Best Running Shorts Australia 2026: Men's and Women's Guide
Running shorts are one of the most personal gear choices — length, liner, pocket placement and fabric all affect comfort over long distances. We review the best options available in Australia for road and trail runners.
Running shorts are one of the most personal gear choices a runner makes. Length, liner, pocket placement, waistband and fabric all affect comfort — and what feels great on a 5km parkrun can become a chafing nightmare at kilometre 30 of a humid marathon. Australian conditions make the choice even more important: heat, humidity and long, sweaty summer training runs are brutal on poorly designed shorts.
This guide explains what actually matters when choosing running shorts, then rounds up the best men's and women's options available in Australia for road and trail running, with approximate AUD pricing.
How to Choose Running Shorts
Inseam Length
Running shorts are usually described by inseam length — the distance from the crotch seam to the hem.
- 2–3 inch (5–8 cm): racing and split shorts. Maximum freedom of movement and minimal fabric, but very little coverage. Popular for racing and hot weather
- 4–5 inch (10–13 cm): the most versatile length for everyday training. Good mobility with more coverage
- 6–7 inch (15–18 cm): more coverage and a casual look, often preferred for trail running, gym crossover or by taller runners
- 9 inch+ and bike shorts: longer, fitted styles that prevent inner-thigh chafing, especially popular with women
Liner Type
The liner — the built-in underwear inside the short — is where comfort is won or lost.
- Brief liner: traditional mesh or soft-knit brief. Lightweight and breathable, but offers no thigh protection
- Boxer-brief liner: a short compression-style liner that offers more support and reduces chafing. Increasingly popular
- 2-in-1 (half-tight) liner: a full compression short under a loose outer short. Excellent chafe protection and phone storage, but warmer
- Unlined: worn over your own underwear or compression shorts. Versatile but adds a layer
Pockets
Modern running shorts offer a wide range of storage options. Look for:
- Back zip pocket for keys and cards
- Liner or waistband phone pockets that hold your phone close to the body to prevent bounce
- Multiple gel pockets around the waistband for long runs and racing
- Side drop-in pockets on half-tights, which work best for phones
Fabric
Lightweight polyester and nylon blends with stretch (elastane) dominate. Look for quick-drying, moisture-wicking fabric with flatlock seams. In Australian summers, lighter colours and fabrics with UPF ratings help, and recycled materials are increasingly common.
Waistband
A wide, soft waistband with an internal drawcord stays put better than a thin elastic band. If you carry gels or a phone, a firmer waistband prevents sagging.
Preventing Chafing
Inner-thigh chafing is the most common shorts-related complaint, especially in humid conditions. To prevent it:
- Choose a boxer-brief or half-tight liner if you are prone to thigh rub
- Avoid cotton underwear under running shorts
- Apply an anti-chafe balm (such as Body Glide or Squirrel's Nut Butter) before long runs
- Make sure shorts fit properly — too loose and the fabric bunches, too tight and seams dig in
- Test any new shorts on several long runs before racing in them
Best Men's Running Shorts in Australia
Prices are approximate RRP in AUD and vary between retailers and sales.
Nike Stride / Challenger — Best All-Rounder
Approx. price: $50–$80
Nike's everyday running shorts are widely available in Australia, come in multiple lengths (5 and 7 inch) with both brief-lined and 2-in-1 options, and offer good value. The Dri-FIT fabric dries quickly, and the back zip pocket is useful. They are a reliable starting point for most runners.
Lululemon Pace Breaker / Surge — Best Comfort
Approx. price: $90–$110
Lululemon's men's running shorts are known for their soft, stretchy fabric and well-designed liners. They come in lined and unlined versions and multiple lengths. Premium pricing, but very comfortable and durable.
Patagonia Strider Pro 5" — Best for Trail
Approx. price: $90–$110
A cult favourite among trail runners, with a lightweight, fast-drying fabric, a brief liner and a stretchy waistband with multiple pockets that can hold gels and a phone. Excellent for long, hot trail runs.
Brooks Sherpa — Best Storage
Approx. price: $70–$90
The Sherpa shorts feature a waistband with several pockets, making them a strong choice for long runs where you want to carry gels without a belt. Available in multiple lengths with brief or 2-in-1 options.
Adidas Own the Run — Best Budget
Approx. price: $40–$60
Simple, functional and often discounted. A great option for runners who want reliable shorts without paying premium prices.
Salomon Cross 2-in-1 — Best 2-in-1 for Trail
Approx. price: $90–$120
A loose outer short over a supportive compression liner with pockets for a phone and soft flask. Good anti-chafe performance on long trail days.
2XU Aero 2-in-1 — Best Australian Brand
Approx. price: $70–$100
Melbourne-based 2XU brings its compression expertise to a 2-in-1 short with a supportive inner liner. A good choice for runners who already like compression gear.
Best Women's Running Shorts in Australia
Lululemon Hotty Hot / Speed Up — Best Overall
Approx. price: $70–$100
Two of the most popular women's running shorts in Australia. The Hotty Hot is lightweight and breezy with a brief liner; the Speed Up is a slightly more structured option with a mid-rise waistband. Both come in multiple lengths and rise options.
Nike Tempo / One — Best Value
Approx. price: $35–$60
The Nike Tempo is a long-standing classic: lightweight, short and comfortable, with a brief liner. For more coverage, the Nike One range offers longer lengths and bike short styles.
Brooks Chaser 5" or 7" — Best for Pockets
Approx. price: $60–$80
A versatile short with a comfortable liner and multiple pockets. Good for runners who want to carry gels and keys without a belt.
