The Best Running Shorts with Pockets to Stash Your Stuff in Style

Is it an exaggeration to say these were my emotional support shorts during my last marathon training cycle? I don’t think so. The Oiselle Pocket Jogger Shorts may fly under the radar, but you’d do well to have a pair (or six) in your summer running rotation. Sure, they have the classic zippered back pocket and two side phone pockets, but I was especially thrilled with the two mesh pockets in the comfortably wide waistband, which perfectly fit my never-ending gel supply. The fabric is surprisingly soft and supple, which is a welcome contrast to the slick, scuba suit-esque material in other tight running shorts or sports bras. But even with the gentle handfeel, the Pocket Jogger Shorts are wildly durable. I wore them weekly throughout a four-month training cycle, and they never once ripped, snagged, or stretched after wash or wear. Trust me, these are the MVPs of your running wardrobe.

The options are truly endless with the Baleaf Women’s Biker Shorts. These Amazon best-sellers come in nearly every combination under the sun, but we think the custom fit is worth the little bit of legwork, literally. Choose your perfect inseam length—3”, 5”, or 8”—then go to town picking your favorite color and level of stretchiness, all for well under $30. Heads up: For running, you’ll probably want to go with the “classic” fit, which provides a little more compression to keep your goods in place. There isn’t a zippered back pocket for that extra peace of mind, but we found that the side pockets were plenty deep and secure for our oversized iPhones.

“ACG” here stands for “All Conditions Gear,” meaning these shorts have been stress-tested for nearly every type of weather condition or terrain on the planet—perfect for those of us chasing trails into the sunset. This particular pair earns its “Tree Frog” moniker, thanks to a quick-drying fabric that stood up to a 46-mile romp in the Costa Rican rain forest during testing. Coach Woods approves the 6” length, but she’s particularly obsessed with the daisy chain binding at the waist, an ingenious, multipurpose system of loops. “You can tie your shirt after shedding some layers, or secure an additional gel for your run,” she explains. These compression shorts are meant to feel snug, but you still may want to size up from your usual size.

Hey, not everyone likes a tight fit in their running shorts. If you prefer a looser silhouette in your running shorts, you’ve got to try The Brooks High Point 2-in-1 Shorts. They feature flowy shorts layered atop traditional compression shorts for a true Hannah Montana “Best of Both Worlds” moment. The wraparound waistband on these shorts is a newer product innovation, notes Woods, but the style has quickly become a favorite fit of hers thanks to the 360-degree access to snacks and fuel. The mesh waistband is the perfect blend of snug and accessible—secure enough to keep your gels, keys, and phone in place, but not so tamped-down that you’ll be fumbling while trying to grab something. And not for nothing, but the wraparound waistband is a slightly more streamlined design that protects your race-day photos from weirdly bulging thigh pockets.

The On Performance Short Tights were another hot weather go-to when I was training for my recent fall marathon. These shorts are a scientific marvel, with a material that feels thick and locked-down yet wicks every single drop of sweat away from my inner thighs (although be warned, the sweat definitely shows in lighter color options). Even though the fabric is decidedly compressive, I never feel squished or sausaged in these performance shorts—just supported. And special note for anyone else who, like me, spends her run obsessively checking to make sure her keys haven’t fallen out somewhere in the last six miles: The side pocket of these running shorts features a key loop for extra peace of mind. Honestly, why haven’t we been doing this all along?

Runners come in all shapes and sizes, and anyone lacing up their running shoes deserves a comfortable, well-fitting pair of running shorts to hit the pavement. Old Navy is known for having a more extended size range than other activewear brands, and the High-Waisted PowerSoft Biker Shorts are available in sizes ranging from XS to 4X (and in a variety of cute colors to boot). These running shorts get bonus points for having lightweight compression that actually moves with your body, instead of restricting it. The high-ish rise sits at your belly button, with a second-skin feeling that means you just might forget you’re wearing shorts in the first place. Two deep side thigh pockets hold your phone and another essential or two. But because the compression is on the lighter side, we wouldn’t recommend weighing yourself down too much—save these for shorter jogs.

Obviously, there’s nothing wrong with your body if your inner thighs rub together during a run—that’s just what bodies do sometimes. But chafing can cause some gnarly irritation that’s incredibly uncomfortable post-run. Luckily, the Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Shorts have a few guardrails against the dreaded chafe. First, there are absolutely no seams on the inner thighs, which helps reduce any friction that could cause irritation. You’ll also find the hems stay locked in place, thanks to silicone grippers that help prevent any movement. Pocket-wise, these five-star shorts feature—you guessed it—five pockets: two drop-in pockets on the side that fit a phone, and three drop-in waistband pockets for smaller supplies. (And if you love these shorts, great news—they’re available as leggings, too.)

Who wears short-shorts? You, thanks to the three-inch inseam on the Tracksmith Strata Short Tights. Beloved by runners, Tracksmith has earned its reputation as a premium, performance-forward running brand, with activewear that looks like an offshoot from the J. Crew catalog (complimentary). The Strata shorts feel oh-so-soft against your skin, but don’t let the cloud-like fabric fool you. These shorts are teched out, with features like silicone grippers, free cut hems (to help prevent chafing), fabric that resists pilling, and sweat-wicking material. The two side pockets hold up to six gels each and are lined in silicone to keep your items firmly in place.

Available in 3- and 5-inch inseams, this breezy multi short from Janji is lined with a moisture-wicking brief liner to keep you comfortable on your run.

Another option tested by Heimlich, the entire waist of these compression shorts (available in three-inch or five-inch inseam) is one massive pocket. "There are two slits at the front to stick things inside, with a key lock just inside the opening on the right. In the back, there’s a zippered pocket to keep your phone or wallet secure," she says. And if that’s not enough space, the sides feature 7-inch deep pockets—big enough to store a water bottle on either leg if you wanted.