One of the things that makes people laugh is my confession of running around with an empty hydration pack largely because it provides an easy place to hold my phone. But I’ve now compiled a stockpile of running shorts with pockets for phone that I feel good using and recommending!
One of the things I love most is new running gear. I mean it gives me an excuse to go run the second that I open it and of course in this job I have the honor of testing out a lot of things.
When it came to this list, I had some key requirements of my own and from talking with you about a good pair of shorts:
- Shorts that don’t fall down once phone is in pocket
- Shorts that don’t ride up
- Also not so tight they give me horrible muffin top just to keep the phone in place
- Still stylish and comfort in the fit (not overly tight or moving around)
- Great range of motion
- Breathability so they feel good as we heat up
10 Best Running Shorts with Phone Pocket
Over that last few years the number of options has increased significantly! I’m thrilled by this turn of events and have tested out a wide variety of running shorts to see which ones actually do what they promise.
If you have the bigger iPhone max, in most cases it should fit when it’s a side pocket. However, it may not fit in the waist level pockets.
Additionally, all of the running shorts are designed to be moisture-wicking, so that isn’t listed it’s assumed.
Because our focus is on storage and pockets, you aren’t going to see split shorts or things with a brief liner like Nike because they don’t have enough structure to hold up the weight of a phone.
If you’re not someone who loves shorts, but needs pockets checkout the BEST RUNNING LEGGINGS with phone pocket!
Gentlemen, don’t feel left out, I did two posts just for you with with best men’s running pants and the best men’s running shorts! You’ll find pocket options there.
Ok, let’s dive into our top picks!
#1 Best Overall Running Shorts For Women with Pocket – Wolaco Distance 4-Inch Half-Tight
These compression shorts are made for high-tempo runs and every day shorter runs, and have an incredible number of pockets that really set them apart.
The lightweight fabric is designed to keep up when speed is the name of the game.
I will say size up. I’m a small in most brands but they just felt a wee bit too tight for me to really wear with comfort. No worries, they have made their way to a friend who is now jamming all the pockets full of fuel for all the workouts.
AND the pockets are AMAZING. There are so many and a loop for your rally towel on those gym days.
There are pockets enough for keys, gels, and anything else small enough to fit.
- Colors/Patterns: 5 available
- Pockets: 2 side pockets and a back shirt loop
- Inseam: 4″, 7″
- Material: Polyester, Spandex
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Grab them from Wolaco.com for $88
- Use code RUNTOTHEFINISH20 for 20% off your order
#2 Best Pocket Shorts for All Sizes – Athleta Interval Stash Short
Athleta keeps changing their running shorts, but luckily it seems like they’re just taking the pairs we already love and giving them different names. These are a must-own pair of running shorts if you like the spandex style.
These have a pocket on both sides that’s really easy to place your phone in and not have it move around, but remain easy to pull out. It’s something I found useful when testing out running leggings with phone pockets, but didn’t find as much in shorts.
The compression fit is going to make sure these don’t move around, while still looking stylish and super soft. They also have a drawstring in the waistband for an extra secure fit.
Details:
- Sizes: XXS to 3X
- Pockets: side perfect to fit your phone
- Material: Polyester and Elastane
- Inseam: 5″, 7″
- Colors/Patterns: colors depend on the inseam
- Available from Athleta for $69
#3 Best Thicker (and softer) Running Shorts with Pocket- Oiselle Pocket Jogger Shorts
This is actually what I’ve worn for my last 4 or 5 races! I’m a shorts girl and love that I can put my phone in one leg pocket and a flask with some pre-workout or fuel in the other side.
These shorts also have a 5.25 inseam, which is something I prefer with my long legs. It means they don’t ride up and I don’t feel like my bum is going to fall out, ha!
The material is thicker, which doesn’t bother me, but does mean it’s WET when I finish my sweat session. These are a non-stop recommendation among many women I run with, so they have a stamp of approval.
Details:
- Sizes: 2-26
- Pockets: 2 side pocket perfect to fit your phone & back zipper
- Material: Nylon/Spandex blend
- Inseam: 5.25″, 7″, 8.25″
- Colors/Patterns: 3 available
- Available from Oiselle for $72
#4 Alternative: Pockito
Now I admit I have not tested these yet, but based on my experience with the jogger and some other styles below this is on my MUST list. Instead of holding the phone on the side of your leg, you can actually put it in the waist band.
It’s a bit like having a FlipBelt on, except it’s part of your shorts so no worries that it will wind up riding up! These are also multiple inseams available, which will make these a great option for every body type!
