Best Trail Running Shorts Right Now (Spring 2025)

Introduction to the Best Trail Running Shorts

Seasons have decisively transitioned to warmer temps and longer days. Some of us (i.e. me in the mountains of Colorado) live for this time of year and the final release of winter’s frozen fingers. Shorts season is here, baby! Of course, for some of you that may be all year round. 

Wherever you call home, in the rolling seas of material goods, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to make a selection on what to wear when running. We’ve got your back though. Just like with running shoes, shorts can make or break a running excursion. There’s also a rising tide of options that are legitimately good, but where do you spend that precious money? 

We’ve got your backside on that one. Below is a list of trail shorts (for both men and women) worn by our trail experts Taylor and Allison that can help you achieve that free-as-a-bird feeling or keep you ready for active pursuits and breweries all at the same time. Sure, they’re not The North Face’s Better Than Naked short circa 2015 (this is our annual plea to bring them back), but some of them come pretty close.

This list is in alphabetical order, and though we’re starting out in Spring 2025, this will be an ongoing and evergreen list going forward. Have other recommendations for us to check out? Please leave them in the comments below.

TAYLOR: I spent the entirety of the Lake Sonoma 26.2 trail race in the Adidas Terrex Xperior Shorts. The comfort and utility were both fantastic. 

I had some reservations at first; the polyester material had a little bit of a swishy/plasticky feel when I pulled them out of the package, but they softened after a wash and a long run. The short itself had a fairly standard fit that flexed really nicely on the run. The 100% recycled polyester also boasts impressive durability that I’m not worried about when running through the woods.

I did find the inner liner to be a little snug across my bottom, but that could certainly be my own anatomy. For race day I used a little Body Glide and didn’t notice the snug fit the whole way. 

The Xperior 5” shorts integrate a usable waist belt better than almost any short I’ve run in. The broader waistband has mesh pockets that hold plenty with no bounce. 

The center front pocket is really the only one that’s large enough for a phone or bottle (I’d prefer a rear carry for larger items), but there were multiple others that could hold a pair of gloves, neckwarmer, gels, and a rear zippered pocket for cards or keys. There are even integrated pole loops in the rear. 

On an aesthetic note, I personally love the subtly loud Adidas branding across the left hip. 

TAYLOR: Arc’teryx has impressed us with high quality mountain grade  running apparel. That’s the same story here with the Norvan Short and Liner. Both took on an uber light design that’s all-in on movement.  

The liner (a separate accessory to the shorts) acted as a light base that ensured next-to-skin comfort. It is composed of Arc’teryx’s Fortius 20 Air stretch mesh which is why it’s also so soft, breathable, and dynamic. I also appreciated how the liner stayed put. Even with larger legs, the liner did not bunch up. (The one caveat is that you need a liner to pair with the shorts, they do not have one built in. On a positive note, that means you can wear these casually if you so desire).

The shorts are basically a second uber lightweight material that continued all of the benefits of the liner. I loved the lightweight aspects of the 100% recycled Diem polyester that allowed for any style of running to feel comfortable.

A minimal lay-flat waistband helped secure the shorts for all-day comfort. 

ALLISON: I echo Taylor’s sentiments on Arc’teryx’s apparel; their attention to comfort and performance really stands out. Just like I mentioned in my Norvan tee review, the shorts delivered the same lightweight, breathable feel, even during the humid and hot spring runs here in the South.

One surprise was that they didn’t come with a built-in liner like other running shorts I’ve worn, but they still felt great on the move. The drawstring kept them snug and secure, even on longer efforts. I also appreciated the zippered pocket as it held my keys and a gel with no annoying bounce. Overall, these shorts are a solid choice for runners looking for freedom and function in warm weather.

TAYLOR: Few shorts offer better storage options than a solid pair of half tights. And the Janji Trail Half Tight may be the best of them. 

Let’s start with the storage. The double-tiered side thigh pockets are a cargo hauler’s best friend, allowing room for any size phone, a handful of gels, or whatever else you feel you need while out on the trails. But that’s not all, folks. A rear pocket holds more stuff, and also offers a pass-thru behind it, so you can tuck in your wind layer or take your shirt off when you get hot.

But the most genius part of these shorts is the silicone dot grippers that keep them from riding up – an essential must-have component of any good half tight. All of that combines to make this one of the best and most comfortable half tights that money can buy.

ROBBE: Year after year, the Nike Second Sunrise short is one of my favorite running shorts. Despite testing dozens of shorts over the years, I still come back to my yellow pair of Second Sunrise from way back in 2019. They’re always some of the best looking and best fitting shorts, great for running but equally great for just wearing casually (if you can handle 5″ shorts outside of running).