Lululemon Fast and Free or Nike Bike Shorts — Best Anti-Chafe
Approx. price: $60–$110
For runners who struggle with thigh chafing, fitted bike shorts are often the best solution. Look for 6–8 inch versions with side drop-in pockets for a phone.
Adidas Adizero / Own the Run — Best Budget
Approx. price: $40–$60
Lightweight, functional and frequently on sale at Australian retailers.
Patagonia Strider Pro Women's — Best for Trail
Approx. price: $90–$110
The women's version of the trail favourite, with excellent storage, quick-drying fabric and a comfortable fit for long days in the hills.
Road vs Trail Running Shorts
Road shorts prioritise lightweight fabric, minimal bounce and a sleek fit. Trail shorts typically offer:
- More durable fabric to resist abrasion from rocks, scrub and sitting on logs
- Greater storage for gels, phones and soft flasks
- Longer inseams or 2-in-1 designs for protection
- Darker colours that hide dirt
If you run both road and trail, a 5-inch short with a good liner and generous pockets is the most versatile option. For more on road versus trail differences in gear, see our article on road vs trail running shoes.
Shorts for Racing
For racing, most runners choose lightweight shorts with a brief liner and at least a few gel pockets. Split shorts (with a side slit) maximise freedom of movement for faster runners. For marathons and longer events, comfort and anti-chafe performance should take priority over saving a few grams. Never race in brand-new shorts — test them on long training runs first.
Planning a big race? Our Sydney Marathon gear guide covers the full race kit.
How to Test Running Shorts Before You Buy
Running shorts can feel perfect standing still in a change room and terrible after 10km. Before committing, try these quick checks in store:
- High knees and lunges: make sure the outer short does not ride up and the liner does not bunch
- Load the pockets: put your phone and keys in the pockets and jog on the spot — anything that bounces in the shop will bounce more on the road
- Check the waistband: it should sit flat without digging in when you bend forward
- Feel the seams: run your fingers over inner seams, especially around the liner leg openings, which are common chafe points
- Check the return policy: many Australian running stores and online retailers allow returns on unworn items, so you can test fit at home on the treadmill before cutting tags
Sustainable Running Shorts
An increasing number of brands now use recycled polyester and nylon in their running shorts, often made from post-consumer plastic bottles. Patagonia, Adidas, Nike and several smaller brands offer recycled-fabric options without sacrificing performance. Buying fewer, better-quality shorts and caring for them properly is also one of the most effective ways to reduce your environmental footprint as a runner.
Caring for Your Running Shorts
- Wash in cold water and avoid fabric softener, which reduces wicking
- Hang dry rather than using a tumble dryer, which degrades elastane and liners
- Wash promptly after sweaty runs to prevent odour build-up
- Close zips and turn shorts inside out before washing
- Replace shorts when liners lose elasticity or seams begin causing irritation
Shorts and the Australian Sun
Shorts expose a lot of skin to the sun, and Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen to your legs before every daytime run, and reapply on long runs. Back-of-the-knee and upper-thigh areas are commonly missed. Combine your shorts with a breathable cap, sunglasses and a lightweight technical shirt for full sun protection — see our guide to the best moisture-wicking running shirts for top-half options.
Matching Your Shorts to Your Running Style
There is no single best pair of running shorts — only the best pair for the way you run. A few common runner profiles and the shorts that tend to suit them:
- The parkrunner and 10km racer: a lightweight 3–5 inch short with a brief liner and a small back pocket for a key. Simplicity and freedom of movement matter more than storage
- The marathon trainer: a 5-inch short with a boxer-brief or 2-in-1 liner and several waistband pockets for gels. Anti-chafe performance is the top priority over 30km+ long runs
- The trail runner: a durable 5–7 inch short or 2-in-1 with generous pockets for a phone and soft flask, in a darker colour that hides dirt
- The run commuter: a 7-inch short with a secure phone pocket and a more casual look that does not feel out of place at the café
- The runner prone to thigh chafing: a half-tight, 2-in-1 or fitted bike short — the fabric between the thighs is what stops the rubbing
Many experienced runners own two or three different styles: a lightweight pair for racing and short, fast sessions, a storage-heavy pair for long runs, and a durable pair for trails. Rotating shorts also means each pair lasts longer and you always have a clean, dry option on hand during heavy training weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I wear underwear with lined running shorts?
No — the liner is designed to replace underwear. Adding another layer increases the risk of chafing and traps heat.
What length running shorts should I buy?
For most runners, a 5-inch inseam is the best all-rounder. Choose shorter for racing and hot weather, or longer for coverage and trail running.
Are 2-in-1 shorts too hot for Australian summers?
They are warmer than brief-lined shorts, but many runners find the chafe protection worth it. Look for lightweight, breathable compression liners.
Are split shorts only for elite runners?
Not at all. Split shorts simply have a side slit that gives your legs more freedom of movement. Anyone can wear them — they are especially comfortable for fast sessions and racing in hot weather.
How long do running shorts last?
With good care, quality running shorts typically last two to four years of regular use. Liners usually wear out before the outer fabric.
The Bottom Line
The best running shorts are the ones you forget you are wearing. For most Australian runners, a 5-inch short with a comfortable liner and good pocket storage is the ideal starting point. Choose a boxer-brief or 2-in-1 liner if you are prone to chafing, prioritise storage for long runs and trail running, and always test new shorts on long runs before race day. Whether you choose a budget pair from Nike or Adidas or invest in premium options from Lululemon or Patagonia, fit and liner comfort matter far more than brand.
