Best Trail Running Shorts for Ultimate Comfort & Speed

Finding the perfect pair of trail running shorts can make all the difference in your comfort, performance, and overall experience. Whether you’re hitting the trails for a tempo training session, tackling a marathon, or just enjoying a run through your neighborhood, the right fit, waistband, and length can prevent pinching, chafing, and restriction. A non-pinching waistband ensures you stay comfortable, while a breathable, airy design allows for full stride motion without interfering.

With cargo, minimalist, and ultra-light options available, runners can choose between compression, relaxed, or form-fitting styles, depending on their personal preference and the type of run. Through rigorous in-lab and in-field testing, we’ve evaluated the sleekest and most reliable options, from budget-friendly finds to top-seller models, ensuring a full range of versatility and utility.

Best Trail Running Shorts for Ultimate Comfort & Speed

Our assessment process involved countless hours logged, testing men’s and women’s styles in various outings, from treadmill sessions to intense competition settings. We combed through the market, narrowing down the best options based on scoring, features, and real-world performance. Whether you’re looking for a higher coverage design for long miles or a runner-recommended 2024 model that offers ultimate comfort, our recommendations ensure you’re outfitting yourself with gear that won’t leave you miserable mid-run.

Finding the right pair can be overwhelming, but with our unbiased guide, we’ve made the decision-making process easier, ensuring every runner—from 5K racers to ultramarathon enthusiasts—can discover a compelling purchase that suits their budget and needs.

 The Best Running Shorts

• Best Overall: Tracksmith Session Shorts
• Best Budget: Baleaf Quick-Dry Athletic Shorts
• Best for Trail Running: REI Co-op Swiftland 7-Inch Running Shorts
• Best Two-In-One: Hoka Skyglide Trail Shorts
• Most Breathable: Janji AFO Middle Shorts

REI Co-op Swiftland 

The REI Co-op Swiftland shorts are a runner’s dream, designed for those who demand high-tech features and superior comfort on the trail. These lightweight, 5-inch shorts offer a smooth, soft fabric that prevents chafing while keeping you cool and comfortable in various weather conditions. The gridded mesh pattern enhances breathability and moisture management, ensuring a dry feel even during warm runs. A wide, 3-inch waistband sits securely on the hips, minimizing movement and providing a snug fit. These high-scoring shorts include a rear pocket to keep items like a phone securely stashed, making them a popular choice for distance and trail runs.

Features

• Material: A rugged, 27-percent spandex blend for exceptional durability, compared to the 10-15-percent in other models.
• Liner: A soft, bike-tight style liner that prevents chafing and offers full coverage.
• Fit: A generous-but-not-sloppy cut, balancing a tight yet comfortable fit.
• Storage: A functional, zippered pocket, though slightly small for modern smartphones, offering minimalist storage options.
• Versatility: Works well for long-distance runs, thanks to its four-way stretch that moves without impeding your range of motion.
• Durability: Withstands washes without stretching or fading, making it a top pick for season-round use.

Racksmith Van Cortlandt Grand

The Tracksmith Van Cortlandt Grand shorts are a collegiate-inspired favorite among runners who love retro designs with modern performance. These four-inch shorts provide a super soft, breathable mesh material with perforation, ensuring airflow during sweaty runs. The anti-microbial liner helps prevent chafing on the inner thigh, making them ideal for sprint sessions and long-haul trails. The smooth, stretchy waistband stays in place without bunching or causing binding, while the reinforcements at the base of the legs prevent the shorts from riding up.

Features

• Material: Soft, breathable mesh with perforation for comfort and airflow.
• Fit: A next-to-skin compression feel for muscle support without constriction.
• Inseam: Mid-range 4.5-inch inseam, with a 9-inch length option for men’s styles.
• Pockets: Roomy pockets with a tiny rear pocket for smaller items like keys, supplements, and essentials.
• Waistband: Smooth, non-binding waistband to prevent riding up during sprints or trails.
• Durability: Built for practice sessions and race days, balancing comfort and support.

Janji AFO Middle Shorts

The Janji AFO Middle Shorts are a fan-favorite for a reason—they are lightweight, breathable, and consistently updated to improve performance. The recent update features a mid-range length, with 5 inches for men and 3 inches for women, making them ideal for crushing daily mileage. The airy, four-way stretch shell prioritizes breathability and dries fast, keeping runners cool and comfortable. The integrated brief is highly wicking, though some runners prefer to cut it out for even more airflow. With the women’s pair weighing just over three ounces, these are among the lightest running shorts available.

Features

• Fabric: 4-way AirFlatOut (AFO) woven for a light, airy feel with superior sweat-wicking and drying time.
• Seams: Bonded inner seams for a clean finish that helps reduce chafing.
• Storage: Zippered back pocket holds a phone, while an internal front pocket includes a key-loop bungee that also works as a locker loop.
• Waistband: Perforated knit waistband with an internal drawcord for a secure yet comfortable fit.
• Design: Signature blue reflective logo on the front and a watermark on the back for better visibility in low light.
• Impact: Janji donates 2% of proceeds to nonprofit organizations working on clean-water projects worldwide. Each season, they collaborate with local artists from a featured country to create original prints and graphics.

