- We risked dreaded thigh chafing testing several shorts to find the best ones for thick-thighed runners
- From Best Half Tight to Best High-Waisted, these are the eight friction-free men’s and women’s shorts we loved
- Inseam lengths and type of material are features to consider when choosing the best non-chafing bottoms
Summer weather means it’s time to break out the running shorts, soak in the sun, and stay extra hydrated. But for runners with thick thighs, the wrong bottoms could lead to misery. The ever-present threat of chafing to consider, when the inseam of your shorts is too short or your shorts start to roll halfway through your miles.
For runners with thick thighs, finding a pair of shorts that is comfortable, stylish, and stays put can be a challenge. When you factor in other needs like sweat-wicking fabric and pockets big enough to carry a phone, your options may feel limited. Our testers who are self-described runners with thick thighs put new shorts to the test and share their tried-and-true picks that have gotten them through many hot-weather running seasons.
Best Running Shorts for Thick Thighs
- Best Sweat-Wicking: lululemon Fast and Free High Rise Short 6-Inch or 8-Inch
- Best Budget: Races - Places
- Best Half-Tight: Wolaco Distance Half-Tight
- Most Breathable: Nike Dri-Fit AeroSwift
Lack of storage
I’ve been struggling to find the best running shorts since I used to wear a spandex pair under my rolled Soffe bottoms during high school cross-country practice. Now, as an ISSA-certified running coach with three half marathons and plenty of 5Ks and 10Ks under my belt, I’ve since learned a thing or two about short length (and material) and now can train year-round without chafing.
and 10 inch, a 10-time marathoner, three-time Ironman 70.3 finisher, and self-described runner with thick thighs and a tendency for chafing, tested options for male runners. He likes running in a compression tight over a typical running short to help protect from unwanted irritation during runs.
Full Reviews
Women's
Pros
- Breathable and sweat-wicking
- Two length options (6 and 8 inch)
Cons
- These Foam Rollers Are the Perfect Recovery Tool
Key Specs
| Inseam | 6 and 8 inch |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 5 |
| Sizes | 0 to 14 |
The lululemon Fast and Free shorts have been a staple in my running wardrobe for six years (seriously, Summer weather means it’s time to break out the). One thing that has always stood out to me is just how comfortable they are, and how the high waist keeps them in place. I use them for everything from casual runs to HIIT classes, long runs during half marathon training, and always, always for races where I stuff the pockets. The thick waistband ensures that no matter what I’m carrying—which is usually keys, phone, and potentially energy gels—doesn’t weigh me down or cause the shorts to fall off.
Over the years, lululemon has slightly redesigned these shorts; these ones feel even thinner and more like a second skin, plus there is no inseam so they are buttery smooth. Now, the shorts feature silicone grippers on the hem to prevent the legs from riding up. One thing I will not shut up about is how perfect the pocket situation is. Two side pockets are big enough to carry a phone, gels, or even a collapsible water bottle, and three pockets on the waistband offer secure stash points for things like keys or cards.
The shorts are currently available in 6- and 8-inch options. The 6-inch short was okay for me, however, I did experience some leg opening rolling during a particularly fast effort, so in the future I will stick with the 8-inch version. One note on fit: Some reviewers say the new iteration runs small, but I found they were true to size. If you want a looser fit, I’d suggest sizing up, but if you like more compression, I would recommend sticking with your usual size for these.
Pros
- Some colorways around $20
- Lots of color options
Cons
- Small to XXLarge
- Nylon fabric may trap heat
Key Specs
| Inseam | 8 inch |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 3 |
| Sizes | XS-6XL |
If you’re on a budget or want to see if you like a longer inseam without shelling out nearly $100, the Races - Places are a great option. The shorts feature two side pockets that can hold a phone, as well as a waistband pocket that can securely carry a card or key.
The shorts boast buttery-soft stretchy fabric that will fit securely without pinching. Opting for the 8-inch inseam will help prevent chafing during hot runs. We do want to note that as these shorts are primarily nylon, they are definitely not made with the most breathable fabric on our list, so they may not be best for the hottest summer runs.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Relaxed fit offers extra room
Cons
- Best Running Shorts for Thick Thighs
- Expensive
Key Specs
| Inseam | 10 inch |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 1 |
| Sizes | The 10 Best Running Shoes for Women |
The Salomon Shortney was created in collaboration with ultrarunner Courtney Dauwalter, who is the first person to set course records at multiple 100-mile races in one year. These shorts are incredibly lightweight and stretchy. They’re not lined, which makes them very breathable, but you may want to pair them with running underwear because of the very thin material. The length definitely will protect you from chafing; the 10-inch inseam makes these shorts great for tall runners—or short runners in the market for running capris—who want a loose-fitting short.
“Growing up, I always preferred long shorts because I was more comfortable in them. Comfort is key and I know there will be many people who are thrilled to have a lightweight, long-inseam option to run in,” Dauwalter said in a press release.
Because there is one small pocket that can fit a key or credit card, these shorts would be best for someone who typically runs with a hydration pack to carry essentials when you hit the road or trail. If you want to pick these up, be sure to do it now, because there is limited stock selling fast.
