When I first started running long distances, I once made the strange decision to run about 18 miles from Harlem to the Connecticut border while holding my phone, water bottle, and plenty of snacks in hand all the way. I don’t remember which got tired first: feet or fingers. But I owned only one pair of running shorts at the time, and their only pocket was a small slot just big enough for a credit card.
Now, no matter how comfortable a pair of running shorts or how good they look, the lack of compartments in a pocket is a hindrance for me. Mostly, I need at least a bag big and sturdy enough to hold my phone. But really, what I want is as many pockets as possible. The more storage a pair of shorts can have, the more likely I am to use them in races and long-distance runs.
Because even though I own two running belts (FlipBelt ($34) and Spibelt ($27), I find both sometimes slip up my waist unless I put them on *yes* and wear the right fabric. That distracts me and I’ I want to stash everything I need to carry right in my shorts, and then never have to think about anything while I’m running.
So I’ve been on the hunt for the best running shorts for women with pockets—specifically, the ones with the most pocket space I could find. I’ve been looking for options that have at least one pocket big enough for a standard-sized cell phone, plus three or four additional pockets for keys, gels—anything else I normally carry around. when jogging. Then I wear them for at least one or two test runs, a neighborhood walk, plus another form of workout (like bootcamp, yoga, cycling) to see how they perform in the categories. different movements. Out of all the things I’ve researched and tested, here are seven of the best that I recommend quickly adding to your cart.
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The best women’s running shorts with pockets to hold all your gear
Best for training:
On, Short Runner — $70.00
Available sizes: X-XL
Although On is best known for its signature running shoes with hollow “clouds” in the soles, I recently heard that the brand also makes great shorts, so I decided to give it a try. these pairs—and did not disappoint.
These shorts just give a…smooth feel. Longer than booty shorts but shorter than your regular cycling shorts, these pants have just the essentials without adding any extra weight. The fabric is light and thin so it won’t slow you down even as temperatures heat up. There are three mesh pockets along the back of the belt (including a larger pocket in the middle for a phone), along with two drop-down pockets on either side of the legs. Gentle compression holds everything in the bag securely without squeezing too hard.
bag: 5—three mesh pockets at the back of the waist (including one for a phone), plus two drop pockets on each side of the leg
Color: 2
Care about: Machine wash cold and dry
- attractive designs
- Light
- single length
Best for race day:
Tracksmith, Lane Five Shorts — $68.00
Available sizes: XS–L
I’ve owned three different versions of these shorts over the years, and they’re still my all-time favorite running piece. With every update that Tracksmith puts out, they’ve made them a little bit better, bit by bit. They now come in five pockets, including one with a zipper in the back and four smaller pockets just the right size for gels or keys, making them ideal for a long run or race. What I love: No matter how far or how fast I run with them or what the weather is like, they really never slip up, thanks to the rubber grips on the heel. I have never found another pair so reliable.
bag: 5—one zippered back pocket and four smaller open pockets along the back and sides of the waist
Color: 5
Care about: Machine wash cold and dry
- Still put without riding on
- A snug fit means the items in the bag don’t bounce around
- High-quality fabric feels soft but still provides good support
- The back pocket has a zipper which sometimes causes minor scratches when running long distances
- Only available through one large size
Best for trail running:
Rabbit, Smash 4″ — $64.00
Originally $80, now on sale for $64 (orange)
Available sizes: X-XL
Both comfortable and functional, these shorts are designed for trail running. Soft nylon fabric along the waistband and in the lining provides a cozy feel, and there’s also an ultra-lightweight and breathable polyester fabric at the leg to help you stay cool and dry. The entire waistband is doubled into pocket space, with one large zipped pocket in the back, then opening slits at the rest. One cool feature I haven’t seen before: Two elastic loops with rubber grips at the back allow you to store your hiking stick.
Because the belts of these pants are a bit wider, I’ve found that if I put anything in my pocket, I really need to fasten the drawstring so my gear doesn’t wobble while running. But the benefit is that I can then loosen it so that the shorts transition into a more comfortable fit when I’m just sitting around to refuel after a run.
bag: 6—back zippered pocket, plus openings along the waist for extra storage
Color: 2 (plus in 3-inch and 2.5-inch seam versions)
Care about: Washing machine is cold, drying is slow
- The whole waistband is pocket space
- Feeling cozy but light
- Additional slots for climbing sticks
- The drawstring is a bit bulky
- The drawstring needs to be tied tighter to keep the contents of the bag from bouncing around
Best for keeping cool:
Janji, 3” Multi Short — $78.00
Available sizes: X-XL
I wear these cool shorts for a run in 80-degree weather with 91 percent humidity and stay as cool as I can ask for. The case is made with micro holes that make it super breathable.
