Finding the best running shorts is not always so easy! It’s a bit like finding the right running shoes or the right jeans. What works for one runner may not work for another. With that in mind, I am sharing a few of my favorite Summer Running Shorts that pass my sweat test. Because they are different styles, I believe there is something for everyone.
Summer Running Shorts That Pass The Sweat Test
Athleta Printed Mesh Racer Run Short
Ordered these on a whim last year and really liked them. These 4-inch inseam shorts have built in briefs, a back zip pocket as well as an inner pocket. The reflective piping and mesh ventilation make them a great choice for summer. Drawstring waist. The quality is great and they hold up well to laundry washing. Now available in 8 fun color patterns. (4-star rating)
Photo Athleta
These 3.5-inch shorts with a built-in brief are one of my new go to’s for walks and runs. The material is lightweight and the waistband is super comfortable (with a drawstring) hitting right below the belly button. The piping detail is very flattering. (5-star rating) Currently available in 2 colors.
Photo: Athleta
Under Armour Fly By 2.0 running shorts
These insanely popular 3.5-inch shorts are affordably priced under $25 and come in 30 color combinations. They are lightweight, sweat-wicking, and fast-drying. The built-in brief is comfortable. The only drawback is there are no pockets. (4 stars)
photo: Under Armour
I was hesitant to jump on the bike shorts for running trend. However, I have a number of leggings from Belcorva and I love their quality and fit. Have to say, I was immediately in love with how comfortable these compression shorts are. The 5-inch length is nice. They have 4 pockets, a drawstring waist, and come in a variety of colors. They fit like a glove (in a good way). (5 stars) One of my new favorites of the season. (currently on a sitewide 20% off sale)
photo: Belcorva
These 7 inch super compressive shorts are a breeze to run in. With 2 side pockets and a back pocket, there is plenty of room to stash your keys and fuel. A great style if you are prone to chafing while running or prefer a longer short. Available in 3 colors including hot pink.
A reliable short for me every summer. These 4-inch shorts are the high quality and comfort you expect from Lululemon. Super comfortable waistband and waist pocket. Some of my speed-up shorts are 5 years old and they still look new. 6 colors and patterns are currently available. (5-star rating)
photo: Lululemon
Brooks Chaser 5 inch 2 in 1 short
Get the best of both worlds with these 5-inch shorts with a built-in short tight liner. If you prefer a longer inner short with a light weight short on top, these are for you. Available in 2 colors. (5-star review).
[You may also like summer running hats that go the distance]
Deal of the day!
If you like a little bit of a longer short, these Old Navy High Waisted Bermuda Shorts come highly recommended. (The only pair I have not personally tried). They are on a crazy sale starting at $9.99 if you can still find them.
photo: Old Navy
These 8 Summer running shorts have passed my sweat test. Hope you find a few that appeal to you.
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Laura, Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
I’ve been wearing the Brooks chaser shorts this summer and I really like them! I also have 2 pairs of Oiselle compression shorts that are really comfortable but they don’t have any pockets. I’ll need to look into some of these too! I like the ones with all the pockets.
I will have to check out the Brooks shorts thanks. The Belcorvas w the pockets are great
I love the INB biker style shorts–they are long enough to prevent chub rub and have pockets. I’ll have to check out those Belcorva shorts–I hadn’t heard of them!
I love my inkburn tights but have not tried the shorts yet. The Belcorva shorts are a new favorite this year and just ordered another
So many great shorts to choose from! Time for some new ones!
Can’t have too many!
I’m super picky about my running shorts. I hate anything that is longer than 3″ haha. The shorter the better! I love the Lululemon Speed Short 2.5″ and the Run in Rabbit Catch Me If You Can 2.5″. My only complaint is they don’t have pockets that fit your phone. Skirt Sports hit the nail on the head when they made the short shorts with pockets but unfortunately they probably won’t have more of those for a long time, if ever. Sad face.
Yes I do love my skirts w pockets as well. I also tend to like the short shorts. I am loving my new Athleta ones
The bulk of my running shorts are from Old Navy. I’m intrigued with those pretty Belcorva pocket shorts! I’d probably use them for biking, but I bet they would be versatile.
they are my new favorites so comfortable!
I wear Saucony bullet shorts, and when they discontinued them I switched to Tracksmith. Their shorts are amazing, especially the Lane Five ones with pockets!
I have never tried those thanks I will check them out
As someone with a good amount of “junk in the trunk”, I have to wear compression shorts/leggings. I love the ones from Old Navy since they have a picket for my phone. They are also great on the Peloton bike since they don’t rise.
I ordered a pair for the bike looking forward to checking them out
I love the Athleta mesh shorts. I also love the New Balance Impact 3″ shorts, the ON dolphin hem running shorts, and the new All in Motion running shorts from Target. Super light and breezy.
Some of those are new to me I will check them out
I have a few pairs of shorts, but I pretty much never wear them anymore. Pondering whether or not they need to go into the great decluttering. I do like having my assets covered. 🙂
The ones from Lululemon are super cute! I’m also really surprised that the UA ones are so reasonably priced.
I get that! Yes the UA shorts are very reasonably priced
I usually wear really boring black Nike shorts.
I love the look of the Lululemon Speed up shorts. They look comfy and airy.
There’s a Lululemon shop here in Zurich, I’ll have to pass by there sometime next week. Thanks for the reminder, Deborah!
Yes check them out! Life is too short for plain black shorts 🙂
Since I started wearing skirts, I’ve never gone back. In fact, I’ve given them all away.
