Updated August 2024: We’ve removed one item and added three new picks to our guide from Hoka, Adidas, and Under Armour.<\/em><\/p>\n All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n $85 at REI<\/a> $85 at Backcountry<\/a><\/p>\n Sizing:<\/strong> XS-XL<\/p>\n Pros and Cons<\/strong> ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø\u2019s testers have run in several dozen shorts over the past few years, yet they keep landing on this workhorse as one of the best (it made our list in 2023 as well). \u201cThe fabric and tailoring combine to make a short that is coolly comfortable in fit, performance, and style,\u201d tester Jonathan Beverly said. \u201cThe waistband has the right thickness and amount of stretch to stay put but not squeeze, the fabric drapes and dries nicely, and the liner is soft and airy without any irritating seams.\u201d<\/p>\n Its just-right qualities extend to the pocketing\u2014with one central rear zip and a stealth slot on each back hip\u2014and to moisture management: only when the dew point was above 70 Fahrenheit did the outer layer get saturated enough to cling. Environmental bonus: Recycled polyester makes up 90% of the garment. – Scott Douglas<\/p>\n $38 at REI<\/a> $38 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n Sizing:<\/strong> S-XXL<\/p>\n Pros and Cons<\/strong> Sometimes, simplicity is the best approach. Designed to provide exactly what you need to stay dry and comfortable and nothing more, the Under Armour Launch 5\u201d Shorts deliver high performance without the high price tag. The shorts are made from a stretchy woven polyester fabric over a breathable mesh liner and have vented mesh side panels to allow excess heat to dissipate.<\/p>\n As you might expect from a budget-friendly pair of shorts, they don\u2019t offer the most ergonomic fit designed specifically for runners, trending to the looser side. However, the relaxed fit through the legs with side notches does offer good mobility.<\/p>\n The shorts feature two side hand pockets, one of which includes an elastic mesh holder meant for your phone. We found, however, that It\u2019s not the most secure spot while running and recommend finding a different strategy<\/a> for carrying your phone. Beyond the competitive price point, one of the best features is the the wide choice of colors (seven options!). – Cory Smith<\/p>\n $68 at Hoka<\/a><\/p>\n Sizing:<\/strong> XS-XXL<\/p>\n Pros and Cons<\/strong> If you’re the kind of runner who trains no matter how hot and humid it gets, you need a pair of shorts that are lightweight, breathable, and won’t weigh you down when drenched in sweat. The Hoka Glide 5\u201d short with brief fits this bill perfectly.<\/p>\n The thin stretch-woven polyester\/spandex fabric with a DWR coat is incredibly airy and flexible. A mesh liner enhances the shorts’ breathability while offering a good amount of support. Even during my most humid runs, when I became soaked with sweat, the shorts remained unrestrictive, soft, and comfortable.<\/p>\n The shorts feature a small zippered pocket ideal for securing essentials like keys and money, and a spacious mesh rear pouch, open on both ends and large enough to hold a phone or soft flask. Items in the large mesh pocket, however, tend to bounce around while running. – CS<\/p>\n $130 at Soar<\/a><\/p>\n Sizing:<\/strong> XS-XXL<\/p>\n Pros and Cons<\/strong> These unassuming, light, ventilated offerings are a good option for your core shorts\u2014that pair you grab throughout the year, for all kinds of runs, because you know they\u2019ll be comfortable and functional. During our summer testing, they especially excelled on hard runs when sweat rates were higher, thanks to their polyamide\/elastane blend. The slim, separate waistband keeps everything secure without causing lower-GI-tract distress, which is common when your body has shunted blood from internal organs to the skin to help with cooling.<\/p>\n The 5\u201d inseam strikes a balance between modesty and uninhibited motion. The rear zip pocket is too small for a phone but can simultaneously hold a key, credit card, and gel. – SD<\/p>\n $75\u2013100 at Amazon<\/a> $80 at Adidas<\/a><\/p>\n Sizing:<\/strong> XS-2XL<\/p>\n Pros and Cons<\/strong> There’s something uniquely satisfying about the feel of snug, supportive tights hugging your muscles. The Adidas Control Running Shorts Tight, crafted from a relatively thick blend of 83% polyester and 17% elastane, delivers mild compression to your quads, glutes, and hamstrings, ensuring they stay engaged and protected during even the most intense runs.<\/p>\n Flexible, rubber-like (TPE) strips stretch across the major muscles to add additional support. The result is a tighter, more supportive fit than any other tight we tested. Although you might expect tights to feel restrictive, the material is surprisingly stretchy and flexible, allowing full range of motion. The downside is that they can feel too warm in hot conditions.<\/p>\n Inside the tights, there’s a small fold-over pocket designed for essentials like keys or cards. While functional, the addition of a zippered pocket would have been ideal to ensure the secure storage of important items. -CS<\/p>\nAt a Glance<\/h2>\n
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\n![\"Patagonia](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Patagonia-Strider-Pro-5-Shorts_h.jpg?width=730\")
Best All-Around<\/h2>\n
Patagonia Strider Pro 5\u201d Shorts<\/h3>\n
\n\u2295<\/span> Comfortable fit and fabric
\n\u2295<\/span> Breathability
\n\u2295<\/span> Flattering understated style
\n\u2297<\/span> Some prefer a shorter inseam in high heat and humidity<\/p>\n
\n![\"Under](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Under-Armour-Launch-5-Shorts_h.jpg?width=730\")
Best Value<\/h2>\n
Under Armour Launch 5\u201d Shorts<\/h3>\n
\n\u2295<\/span> Excellent value
\n\u2295<\/span> Comfortable fit
\n\u2297<\/span> No secure zippered pocket<\/p>\n
\n![\"Hoka](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Hoka-Glide-5-shorts_h.jpg?width=730\")
Best for High Heat<\/h2>\n
Hoka Glide 5\u201d Short w\/ Brief<\/h3>\n
\n\u2295<\/span> Extremely lightweight
\n\u2295<\/span> Comfortable liner
\n\u2297<\/span> Phone bounces in back mesh pocket<\/p>\n
\n![\"Soar](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Soar-Run-Shorts_h.jpg?width=730\")
Best Splurge<\/h2>\n
Soar Run Shorts<\/h3>\n
\n\u2295<\/span> Good blend of comfort and performance
\n\u2295<\/span> Suitable for most seasons
\n\u2297<\/span> Pocket too small to hold a phone<\/p>\n
\n![\"Adidas](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Adidas-Control-Running-Shorts-Tight_h.jpg?width=730\")
Best Half Tights<\/h2>\n
Adidas Control Running Shorts Tight<\/h3>\n
\n\u2295<\/span> Supportive fit
\n\u2295<\/span> High-quality material
\n\u2297<\/span> Thick material can run hot<\/p>\n
\n![\"Flylow](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Flylow-Hawk-Shorts_h.jpg?width=730\")
Best Wear-Anywear<\/h2>\n
Flylow Hawk Shorts<\/h3>\n