Best Running Shorts for Girls of 2026

Stella Strait Avatar
Stella Strait
Last Updated: Jan 28, 2026

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These running shorts are designed with the active girl in mind. Made from high-quality materials, they provide comfort and freedom of movement during workouts or sports activities. The shorts feature a breathable and moisture-wicking fabric that helps to keep the body cool and dry. With a stylish and trendy design, these running shorts are perfect for any girl who wants to stay active and look great while doing it. Whether it's running, jogging, or playing sports, these shorts are a must-have addition to any girl's athletic wardrobe.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Haloumoning Girls 2-in-1 High Waist Running Shorts Cover #TOP 1
Haloumoning Girls 2-in-1 High Waist Running Shorts
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Under Armour Girls Tech Play Up Shorts Cover #TOP 2
Under Armour Girls Tech Play Up Shorts
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Nike Tempo Dri-Fit Running Shorts Girls Cover #TOP 3
Nike Tempo Dri-Fit Running Shorts Girls
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Running Shorts for Girls

#TOP 1

Haloumoning Girls 2-in-1 High Waist Running Shorts

Black
10-12 Years
Haloumoning Girls 2-in-1 High Waist Running Shorts Cover
Haloumoning Girls Athletic Shorts High Waist Elastic 2 in 1 Running Shorts with Side Pockets 5-14 Years Black

The Haloumoning Girls Running Shorts are designed for comfort and practicality. Made from lightweight, breathable fabric, these shorts keep you cool and dry during warm weather activities. The double-layer design features a loose outer skirt for easy movement and a snug inner liner that offers support and protection while you play. With two spacious inner pockets, you can safely carry essentials like your phone and keys without worrying about losing them. The high elastic waistband ensures a secure, comfortable fit that stays in place without digging into your skin, making these shorts perfect for active days.

What We Like
Soft, lightweight inner shorts
Comfortable for active wear
Flattering high-waist design
Built-in liner for coverage
Convenient side pockets
What We Don't Like
Wrinkles easily out of dryer
Pocket not secure for running
#TOP 2

Under Armour Girls Tech Play Up Shorts

1390075
X-Small
Under Armour Girls Tech Play Up Shorts Cover
Under Armour Girls Tech Play Up Shorts, (002) Black / / Black, X-Small

The Under Armour Girls Shorts are made from a soft, lightweight knit fabric that keeps you comfortable and lets your skin breathe during any activity. The material is designed to pull sweat away from your body and dry quickly, so you stay dry and fresh even during intense workouts. These shorts feature a mid-rise waistband with a stylish exposed elastic band, offering a secure and comfortable fit. Additionally, the open hand pockets provide convenient storage for small essentials, making these shorts practical for both sports and casual wear.

What We Like
Comfortable fit
Good quality material
Vibrant color options
No inner liner
Easy to wash
What We Don't Like
Runs slightly large
No adjustable waist
#TOP 3

Nike Tempo Dri-Fit Running Shorts Girls

848196
Large
Nike Tempo Dri-Fit Running Shorts Girls Cover
Nike Girl's Tempo Dri-Fit Running Shorts, Black/Black/Black/White, Large

The Nike Tempo Running Shorts offer lightweight comfort designed to keep you dry by quickly wicking away sweat. Their breathable woven fabric and side mesh panels enhance airflow, helping you stay cool during activity. Plus, a hidden pocket inside the waistband provides a secure spot to carry small valuables while you're on the move. These features combine to give you a comfortable and practical choice for running or other athletic activities.

What We Like
Breathable fabric
Color stays vibrant
Exceptional comfort
Good fit for kids
Adjustable waistband
What We Don't Like
Higher price
Limited stretch for oversplits

Under Armour Girls' Tech Play Up 2-in-1 Shorts

6004985
Medium
Under Armour Girls' Tech Play Up 2-in-1 Shorts Cover
Under Armour Girls' Tech Play Up 2 in 1 Shorts, (005) Black/Black/White, Medium

The Under Armour Girls' 2-in-1 Shorts offer a great combination of comfort and performance for active girls. The outer shorts are made from a soft and lightweight knit fabric, which helps keep you comfortable and cool by allowing air to flow easily. Inside, the built-in HeatGear liner is stretchy and breathable, so it moves with you and dries quickly to keep you feeling fresh. The soft elastic waistband provides a snug, yet gentle fit, and it features a pop of color with the wordmark, adding a fun style touch. These shorts are designed to keep up with your active lifestyle while ensuring you stay comfortable.

