We don’t usually think of our running gear as having superpowers—but for this round-up of new running shorts with pockets, we’re willing to make an exception.
These eight standout pairs go above and beyond when it comes to storage. With thoughtfully designed pockets galore, they’re ready to carry everything from your keys and phone to mid-run fuel, good luck charms, an extra layer, and even hydration. Whether you’re heading out for a short jog or a long-distance adventure, these shorts are built to keep up—and keep you hands-free.
Janji W’s 4″ Trail Short
Price: $74
Sizes: XXS-XL
Number of Pockets: 5 (includes the back pass-through pocket that can hold a phone or an extra layer)
Inseam: 4″ (also available in 9″ in same style)
Fit + Function: The lightweight material was a hit for California runner Sara, who found they ran true to size. Better yet, the inside bottom hem has rubber grips, so there’s no riding up while you’re running—and there’s no sausage-leg effect either.
Style: The sapphire blue color was a lot bright than her typical black preference, but as she wore them, she the color grew on her, and she especially appreciated the matte finish.
Pocket Praise: “The ample, stretchy mesh pockets are the best feature of these shorts,” says Sara, who was able to go on a longer run without her running vest because she squirreled so much in the shorts: phone, keys, lip balm, salt chews, energy chews, gels and a soft flask water bottle. (She tried both an 8 oz and 18 oz soft flask water bottle in one of the pockets and it didn’t get squeezed or bounce out!) She particularly liked the mini-carabiner for clipping keys, and the back slide-through pocket. “Game changer,” she says.
Issues? The 4″ inseam felt a little short to Sara, who is used to wearing 6″ inseams, but as she ran, she got used to it. “Although the shorts didn’t ride up, I found myself tugging on them at first to try to bring them down,” she says.
“When I first opened the package, I thought they looked like a pretty basic, simple bike style running short that I typically wear. Boy was I wrong!”
Rabbit Leggy Smashems
Price: $70 (sold out at Rabbit site, but available at other retailers)
Sizes: XS-XL
Number of Pockets: 6
Fit + Function: True to size and close to perfection, our testers found. This was first time in a very long time—maybe ever—that I put on a new pair of shorts, took them for a run and they didn’t budge,” says Nicole, “On a 10-mile run, they did not move up or down the entire time.” (Nicole also appreciated the lack of grippers on the bottom hemline, which can cause irritation on her skin.)
Style: Another Rabbit home run; all testers found these to be very flattering. (“Clearly designed by women,” says one tester.) “The waistband smooths out evidence of too many Girl Scout cookies and red wine,” says Linda, “The length is long enough that the inner thighs do not bulge out below the bottom of the shorts.” Shannon agrees: the shorts are a perfect length on the leg. “Not too long and not too short to feel like buns,” she says.
Pocket Praise: The pockets, which are thoughtfully designed, offer plenty of space for everything. “The pull tab on the back pocket zipper pull, where I kept my phone, was an added detail I never knew I needed,” says Nicole, who also appreciated the waist pockets that circle the shorts. “The pepper spray I carry in the morning and gels didn’t bother me at all,” she says.
Issues? One tester found her iPhone 15 jostled a bit more than she would’ve liked. “I might have some chafing if I went on a longer run,” she says.
“The waist band is the real winner in these shorts: a precious decoration of rabbit fabric creates a wrap-around waistband that doubles as pockets. I was worried this would add bulk, but it didn’t!”
Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft Biker Shorts
Price: $13.50 (currently on clearance; they were not when we ordered them to test)
Sizes: XS-4XL
Number of Pockets: 2
Inseam: 8″ (also available in 6″)
Fit + Function: Rachel, a self-professed activewear snob, wasn’t sure Old Navy shorts would make the cut, but she was proven wrong. “The fabric is soft and a good weight that provides great compression without making you feel too squeezed,” she says, “The length is perfect, and the legs didn’t creep up on me at all even during a hilly trail run where I had to climb over a few downed trees.” The high waistband was supportive but not constricting, adds Jessica.
