The wrong running shorts will chafe you raw by mile two, and no amount of body glide fixes a pair that doesn't fit. These five picks cover every runner — from 3-inch racing cuts to 5-inch coverage shorts — starting under $25.
| Photo |
Top Pick
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Versatile
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Budget
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Best Value
|
Best for Reliability
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product | CRZ YOGA Dolphin Athletic Shorts for Women 3" | THE GYM PEOPLE Womens High Waisted Running Shorts | baleaf Women's 5" Workout Shorts with Liner | Soothfeel Women's 5" Running Shorts No Liner | G Gradual Women's Running Shorts 3" with Mesh Liner |
| Liner | ✓ | Yes — mesh liner | Yes — moisture-wicking briefs | ✗ | Yes — mesh liner |
| Waist | High waisted | High waisted | High waisted | High waisted | Mid waisted |
| Inseam | 3 inches | 3 inches | 5 inches | 5 inches | 3 inches |
| Pockets | Yes — zip pocket | Yes — zipper pocket | Yes — 4 pockets including 2 zip | Yes — 2 zip side pockets | Yes — phone pocket in liner |
| Buy Now | Check Price → | Check Price → | Check Price → | Check Price → | Check Price → |
Quick Tips
Size up one if you're between sizes — running shorts ride up when they're too snug across the hip.Test for liner chafe on your first short run before committing to a long one — some mesh liners irritate by mile 4.Zipper pockets are worth paying for — flat open pockets bounce your phone and kill your focus mid-run.Wash new shorts before you race in them — fabric softens after one wash and reduces initial friction on longer efforts.
CRZ YOGA Dolphin Athletic Shorts for Women 3"
Best for Reliability
CRZ YOGA Dolphin Athletic Shorts for Women 3"
What we like
- Featherweight fabric feels genuinely absent during faster efforts — you forget you're wearing shorts.
- High waistband sits flat without digging in, even during longer tempo runs.
- Side dolphin hem allows full hip extension without fabric pulling or restricting stride.
- Zip pocket sits flush against the hip and holds a full-size phone without bounce.
What we don't
- 3-inch inseam exposes most of the thigh — not the right pick if you prefer more coverage.
- Liner runs slightly snug for curvier builds; sizing up is often necessary.
- Color selection is limited compared to longer-inseam alternatives from the same brand.
If you run fast or run hot, less fabric is the answer — and the CRZ YOGA Dolphin delivers a barely-there feel that holds up through intervals and recovery runs alike. The liner stays in place, the zip pocket doesn't bounce, and the dolphin hem gives your hips room to drive without restriction.
This is the pick for road runners and treadmill regulars who want performance-grade shorts without a performance-grade price. If you need 5-inch coverage or run trails where brush contact is an issue, look at the baleaf option instead.
THE GYM PEOPLE Womens High Waisted Running Shorts
Best for high-waisted coverage and tummy control
THE GYM PEOPLE Womens High Waisted Running Shorts
Best for high-waisted coverage and tummy control
What we like
- Wide elastic waistband provides genuine tummy control without rolling down mid-run.
- Mesh liner is breathable and doesn't cause friction on runs up to 10K distance.
- 4-way stretch fabric moves naturally with the body and doesn't stiffen after washing.
- One of the most color-available options on the market — available in 20+ colors and prints.
What we don't
- Outer layer doesn't have zipper pockets — the single zip is on the liner waistband only.
- Runs small; most reviewers recommend ordering one size up from your usual.
- Mesh liner may not be sufficient for runners prone to chafing on longer distances.
The GYM PEOPLE shorts earn their bestseller status on a simple promise: a wide, secure waistband that doesn't budge when you break into a run. The high-rise fit gives you stomach coverage without compression so tight it restricts breathing, and the mesh liner keeps things in place on shorter efforts.
This is the right call for gym runners and casual 5K-distance athletes who want a reliable, affordable everyday pair with maximum color options. Runners logging longer miles or requiring a more substantial liner should look at the baleaf or CRZ YOGA picks.
baleaf Women's 5" Workout Shorts with Liner
Best Value
baleaf Women's 5" Workout Shorts with Liner
What we like
- 5-inch inseam prevents inner thigh chafe on runs over 10K without feeling like compression shorts.
- Built-in moisture-wicking briefs are cut to fit without causing liner friction on longer distances.
- Four-pocket configuration — two zip side pockets, one back zip, one waistband drop-in — handles everything from a key to a full phone.
- Knit waistband with internal drawcord gives a custom, stay-put fit across a wide range of body types.
What we don't
- 5-inch inseam feels longer than expected for runners used to the 3-inch standard — check your preference before ordering.
- Slightly heavier fabric than the CRZ YOGA pick; not the best choice for racing or maximum-heat conditions.
- Drawcord can bunch under the waistband if tied too tight.
If you've ever hit mile 8 and started thinking about your inner thighs instead of your pace, the baleaf 5-inch is your fix. The longer inseam handles the chafe that shorter shorts can't, and the four-pocket layout means you never have to choose between your phone, your keys, and your fuel.
This is the call for half-marathon training blocks, longer trail runs, or any runner who consistently chooses coverage over minimum fabric. Runners who prefer a barely-there feel for shorter, faster efforts should look at the CRZ YOGA Dolphin instead.
Soothfeel Women's 5" Running Shorts No Liner
Soothfeel Women's 5" Running Shorts No Liner
What we like
- No-liner design eliminates the liner chafe issue entirely — wear your own seamless underwear underneath.
