Stay cool with these shorts. I recommend shorts made of wicking fabric to dry quickly and keep you cooler. Bike-style shorts with lycra can help prevent chafing. If you use arm motion, it is best to select shorts without side pockets so you won't catch your thumbs. If you need a larger size, browse our top picks for plus-size shorts.
1. Brooks Pacer Shorts
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I've been wearing these as my performance shorts for a few years. The fabric is quick-drying and ultralight. They have a 3 1/2-inch inseam and a notch on each leg to allow free leg motion. Sizes small to XL.
2. Nike Field Mesh Women's Training Shorts
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The Dri-FIT mesh fabric is lightweight and wicks away moisture, all while giving you a bit more coverage with a loose-fitting 7-inch inseam. I've been wearing these on walks for the past four years and love them. The only drawback is that they don't have pockets. They come in a variety of colors and sizes XS to XL.
3. Champion Women's Double Dry Compression Shorts
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These compression shorts are made of 89% Supplex® nylon and 11% Lycra® spandex. These performance shorts come in several colors and sizes XS to XXL. This design has a 7-inch inseam to provide more thigh coverage and prevent chafing. You can wear these shorts by themselves or layer under looser shorts or a skirt to provide chafing protection and support.
4. REI Sahara Shorts
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These cargo shorts are made with lightweight, breathable, quick-drying nylon. I love the pockets, they give me lots of options for where to carry my essentials. They have a water-repellant coating. They include two front hand pockets, two back pockets, two zippered leg pockets in front of two velcro-closed leg pockets. The waistband has as an adjustable elastic band, as well as closing with a snap and zipper. I like the 10-inch inseam length and the high rise.
5. Royal Robbins Backcountry Shorts
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If your walking takes you off-road, these Supplex nylon trail shorts are great to walk or hike in. The fabric is windproof, breathable and fast-drying. I've always loved Royal Robbins shorts for their plethora of pockets. These have front hand pockets, an accessory pocket on right hip, a zip security pocket on left hip and angled rear pockets. They come in sizes 4 to 18.
6. New Balance Bonita Run Skirt
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Want to feel a little more feminine while still having the benefits of wicking fabric and compression shorts? This skort has a skirt over compression shorts, with slits in front for easy motion. It can be nice to have to deal with just one waistband instead of two.
7. ASICS Women's Split Short
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These split shorts have a separate liner give you classic fit with great freedom of movement at any speed. They are made from nylon tricot, and are extremely lightweight.
8. Nike Tempo Shorts
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These shorts have low-rise construction for a comfortable fit. They are made of 100% polyester taffeta microfiber with contrast mesh and self-fabric side panels, contrast self-fabric binding along hem and side seams. The side panel notch design allows for good range of motion. They have an elastic waistband with internal drawcord, built-in Dri-FIT® crepe liner, internal card/key pocket, They are a short length with a 3-inch inseam.
9. Nike Core Compression Shorts
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Compression shorts help battle chafing. Nike's compression shorts come in lengths including a very short 2.5-inches, 5-inches, and 7-inches. Choose your coverage.