Style: The fabric felt soft and comfortable, and the range of colors from basic black to a soft lavender means everybody can find a color that works for them. Even though Rachel (shown) tested a light-color, “there’s no sheerness when I was bending over, and the nice weight and good compression of the fabric smooths out any lumps and bumps.” (Although the light color does show sweat marks, so you get that peed-your-pants look, she says, but the sweat-wicking fabric dries quickly.)
Pocket Praise: The dual side pockets offer plenty of depth and stretch to hold a phone, keys, and other necessary gear without stressing about if it will fall out. “I even put my Shokz Pro headphone case in the pocket to see if it would fit and it did comfortably,” says Jessica.
Issues? None. In fact, both testers went and ordered more of these shorts after testing one pair. “I couldn’t pass up a short of this quality and fit for such a bargain price,” says one, “I stocked up!”
“These shorts are super comfortable, look great, and the pockets are perfect! You can’t find a better running short for this bargain price!”
Oiselle Pockito 6″ Shorts
Price: $72
Sizes: 2-14
Number of Pockets: 6
Inseam: 4″, 6″, 8″
Fit + Function: Both testers were incredibly impressed, and found the shorts fit true to size. “These shorts stayed in place, yet felt incredibly comfortable,” says Stacy, “I ran 10 miles on the my first test run, no issue whatsoever. The front panel provides a sleek, extra level of hold for my lower belly area, which I absolutely love.” They both tested the 6″ inseam, which they appreciated. “At 5’4″ I don’t want knickers for shorts but I do like plenty of coverage,” adds Stacey.
Style: Another five stars. “I got several compliments on the shorts from my running friends and we’re always checking out each others outfits,” says Maureen, who loved the Blue Monarch pattern, a blue/black design that mixes up the typical solid bottom.
Pocket Praise: “I’ve never had side pockets so deep,” says Maureen, “They go down as far as the end of my fingers.” They securely held a phone with plenty of space for gels or other necessities. The zipped back pocket is perfect for keys and ID, and the waistband pocket, which goes around the whole shorts, “clinches the pocket-short crown,” says Stacy. “I’ve been chasing the perfect pocket shorts for years, and these are the winners.”
Issues? None. “I am a frugal shopper,” says one,”At $72, I can honestly say they are worth the price.”
“I love everything about these shorts. The hem on the bottom of the shorts stays in place, the fabric is so silky soft and all the pockets are awesome. I can tell that these shorts were made for women.”
Rabbit Fuel n’ Fly 4″
Price: $75
Sizes: XS-XL
Number of Pockets: 5
Inseam: 4″ (also available in 2.5″)
Fit + Function: Fit is true to size, mostly. Megan, a petite runner, ordered a size small, and might have preferred an extra small, but her husband gave her an (unsolicited) compliment on her size smalls. The other two testers liked their size choices. “The sign of a good piece of running apparel is if I feel good and can run in it and I don’t notice it at all,” says Lorinda, “These shorts checked all those boxes.” Crystal, who appreciated the thin, breathable fabric, adds, “The waistband was comfortable; it had the secure feel of compression shorts and stayed put.”
Style: Everybody appreciated the breezy blue color and the flowing relaxed style, especially for summer runs.
Pocket Praise: Four of the five pockets are in the waist band: two in the front and two on the back. “The two pockets closest to the drawstring were smaller while the two on the back hips were double the size,” says Lorinda. Crystal found it a little weird to have part of the pockets be on the inside of the build-it briefs, but the bigger issue is that that the back zipped pocket doesn’t hold a larger phone. Lorinda could barely get her Google Pixel 8 in it, while one tester couldn’t get her iPhone 15 pro max to fit, but it did fit a regular iPhone 15.
Issues? The aforementioned back zipper pocket should be a little bigger to accommodate more phones.
“The four fuel pockets on a non-biker style short is unique in its class; this is a lightweight and comfortable short for all distances.”
Oiselle High Rise Roga Shorts
Price: $68
Sizes: 2-24/26
Number of Pockets: 2
Inseam: 4″, 6″
Fit + Function: Mostly true to size. Sarah, who normally wears a size 12 in Oiselle bottoms, felt more comfortable in a size 10. “On the pickleball court, the size 12 were great, but on the first run, they were disastrous: The shorts do not have a draw cord, so as soon as I put my iPhone in the room back zippered pocket, the shorts started to slide down my backside!” The size 10 worked perfectly for her running, though. Megan liked the fit (her normal size), and loved the wide, smooth, comfortable, thicker yoga-style waistband.
