While finding the perfect pair of running shorts isn’t as fraught of a process finding the right pair of jeans is, it can still be time-consuming and frustrating, especially shopping online. What does a 5″ inseam look like on my 5’5″ body? Is that color flattering IRL or just cute on the computer? Will those bike shorts stay put—or give me serious camel toe? If you’ve returned more pairs of shorts than you’ve kept, we hear you—and we’re here for you with our best running shorts.

We had our AMR Team and some BAMRBassadors put a variety of running shorts to the test to see how they work on real bodies on real runs in real life. Read: those runs when the spring wind is whipping and you’ve been thinking about pancakes for the last three miles and wondering when do these hills ever stop?—and heaven help you if you have to be worrying about raw chafe on your thighs or a waistband that is riding too high.

The shorts that withstand that kind of scrutiny made it into our best running shorts review; whether you’re a split shorts girl or a biker girl, you’ll find a pair in here for you.

Oiselle High Rise Roga Shorts

Price: $62
Sizes: 2-24/26
Size Tested: 6
Size Typically Worn: M

A classic Roga devotee, tester Cathy had yet to try the high rise version, and wasn’t disappointed. “The waistband is soft and stretchy without a hint of constriction,” she says, adding it does offer a bit of tummy control. More importantly, the fabric and design accommodate weight fluctuations, which 5’7″ Cathy appreciates. “I hate when my workout gear doesn’t fit certain times of the month.” Two more notable features of this style: an extensive size range and a large phone-size pocket.

If these shorts were a run, they’d be: A tried-and-true long run: they put in the work so you can get the results. you want.

Baleaf Laureate Curved Hem 2-in-1 Shorts

Price: $32
Sizes: XS-3XL
Size Tested: L
Size Typically Worn: XL

“Great length, great high waist, great color,” says 5’11” tester Melanie when recounting her first impressions of these shorts, which she found to be “very flattering.” The wide waistband keeps, “her stomach (ahem) in check,” and she also appreciated the coverage the airy shorts gave her strong glutes. The zippered back pocket fit her giant iPhone max. “I Didn’t even need the extra side pockets, but they didn’t bother me either.” Baleaf is a new brand to her, and after investigating it, she might be back for more. “What a steal!”

If these shorts were a run, they’d be: Hill repeats: Work hard, then look and feel good during recovery.

Smartwool Active Lined 4″ Shorts

Price: $75
Sizes: XS-XL
Size Tested: L
Size Typically Worn: L

In addition to pickleball and gear with wicking, odor-resistant Merino wool, tester Sarah adores patterned shorts, so she tested this style on both the run and the court. She found the roomy silhouette and  4″ inseam a “Goldilocks” fit for her 5’11” frame. While running, the wide elastic waistband, which has an adjustable draw cord, stayed in place while the supple fabric didn’t cling. Her only quibble? The pocket situation. The one pocket is big enough for just keys, lip balm, and #foundchange, not a phone.

If these shorts were a run, they’d be: Perfect for race pic. “Flattering and cute fabric!”

Under Armour Fly-By Elite 5″ Shorts

Price: $30-40
Sizes: XS-XL
Size Tested: L
Size Typically Worn: L

“I’m usually a little apprehensive running in shorter shorts, but I was pleasantly surprised with these,” says 5’2″ tester Kelyn, who typically runs in biker shorts, “My thighs didn’t rub together.” That said, the waistband did roll a bit during her test runs, and overall, the shorts made her a little self-conscious. “They didn’t feel uncomfortable—in fact, the high, wide waistband supported my middle quite nicely—but I’d say they weren’t the perfect, flattering short for me.” That said, she appreciates the great value, and will keep them in rotation.” I can see myself using them for many of my shorter runs or during cross training days.”

If these shorts were a run, they’d be: The warm-up/cool-down. “They’re flowy and fun—something to go easy on.”

Vuori Clementine 4″ Short 2.0

Price: $58
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Size Tested: XL
Size Typically Worn: L

Is it OK that 6’4″ tester Dimity’s first impression of these shorts is that they are, “really freakin’ cute?” Because they are. The front zipped pocket, big enough for a credit card and key; the outer drawstring; and the wide ruched waist make these beauties suitable for a spring picnic—or a spring group run with your BRFs. Thanks to the drawstring, these featherweight shorts stay put, and thanks to the 4″ inseam, they’re flattering on a variety of heights without revealing too much.

If these shorts were a run, they would be: A tempo run: they can keep up with any pace—or place.

Korsa Drive 5″ Shorts

Price: $54.99
Sizes: XS-XXL
Size Tested: M
Size Typically Worn: 8

With two side zipper pockets and one inside the back waist band, these shorts can carry (nearly) a purse’s worth of stuff on a run. Plus, the waistband also offers a back “pocket” for threading a shirt or other layer. “A great feature for summer runs,” notes tester Emily. She multitasked in these “great value” shorts, wearing them around the house, to a strength class, and on shorter runs. They are comfortable and didn’t ride up. Her only quibble? The 5” inseam, which felt an inch too long for her 5’4” frame.

