Trying the running shorts on that don’t ride up is like finally clicking with someone after a string of bad dates. That feeling when you’ve found a match that checks all your boxes (be they emotional intelligence or pockets)? Unmatched. But the search can be draining.

To save you some time (and potential heartbreak), I waded through TikTok and Reddit, looking for the most popular running shorts on the internet. Then, I put them to the test for weeks on outdoor runs. My favorite pairs are soft, comfy, and have plenty of pockets—shop them below.

Our top picks

1. Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Classic-Fit Split Short, $78
2. Nike AeroSwift Running Shorts, $80
3. FP Movement Get Your Flirt On Shorts, $40
4. Janji Pace 5" Shorts, $68
5. Lululemon Track That High-Rise Lined Short, $68

Shop the best running shorts

Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Classic-Fit Split Short 3"

Lululemon’s Fast and Free High-Rise Classic-Fit Split Short has received a lot of internet love—and after trying them, I’m on board too. The built-in briefs are by far my favorite feature. With other running shorts, I’ve found that briefs can be too tight at the leg openings and too loose everywhere else. The briefs on these shorts fit like actual underwear and don’t dig into my thighs. They’re made of a mesh material with tiny, breathable holes—a nice touch if you’re doubling up with underwear and could use some extra ventilation.

One thing I’ll call out is that the waistband doesn’t have a lot of give. That paid off when I was running, since they stayed put, but the shorts felt pretty uncomfy after my post-workout burrito. I wouldn’t recommend them for rest day lounging or more dynamic high-impact workouts.

Nike AeroSwift Running Shorts

Based on my research, if there’s one pair of shorts that has completely won over the running community, it’s Nike’s AeroSwift shorts. I feel like every third TikTok I watch gave them a ringing endorsement.

After testing, I get it—they strike the perfect balance between form and function. They have a split tapered hem and lots of micro pleats in the back. When I tried them on, my mind went to how I could style them with an unexpected top (like a button down) to channel photos saved to my Pinterest boards.

Not only do they look good, but they also feel fantastic on. When I ran in them, they didn’t collect sweat, even in the waistband, thanks to their ventilated knit design (featuring the tiniest holes for breathability). The built-in briefs didn’t fit me perfectly, but the shorts are still comfy enough to lounge around in. The fabric is unbelievably light for a barely there feeling during runs.

FP Movement Get Your Flirt On Shorts

These are the cutest shorts I’ve ever laid eyes on—I love the gathering at the waistband and the way they flare out like a skirt. Aside from the bright orange version I tried, they come in a lot of other bold, earth tone, and neutral colors.

While they’re très chic, they aren’t the most functional shorts I tested. They have one side pocket on each hip, but the legs are so wide that my belongings bounced right out once I started running. That being said, the oversized fit is perfect for hot days—you get so much airflow that it almost feels like the shorts’s outer layer isn’t there.

Janji Women’s Pace 5" Shorts

I prefer fitted running shorts—but I despise a tight, restrictive pair. Thankfully, Janji’s Pace Shorts fit the bill. The nylon and spandex material has plenty of stretch to it, with the slightest touch of compression. While some shorts have tighter waistbands and leg openings, to prevent the fabric from rolling up or down, these have an adjustable drawstring waistband and tiny grippy dots that line the inner leg opening. And they work: The shorts didn’t budge at all when I picked up the pace.

The pockets are what really won me over, though. These shorts were the only pair I tested that could hold my phone in a side pocket without falling down (I have an iPhone 14 Pro—she’s heavy). One side has a small clip where you can attach a keychain. Meanwhile, the waistband has an inner pocket and a “pass-thru” compartment that you can loop a shirt through, if you decide to remove a layer.

Lululemon Track That High-Rise Lined Short 3"

Lululemon’s Track That shorts share a lot of similarities with the brand’s Fast and Free shorts. Both are made of the brand’s Swift fabric, which is meant to feel completely weightless. And as with the Fast and Free, the Track That Shorts have comfortable built-in briefs. (I question whether they’re necessary, though, since the cut of the shorts doesn’t really put you at risk of flashing your undies.)

One of my favorite features is the wide waistband, which has three rows of elastic bands, for a secure fit that doesn’t feel too tight. Pocket space is limited, but the one pocket does have a zipper, which eased my worries that my keys would fly out mid-run. I’m five-feet-two-inches tall, so I opted for the three-inch version—but you can go for the five-inch version if you’re tall or like more coverage.

Related:

• The Best Running Leggings Feel Like a Second Skin
• These Running Sunglasses Stay Put and Look Cute Doing It
• Experts and Editors Swear By These Asics Running Shoes

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