The 31 best running short brands in 2026

Nike, Under armour and adidas lead our ranking of 31 running short brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.

Running Short brands, ranked

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  1. 1

    Nike

    Blue Ribbon Sports was a sportswear company founded in 1964. After launching the Nike shoe brand, the company was rebranded as Nike in 1978. Its popularity exploded in the late 80s when it started acquiring numerous shoe companies and including a variety in its product line. In 1996, it opened a bar for extreme sports like mountain biking. Today, it is one of the most famous sports companies in the world.

    Popularity 10.0/10

  2. 2

    Under armour

    When Kevin Plank, the University of Maryland football team captain, noticed his sweaty t-shirt, he realized that there had to be something better. He created a T-shirt that keeps one cool, dry, and light for extended periods. That was when Under Armour was conceptualized. Today, the brand is popular among athletes as it focuses not just on performance T-shirts but also lightweight shoes, digital health shoes, and more.

    Popularity 6.3/10

  3. 3

    adidas

    Adi Dassler had the goal to provide athletes with only the best. In 1949, he registered a shoe that later became one of the precursors of modern Adidas shoes. In 1954, he introduced the screw-in studs for lightweight football boots that propelled the German football team to victory in the World Cup. Adidas became a household name and gained the trust of athletes. Today, Adidas enjoys global acclaim as it continues to provide premium-quality equipment.

    Popularity 6.2/10

  4. 4

    Gildan

    When founders Greg and Glenn Chamandy started a small knitting mill in Quebec, they did not realize that they had created the base of one of the world’s most trusted apparel manufacturers. Gildan believes that customer requirements are its priority. When things got rough and customers wanted a convenient option, Gilden introduced the online mode and created a virtual portal allowing easy shopping. Happy customers lead to a successful business.

    Popularity 4.7/10

  5. 5

    Coofandy

    Coofandy was founded very recently, in 2015. They have expanded their business quickly with dedication and tireless efforts. The company deals with men's clothing. Clothes for all occasions can be found on their site. Fashion is incorporated into the designs of the brand. They always keep up with the changing fashion trends. Excellent craftsmanship goes into the clothes with great attention to detail. Coofandy garments are very comfortable and can be worn at home and in any professional setting. 

    Popularity 4.5/10

  6. 6

    ASICS

    ASICS is an imminent luxury sportswear brand. Sportstyle by ASICS is a whole new collection inspiring its customers to wear their vibe! They include sturdy and sophisticated shoes and apparel. The brand’s cushion shoe innovation lets you enjoy walking and running to work or for fun. Have you browsed through their cricket essentials yet? They are just perfect for grip on the field. You will also find medical and work shoes on the brand website one can access through the filter.

    Popularity 2.8/10

  7. 7

    Sportswear

    Partnership with brands like Jordan and Converse makes Sportswear one of the most popular sneaker stores. Their latest products include the Nike Air Max 720 React and Nike Crater Impact. Their men's and women’s series cover clothing options and accessories ranging from shorts and t-shirts to cardigans and jackets, as well as flip flops and hats. Sportswear’s biggest attractions are the sneakers and their unique bag collection that includes brands like Adidas and Puma.

    Popularity 2.7/10

  8. 8

    Lululemon

    Lululemon is a famous activewear brand whose premium and high-end products are loved by fitness enthusiasts. They not only provide good performance but are also very stylish and comfortable. They have a collection for both men and women, and their clothing pieces are incredibly lightweight and soft. They are perfect whether you are doing heavy workouts or Yoga. The brand creates products that move along with the person's body and help improve their performance.

    Popularity 2.7/10

  9. 9

    SPIRO

    Spiro creates some excellent exercise and training clothing using the latest high-performance technical materials and patterns. These trendy styles are found in blouses, jackets, jeans, and shorts. Spiro's unisex sector includes headwear and training shirts recommended by athletes, including a...

    Popularity 2.6/10

  10. 10

    UZZI

    Uzzi is an eclectic apparel-wear company that presents goods for social and active individuals. The prints in their garments enliven your performance and enhance your adventurous experience. With their comfortable and perfect-fitting clothes, you can enjoy any sport, from Kayaking...

    Popularity 2.6/10

  11. 11

    Stylo

    Pakistan has stylish, bright, and comfy footwear. Looking for a wide range of shoes, sandals, and slippers that complement your style? Stylo is the most excellent online variety of ladies' footwear in Pakistan. Their extensive collection of designer shoes has...