You do look cute in yours.
My thighs are happy staying hidden.
Ha I am sure you can rock any shorts or skirts 🙂
Belcorva is a new brand to me. I’ve never heard of them! It does look like they have a lot of nice styles – love the pockets! I am in love with my Run With It shorts from Athleta. I was going to get another pair today, and my size is out 🙁 I’ll have to keep stalking their website. I’ve been wearing Senita brand shorts and bras. I like them a lot!
The Athleta shorts are terrific and I think you will like the Belcorva they are so comfy
Such great summer shorts! I need to get some of those Atheta ones- there stuff is my favorite. Happy summer running. 🙂
They do have great shorts!
I am hooked on my SkirtSports shorts with pockets for my phone — for my short runs with Scooby I don’t need anything else. Are those bike shorts padded or just bike length? They look cute!
The bike shorts are not padded yes cute
Thanks for the tip on the Old Navy shorts! That’s a great deal and I managed to snag a pair 🙂
oh fantastic!
I appreciate that these shorts come in good lengths. I still haven’t Lululemon yet. Everyone raves about them. I need to give them a try!
I really like them!
There are so many great options here! I love the Belcorva ones with all the pockets ad the pattern is great too!!!
They are one of my new favorites
I hardly ever wear running shorts anymore. I’m Skirt all the way, though I do occasionally wear adidas. I need those Skirt pockets! I did order a pair I saw on FB the other day because they were cute and had that inner compression short and pockets, but they haven’t arrived yet. Fingers crossed!
I wear both skirts and shorts but I like to mix it up so I am always on the hunt for new gear
I do my runs in the OIselle long rogas but lately have been wearing the pocket joggers for my long runs. I love the pockets!
I used to wear skirts before I wore the long rogas. I still have them but part of me does not want to give them up.
Thank you for linking up with us!
I have heard good things about Oiselle will have to check them out
I am all about shorts with pockets these days! I like the 2 in one shorts from Brooks but I think I might be trading sizes with someone so I haven’t run in them yet. These all look great!
they are a great option if you like a 2 in 1 short
At one point I did wear shorts. I discovered that I love the hidden pockets in skirts and that they cover my thighs you still look good in shorts. So keep it up.
Ha thanks I do love skirts as well but sometimes shorts are more comfortable
Since I bought shorts with 5 pockets a few weeks ago, I’m a big fan of pockets!
I love the Belcorva shorts.
When you say they are Biker shorts – they have no padding, do they?
no they do not have padding they are bike short style 🙂 very comfy
Great recommendations!! I’m still a pretty Loyal Old Navy gal…have had great luck with their running shorts. I have gotten a few pairs of the biking-style shorts…I love the side pockets! I need to revisit the Belcorva site…
You are going to love them!
I pretty much only wear InknBurn shorts. I love all the designs and the pockets for my phone. I do like Athleta and Lululemon. Maybe I’ll give them a try for some solid color shorts. Thanks for the recommendations.
I love the designs on inkburn and have a few tops and leggings. Yes I do think you would be happy with either the Athleta or Lulu style as well
i have a couple pairs of the black Athleta Mesh Racer Run shorts that I wear all the time. Reading this post reminded me that I should get another pair of them. Ha, I’m so boring!
Yes go for a color!
Skirts are still my favorite but I’m gradually adding some shorts into my clothing repertoire. I won a Korsa outfit from Road Runner Sports and I really love the shorts (that’s the RRS brand). I also bought a few pairs from Dick’s Sporting Goods that I like a lot. I like the look of the Brooks shorts that have the under-liner mostly because I really like having pockets built in.
I also love my skirts but most of mine are older and they don’t make them anymore. The Brooks 2 in 1 are great if you like that style. Very comfy
I’m definitely for longer shorts and the ones with pocket look amazing! Need them
they are a great option
I love Athleta gear but also hate that there’s not pockets in the running shorts. Like where am I supposed to put the little things?
Yes some of them have small zipper pocket in the back but for the most part no real pockets. The quality is fabulous though
Your first suggestion of the Athleta Printed Mesh Racer Run Shorts are going to be my next purchase! They sound perfect for me!
I really like them a lot hope you do too
Love these shorts! I was looking for an upgrade and had to come back and check out these options. Going to try a few of them.
Fantastic hope you find a few pairs that you love
Such a cute collection of running shorts, I like that you have a variety listed. Sometimes the shorter ones can lead to chafing after a long run, so a little more fabric is great.
It is nice to have options!
You read my mind – I am in the market for new running shorts so I will check all of these out, thank you!
Great hope you find a few that work for you
This is a helpful post! I have a pair of Oiselle spandex type shorts that I love for race day.
Yes those are great too
These all look like great shorts options! I usually wear leggings even when it’s hot because sometimes my thighs chafe when I wear shorts.
I get way too hot! Have you tried the longer biker style shorts yet?
Cute! I really like the mesh racers from Athleta, the 3″ dolphin hem running shorts from Old Navy, and the new running shorts with pocket from All In Motion, available at Target. I tend to stay away from the bike shorts if I can help it.
The Altheta ones are really comfy I am going to get another pair
These are great. I think I would need the longer ones… The chub rub is strong with this one
The longer ones are a great option as well
adding to my list for next time!
Great thanks
I always like shorts with pockets! My favorite ones are Tracksmith, although those longer Athleta shorts look great for lifting or the bike.
The Athleta ones are a great option and very comfy