The 10 Best Lululemon Running Shorts to Add to Your Activewear Collection

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When temperatures rise and we take our runs outdoors, there's something undeniably exciting about swapping the running leggings we've worn all winter with shorts. To be clear, we're not talking about any ol' shorts, but ones you actually look forward to slipping on to break a sweat while you rack up mileage. We know finding good ones is easier said than done, though, which is why we rely on Lululemon, famous for its high-quality — and sporty-chic — activewear clothes.

The activewear brand isn't just an editor-favorite but also a top choice among professional athletes like Kelly Ann McKechnie, CPT, pro triathlete, and owner of Tri Kam Training. "Two big things I look for in a quality pair of running shorts are styles that prevent chafing and encourage full-range movement," she tells POPSUGAR. She also prioritizes shorts that stay in place while she moves because "the last thing you want to do on mile 15 of your run is pull up your waistband," or worse, "pull out a deep a wedgie," she continues.

It's no secret that running shorts aren't a one-size-fits-all kind of deal, given that there are different types and they come in various materials and inseams. McKechnie says she typically errs towards one of two silhouettes for running: either "tight spandex that lands where my legs come in contact [with each other] for long, easier runs," or "light and breezy" styles "with underwear-cut briefs underneath" for shorter, faster runs. She says this style "tends to chafe on longer, easier runs, but not on faster efforts due to the slight change in movement."

With McKechnie's recommendations in mind, we curated a guide to Lululemon's best running shorts and detailed what makes each style unique. The brand has various options to choose from, including long and compressive shorts to prevent chafing and short, airy ones for quicker strides, so we hope our research helps guide your search to find the perfect pair of shorts for you. Keep scrolling to shop our top 10 favorites and find out why shoppers love them, too.

Best Short Shorts: Lululemon Speed Up Low-Rise Short
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Best Short Shorts: Lululemon Speed Up Low-Rise Short

The Lululemon Speed Up Low-Rise Shorts ($68-$78) come in many color options and two lengths, depending on your preference. They're crafted in the brand's Swift fabric, a woven material that's water-repellant and sweat-wicking — plus they have pockets that are easy to access, even mid-run.

What reviewers say: Reviewers love the vast array of color options so much, that many have noted they're building a collection. "These are my favorite running shorts and the color is a fun splash of joy to me," writes one shopper. Another said they have more than 10 different-colored pairs (!), adding that they "still want more."

Why we love them: The Lululemon Speed Up Low-Rise Shorts have a surprising amount of pockets for being so short: connected gel pockets on the waistband and a zippered back pocket.

What's worth noting: It's no secret that these running shorts are tiny, but some shoppers ultimately found the 2.5-inch version too short.

Additional details: Sizes: 0-14 | Length: 2.5", 4" inseam | Colorways: 14

Best Breathable Running Shorts: Lululemon Hotty Hot Low-Rise Lined Short
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Best Breathable Running Shorts: Lululemon Hotty Hot Low-Rise Lined Short

Prefer a breezier fit? Try the Lululemon Hotty Hot Low-Rise Lined Shorts ($68), featuring fabric panels for ventilation and extra legroom to keep you cool and comfortable.

What reviewers say: These running shorts are a top-seller with over 3,000 five-star ratings, loved for their extra leg room. One shopper who gave it a five-star rating wrote: "Love the secure fit on the waist and the little bit of extra leg room for us ladies with the thick thighs. No slipping or folding anywhere. Zip pocket for key plus a drop pocket for a gel or card."

Why we love them: The Lululemon Hotty Hot Low-Rise Lined Shorts' mesh panels and subtly bunched waistband are equal parts stylish and functional.

What's worth noting: A fraction of shoppers noted that they run small, which may be important to consider if you're in-between sizes. If you're still unsure, check out the size guide on this style's product page.

Additional details: Sizes: 0-14 | Length: 2.5", 4" inseam | Colorways: 15

Best High-Waist Running Shorts: Lululemon Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Shorts
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Best High-Waist Running Shorts: Lululemon Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Shorts

Prefer a high-waist design? See: the Lululemon Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Shorts ($58-$68), which feature the same details as the Hotty Hot Low-Rise Lined Shorts, but with a high-rise that hits just below the belly button.