    Popularity 2.2/10

  12. 12

    Soffe

    Workout in style with Soffe – a family activewear brand that sees the strength in you! The exclusive Ranger Panty shorts are the ideal physical training partners for men and women. The Soffe Supreme collection is all about luxurious and...

    Popularity 2.0/10

  13. 13

    Legea

    Founded in 1993 by the Acanfora siblings, Legea is one of the most popular Italian sportswear brands catering to Italian football associations and clubs. Legea has sponsored numerous teams from Italy, the Netherlands, Wales, and other European countries. Legea offers...

    Popularity 1.9/10

  14. 14

    Athleta

    Athleta sells women's clothes with a focus on performance. The brand has a variety of casual clothing, including shirts, coats, and yoga pants, and sportswear like sports bras and leggings. Athleta creates performance-driven apparel to fit your lifestyle. Browse trendy...

    Popularity 1.8/10

  15. 15

    Trenz Shirt Company

    A family possession started in February 1998, Trenz Shirt Company is an internet retailer brand with over thousands of products. The secret behind the brand's success is its dedicated patronage due to its diverse, evolving catalog and fast order processing....

    Popularity 1.7/10

  16. 16

    Karrimor

    Karrimor is meant for the people who love the great outdoors. It is not advised to go on an adventure without equipment. If you are someone who is an active person who likes to live in the outside world, then...

    Popularity 1.7/10

  17. 17

    More Mile

    More Mile was established back in 2001. They have been making running clothes, footwear, and other accessories for their customers. They aim to make the running experience comfortable for you to enjoy yourself to the fullest without any restrictions. The...

    Popularity 1.7/10

  18. 18

    SEOBEAN

    SEOBEAN was founded back in 2006. They have its headquarters in Hong Kong. The company mainly deals with designing and manufacturing men's underwear and swimwear. A dedicated group is always working to develop new and original ideas to design products...

    Popularity 1.7/10

  19. 19

    Lorna Jane

    Lorna Jane believes in active living. They believe that as long as there is easy movement, there is a healthy and happy lifestyle waiting for you. Lorna Jane makes comfortable and active clothes that give you room to breathe and...

    Popularity 1.7/10

  20. 20

    Ronhill

    Running is either enjoyed or dreaded; there's no in-between. Ronhill is set to change the running game by supplying breathable and sweat-resistant fabric clothes which make running enjoyable. Taking guidance from their past products and blending them with the needs...

    Popularity 1.6/10

  21. 21

    LIXADA

    LIXADA creates beautiful lights for every occasion and space. It can be drab to have common lighting. Mix it up with the quality lights that LIXADA has to offer. LEDs and flashlights are also available on this site. LIXADA generally...

    Popularity 1.4/10

  22. 22

    Gear

    Gear is the first and only store dedicated to athletes. They showcase the most excellent and most innovative products from over 1500 companies. They provide a vast assortment of gear at cheap costs, whether you're searching for new shoes, clothing,...

    Popularity 1.4/10

  23. 23

    Gym King

    The Gym King is a gym wear company making fashionable and quality athletic wear since 2015. They sell everything from sports shorts to accessories like bags and headwear. They believe that a person is genuinely unstoppable and has no boundaries....

    Popularity 1.3/10

  24. 24

    Brave Soul

    Take your casual fashion to the next level and upgrade it with Brave Soul. Brave Soul is a unisex casual clothing brand that believes in simplicity. Its clothing collection follows a simple yet elegant silhouette, making Brave Soul a great...

    Popularity 1.3/10

  25. 25

    Slazenger

    Slazenger makes the outdoor game more manageable with the dedicated items of clothing that they sell for specific purposes. This brand is the longest established sporting brand since they have been here for 150 years. Slazenger has been on the...

    Popularity 1.3/10

  26. 26

    New Balance

    As people are getting healthier daily, the concept of workout is evolving simultaneously. Most people now opt for extreme workouts using the gym or within the comfort of their homes. To do a comfortable Workout session, people need proper accessories...

    Popularity 1.2/10

  27. 27

    FILA

    Fitness, work, and professionalism is all that one can discover at Fila! Discover all their premium apparel collections at sensible rates on their website or store outlets. Celebrating its 110th anniversary, the brand has collaborated with prominent fashion brands releasing...