My favorite thing about these shorts is the endless storage options. This year’s version features a whopping eight pockets, as well as two rear bungee loops for stowing your collapsible trekking poles or wind layer/t-shirt. The only downside? Bring back the zippered hand pockets. I’m always losing stuff, so it’d go a long way to make sure I return home and can get in the door.

TAYLOR: Patagonia has created a name for itself for many reasons. I do admit they are one of the very few companies that can create true premium quality apparel with recycled/consciously formulated materials. The Multi Trails Short is a great example of their simplicity-meets-quality approach. 

I really loved how light and soft these shorts felt, even though they have a liner in tow. The outer main body was lightweight and flexible recycled material whereas the inner liner takes on the same qualities but doubles down with some buttery smooth softness. Being that I’m in the Thicc Thigh club I appreciate the anti-chafe perks of a liner, but a lot of pairs will ride up into my crotch. Not this liner though. It was light, breathable, and held steady.

This will be a crowd pleaser for day to day runs because of the normal fit, two zippered front pockets that were invisible when nothing was in them, rear utility pocket, and overall comfortable light feel. For hiking or running or any activity in between – these shorts rule.

TAYLOR: These shorts were made for the essentialist inside me, embodying the pared down, lightweight, free-flowing function that I’m looking for in any trail adventure. 

Overall, the fit is standard, but the stretchy and light combination (90% recycled polyester and 10% spandex) of materials, comfortably secure traditional liner, and 5-inch inseam allowed for a relaxed feel all at the same time.

The lightweight material also wicked sweat and dried quickly. 

There are five pockets hidden between the side hips and the rear. Four of them are pouch styled for easy stow-and-go items like gels, a buff, a glove on each side, etc. A rear zippered pocket was reserved for keys, cards, and the like. All pockets held onto goods in a satisfactory manner. 

Based on comfort and performance alone, I wouldn’t be mad if these were the only shorts I had.

ALLISON: The Patagonia Endless Shorts live up to their name when it comes to function. With plenty of pockets, they’re perfect for on-the-go days, whether you’re running errands, hitting the trail, or just out for a walk, there’s a spot for everything. The fit is sleek and reminiscent of biker shorts, but without the annoying ride-up that usually comes with that style. Big win there.

They also get points for odor control, which is a huge plus if you’re wearing them for more active pursuits or traveling light. And I’ve got to say, the color options are *chef’s kiss* bold, earthy tones that still feel neutral enough to wear with anything (you wouldn’t expect anything less from Patagonia).

The only real pause? The $89 price tag. They’re high-quality, sure, and super versatile, but it still feels like a stretch (pun intended) for a pair of shorts. Whether they’re worth it might come down to how often you wear them; for me, they’ve become a go-to, so I’m getting my money’s worth.

ROBBE: My go-to shorts for casual wear for the past several years (I’m literally wearing them as I type this), the Path Projects Grave PX is the ideal all-around shorts for running, lifestyle, and travel. It offers excellent storage option with a zippered rear pocket, two zippered hand pockets, and a zippered side stash pocket. 

The comfort and versatility is unmatched, using a Toray Primeflex fabric that stretches and recover without using heavier water-absorbing elastics like Spandex. The waistband is comfortable and the cut is spot on – just the right amount of tailoring to keep them from looking baggy without swinging to the skinny jeans emo era from your youth.

Note that these shorts do require a liner, so pair it with one of the super comfortable base liners from Path Projects.

TAYLOR: Here’s a short that may feel familiar. The Rabbit FKT 2.0 short was one of the original trail shorts that thoroughly impressed us. The FKT 2.0 trail short has become known for its utility with a rear zippered pocket and sizable easy-to-access hip pockets – all come in handy for trail essentials. 

Perhaps my favorite aspect is the wider, flat, and comfortable waistband. I’m a sucker for a comfortable fit around the waist, and the Rabbit FKT 2.0 shorts nail that. 

These boast a slimmer fit. For me, my typical medium size was a little too snug as they hugged across the crotch and bottom too much for my thicc-boy frame; however, I did have a more relaxed experience by going up a size. The only downside was that the waist was then a little too big. You win some. You lose some. 

TAYLOR: The ’90s are calling and we’re answering: the Royal Robbins All In Shorts are just about as chill as my Saturday mornings as a kid watching Hey Arnold. 

In some ways, I really like that they don’t visually scream running. They are meant to be a versatile short. They certainly are. The relaxed fit, more durable 100% nylon design, and stellar patterns allow for these to be used as running shorts, hitting the climbing gym, and even wearing casually.

The Royal Robbins All in Short do not come with liner, so while you’ll have to fix that on the run (check out Path Projects’ liners), wearing them all day with briefs won’t be an issue. I imagine these will be my “ all day, every day” type of running short as I’ll gladly wear them to work, catch a run, and a beer afterward all while feeling optimally dressed for each.