Best running shorts for women reviewed of 2023
We give our round-up of the best running shorts for women. Prioritising comfort and performance above all else.
Rab Women's Talus Trail Light Shorts
Best for hot weather
www.sportsshoes.com
Rab Women's Talus Trail Light Shorts
www.sportsshoes.com
The lightest pair of running shorts on test by quite a stretch at 77g, the Rab Talus Trail Light Shorts feel heavenly thin and breathable in action. If you’re wearing running shorts, it’s likely fairly warm out (unless you’re one of those annual short wearers), so you want shorts that’ll help keep you cool and comfortable as you run. Enter, the Talus Trail Light.
Shorter than others on test (2.5” inseam), the Talus have an in-built, mesh brief liner for modesty and little side cut-outs for greater freedom of movement. Like many here, there’s a thick and high waistband. Now comes our only gripe, there’s no drawcord for tightening. But since the fit is true to size, we found they still managed to stay up well when running.
When it comes to pocket capacity, Rab hasn't skimped in favour of weight savings. There are two front mesh pockets for stashing stuff on the go, smaller than that of the Dryad shorts, but still adequate. One inner key pouch is the perfect size to prevent bounce, and the large rear zip pocket can just about fit a large smartphone, after a bit of wrestling.
| Weight | 77g |
| Inseam length | 2.5 inches |
| Liner | Yes, briefs, loose |
| Pockets | 2x mesh front, rear zip, inner key pouch |
www.sportsshoes.com
www.sportsshoes.com
The Rab Talus Ultra Shorts have a similar look and build to Rab’s Talus Trail Light Short (see above review), the main difference being that these provide more coverage, yet less pocket capacity.
The Talus Ultras have a 2in1 design, with 4” undershorts which are snug without feeling restrictive, protruding from under the top layer so the 2in1 style is visible. They also cover the upper part of the thighs most prone to chafing. Over the top sits a supremely breathable waffle mesh shell made from Rab’s Matrix Aero stretch fabric.
Though there’s no side phone pocket like with the Montane Twin Skin Shorts, there is a large mesh pouch at the rear that’s accessible via two smaller openings. This means we’re not able to fit our phone inside, but it’s great for easy access to gels and bars. There’s also a small key pouch tucked away inside. Like the Trail Light, a drawstring at the waist would have been appreciated to make the fit more adjustable.
| Weight | 90g |
| Inseam length | 4 inches |
| Liner | Yes, shorts, tight |
| Pockets | x2 rear mesh pouches, inner key pouch |
www.sportsshoes.com
If you love standing out from the crowd and wearing bright and bold colours, then the Ronhill Tech Distance Twin Short is for you. The shorts have a 2in1 design with an extremely ventilated mesh, purple undershorts and an aerated, bright green outer shell with high side-slit. For the cherry on the cake, Ronhill have added a fluorescent yellow rope drawstring to the waistband.
Despite its striking looks, these shorts are made for practicality. They’ve got two large side pockets on each leg which can each fit a phone comfortably, a large zip rear pocket, and multiple front storage loops. The loops are too large for one gel, only feeling secure when two gels are wedged in.
The undershorts have a modest 6” inseam, offering more coverage than most other shorts on test. They also feel very breathable and ventilated when running, with good wicking capacity.
In terms of sizing, a UK8 is true to size, giving a relaxed fit. The Tech Distance shorts are one of a few on test who use primarily recycled materials, so gets a big tick in our books. If you can look past the colourways, then these shorts.
| Weight | 130g |
| Inseam length | 6 inches |
| Liner | Yes, shorts, moderately tight |
| Pockets | x2 side shorts, rear zip |
www.sportsshoes.com