    Popularity 1.2/10

  28. 28

    Sport-Tek

    Sport-Tek offers great-performance clothing for any sport, at any time, and in any location. You may find Sport-Tek's revolutionary materials and patterns on team sidelines and on playing fields worldwide, from the court to the stands and everywhere in between....

    Popularity 1.2/10

  29. 29

    ellesse

    The Italian-based sportswear manufacturer Ellesse focuses on creating and dispensing athletic apparel, workout gear, and footwear. Its items aim at sports enthusiasts and leisure players who wish to add a unique touch to their regular clothing or make every exercise...

    Popularity 1.1/10

  30. 30

    2XU

    2XU is a digital health and fitness ecosystem. They use best-in-class technology to help people reset their objectives, motivate them, and demonstrate that change is achievable. Whether you pick an online or offline program, their team will work with you...

    Popularity 1.1/10

  31. 31

    RUNNERS POINT

    RUNNERS POINT - Foreever a Runner

    Popularity 0.1/10

Running Shorts Buying Guide

Running shorts are an essential part of any runner's wardrobe. They are designed to provide the much-needed comfort and ease of movement required for running. Having the right pair of running shorts can make all the difference when it comes to performance, style, and comfort. With so many different styles, materials, and brands available, it can be challenging to find the perfect pair. In this buying guide, we will look at the different factors you need to consider when buying running shorts to help you make the right decision.

Types of Running Shorts

The first step to buying the perfect pair of running shorts is to understand the different types available. The following are some of the most common types of running shorts:

1. Compression Shorts

Compression shorts are designed to fit tightly to the body to provide support to your muscles. They are usually made from materials like spandex, which provide stretch and flexibility. Compression shorts are ideal for long-distance runs because they help to reduce muscle fatigue, improve blood flow, and prevent chafing.

2. Split Shorts

Split shorts are designed with a split in the side to provide more freedom of movement. They are usually made from lightweight and breathable materials like polyester or nylon. Split shorts are ideal for running in hot weather because they provide ventilation and keep you cool.

3. 2-In-1 Shorts

2-in-1 shorts are designed with a compression liner built-in. They provide the support and comfort of compression shorts while also providing the freedom of movement of split shorts. They are usually made from materials like polyester or spandex.

4. Trail Shorts

Trail shorts are designed for off-road running. They are usually made from durable materials like nylon or polyester, which can withstand the wear and tear of running on rough terrain. Trail shorts usually have pockets to carry essentials such as energy bars and water bottles.

Factors to Consider When Buying Running Shorts

Once you have decided on the type of running shorts you need, the next step is to consider the different factors that will influence your choice. The following are some of the most important factors you need to consider:

1. Fabric

The fabric of your running shorts is an essential factor to consider. You should look for materials that are lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking to keep you cool and dry during your runs. Popular materials used in running shorts include polyester, spandex, and nylon. Polyester is a popular choice because it is lightweight, breathable, and dries quickly. Spandex provides stretch and flexibility, while nylon is durable and can withstand wear and tear.

2. Fit

The fit of your running shorts is also an essential factor to consider. You want to ensure that your shorts fit correctly to prevent chafing or riding up. You should look for shorts that are not too loose or tight and provide enough freedom of movement. Most running shorts come in standard sizes, but you should try them on before buying to ensure a perfect fit.

3. Length

The length of your running shorts is a personal preference. Some runners prefer shorts that end above the knee, while others prefer longer shorts that cover the knee. You should choose shorts that you feel comfortable in and provide the freedom of movement required for your runs.

4. Pockets

If you need to carry essentials such as energy gels or water bottles during your runs, you should consider shorts that come with pockets. Most running shorts come with pockets, and you should look for pockets that are easily accessible and secure.

5. Reflectivity

If you plan to run in low-light conditions, you should consider running shorts with reflective strips or logos. Reflective materials will make you more visible to drivers and other runners, reducing the risk of accidents.

6. Brand and Price

Brand and price are also important factors to consider when buying running shorts. Popular brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour usually offer high-quality shorts that are worth the investment. However, you should also look for other brands that may offer high-quality shorts at a lower price. You should ensure that you get value for your money by buying quality shorts at a reasonable price.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pair of running shorts requires careful consideration of the type, fabric, fit, length, pockets, reflectivity, brand, and price. By considering these factors, you can find the perfect pair of running shorts that will provide the comfort, style, and performance you need on your runs. With so many different types and brands available, you can find a pair that meets your unique needs and preferences.