If these shorts were a run, they would be: An easy run.

Rabbit Fuel n’ Fly 4″

Price: $75
Sizes: XS-XL
Size Tested: S
Size Typically Worn: S

Tester Anna typically wears biker shorts, but these innovative shorts, which feature five pockets, made her realize she could expand her options, especially when the weather heats up. The liner boasts Fresh Face, a peppermint-based anti-odor treatment, while the half-split style offers a racing profile. The lightweight material dried quickly during her sweaty test runs, as did the waistband. Two things that didn’t sit well with her: the zipped pocket held her phone, but felt uncomfortable during the run, and the price tag. “I’d buy these on sale, but not full price,” she says.

If these shorts were a run, they’d be: Speed work. “Great for a hot, sweaty, fast run.”

Oiselle Featherweight Split Shorts

Price: $60
Sizes: 2-12
Size Tested: 2
Size Typically Worn: XS

Named appropriately, these shorts are so lightweight, 5’4″ tester TK almost forgot she was wearing them. Translation: no chafing, no riding up, no need to otherwise adjust these split shorts, which sport a 3.5″ inseam. Because she prefers to run with her phone, she’d likely only use these indoors or on a long run, when she wears a hydration pack, but she appreciates the flattering design and the quality of Oiselle products, which she knows from experience, “last for years.”

If these shorts were a run, they’d be: A long run. They are light, comfortable, and wick sweat away quickly: all things essential for a successful long run.

Hoka Split Short

Price: $54
Sizes: XS-XL
Size Tested: L
Size Typically Worn: M or L

Tester Brooke has never worn split shorts, so this new style surprised her. “I loved the fit and they were more flattering than I expected,” she says. Unfortunately, her thighs didn’t like the fit, and she spent more time than she’d like tugging them down during her run. That said, 5’5″ Brooke adored the lightweight fabric—perfect for a hot or race day—and overall design, and would recommend them to anybody who is a fan of split shorts.

If these shorts were a run, they’d be: Speedwork. It takes me outside of my comfort zone—and so did these shorts.

Brooks High Point 3″ 2-in-1 Shorts

Price: $86
Sizes: XS-XXL
Size Tested: S
Size Typically Worn: S

Talk about Buy One/Get One: these shorts offer up a flattering, functional combo: a soft recycled polyester/spandex liner underneath a pair of super durable shorts. Tester Sarah especially appreciated the fit. “I’m a sucker for anything high waist,” she says, “Plus, they stayed put as I ran and I didn’t have any chafing.” Although they were designed for the trail with six pockets, 5′ 8″ Sarah loved the storage, eliminating the need for the hip pouch she carries on long runs. (Her only suggestion is to make one of those pockets big enough for her phone.) She sees the value of these BOGOs, but, “they’re beyond my running gear budget. I would wait until they’re on sale to buy.”

If these shorts were a run, they’d be: Easy/long/tempo/hill…all of them combined! “I’m considering wearing them for the Boston Marathon!” she says.

Brooks Spark 8” Short Tight

Price: $68
Sizes: XS-XXL
Size Tested: XL
Size Typically Worn: XL

The smooth, high-end fabric of these bike shorts impressed 5’8″ tester April right out of the package, and they kept rolling from there. “The three issues I have with running shorts are the top rolling down, the legs riding up, and the crotch sagging,” she says, “None of those happen with these beauties!” The hemline seams hold the shorts in place and add a nice design flair, while the high rise supported her stomach without feeling too tight. Three pockets complete the package of these shorts that are, “just awesome.”

If these shorts were a run, they’d be: A tempo run. “The color and the quality make them a little more fun than your average run.”

Vuori Studio Pocket Shorts

Price: $68
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Size Tested: M
Size Typically Worn: M

“Like my favorite leggings in shorts form,” is how 5’7″ tester Cathy classified these extremely soft, stretchy biker shorts, “The black is forgiving for sweat stains, and I liked the coverage on my thighs.” The shorts themselves stayed in place during squats and lunges and run/walk intervals, as did her phone in one of the three pockets. “You get your money’s worth with the quality of fabric and comfort,” she says, “I’ll reach for them again and again.”

If these shorts were a run, they’d be: Hill repeats. Great for lots of reps.

Baleaf Freeleaf 8″ Seamless High-Rise Shorts

Price: $46
Sizes: XS/M-3XL/4XL
Size Tested: L-2XL
Size Typically Worn: L

Although 5’11” tester Sarah was concerned about these biker shorts being too thin, her fears were assuaged when she tried them on. “Enough compression to be flattering, but not noticeably tight or constricting,” she says. On a run, her praise for these two-pocketed shorts only grew. “On a 6-mile run, no sliding, no creeping crotch! The leg openings have no grippers or seam to hold them in place, yet the legs never migrated up my long legs.” A big fan of the shorts, she would’ve preferred them in black instead of blue, which makes a sweaty crotch a little awkward.

If these shorts were a run, they’d be: A tempo run. “These shorts have a certain giddy-up quality!”