Brooks Chaser 3" Shorts
Women's
Shorts
price:$68.00
Women’s Running Shorts
The right pair of women’s running shorts can be the difference between a run you want to forget and one you want to repeat. At Marathon Sports, we have been fitting runners and walkers across New England since 1975, and we know that what you wear from the waist down matters just as much as what is on your feet.
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How To Choose The Right Fit In Women’s Running Shorts
Fit starts with length. Women’s running shorts typically come in two-inch, three-inch, five-inch, and seven-inch inseams, and the right one depends on how you move and how much coverage feels comfortable to you.
Shorter lengths give you more freedom of movement on faster efforts, while longer inseams tend to suit walkers, trail runners, and anyone who wants a little more coverage on longer outings. For more on dressing for warm weather runs, our summer running tips guide is a helpful starting point.
Waistband and liner choices matter just as much. A wide, high-rise waistband stays put on longer runs and works well with a pack or belt. A built-in liner adds light support and eliminates the need for a separate layer underneath, though some runners prefer a looser, unlined short with their own base layer.
When in doubt, our staff at any of our 32 New England locations can help you sort through the options as part of the Right Fit™ in-store fitting experience.
Women’s Running Shorts With Pockets: What To Look For
Women’s running shorts with pockets have gone from a nice bonus to a genuine deciding factor for a lot of runners and walkers, and for good reason. Here is what to pay attention to when you are evaluating running shorts with pocket features:
Phone Pockets
A dedicated phone pocket should sit snug against your body without bouncing or shifting mid-run. Look for a zippered or compression-style closure that keeps your phone secure whether you are doing a quick neighborhood loop or a longer training run. Placement matters too: side pockets distribute weight more evenly than a single back pocket.
Gel And Nutrition Storage
If you run or walk long enough to need fuel on the go, small gel loops or inner waistband pockets make a real difference. They keep your nutrition within easy reach without requiring you to stop or dig, which is especially useful during races or back-to-back training days.
Secure Closures For Valuables
For keys, cards, or anything you cannot afford to lose, a zippered outer pocket is worth prioritizing. Not all zip pockets are built the same. A flat, body-hugging design will stay comfortable over distance, while a bulky or poorly positioned pocket can create friction or throw off your stride.
Running Shorts Fabrics And Why They Matter
Fabric is one of those details that you don’t pay attention to until something goes wrong mid-run. Knowing what to look for before you buy saves a lot of discomfort down the road. The best running shorts for women are built from materials that work with your body and your conditions. Here’s what to look for:
Moisture-Wicking Fabrics
Most quality running shorts use polyester or nylon blends engineered to pull sweat away from your skin and move it to the surface of the fabric where it can evaporate. This keeps you drier and more comfortable, which matters whether you are walking a few miles or logging a long training run. For a deeper look, our post on rhy running fabric matters is worth a read.
Anti-Chafe Construction
Flat seams and smooth interior stitching are what separate a short that works from one that leaves you counting down the miles. High-friction zones like the inner thigh and waistband edge are where construction quality issues show up most, especially on longer efforts. A well-built short will stay comfortable well past the point where a poorly finished one starts to cause problems.
Compression Panels And Stretch
Some shorts incorporate compression panels or four-way stretch fabric to support movement without restricting it. Compression can help your muscles feel more supported on longer runs, while stretch fabric lets you move naturally through your full stride. Neither is universally better; it comes down to personal preference and the type of activity you are doing most.
Shop Women’s Running Shorts At Marathon Sports
Finding the right pair of women’s running shorts comes down to knowing what affects comfort and performance over miles: fit, fabric, pocket placement, and construction. Those details add up, and when they all come together, you stop thinking about what you are wearing and start focusing on the run itself.
We carry a full range of running shorts for women from the brands our staff knows and trusts, including Brooks, HOKA, New Balance, Saucony, and more. If you want hands-on help narrowing it down, come into any of our 32 New England locations for the Right Fit™ in-store experience, where we take the time to understand how you move and what you need. Whatever your pace or distance, we are here to help you get out the door feeling your best.
Frequently Asked Questions About Women’s Running Shorts
It depends on how you move and how much coverage feels comfortable. Shorter inseams suit faster efforts and warmer days, while five-inch and seven-inch options work well for trail running, walking, and longer outings. Trying on a few different lengths of shorts before buying is always worthwhile.
Yes. The same features that make a short great for running, including moisture-wicking fabric, a secure waistband, and chafe-resistant construction, translate well to walking. Walkers often find a slightly longer inseam and a wider waistband more comfortable over time.
Usually it comes down to fit. Look for shorts with four-way stretch material and an inseam length that suits your stride. A built-in liner can also help keep everything in place without bunching.
This comes down to personal preference. A liner offers light support and eliminates a separate layer underneath. If you prefer your own base layer or find liners uncomfortable, plenty of great unlined options exist. Neither is the wrong choice.
Wash inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle, skip the fabric softener, and air dry when you can. Heat and softener both break down moisture-wicking fabrics faster than normal wear does.
Many people wear thermal tights or leggings as a layering option underneath shorts or on their own. For a full seasonal breakdown, our what to wear running in all weather guide covers everything you need.
Yes. We accept returns and exchanges within 30 days. Orders over $74.95 also qualify for free standard shipping, making it easy to try a few options from home.