Ashley Mateo is an award-winning journalist, editor, and certified running coach whose work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Outside Magazine, Men's Journal, among many others.
The thing about trail running is it’s unpredictable: The weather can change on a dime, you might be dodging tree branches and rocky outcroppings, and you generally need a lot more stuff than you do on the road. To go the distance, you need gear that works for, not against, you.
That makes storage and durability two of the main features to keep in mind when considering running shorts specifically for trail running. Secure pockets allow you to carry all your essential running gear—fuel, hydration, poles, even extra layers—without a pack. And, out in the wilderness, features like DWR (durable water-repellent) coatings, which protect you from wind and water, and UV-protective fabrics, which block your skin from the sun, can help you and your kit stand up to the environment.
Most importantly, though, you need to be comfortable. There’s so much else to consider when you’re tacking dirt and vert, you don’t want to be distracted by chafing seams, digging waistbands, and sweat-logged fabrics.
We consider the following trail running shorts to be the best running shorts you can get—they'll keep you cool, dry, and moving freely, so you can tackle any terrain with confidence. You'll find the men's options first, followed by trail running shorts for women.
