Running Shorts With Pockets Are Your Best Friend On Summer Jogs

Summer runs can be life-affirming. The birds are chirping, the trees are green, you smell like sunscreen. And the weather is nice, if sometimes a little too warm.

If you ditch your leggings for shorts during these delightful, dog days jogs, however, you might struggle to find a good place to to keep your keys, ID, and phone. Many running shorts don't have pockets, after all, or if they do, they're so small as to be functionally useless.

That's why we rounded up the best running shorts with actual, useable pockets. Here are a few picks that will keep you cool but prepared, if you're like me and don't want to travel light.

Lululemon Track That Short 5"

Designed with runners in mind, this bright pair has sweat-wicking fabric and side pockets large enough to fit a phone — with a zipper, so your gear won't fly out when you're jogging down the road.

lululemon Track That Short 5", $, available at lululemon

Brooks Chaser 3" Short

These shorts have a slit down the side that offers full range of motion when you're pounding the pavement. Plus, it has two waistband pockets, including one that's sweat resistant, so you'll never have to worry about soaking your phone.

Brooks Running Chaser 3" Short, $, available at Brooks Running

Tracksmith Ekiden Shorts

Named after Japan's famed long-distance relay race, during which athletes run from Tokyo to Hakone, a distance of more than 135 miles, these mesh shorts are designed for long runs. They come in emerald and purple, the colors of the flag of the Tokyo Metropolis. They have two internal pockets, perfect for carrying a nutrition bar or an external charger.

Tracksmith Ekiden Shorts, $, available at Tracksmith

Nike Tempo Luxe

The fabric stretches with your body, so you won't feel restricted, and the zippered pockets are great for storing a face mask (for the times you're running in an isolated area, but want to be prepared if you run into a stranger during a pandemic). They come in a variety of colors, from tea tree to pink glow.

Nike Women's 3" Running Shorts Nike Tempo Luxe, $, available at Nike

P.E. Nation Side Runner Short

These sleek, chic, and shimmery shorts will be the envy of your track club, and have a zipped pocket, perfect for keeping your credit cards safe.

P.E Nation Side Runner Short in Silver, $, available at P.E Nation

Fabletics Mila High-Waisted Pocket Short 9"

These are longer shorts, so they'll prevent inner thigh rubbing without having to rely on an anti-chafe stick. The side pocket is large and secure enough to hold an iPhone in place.


Fabletics Mila High-Waisted Pocket Short 9", $, available at Fabletics

Hylete Iris Short

With zipper pockets, these bottoms are breathable, and light weight, and have a high-stretch waistband — so you'll always be comfy on your runs.

HYLETE Iris Short, $, available at HYLETE

from refinery29