The Six Minute Mile Holiday Gift Guide
Don’t stress about shopping for your running-obsessed friends and family members—or yourself, wink wink!—we’ve got you covered with the gifts runners want and the gifts runners need.
We’ve all been there. We’re too far out on a run to turn back when our shorts start riding up to the point that we can’t even maintain a consistent stride. Every other step we’re doing a strange little pony-swatting-at-a-fly hop trying to pull down one (or both!) sides to their intended location on our thighs. Only to realize moments later that our efforts are fruitless because it happens again. And so begins a very unfortunate run dance that ultimately ends with chafing thighs. Not fun.
I’m here to say the right pair of shorts—or better yet, the right collection of shorts—can transform your running life. And I’ve tested more shorts than I can count over the years in every condition and duration—from short, speedy track workouts to mountain ultramarathons, and humid southern summers to dry western summers. When it comes to my favorite running shorts, a few standout features must be present:
Here are my six running favorite shorts currently on rotation that pass the test:
Hands down, the On Performance Short Tights are my favorite running shorts. They don’t ride up ever; and this is saying something because I cannot say the same about almost every pair of tight shorts I’ve worn before I found these. In fact, they stay in place so well that I hardly notice them on runs.
I’ve been wearing every version since the first version came to market a few years ago. And thankfully On has miraculously improved the style every year. The most recent iteration is velvety soft and breathable with a high, comfortable, smoothing waistband. The fabric is lightweight and breathable, which means they function exceptionally well whether you’re running mile repeats in the hot, humid south or navigating a dry trail in the Rockies.
Deep hip pockets are perfect for an iPhone and some fuel (one on each side) or all the heart-shaped rocks I pick up on my runs.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for your new favorite shorts and have a ride-up problem like me, you want deep side pockets and versatility for any and all weather conditions, you won’t be disappointed with the On Performance Short Tights. Need I say more?
These are brand-new to my rotation and, since they arrived on my doorstep a couple of weeks ago, I’m pretty sure I’ve worn them on eight out of 10 runs—occasionally without washing them between wears. They quickly found their way to my list of favorite running shorts for several reasons.
Since they’re made with wool-blend fabric they help to regulate your temperature naturally and very efficiently pull moisture away from your skin as you run. They’re unbelievably breathable and featherlight—both the liner and outer short layer feel tissue thin and buttery soft.
The waistband is comfortable, and a drawstring adds an additional layer of fit customization. Plus, they have the needed car key zippered pocket. The only thing they’re missing is a place for my phone. But since they’re so lightweight and comfortable, I don’t even care.
RELATED: We Ran In Merino Wool Smartwool Apparel in 90-Degree Heat, and We Loved It
Coming in a close second to the On Performance Short Tights, the rabbit Speed Leggy 4” shorts have been a good friend for many a long run. While they occasionally ride up on one side, they’re mostly a solid fit even when temps and humidity are high.
The deep side pockets function much like the On Performance Short Tights, though they’re slightly shallower. And a zippered waistband pocket means my car key is always secure (this feature earns the shorts big bonus points).
They come in a couple of core neutral colors and then rabbit always offers a few seasonal patterns/colors too.
Aside from the occasional ride-up my only qualm with the shorts is that they do seem to stretch a little bit over time.
This popular style also comes in a 5” (I like both of them) and provides a classic running short silhouette with a built-in brief. There are no frills about them really, but I love the RC Short because for short and easy runs they just work.
Teeny tiny holes in the fabric add to the breathability in all temps and the stretchy fabric moves well for both easy runs and workouts.
The back zippered pocket is long and deep, so holds a surprising amount despite its low pro appearance. And, perhaps best of all, they are made with 86 percent recycled polyester.
This pair is totally different from the other shorts in the round up, but offers a weightless, carefree summer running vibe I love thanks to the breezy split and thin, breathable fabric. An internal drawstring helps to cinch the waist while multiple pockets on the back hold nutrition and other items.
While these aren’t my go-to long run shorts, I do love them for shorter runs and workouts when I have errands or other things to do post-run. They’re also a fun running short to just wear casually when it’s hot.
These featherlight gems have a very important (and specific) place for me in the shorts lineup—track workouts and 5Ks.
I love these shorts when I am intentionally not carrying much in my pockets, save my car key and a gel perhaps even though the back pocket is in fact large enough to carry my iPhone. But they feel so weightless that placing a phone in these shorts honestly feels like too much weight to carry.
They’re so lightweight in fact, I truly feel like I’m running in just my underwear. So, even if it is psychological, I’m convinced they make me run faster. The waist is mid-rise, the fit is relaxed without being too loose or constricting, they don’t hold much odor really and they dry very fast even in humidity. And, like the RC Short, I love that they have recycled materials (91 percent of the polyester in the shorts is recycled).
OK, those are my favorite running shorts. We all have our own preferences, but I bet you’ll find a couple you love in this group that could become your favorite running shorts, too.
Contributing writer Ashley Arnold is the director of brand at Fleet Feet and an ultrarunner who lives in Missoula, Montana, with her husband and two young children. She tells stories through video, words and photos, and is most at home running trails, adventuring in wild places with her family and sipping coffee while eating cake.
