restrictive liners. The “loose fit” cut means they breathe extremely well in summer heat. They’re also a great pick for girls who want sporty shorts for school, PE, and after-school activities. If you need serious pocket security or compression support, look elsewhere — but for an affordable, comfortable, everyday running short, this delivers.