What reviewers say: These Lululemon Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Shorts have nearly 1,500 five-star reviews, a testament to their quality. Shoppers say they're versatile, noting that they're "super comfortable for activities or for just lounging around!"

Why we love them: We love that they're quick-drying and sweat-wicking, making them a smart choice to reach for on rainy days or sweltering summer runs.

What's worth noting: Some say they aren't as high-waisted as they'd like or are used to. Multiple shoppers said they consider them mid-rise versus high-rise.

Additional details: Sizes: 0-14 | Length: 2.5", 4" inseam | Colorways: 13

Best Soft Running Shorts: Lululemon Align Shorts
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Best Soft Running Shorts: Lululemon Align Shorts

Surely you've heard of Lululemon Align Leggings, but what about the Lululemon Align Shorts ($64)? Both are crafted from the brand's Nulu fabric, which is highly coveted for its weightless feel. The fabric, made of 81 percent nylon and 19 percent Lycra elastane, is ideal for low-impact workouts like yoga and Pilates, but reviewers also love wearing them on runs. They're stretchy, breathable, and above all: comfortable. While they're a popular choice for exercise, they're equally great for lounging or running errands.

What reviewers say: Thousands of shoppers attest that the Lululemon Align Shorts are great for preventing chafing (AKA, skin irritation when your thighs rub together). "Love these shorts for outdoor workouts during the summer," writes a reviewer. "They're long enough to be able to run in and not have to deal with chafing."

Why we love them: Their light compression and four-way stretch make them as comfortable to chill in as exercise.

What's worth noting: If you like highly compressive, sculpting fabric, consider another style because Aligns offer light compression and not a ton of support.

Additional details: Sizes: 0-20 | Length: 4", 6", 8", 10" inseam | Colorways: 10

Best Supportive Running Shorts: Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Short
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Best Supportive Running Shorts: Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Short

If you love biker-style shorts and want a more compressive style, go for this Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Short ($64). They're tight (but not too tight) and breathable, powered by the brand's Everlux fabric, a supportive, sleek style that's cool to the touch. The Wunder Train collection as a whole is highly breathable and quickly wicks sweat, so you feel less sweaty during (and after) your workout.

What reviewers say: Reviewers swear by these running shorts because they don't move or roll down at the waist. One of many shoppers who gave them a five-star rating wrote: "I usually hate wearing shorts to work out because they rise and move a lot and I find it very uncomfortable but these do not move!"

Why we love them: As their name implies, these shorts were made to train. They come in 12 different colors and three different lengths, with a waistband drawcord that locks them in place.

What's worth noting: There's no doubt these shorts are sweat-wicking, but some shoppers warn that sweat marks may show, which is worth noting if that's a deal-breaker for you. The good news is that sweat mark-proof black is an option as well.

Additional details: Sizes: 0-20 | Length: 4", 6", 8" inseam | Colorways: 6

Best for Muscular Legs: Lululemon Tracker Short
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Best for Muscular Legs: Lululemon Tracker Short

Into looser styles when it comes to running shorts? Check out the Lululemon Tracker Short ($68). These boast a low-rise style and are lined, which one shopper rightfully deems "a concept so simple that many other brands fail to think about." Plus, they're perfect for people with more muscular legs and glutes, as validated by countless reviewers.

What reviewers say: The Lululemon Tracker Shorts have over 1,000 five-star reviews and are a top-seller for many reasons, one being that they're designed with athletic quads in mind. They're "the only short that fits athletic quads," writes one shopper. Another said: "I was looking for a pair of shorts with built-in briefs that could comfortably accommodate my more athletic quads and glutes. The Tracker V's are a huge win! Great fit, soft fabric and cute patterns and colors to boot.... I definitely plan to pick up more!"

Why we love them: We love how these running shorts feature practical details such as a built-in liner for extra coverage and a side-zippered pocket for on-person essentials such as your license or keys.

What's worth noting: Shoppers warn that these shorts aren't ideal for running with your phone because the side pocket is too small to fit most devices.