Style: Both testers found these shorts flattering, especially Sarah, who adores floral patterned shorts. What’s more, the 4″ inseam felt perfect to both of them. “Four inches is long enough to not be hoochie-couchie, yet not overly long,” explains Sarah, who adds that, “the wide, knit waistband lies very flat so there’s not a bulge of fabric on top of my belly-bulge, poofing out my untucked tank.”
Pocket Praise: The dual pockets of the Roga are both in the back: a zipped pocket underneath a larger drop-in pocket. The former is great for keys, ID, and for zipping in a smaller phone that you do not want to access during the run. (If you’re wanting access, the zipped pocket won’t work.) The latter is great for gels or other fuel, but Megan didn’t feel comfortable putting her phone, which didn’t fit in the smaller, zipped pocket, in there.
Issues? Sarah was wanting an internal drawstring to tighten up the shorts, which would definitely be helpful if you’re carrying your phone in the rear pocket. Because the shorts are so lightweight, a heavier load in the back can easily weigh them down.
“These shorts are very flattering and thoughtfully designed; no thigh clinging or thick seams that chafe.”
Korsa High Five Pocket 5″ Short 2.0
Price: $40
Sizes: XS-XXL
Number of Pockets: 3
Inseam: 5″
Fit + Function: Fit is true to size, both testers found. Shannon liked the soft, stretchy fabric that wicked sweat easily. “The antimicrobial brief lives up to its name,” says Megan, who ran in these shorts twice before needing to wash them. Both appreciated the draw cord to personalize their fit.
Style: “At first glance, these shorts are functional,” says Megan, and Shannon agrees. They’re definitely functional and comfortable, she says, but didn’t feel quite right for her style. “I think they would be super flattering on longer legs,” says Shannon, who also prefers a slimmer knit waistband compared to the wider one offered.
Pocket Praise: The five pockets in these shorts include two front zipped pockets, one back pocket with a Velcro closure, and two small internal pockets. Shannon, who used these shorts for more walks than runs, loved the zippered front pockets. “They are secure and practical,” she says, “Perfect for holding dog treats, keys, and other essentials.” That said, the pockets were too small to carry her iPhone 16. Megan’s iPhone 15 Pro could fit in the zipped front pocket, but bounced too much on the run. “It felt fine for walks or errands,” she says.
Issues? Overall, these no-nonsense shorts had few complaints, but the simple style and pockets, which are very functional but not optimal for running, make these a better choice for short runs, walks, and hikes.
“These shorts are designed to be highly functional and versatile.“
Brooks High Point 3″ 3-in-1 Short 2.0
Price: $86
Sizes: XS-XXL
Number of Pockets: 4
Inseam: 3″
Fit + Function: These hybrid shorts–liners underneath a pair of traditional running shorts—fit true to size for both testers. “The material on both layers is is very comfortable and breathable,” says Megan, “The inner shorts are not compression shorts but stayed put and did not ride up even at 10 miles.” April found that the top layer rode up a bit during her run. “It may not have looked the cutest,” she says, “But I couldn’t see it myself, so it didn’t really bother me.”
Style: April, pictured above, loved the bright colorway she tested. “I love coordinating my running outfits, and these made it extra fun,” she says. Megan, who also likes color in her running gear, got an all-black pair to test, and she would’ve preferred a pop of color on the liners. Both liked the 3″ inseam.
Pocket Praise: The four pockets—two long ones along the front and back of the waistband, and one smaller on each side—provided plenty of storage. April loaded them up with her iPhone 15 pro max, plus lots of fuel, and had no bouncing issues due to the compressive fabric.
Issues? Just one minor suggestion: Megan would love to see a phone pocket on the liner shorts so you can reserve the waistband for fuel.
Just placed my online Old Navy pickup order! This is just what I was looking for – biker shorts with pockets and they didn’t break the bank!