The ciele athletics DLYShort Long Brief Shorts

The Ciele Athletics DLYShort Long Brief Shorts are a quintessential running short for those who need just-right coverage and reliable comfort on daily runs or long distances. Made with fully recycled materials, the lightweight, breathable woven fabric keeps things breezy and cool, while the mechanical stretch ensures effortless movement. The inner liner is designed to reduce chafing, and the high, soft waistband stays in place without causing stomach cramping. Whether you’re out for a 5-inch run or pushing towards the finish line, these shorts are built to move confidently and wick sweat with HeiQ Smart Temp® technology, keeping you dry and fresh.

Features

• Material: 95% polyester, 5% elastane, with a lining of 78% nylon, 22% elastane for a 4-way stretch face that glides smoothly.
• Pockets: Three secure pockets, including a zippered back pocket for storing a car key and an extra cargo pocket for stashing gels, a card, or a phone.
• Comfort: Elastic waistband that locks in place without shifting, ensuring a reliable fit.
• Performance: COOLmatic PLUS™ brief, treated with HeiQ Fresh® for odor control and accelerated wicking.
• Durability: PFC-free DWR coating for water resistance and a million miles guarantee, ensuring these shorts last.
• Design: Reverse stitched seams for a no-chafe experience and reflective detailing for night visibility.
• Weight: 155 grams, making them light and comfortable for any run.
• Care: Machine washable for easy maintenance.

HOKA Skyglide Trail Shorts 

• For those who love the thrill of hitting the trails, the HOKA Skyglide Trail Shorts offer the perfect balance of comfort, performance, and functionality. Designed to go the last mile, these 2-in-1 shorts combine a woven shell with a supportive inner lining, ensuring a secure fit while you move. Whether you’re tackling steep inclines or cruising on flat paths, the ultra-stretchy, moisture-wicking, and lightweight fabric allows for optimal mobility and freedom of movement. Inspired by ultra-endurance athletes, these shorts provide an exceptionally fast feel, with a waistband that stays in place and ensures zero distractions. A running belt design and multiple pockets add to the on-trail functionality, making it easy to stash your nutrition, keys, or cards. The durable and water-repellent treatment keeps you cool and dry, even in unpredictable weather.

Features

• Crafted with ultralight woven fabric, the HOKA Skyglide Trail Shorts feature a DWR finish, making them water repellent and capable of handling wet conditions. The inner shorts prevent chafing and irritation, keeping you comfortable throughout your run. The breathable mesh liner and ventilation ensure that built-up heat escapes, allowing for continuous airflow.
• The KBTEX waistband delivers a personalized fit, while drop-in thigh pockets, a hidden storage pocket, and a rear pass-through pocket offer ample space for your essentials. Made from high-performance, sustainable, and eco-friendly materials, these shorts boast a mix of recycled polyester, nylon, spandex, and elastane for strength, elasticity, and quick-drying properties. Whether you’re seeking seamless movement or innovative design, these shorts check all the boxes for a top-tier trail running experience.

Running Shorts Features

• Inseams: 8-10 inches for men, 4-8 inches for women
• Coverage: Beneficial for trails, sun protection, and modest cut
• Shorter, compression-style shorts for speed, workouts, race day, and fast runs
• Thigh support to prevent rubbing and discomfort
• Interior liners, built-in briefs, compression underwear for a chafe-free, comfortable experience
• Workout wardrobe simplification with integrated boxers
• Saxx BallPark Pouch, Hightail designs for extra support
• Pockets, zipper compartments, hidden pouches to stash key, cash, wallet, phone, fuel, and random treasures
• Breathable, sweat-wicking, odor-neutralizing fabric for comfort
• 2-in-1 modular outer, standard brief-lined liner for extra storage and adjustment
• Waistband adjustment to prevent riding and discomfort over long periods of time
• Lightweight fabric, inseam flap for freedom of movement
• Choosing the right model, length, and construction based on needs
• Manufacturer guide for selecting the best size
• Forget constricting, stay-in-place designs for muscle support

Conclusion

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Finding the best trail running shorts is all about balancing comfort, performance, and practicality. With the right inseam length, breathable fabric, built-in liners, and storage options, you can focus on your run without distractions. Whether you prefer compression-style shorts for speed or longer inseams for sun protection and modest coverage, there’s an option that fits your needs. Look for features like moisture-wicking material, odor-neutralizing fabric, and adjustable waistbands to ensure maximum comfort. Investing in high-quality running shorts can make a significant difference in your performance and overall experience on the trails.

FAQs

1. What is the best inseam length for trail running shorts?

The ideal inseam length depends on personal preference and needs. Men’s shorts typically range from 8-10 inches, while women’s shorts range from 4-8 inches. Longer inseams provide more coverage and protection, while shorter ones allow for greater freedom of movement.

2. Should I choose compression-style shorts or regular running shorts?

Compression-style shorts are great for speed workouts, race days, and fast runs, offering muscle support and reduced chafing. Regular running shorts with a built-in liner or briefs provide comfort and versatility for everyday training and longer distances.

3. What features help prevent chafing during long runs?

Look for shorts with built-in liners, moisture-wicking fabric, and seamless construction. Brands like Saxx BallPark Pouch and Hightail offer designs that minimize rubbing and discomfort for a chafe-free experience.

4. Are pockets necessary in running shorts?

Pockets are useful for carrying essentials like keys, cash, phone, fuel, and other small items. Some shorts feature zipper compartments, hidden pouches, and stash pockets to keep your items secure without affecting movement.

5. How do I choose the right size and fit?

Always check the manufacturer’s guide for sizing recommendations. A well-fitted waistband prevents riding and discomfort over long periods, and choosing the right inseam length ensures optimal performance and comfort.