What We Like
Soft lightweight fabric
Breathable HeatGear liner
Quick-drying material
Comfortable elastic waistband
#TOP 5

Champro Vision Girls' Athletic Shorts

BBS44
Black
Large
Champro Vision Girls' Athletic Shorts Cover
Champro Vision Athletic Shorts, Girls' Large, Black

The Champro Vision Athletic Shorts offer great versatility, perfect for gym sessions, sports practice, workouts, or physical education classes. Made from 100% lightweight polyester, these shorts allow you to move freely without feeling weighed down. They feature a comfortable, covered elastic waistband with a drawstring, so you can easily adjust the fit to your liking. Plus, the moisture-wicking Dri-Gear fabric helps keep you dry and comfortable by pulling sweat away from your skin. These shorts are designed to keep you active and comfortable during any physical activity.

What We Like
Comfortable waistband
Good fit for tall kids
Lightweight athletic fabric
Easy to wash and dry
Affordable quality
What We Don't Like
Sizes may run small
Material thin and shiny
#TOP 6

Adidas Girls' 5-Inch Mesh Athletic Shorts

AH4263
Black Adi
Medium
Adidas Girls' 5-Inch Mesh Athletic Shorts Cover
adidas girls 5" Mesh Althletic Shorts, Adi Black, 10 12 US

These Adidas Girls' 5-Inch Mesh Athletic Shorts are designed with applied dazzle stripes down back sides, lined short, and Adidas brand mark heat transfer on left leg. Perfect for girls who love to be active and enjoy sports.

What We Like
Comfortable fit
Good length
Popular for sports practice
Durable stitching
Reasonable price
What We Don't Like
Slightly see-through
Color may run
#TOP 7

Under Armour Girls' Tech Play Up Mesh Shorts

1390074
Medium
Under Armour Girls' Tech Play Up Mesh Shorts Cover
Under Armour Girls' Tech Play Up Mesh Shorts, (002) Black / / White, Medium

The Under Armour Play Up Shorts are designed with breathable double-layer mesh fabric that helps keep you cool during activities. The foldover waistband features an internal elastic band and a stylish updated logo, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. You’ll appreciate the open hand pockets, perfect for carrying small essentials while on the go. Plus, the shaped hem gives these shorts a flattering look and allows for better movement, so you can stay active with ease and confidence. These features make the Play Up Shorts a great choice for girls who want comfort and style in their athletic wear.

What We Like
Breathable mesh fabric
Comfortable foldover waistband
Convenient hand pockets
Flattering shaped hem
#TOP 8

Haloumoning Girls High Waisted Athletic Shorts

Black
9-10 Years
Haloumoning Girls High Waisted Athletic Shorts Cover
Haloumoning Girls Athletic Shorts Kids Workout High Waisted Volleyball Shorts Yoga Dance Gymnastics Shorts Black

The Haloumoning Girls Workout Shorts are designed to keep your child comfortable during any activity. Made from a soft, lightweight, and breathable fabric, these shorts help keep kids cool and dry all day long. The 4-way stretch material allows for full freedom of movement, so your child can run, jump, and stretch without restriction. The high elastic waistband ensures a secure and supportive fit, while flatlock seams reduce irritation and chafing. These features make the shorts perfect for sports like yoga, dance, gymnastics, and running, as well as everyday wear.

What We Like
True to size fit
Comfortable material
Not see through
Great for active kids
Good for layering
What We Don't Like
Some colors slightly transparent
Occasional sizing inconsistency
#TOP 9

Stelle Girl's Athletic Running Shorts with Liner and Zipper Pockets

2404-YR004-BK-L
A-black
10-11 Years
Stelle Girl's Athletic Running Shorts with Liner and Zipper Pockets Cover
Stelle Girl's Athletic Shorts with Liner Zipper Pockets Elastic Waist Running Shorts Sports Active Shorts for Teen Kids(Black,L)

Stelle Athletic Girls Shorts are designed to keep your child comfortable and active. Made with a soft and stretchy spandex blend, these shorts allow for easy movement and breathability during any activity. The wide elastic waistband ensures a secure yet gentle fit, so your child can play freely without discomfort. Inside, a built-in liner helps prevent chafing, making exercise more enjoyable and irritation-free. Plus, the zipper side pockets keep essentials safe, even during energetic play. These shorts combine comfort, practicality, and security for an all-around great choice for your active child.

