Running is a great way to stay in shape, burn off stress, and enjoy the joys of competition and achieving personal goals.
Picking the right gear is an important aspect of enjoying your time spent running, as it means you can focus more on achieving your goals and spend less time about being uncomfortable or causing injury.
The right pair of running shorts will not only be lightweight and comfortable but will provide ample support and protection against friction in areas that rub.
After the summary table below, we’ll discuss the key things to look for when buying running shorts, followed by reviews of some of the best products on the market in Australia.
Under Armour Men’s Speedpocket Shorts
These comfortable men’s shorts come without a liner and include a ‘speedpocket’ for storing your most important goods that is both bounce-free and water-resistant.
These shorts combine a lightweight fabric with unrestricted movement thanks to the stretch-woven fabric.
They’re incredibly comfortable and provide great chafe protection on long runs! A secondary zippable pocket can be found in the rear of the shorts.
Pros
- 4-way stretch construction
- Anti-odor technology
- Secure, waterproof pockets for convenient storage
Cons
- No lining
Under Armour Women’s Fly-By Shorts
These shorts are great for running as well as everyday active wear thanks in part to their lightweight design and convenient pockets.
The liner is dark in colour and adds a great deal to the comfort of the design.
They offer plenty of room, accommodating a range of movements, without being too baggy or loose.
The pockets are roomy enough to accommodate small water bottles, keys, and change.
Pros
- Fast drying, sweat-wicking material
- Side pockets
- Flowing design
- Reflective details for night-time visibility
Cons
- Pockets don’t close
Nike Challenger Men’s Running Shorts
The Nike Challengers are a great, understated, technical running short.
Their lightweight and loose design ensure you’ll get the most out of every run, while a breathable liner provides support where you need it.
Pros
- Sweat-wicking fabric
- Breathable liner
- Lightweight
- Flowing Cut
Cons
- No drawstring
- Tight liner
Nike Elevate Women’s Running Shorts
The Nike Elevates are perfect for those who have an athletic build and are looking for a comfortable set of shorts that will accommodate them while they’re on their runs.
Their design ensures that you stay cool and comfortable throughout the run and that you have options to carry essentials in your pockets.
Pros
- Stretchy, sweat-wicking fabric
- Chafe free running
- Comfortable enough for everyday wear
Cons
- Shorter than other options
2XU X-Vent Women’s Running Free Shorts
The X-Vent Running Free is a technical running short designed for women who prioritise freedom of movement.
Breathable and flowing they’ll perfectly match your rhythm as you make your way through your daily routine.
The wicking nature of the material means it will pull sweat away from your skin and keep you cool on even the hottest of days. Perfect for training for your next marathon or just working out at the gym.
Pros
- Technical running short designed to maximise range of movement
- Breathable
- Versatile design
Cons
- No Pockets
- No Drawstring
Running Shorts Buyer’s Guide
What Types Of Running Shorts Are There?
Running shorts come in three main styles: split shorts, v-notch, and compression. Each of these styles is distinguished by the leg-seam, length, and how they fit.
Compression shorts tend to be tight-fitting, warm, support your muscles, and excel at preventing chafing.
V-Notch shorts are among the most popular, taking their name from the v-notch cutout in each of the outer leg seams. This minor adjustment improves range of movement.
Split shorts bear a resemblance to v-notch shorts, but have a looser fit and the v-cutout is at the base of the seam rather than being part of it.
Men’s Vs Women’s Shorts
The most obvious difference is that each style is designed to fit the general confirmation of a specific gender.
Men’s running shorts provide additional support in the groin area to avoid chafing and discomfort, while women’s shorts accommodate the different hips, thighs, and waist of the female body.
Unisex shorts try to split the difference but tend to end up being a ‘worst of both worlds’ solution.