Additional details: Sizes: 0-20 | Length: 4" inseam | Colorways: 4

Best Bike Shorts With Pockets: Lululemon Align High Rise Short With Pockets
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Best Bike Shorts With Pockets: Lululemon Align High Rise Short With Pockets

If you can't go without pockets and prefer a longer style, the Lululemon Align High Rise Short with Pockets ($74) has your name written all over them. The style comes in three colors, in a 6-inch and 8-inch inseam — both of which offer plenty of coverage.

What reviewers say: This style features drop-in pockets on the side and back, which reviewers consider the most compelling feature. "They are great for cardio as they are long enough to protect your thighs from rubbing together!" a shopper says. "I love that they have pockets so I can keep my phone on my body when doing weight training."

Why we love them: We love that they're an upgraded take on the aforementioned style, perfect for those who consider pockets a non-negotiable.

What's worth noting: These shorts are an online exclusive, which means you won't be able to find them in stores.

Additional details: Sizes: 0-20 | Length: 6", 8" inseam | Colorways: 3

Best High Coverage Shorts: Lululemon Track That Mid-Rise Lined Shortss
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Best High Coverage Shorts: Lululemon Track That Mid-Rise Lined Shortss

Want to make sure you're totally covered while taking long strides? These Lululemon Track That Mid-Rise Lined Shorts ($68) have more coverage, with a 5-inch length that's less common for loose running shorts, not to mention, plenty of pockets.

What reviewers say: As mentioned, the five-inch length isn't entirely common — and shoppers agree. "I am a long-distance runner who has always struggled to find shorts of a reasonable length that don't ride up… enter the 5" track that short! Truly the best shorts I have ever purchased!"

Why we love them: You don't have to worry about these shorts digging into your skin because the waistband lies flat.

What's worth noting: A handful of reviewers noted that they don't find the mid-rise design particularly flattering.

Additional details: Sizes: 0-20 | Length: 6", 8" inseam | Colorways: 8

Best Running Shorts With Side Slits: Lululemon Fast and Free Reflective High-Rise Classic-Fit Short
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Best Running Shorts With Side Slits: Lululemon Fast and Free Reflective High-Rise Classic-Fit Short

The Lululemon Fast and Free Reflective High-Rise Classic-Fit Shorts ($78) have a supportive inner liner, which shoppers say is "more of a boy short than a bikini or hip-hugger." They also feature discreet waistband pockets and reflective details, the latter of which is convenient for running at nighttime.

What reviewers say: Shoppers are impressed with the construction of the Lululemon Fast and Free Reflective High-Rise Classic-Fit Shorts. For example, one person noted: "The slits go high on the sides, but the liner is more of a short short VS a bikini fit, so even if the wind blows up the material, you still feel covered."

Why we love them: We love the curved side slit, along with the reflective details along the hem, which double as a dotted design.

What's worth noting: At the time of writing, these shorts don't have a lot of reviews, so you don't have a ton of information to go buy, but don't let that stop you if you like its design and features.

Additional details: Sizes: 0-14 | Length: 3" inseam | Colorways: 4

Best Inseam-Free Running Shorts: Best Lululemon Base Pace High-Rise Short
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Best Inseam-Free Running Shorts: Best Lululemon Base Pace High-Rise Short

The Lululemon Base Pace High-Rise Shorts ($64) are crafted from the brand's Nulux fabric, which is best for high-intensity workouts. They're best for those who want their shorts to fit snugly yet feel lightweight. Plus, they have silicone grippers on the bottom hem to prevent them from riding up.

What reviewers say: Thousands of shoppers attest that the Lululemon Align Shorts are great for preventing chafing.

Why we love them: The Lululemon Base Pace High-Rise Shorts' Nulux fabric is resistant to lint and pet hair. Plus, they're inseam free, making them as smooth as can be.

What's worth noting: They're tight around the waist, which is low-key controversial: some people prefer it to prevent them from rolling down during your run, whereas others find it too constricting.

Additional details: Sizes: 0-20 | Length: 6", 8" inseam | Colorways: 4