What We Like
Comfortable, true-to-size fit
Thick, supportive waistband
Not see-through material
Great for sports and active wear
Pockets and built-in briefs
What We Don't Like
Built-in briefs not for everyone
Limited color options
#TOP 10

Runhit Girls 4" Athletic Shorts with Pockets

FZG0103129-03-black 3pack:M
3 Pack Black
Medium
Runhit Girls 4" Athletic Shorts with Pockets Cover
Runhit 3 Pack 4" Girls Volleyball Shorts Spandex Dance Shorts for Girls Youth Running Athletic Biker Shorts with Pockets Black M

The Runhit Girls Volleyball Shorts are designed to keep you comfortable and active. Made from a soft, lightweight fabric that stretches in all directions, these shorts help wick away moisture, so you stay cool and dry during any activity. The wide elastic waistband ensures a snug fit that won’t slip down, giving you confidence and coverage as you move. Plus, the convenient side pockets allow you to carry essentials like keys or a phone without hassle. With smooth, flat seams and a tagless design, these shorts reduce irritation and let you move freely without discomfort.

What We Like
Comfortable fit
Pocket feature
Good value
Durable after washing
Versatile use
What We Don't Like
Middle seam design
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why do women's running shorts have liners?

Women's running shorts often have built-in liners for added comfort and moisture management. The lightweight lining helps prevent chafing and absorbs sweat during runs, keeping the wearer cool and dry.

2. What is special about running shorts?

Running shorts are designed to provide freedom of movement and minimize moisture build-up to prevent chafing. They also feature secure storage options for essentials like phones, keys, and fuel.

3. What is different about running shorts?

Running shorts typically have an elastic waistband with an integrated drawstring for a secure fit. High-end shorts may have wider and more ergonomic waistbands made of stretch fabric. They also often include storage pockets for convenience.

4. What do female athletes wear under their shorts?

Female athletes have various options for underwear under their running shorts, including briefs, compression shorts, and thongs. The choice depends on personal preference and factors like weather conditions and breathability.

5. Is it better to run in spandex or running shorts?

Running shorts offer more ventilation and breathability compared to spandex tights. The flowy design of shorts allows air circulation, keeping the upper part of the legs cool. Spandex tights may not offer as much breathability.

6. How do I choose running shorts?

When choosing running shorts, consider factors such as inseam length, split shorts, waistband width, liners, fitted short tights, 2-in-1 shorts, and pockets and storage. These factors affect leg coverage, freedom of movement, and convenience.

7. Why are female running shorts so short?

Women's running shorts are often short to provide maximum range of motion and breathability during runs. However, longer options with mid-rise waistbands and 6-inch inseams are available for those who prefer more coverage.

Editor's Notes

During our running shorts for girls research, we found 48 running shorts for girls products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 16,133 customer reviews through our big data system to write the running shorts for girls list. We found that most customers choose running shorts for girls with an average price of $22.16.

The running shorts for girls are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of running shorts for girls, including Haloumoning, Under Armour, Nike, CHAMPRO, adidas. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 964 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Stella Strait Avatar

Stella Strait is a tall, energetic woman who loves to play sports and go on outdoor adventures. She has been doing competitive swimming since she was five years old, and still swims today to stay in shape. Stella also enjoys playing tennis, golfing, hunting, hiking, camping, and fishing. Stella is always up for a new challenge, and she has an adventurous spirit that will keep her exploring the world around her.

Running Shorts for Girls Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Haloumoning Under Armour Nike Under Armour CHAMPRO adidas Under Armour Haloumoning Stelle Runhit
Department girls girls - girls girls girls girls girls girls girls
Fabric type 90% Nylon, 10% Spandex 100% Polyester - 100% Polyester 100% Polyester 100% Polyester 100% Polyester 85% Polyamide, 15% Elastane 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex 75% Polyester, 25% Spandex
Care instructions Machine Wash Machine Wash - Machine Wash Machine Wash Machine Wash Machine Wash Machine Wash Machine Wash Machine Wash
Origin Imported Imported - Imported Imported Imported Imported Imported Imported Imported
Closure type Pull On Pull On - Pull On Drawstring Pull On Pull On - Pull On -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.6
ftb score rating icon 8.6
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