The Best Running Shorts

Over my nearly 25 years of running, I’ve worn a lot of running shorts. A LOT! A lot that I didn’t like, but some that rose to the top and have become my favorites that I wear time and time again. The best of the best are all lightweight, super comfortable, don’t ride up or fall down, and a piece of clothing that I don’t get distracted by when running.

The Nike tempo shorts had to of been the first pair of shorts I really loved. I loved them so much I ended up with 4 pairs of them! And they were really great shorts. First and foremost they did not ride up, the liner was comfortable, lightweight, sweat-wicking, but can we say diaper-butt?!?

Thankfully I’ve moved on from these shorts, and I have now found practical, comfortable, and CUTE shorts!

These are my all-time favorite running shorts. Like I said, I’ve tried a lot out there, so these have risen to the top, and they are always the first pairs I pull out to wear.

Oh, and be forewarned, I like my short shorts because let’s be honest, I don’t need a couple extra inches of material to get in my way.

Brooks Greenlight Shorts

This is one of the few pairs of compression-style shorts that don’t ride up so much that cause me to yank on them every 0.25 mile and readjust them. These Brooks Greenlight Shorts have a pocket in the waistband and stay very comfortable over the course of a run.

Lululemon Hotty Hot Shorts

These Lululemon Hotty Hot Shorts are a new purchase last month, and I have already worn them more times than I can count. Not only do I love the bright, fun color, but I also love the waistband, the multiple pockets, and the flattering fit. This is the 2.5 inch version and they also make a 4 inch version as well.

Oiselle KG Shorts

I have purchased more compression-style shorts than I care to admit in order to find a pair that doesn’t ride up so much. These KG Running Shorts by Oiselle have a longer inseam to begin with, so even when they do ride up a little, they are still covering all the essential parts. The drawback to these shorts are the fact they do not have a pocket, which is not necessary but definitely a nice feature. I still love them and wear them all the time.

Oiselle Mac Roga Shorts

I absolutely love the Oiselle Mac Roga Shorts. They are so comfortable, and I love the shorter 1.75 inseam. The one thing I would change on these shorts is to move the zippered pocket on the back right butt cheek to the center of the body. It feels a little odd to be carrying a GU in the pocket and have the right side of my butt feel a little heavier. Otherwise I absolutely love these shorts–the waistband is nice and wide and they do not ride up while running.

Lululemon Speed Shortss

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. . . . .HANDS-DOWN my absolute favorite running shorts. There is nothing about these Lululemon Speed Shorts I do not like. These shorts are pretty similar to the Mac Roga with improvements: the continuous drawstring, so it can’t fall out in the wash; a back, zippered pocket centered on the small of your back; two additional pockets in the front of the waistband, and probably the one feature many other shorts are lacking: the backside of these shorts comes down lower, so if they do ride up, your horizontal butt crack is still covered.

I own three pairs of these shorts and wouldn’t be opposed to buying more.

Happy Saturday and weekend! I’m off to race the 5K and 10K at the Alaska Distance Classic this morning!