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When I first started running long distances, I once made the odd decision to run about 18 miles from Harlem to the border of Connecticut while holding my phone, a water bottle, and multiple snacks in my hands the entire way. I don’t remember which got tired first: my feet, or my fingers. But I only owned one pair of running shorts at that point, and their only pocket was a small slit just big enough for a credit card.
Now, no matter how comfy a pair of running shorts is, or how good they look, not having ample pocket space is a dealbreaker for me. Mostly, I need at least one pocket big and secure enough to hold my phone. But really, what I want is the most pockets possible. The more that a pair of shorts can store, the more likely I’m going to be able to use them for long runs and races.
Because while I own two running belts, the FlipBelt ($37) and a Spibelt ($27), I find both sometimes slide up my waist unless I place them *just so* and wear the right kind of fabric. It’s distracting, and I’d much rather stash everything I need to bring with me right in my shorts, and then never have to think about any of it while I’m running.
So I recently went on a hunt for the best women’s running shorts with pockets—specifically, pairs with as much pocket space as I could find. I looked up options that had 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 bring on my runs. Then I wore them for at least one or two test runs, a neighborhood walk, plus one other kind of workout (like bootcamp, yoga, a bike ride) to get a sense of how they perform during different kinds of movement. Out of everything I researched and tested, these are the three best I’d recommend you swiftly add to your carts.
A pair of shorts that will keep you cool...
Available sizes: XS-XL
I took these breezy shorts out for a run in 80-degree weather with 91 percent humidity, and stayed as cool as I could have asked for. The shell is made with micro-perforations that make it super airy. Personally, the split hem on these goes up a bit too high for me to feel comfortable wearing these during other kind of workouts where I lunge or lay on the floor, but the breathability makes them pretty ideal for hot summer running. The waist features a series of five virtually hidden pockets—at first, I didn’t even see they were there until I started poking around. In the back is a slot big enough to fit your phone, and the front right pocket has a key loop.
Pockets: Five—a large one in the back for a phone, plus four open slits along the waist Colors: 4 Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low.
Pros:
Super lightweight and breathable
Hidden pockets don’t add extra bulk
Perforated for airflow
Cons:
Fabric bunches up a bit between the thighs during faster running
These shorts at a budget-friendly price...
Available sizes: XS-XL
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. 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. (FlipBelt sells a version that’s contoured to the shape of your hips.) Slipping these shorts on, I understood why reviewers recommend sizing up: The compressive fabric digs in at my waist and the hems of the legs. But I’m not wearing these to lounge around in. I stocked these pockets full for a test run, and although there was a little resettling of items going on at first, within a mile, everything found its place and stayed there for the rest of my run.
Pockets: Five—zippered back pocket, two drop-ins on the legs, and two slit openings for waistband pocket space Colors: 1 Care: Machine wash cold and tumble dry
Pros:
Entire waistband is pocket space, plus additional pockets on thighs
Relatively inexpensive
Cons:
Thick fabric is a bit hot for summer runs
Compression can make for a tight fit (consider sizing up)
These shorts ideal for low-impact activities...
Available sizes: XS-XL
To be completely honest, I actually don’t recommend running in these shorts. Although you can fit a phone in either of the two side drop-in pockets in the inner liner, it bounces around as soon as you start jogging. But I included this pair on this list because I know many of us like to wear “running shorts” to hike, or walk, or paddleboard, or kayak. As long as you’re not doing anything that requires you to bound up and down, these are both 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 even has a key loop. Meanwhile, the stretchy fabric makes these shorts comfortable enough to wear all day long, whether you’re working out or working from the couch. One more thing I appreciate: Even though these are roomy, the two-tone design is pretty flattering.
Pockets: Four—two slide-in pockets on the inner bike short liner, and two zippered hip pockets on the outer shell Colors: 11 Care: Machine wash cold and tumble dry
Pros:
Multiple pockets for larger items
Provides ample coverage
Flattering design
Quick-drying shell
Cons:
Pockets aren’t tight enough to keep items from bouncing while running or jumping
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