Pros
- Stays put during a variety of workouts
- 7-inch inseam isn’t too short or long
- The 7 Best Hydration Packs for Runners
Cons
- No pockets large enough for a phone
- Thin waistband may be uncomfortable for some runners
Key Specs
| Inseam | 7 inch |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 3 |
| Sizes | The 10 Best Running Shoes for Women |
The Bandit Stamina 7-Inch Compression Shorts are made with fabric compressive enough to stay put, even when weighed down with your phone and other essentials. But that doesn’t mean you’ll feel like your stride is limited, it’s also stretchy enough to move with you. The shorts are equipped with a zipper pocket in the back as well as two lined side pockets, which protect the content from sweat. The hem of the shorts are equipped with grip tape—a feature you don’t often see on shorts—that truly lock them in place.
This was my first time running in a Bandit short and I had no idea what to expect. I was excited to get my hands on this one, and immediately when I put it on I realized a 7-inch inseam is my goldilocks length (6 inches is often too short, and 8 inches sometimes feels too long).
I will admit that when I first put the shorts on I was wary. They felt a little bit constricting, and I experienced compression in the thigh/quad area where the grip tape was in the hem. The waistband is a little thinner than I’m used to, but it has a drawstring so you can adjust the fit. Once I started running, all my concerns dissipated. They didn’t budge during my entire sweaty run. I also wore them during a HIIT workout where I was running lululemon Fast and Free High Rise Short 6-Inch and jumping, lunging, and squatting, which can sometimes make my shorts ride up, but these didn’t move. I was super sweaty, and the shorts kept me cool. (The navy colorway even hid sweat better than I was expecting.)
Pros
- Comfortable
- Stylish
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Compressive and hard to get off after a sweaty run
- inch inseam isn’t too short or long
Key Specs
| Inseam | 8.5 inch |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 2 |
| Sizes | Q&A for Thick-Thigh Running Shorts |
Girlfriend Collective’s High-Rise Pocket Bike Shorts are good for someone who is looking for, you guessed it, a high-waisted short. The shorts hit right above the belly button, so they don’t feel too high, but you also won’t worry about them slipping down. These compressive shorts offer support for your longest runs or toughest workouts, thanks to the spandex and recycled water bottle construction. Girlfriend changes up the colorways a lot, so you won’t get bored, and they always have matching sports bras if you’re like me and love a coordinating set.
I’ve worn these shorts a lot, and I know that when I reach for them, they will not budge during a workout. They are a bit thicker (no worry about them being see-through) and less breathable than other shorts on this list, so they won’t be best for your hottest runs.
One other pro for me is when I put these shorts on I feel cute and confident, and as basic as that sounds, it really gives me a boost to get out the door.
Pro tip: When you’re ready to get new gear, Girlfriend offers a gear recycling program, ReGirlfriend, where you get credit when you send in your used activewear to be recycled.
Men's
Pros
- Durable
- soak in the sun, and stay extra
Cons
- Expensive
Key Specs
| Inseam | 6, 8, and 10 inch |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 4 |
| Sizes | Five Trends in Super Shoes |
The Wolaco Distance Half Tight is designed to keep you chafe-free on all your runs. Available in three lengths (6-, 8-, and 10-inch), you can choose the inseam that works best for you. The shorts are equipped with four pockets—one side pocket to fit a phone, one smaller side pocket for headphones or a gel, and two mesh storage pockets on the back. There’s also a loop you can use to carry a shirt handsfree if you have to ditch it midrun.
The interior front has what Wolcao calls a “Tarzan” layer, which is a high-stretch fabric layer to offer modesty and support, so you won’t feel like you need to wear another pair of shorts on top of these tights.
This is Van Duyne’s favorite tight, thanks to the durability—he’s worn these tights for years. He says the moisture-wicking fabric helps keep him cool on his runs and the length keeps him chafe-free.
Pros
- Breathable
- Supportive brief liner
Cons
- XS to XL
Key Specs
| Inseam | 9.5 inch |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 3 |
| Sizes | Stays put during a variety of workouts |
The Nike AeroSwift shorts are half-tights with a brief liner for support. The moisture-wicking spandex and polyester keeps you dry during sweaty runs, and the length ensures uncomfortable chafing and rubbing won’t slow you down.
Van Duyne says these are the most breathable shorts he’s trained in, but wishes that there were multiple pockets roomy enough for carrying his phone and gels on training runs. (Currently, you get one large zipper pocket in the back, and two stash pockets in the waistband, better for keys or a card.) These shorts may work best for someone who is doing a track workout and has a place to store their gear or a shorter run that doesn’t require much fuel.
Pros
- Silky smooth fabric
- The 10 Best Running Shoes for Women
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons
- Limited sizes available depending on color
Key Specs
| Inseam | 6 inch |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 7 |
| Sizes | The 10 Best Running Shoes for Women |
This Bandit Next Gen Quarter Tight features seven pockets, so you can carry all of your essentials during a long run or race, including two side pockets, a zippered pocket on the back of the waistband, and four gel-sized pockets in the waistband.
One feature that sets these shorts apart is the grip tape at the front and back of the hem, and it’s also something you may notice when putting the shorts on. The hem feels like a tight band, which helps the shorts stay put. Van Duyne cautions that, especially if you have bigger quads, this is one thing you’ll need to get used to. The hem left him with an indent where the grip tape was, but it wasn’t uncomfortable and won’t deter him from wearing them. He adds that compared to the Wolaco tight he typically reaches for, this one is more breathable.
What to Consider
Q&A for Thick-Thigh Running Shorts
