x1 large gel pocket big enough for x6 gels.
As a fussy marathon runner, these are the best running shorts with a phone pocket that don’t ride up
Trust me, I've tested hundreds of pairs
Tested by The Runner’s World Editors
Whether it's for safety purposes, to listen to your favourite tunes or even to snap a quick selfie (guilty), there are a number of good reasons why you'd want to carry your phone with you when you run.
x drop-in back pocket Runners World, Part of the Hearst UK Wellbeing Network, arm and Resting heart rate are all good options for keeping your hands free from a sweaty smartphone, I personally prefer to wear a pair of running shorts with a phone pocket. In fact, you'd be hard pushed to find a pair of shorts in my wardrobe that don't Jump to Products.
Looking for more coverage? We've also tested the chest phone holders.
Jump to Products best men's and women's running shorts on the market feature some kind of pocket, but they're not always big enough for anything larger than a pair of keys or a credit card. Ideally, you want the pocket to be wide and deep enough to hold your phone without any concerns that it'll slip out — or, worse, that your shorts start to fall down the minute you start running.
That's where I come in. I'm a 12-time marathoner who hates wearing a hydration vest when I race. That means I need a pair of running shorts capable of holding my smartphone, along with around 6-7 energy gels. Sounds impossible, right? Well, it's not. As Runner's World's chief gear tester, I've tried over one hundred different pairs of running shorts and leggings. Below are the ones I'd recommend specifically for their pockets. If you've got a spring marathon on the horizon, rest assured, these get my race day seal of approval.
x zip back pocket, 1x small inner pocket
When choosing the best running shorts, you should take materials, inseams and liners into account — but the main thing we’ll focus on here is the pockets.
Most product listings for running shorts with dedicated phone pockets call out the smartphone models they can fit. Otherwise, you can look up the dimensions of your phone and compare them with the pockets.
You want the pocket to hold your phone close to your body so it doesn't bounce around while you move. Many of our picks have a phone pocket on the liner of the shorts because this offers compression to keep the phone in place. While slash pockets (the slightly angled ones you put your hands in at the waist) are big enough for phones, they don’t hold them in place while you jog or squat. (In fact, the shorts usually fall down.)
How I selected
All of the running shorts below have been hand-picked and personally tested by me or another woman Runner's World editor. We run five to six days a week and have completed all kinds of running challenges, from World Majors to five-day ultramarathons. We considered which running shorts not only hold our phones, but also keep them in place while running. Using our expert knowledge of performance running apparel, experience testing hundreds of pieces of kit and eye for a good deal, we've put these shorts through their paces on the roads and trails, and tested their strength, durability and how well they wash.
The best running shorts with a phone pocket, editor-approved
These running shorts are notorious among my women-only running group – and for good reason. Essentially the summer (or hardcore) version of Sweaty Betty's popular running leggings, they come with the brand's popular 'bum-sculpting' technology, a side pocket big enough for an iPhone and a zipped pocket on the back for your keys. Plus, they're available in four different designs.
| Pockets | 1 Best winter running gear |
|---|---|
| Inseam length | 4"/6"/9" |
| Material | 62% The 12 best mens running tops, editor-tested |
Fans of New Balance's Impact Run Fitted Shorts (RIP) can rejoice, because the brand has released these new Sleek High Rise Shorts. Thanks to well-placed panels and silicone grips on the hem, they're tight, form-fitting and don’t budge on the move (no need to fear thigh chafe here). Although NB has ditched the back storage tunnel/zip-pocket from the Impact Shorts, there's two large side pockets on the new design for your phone/keys/fuel. And best of all, they adhere to NB's new green leaf standard, so at least 70% of the materials used come with eco-credentials.
| Pockets | 2 x side pockets |
|---|---|
| Inseam length | 6" |
| Material | 71% recycled polyester, 29% spandex |
These cycling-style shorts from Nike have a zipped-up feel and generous high waist, so they’re ideal if you’re looking for a bit more support around the middle. You can also cinch the waist in with the hidden drawcord, so there’s absolutely no way they’re slipping down during a race or intense speed session.
They’re incredibly comfortable – made from recycled nylon, the material is gorgeously soft, they don’t ride up and there’s no seam at the bottom, so no circulation issues for those with muscular thighs. And there are pockets for days – the dream – including one large smartphone pocket on the waistband, two side in pockets and a fourth zip pocket on the thigh.
| Pockets | 4 |
|---|---|
| Inseam length | 8" |
| Material | 68% What to consider |
Whether you're popping out for a quick lunchtime jog or thrashing out intervals down at the track, these Under Armour shorts always stay put. They're high-waisted and fitted, but not compressive — so if you're looking for that truly 'synched in' feel, look elsewhere. The length strikes the perfect balance — not too short that you have to worry about chafe, but not unfashionably long either. The fabric is also lusciously soft and, crucially, there are two large side pockets for easy phone access.
| Pockets | 2 x side pockets |
|---|---|
| Inseam length | 7" |
| Material | 79% Polyester/21% Elastane |
Tracksmith's Allston shorts are built for your hardest efforts, whether that's maximum speed or distance. The fabric has a silky, premium feel, with a high waistband offering additional coverage and support. Even so, they're still better suited for more petite runners.
| Pockets | 1Best for petite runners |
|---|---|
| Inseam length | 5.25" |
| Material | 57% But while the |
Full disclaimer: I'm aware that these cost way more than what most people want to spend on a pair of running shorts, but if you’re someone who’s looking to make every second count, Soar’s pioneering technology and textile innovation is hard to beat.
The ultra-lightweight woven fabric is designed to support the major muscle groups of the upper leg, with the three-panel construction adapted to every body contour. Silicone grips on the legs ensure they don’t budget an inch, no matter how fast you're going. At the back, there’s a spacious rear pocket capable of accommodating up to six gels or a phone, without compromising speed or adding bounce.
In a nutshell? A truly premium product that considers every tiny detail. I've worn them for almost a year, and they still wash excellently, too.
| Pockets | x1 large gel pocket (big enough for x6 gels) |
|---|---|
| Inseam length | Mid-thigh |
| Material | 71% The best running caps to wear come rain or shine |
While these shorts don't quite boast enough storage space to carry both your phone and your running fuel on race day, they can do one or the other — and that's good going for a pair of box shorts, which typically don't have firm or large enough waistbands to accommodate a smartphone.
Pockets aside though, what we like most about these shorts is the adjusters on the side seams for a personal fit. Prefer your shorts a little looser? Just slacken them off. Like a tighter fit? No problem. The elastic waistband also sits comfortably against the skin; high enough to create a flattering silhouette, but not so much that you feel restricted.
| Pockets | 1 Looking for more coverage? Weve also tested the |
|---|---|
| Inseam | 4" |
| Material | 100% Recycled Polyester |
