In The News:
The Strategist happens to be full of runners, so this week, we hit the ground running (literally), testing tons of running gear and interviewing experts to give every kind of runner all the intel they might need. Welcome to Running Week .
As a lifelong runner — from elementary school track to competing as a Division I collegiate runner, logging 50-plus miles per week — I know that I run my fastest in a pair of shorts. And I've put a range to the test. I've tried airy shorts with mesh underwear liners, skin-tight shorts that feel like they're barely there, and even “buns,” which are brief-style bottoms often worn for racing. Those are just a few of the many styles on the market — and whether you're a longterm runner , too, or training for your first 5K, you've probably wondered which pair is right for you.
To find the best running shorts, I asked several experts — including certified running coaches, former collegiate athletes, and even a retired professional runner — to share their favorites, all of which they train in every day. I also included the shorts I've worn and loved for ages and some styles I tested specifically for this story. Before I get to those below, a few overarching things to consider when shopping for running shorts: for one, you'll want to find a pair that stays in place as you move. You'll also want to consider which style (loose or compressive?) and specific features (drop-in pockets or a longer inseam?) will support you through every step of your run. As Strategist managing editor Kelsie Schrader reminded me, the saying “look good, feel good, run good” often holds true here.
These Nike shorts are similar to the ones above but have a wide ribbed waistband with a small stash pocket. My former college teammate Annie Boos , who's a senior digital video producer at TrackTown USA , recommends this pair because the five-inch length is long enough to prevent chafing but not as long as more traditional bike shorts . Boos says the waistline sits right above the belly button, which comfortably hugs her stomach and doesn't ride down while she's exercising. Other features she likes include a drop-in back pocket, which fits her keys, and the durable polyester and spandex material, which comes in a range of colors. “I wear these when I'm running, biking, walking, and when I'm dressing in athleisure,” Boos told me. “I tend to wear them the most when I go on long runs because it prevents chafing.”
