The best running shorts for summer 2022
You can watch my REELS with all short models from this review in Instagram https://www.instagram.com/annjoyrun/?hl=en
Finding the best running shorts is not easy. I’ll try to help. Since I moved to California, great running shorts its almost my number one priority. For me, pockets are the most important. I wish I would have just one pair of shorts that can be used for trail running, road racing, or track running. In this review, I only included shorts that I own and tested myself and did not include those that I tried ( returned) and tested, and they did not pass the test. I intended to review mainly shorts in which any girl will feel confident everywhere. Therefore, here I have not included many generally good models, but they are too short for my taste for the city running, or they do not have proper pockets. For example, I like some Tracksmith models so much (Allston), but I can’t run in them either in the city or on the trail since they don’t have pockets at all or just small ones. If you have favorite shorts that are not included in the review, then be sure to share.
Outdoor Voices
Snacks 6″ Short
Very comfortable shorts. Incredible pockets; I removed the mini backpack; there are enough pockets to put a soft bottle 0.5, a light jacket, a phone, cards, and keys. Fabric is very compressive, not too thin, tight, and fast drying ( I spilled water on them before running today). The length is perfect.
Zoom 1.5″ Bloomer
Perhaps the only short shorts with just one pocket in this review. Usually, I wear them in the desert. Yes, they have no pockets, except for one for the phone, but they are very comfortable for the heat. They fit great, don’t roll up, and are generally very flattering on any body type. The fabric is thin, but I don’t wear anything under them, probably if you wear underwear under shorts, there may be problems. I am not sure I am ready to wear them in the city, but I decently keep them for running in the heat.
Zoom 8″ Short
They are one of my favorite shorts for everyday runs. I like that the fabric is thin, not very compressive, and they do not squeeze you very much, which is excellent for everyday runs. They only have two side pockets. There is enough volume in pockets to put a phone and a windbreaker or keys.
Lululemon
Cargo Super-High-Rise Hiking Short 8″
https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-shorts/Cargo-SHR-Hiking-Short-8/_/prod11020129?color=56312
This is a new model made for hiking, but the pockets tell us that these shorts will be great for trail running: thick fabric, moderate compression, high waist, pockets, nice colors.
Hotty Hot High-Rise Short 4″ Special Edition
https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-shorts/Hotty-Hot-HR-Short-4-SE/_/prod11020189?color=54247
I’m not a big fan of this type of shorts, as you see, there aren’t many in my reviews primarily due to the lack of pockets. But I liked this model; even if you have a large butt and legs, they will still look very flattering. Super light for a hot day; the only thing is that both fabrics are very thin. The waist is higher than usual, which I like.
Invigorate High-Rise Short 8″
https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-shorts/Invigorate-High-Rise-Short-8/_/prod9820456?color=31382
Invigorate High-Rise Short 6″
https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-shorts/Invigorate-High-Rise-Short-6-MD/_/prod10520816?color=36763
This is my favorite model of recent years. Their fabric is soft; the compression is good but not very tight. The material is slightly thicker than in the Fast and Free model. Pockets of lengths 8 and 10 are deep. Plus, a back pocket for cards. I wear lengths 6 and 8 in summer, and winter length is 10. In length 10, the pockets are more oversized. The model is not always available on the website but can often be found in LIKE NEW section or on the Poshmark. I consider this model the most successful from Lulu during years.
Fast and Free High-Rise Short 8″
https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-shorts/Fast-And-Free-Short-8-MD/_/prod10390295?color=0001
The fabric is thinner than in Invigorate and has less compression. Let’s say it’s for races; they are better, but for the city, I like when the fabric is thicker, then all the bumps on the skin are not visible. The pockets in these shorts are excellent, and you can put your phone, gels, water, and other little things in. Small pockets around the waistband hold gels and other small needs. The only thing is that on the model, at length ten, the deepest pockets for the phone, while at length six, the bigger size phone can jump out, as the fabric is thin, not very compressive, and does not hold the phone tightly to the legs.
Swift Speed High-Rise Short 8″
Excellent model, with two pockets on the sides and one back with a zipper. The fabric is thicker and less soft, more compressive than in Invigorate, does not see-through at all, and the pockets are deep and hold the phone tightly.
Nike
Nike Dri-FIT Epic Luxe Women’s Trail Running Tight Shorts
https://www.nike.com/t/dri-fit-epic-luxe-womens-trail-running-tight-shorts-1DFMvG/DM7573-501
One of the best shorts for trail running. Thick, very compressive fabric, perfect length, tons of pockets. They made new versions with a side pocket with zip, which I think is genius.
District Vision
Maya Half Tights Black
https://www.districtvision.com/products/maya-half-tights-black
These shorts are very different from all the others. Firstly, the shape is fantastic; the brief shape shorts are a must-have for all women. I can’t understand why all brands don’t do the same models; this will avoid many problems for women. Let’s say if I run more than 50 kilometers, I always have to wear briefs under shorts; otherwise, the seams will rub everything. Secondly, the fabric is different from others. It is not so stretchy, which is good on the one hand because it does not squeeze you; on the other hand, it feels like you are in a plastic bag. Plus, shorts need side pockets in addition to a good back pocket. These shorts might fall off the list of ideal shorts as the fabric, shape, and pockets are questionable. I hope they will continue doing them and will add side pockets.
ON Running
Sprinter Shorts
https://www.on-running.com/en-us/products/sprinter-shorts/womens/black
Pretty short, lightweight, thin, and not compressive, these shorts are perfect for holding your phone and running stuff. They do not roll up, and their pockets fit everything you need. I think they may become a summer favorite for many people.
Active Shorts
https://www.on-running.com/en-us/products/active-shorts/womens/black
Probably my favorite shorts. They have excellent side pockets, length, and moderate compression. What I like the most is that they are double shorts. In the city, when it’s cool, I wear them both, and for races, I wear only the bottom part. I think they are perfect for daily runs ending in cafes to mountain races.
Usually, I look for a good length of shorts, not very strong compression, so that they do not particularly squeeze the legs at the bottom of the shorts, pockets for the phone, and small things. The fabric should be thick but not very; the compression is moderate.
What’s on my list to try?
I want to try the Dynafit https://www.dynafit.com/en-us collection of skirts and trail shorts, a skirt from La Sportiva. Overall, I feel there’s much more potential in small brands to create the perfect trail gear. Brooks shorts also got my attention, but I haven’t tried them yet. Previously, Salomon S LAB was very interesting and functional, but now there are no skirts or running shorts on the US website; I hope they will return them. I always try to try when Lululemon releases new models with side pockets for running, some of them are very successful, but for some reason, they do not keep them; I have several shorts that look like Invigorate maybe even better but now they are no longer on website.
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