- A-line silhouette gives a relaxed, non-compressive fit that works for a wide range of body types.
- 4-way stretch fabric doesn't bunch or twist even after multiple washes.
- Priced under $25 making it the most accessible 5-inch option in this roundup.
What we don't
- No liner means you need seamless underwear underneath to avoid your own friction issues.
- Two open side pockets — no zipper — so your phone is at risk on uneven or fast-paced runs.
- Lighter fabric weight means less structure than the baleaf; sizing down one may help if you prefer a snugger waistband.
Soothfeel built this short around one insight: a lot of runners find built-in liners more annoying than helpful. The no-liner design hands the underwear choice back to you, and the 5-inch inseam handles coverage on its own.
The A-line cut sits comfortably on curvier builds without squeezing. This is the pick if you have a favourite pair of seamless underwear and want a clean, uncomplicated 5-inch short for daily training at the lowest price in the category.
If you need a secured phone pocket for runs where dropping your phone is a real risk, upgrade to the baleaf.
G Gradual Women's Running Shorts 3" with Mesh Liner
G Gradual Women's Running Shorts 3" with Mesh Liner
What we like
- Consistently priced under $20, making it a low-risk first pair or a backup for rotation.
- Lightweight breathable fabric dries fast and doesn't cling after sweat — suitable for summer runs.
- Phone pocket built into the liner holds a phone securely without adding bulk to the outer layer.
- Soft mesh liner doesn't irritate on shorter gym or treadmill sessions.
What we don't
- Mid-rise waistband sits lower than high-waisted options and can roll on some body types during running.
- Liner phone pocket is deep but requires reaching inside the liner — inconvenient mid-run.
- Best suited for shorter efforts; liner durability and waistband stability decline on 10K+ distances.
The G Gradual does what a budget running short should: it stays out of your way for a 30-minute gym session or a casual 5K without costing you $30. The mesh liner is light enough to wear without irritation on shorter runs, and the liner phone pocket keeps your phone from bouncing even without a zip closure.
This is the right pair if you're just getting into running, want a rotation backup, or do most of your running on a treadmill where the distance and speed are controlled. For serious training blocks or outdoor runs over 5 miles, the baleaf or CRZ YOGA picks offer meaningfully better fit stability and pocket security.
What to Look For
Inseam length determines coverage and comfort: 3 inches maximizes airflow and works best for track or treadmill sessions, while 5 inches prevents inner thigh chafe on longer road or trail runs. Neither is objectively better — it depends entirely on your body and the distance you're covering.
Liner vs. no liner splits runners hard.
Built-in briefs eliminate the need for separate underwear and reduce bunching, but a poorly fitted liner creates its own chafe points. If you've had liner issues before, look for no-liner options and pair with seamless underwear.
Fabric weight and pocket security matter more than price. A lightweight quick-dry fabric in a $25 pair will outperform a heavier fabric in a $60 pair for summer running.
Zipper closure on the phone pocket isn't a luxury — it's the difference between focusing on your run and watching your phone inch toward the ground.
Who Should Skip This
If you primarily run ultramarathons or compete in trail races requiring chafe-free performance over 20+ miles, consumer-grade Amazon shorts will likely fall short — dedicated trail running brands with bonded seams and anatomical cuts are worth the premium. Similarly, if you need UPF 50+ sun protection for desert or high-altitude running, verify the specific rating before buying rather than assuming.
What the Community Actually Uses
On r/running, the chafe conversation comes up constantly — and the consensus is that liner fit is more individual than any review can capture. Regulars there recommend ordering two inseam lengths from the same brand to find your match, then returning the one that doesn't work.
The sub also frequently flags that 'quick dry' claims vary wildly between brands, and budget picks from repeat Amazon bestsellers tend to outperform mid-tier options that haven't been stress-tested by the community.
Quick Picks — In Case You've Already Decided
CRZ YOGA Dolphin Athletic Shorts for Women 3"
Check Price on AmazonTHE GYM PEOPLE Womens High Waisted Running Shorts
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What inseam length is best for running shorts?
3-inch inseams maximize airflow and suit speed work, track sessions, or runners who don't chafe easily. 5-inch inseams offer more thigh coverage and prevent friction on longer runs or for runners with larger thighs. Try both if you're unsure — most of these brands have easy returns.
Do running shorts need a built-in liner?
Not necessarily. Lined shorts eliminate the need for separate underwear and prevent bunching, but some runners find liners cause their own irritation. No-liner shorts paired with seamless underwear work just as well for many people. It's personal preference.
How do I stop running shorts from riding up?
The most common cause is sizing too small — go up one size if you're between sizes. A high waistband with a drawstring also helps keep shorts in place during faster efforts. Some dolphin-hem cuts are also more prone to riding up than straight-hem designs.
Are pricier running shorts actually better?
Not always. The biggest factors — fabric weight, pocket security, and liner fit — don't scale linearly with price. Several $20-30 options in this list hold up to daily running as well as shorts costing three times more.
Can I wear running shorts for hiking or other workouts?
Yes — the quick-dry, 4-way stretch fabric used in most running shorts works well for cycling, gym sessions, hiking, and yoga. Just verify the inseam length works for your activity; 3-inch shorts may feel short on some hiking trails.
Buying Guide
You need shorts that stay put when you pick up pace, don't chafe your inner thighs, and have at least one secure pocket for your phone. Match the inseam to your run — 3 inches for speed and heat, 5 inches for coverage and trail.
Liner or no liner is personal, but quick-dry fabric is non-negotiable.