Personally, I find the hemline of these pants a bit high so I don’t feel comfortable wearing these pants during other types of exercises where I have to crouch or lie on the floor, but the breathability makes them very comfortable. making it quite ideal for jogging in the hot summer. The belt has a series of five nearly hidden pockets—I didn’t even see them there at first until I started rummaging around. At the back is a slot large enough to fit your phone, and the right front pocket has a keychain.
bag: 5—a large rear pocket for a phone, plus four slits along the waist
Color: 4
Care about: Washing machine is cold, drying is slow
- Super light and breathable
- Hidden bags do not add bulk
- Perforated for airflow
- The fabric gathers a little between the thighs when running faster
The best underwear shorts:
Lululemon, Nulux Road to Trail High-Rise Short 4″ — $98.00
Available sizes: 0-14
These layered shorts feature hidden inner lining pockets on both legs, as well as a zippered pocket at the back for cell phone storage. But the really standout feature is an extra fabric loop right behind the zippered pocket that leaves a loose but secure opening for easy access. When I’m around the house, it’s an ideal place to stash my phone without having to zip or unzip anything. I wore these to bootcamp, where I was given a branded sweatshirt (yay #freefitnessswag) and I could easily tie it through a hoop to run home afterwards. It’s the perfect place to store a shirt you take off in the middle of a workout or a pair of hiking sticks.
bag: 4—one zippered back pocket, two small compartments in the lining, one large loop at the back of the waistband
Color: 3
Care about: Machine wash cold and tumble dry
- Flexible storage options, even for larger items
- High waist with fixed support waistband
- Wide coverage without overheating
- The lining rolls up a bit as it expands your range of motion during dashes or sprints
- The waistband is on the tighter side. It loosens with wear, but you may want to increase the size
- Has a large logo on one leg
Best budget:
FlipBelt Compression Shorts — $46,00
Available sizes: X-XL
The entire waist of these compression shorts (with a 3-inch or 5-inch inside seam) is one big pocket. There are two slots in the front for stuffing stuff inside, with a padlock located just inside the opening on the right. At the back, there is a zippered pocket to keep your phone or wallet safe. And if there’s not enough room, there are 7 inch deep pockets on the sides—large enough to hold a water bottle on either side of your legs if you want. (FlipBelt sells a contoured version that conforms to the shape of your hips.)
When I put these shorts on, I understood why the reviewers recommend upsizing: The stretchy fabric hugs my waist and hem. But I don’t wear these to go around. I filled these bags up for a test run, and although there was a little bit of rearrangement going on at first, within a mile everything found its place and stayed there until timed out my run.
bag: 5—zipper back pocket, two foot compartments and two openings for pockets at the waistband
Color: first
Care about: Machine wash cold and tumble dry
- The entire waistband is pocket space, plus additional pockets on the thighs
- Relatively cheap
- Thick fabric is a bit hot when running in summer
- Compression can make it fit (consider upsizing)
Best for low-impact activities:
Fair Harbor, Corliss Short — $58.00
Available sizes: X-XL
Honestly, I really don’t recommend running in these shorts. While you can tuck your phone into one of the two drop pockets on either side of the inner lining, the phone will bounce around as soon as you start jogging. But I included this pair on this list because I know many of us love to wear “running shorts” for hiking, walking, paddle boarding, or kayaking. As long as you’re not doing anything that requires you to get up and down, these are super convenient and comfortable.
In addition to the drop-in pockets, the outer shell includes two zippered pockets on either side to keep valuables safe; The left side even has a key ring. Meanwhile, the stretchy fabric makes these shorts comfortable enough to wear all day long, whether you’re working out or sitting on the couch at work. One more thing I appreciate: While these are roomy, the two-tone design is quite pleasing to the eye.
bag: 4—two slip pockets on the short inner bike lining and two zippered side pockets on the outer shell
Color: 11
Care about: Machine wash cold and tumble dry
- Multiple pockets for larger items
- Offers rich coverage
- flattering design
- Quick-drying pods
- The pockets are not tight enough to keep items from bouncing when running or jumping
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