Details:
- Sizes: 2-14
- Pockets: wraparound waistband pocket, rear zip pocket, 2 side drop pockets
- Material: Polyester/Spandex blend
- Inseam: 4″, 6″, 8″
- Colors/Patterns: 4 available
- Available from Oiselle for $72
#5 Best Backside Phone Pocket – Tracksmith Twilight Shorts
Coming in as a surprise winner is Tracksmith! Not because I didn’t think the brand was great, but looking at the shorts I thought NO WAY is a phone going in any of those pockets.
Wrong. The back pocket comfortably fit my iPhone and I had no issues with the shorts feeling like they were pulling down on a 6 mile run.
See it looks tiny, but I got that phone in and ran away! This is not an option where you’ll be quickly pulling your phone out for a photo.
This is a style that many of my friends have sworn by for marathon racing.
Details:
- Sizes: XS-L
- Pockets: 2 side pockets and 3 in the waistband perfect for fuel
- Material: Nylon/Elastane blend
- Inseam: 4.5″
- Colors/Patterns: 11 available
- Available from Tracksmith for $49
#6 3 Inch Running Phone Pocket Shorts – On Performance Short Tights
If the standard longer shorts aren’t doing it for you, then good news I’ve tested out these and found them to work just as well.
These are just under a 5-inch inseams, which still isn’t short, but is long enough to just squeeze your phone in to the side pockets and know it’s staying put, not bouncing out.
@heather.in.mtl
These are a great option for running, walking and even working out in the gym! Perfect for leg day because they aren’t going to budge when you go down into your squat!
Details:
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Pockets: 2 side pockets and 3 in the waistband perfect for fuel
- Material: Ployester/Elastane blend
- Inseam: 5″
- Colors/Patterns: 1 available
- Available from On for $60
#7 Lululemon Pockets Running Short – Wunder Train High Rise Short
They stopped making the ones I truly recommend which were the Fast and Free. And since then all of the alternatives that I’ve come up with have been removed as well!
BUT I recently discovered they have a special version of the Wunder Train with pockets. However, it looks to me like this is going away pretty soon too…. I don’t know why!
I’m not a high rise fan due to my very short torso, but Coach Stacey loves running in these year round…yep even in the winter they’re one of her go-tos!
Bonus points because the fabric feels great and is quick drying, always a big plus.
Details:
- Sizes: 0-14
- Pockets: 2 side pockets to store your phone
- Material: Nylon/Elastane blend
- Inseam: 4″, 6″
- Colors/Patterns: 6 available (change based on season)
- Available from LuluLemon for $64
#8 Best High Waisted Running Short with Pocket – Brooks Spark Short Tight
Brooks spandex shorts has always been a favorite for lots of runners. These are going to be a great option if you’re someone who likes to carry everything in your pockets.
The side pockets are a little longer and will be great for an iPhone max. Plus if you fill them with some fuel too they aren’t going to slide down as your running.
The fit is snug but not super snug so they aren’t going to ride up or leave lines on your legs.
They come in two different inseams so if they 8″ is too long for you, don’t worry there’s a shorter option!
Details:
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Pockets: 2 side pockets and 1 back pocket in the waistband perfect for fuel or keys
- Material: Ployester/Spandex blend
- Inseam: 5″, 8″
- Colors/Patterns: 4 available
- Available from Brooks Running for $68
#9 Best Budget Friendly Running Shorts with Pocket – BALEAF High Waist Short ($20)
This brand is surely making a spash in the running community with it’s high quality yet affoardable prices. These shorts are great if you’re looking for something similar to a Lulu or Athleta but do not want to spend the extra money.
They pass the bend test of not being able to see through them which is always a plus! Coach Stacey and other runners are raving about these shorts (and even tights!).
They will dry pretty quickly which is a bonus if you are a sweater! The pockets are deep enough to even hold an iPhone Max.
Details:
- Sizes: XS-XXXL
- Pockets: 2 side pockets and 1 large pocket in the waistband
- Material: Ployester/Spandex blend
- Inseam: 3″, 5″, 8″
- Colors/Patterns: huge variety
- Available from Amazon.com for $20
#10 Best Multi-length Running Shorts with Pocket – Senita Baseline Shorts ($34)
Who doesn’t love a pair of running gear that’s quick drying? These shorts from Senita come in various lengths and are made from a Lux Fabric that will wick away sweat.
The 4-way stretch allows for movement in all directions making these perfect shorts for almost any activity- running, cross training, and strength!
The side pockets will fit your phone and even some gels for when you’re out on those longer runs.
Details:
- Sizes: XS-XXXL
- Pockets: 2 side pockets
- Material: Ployester/Spandex blend
- Inseam: 3.5″, 5″, 7″
- Colors/Patterns: colors depend on the inseam
- Available from Senita.com for $34
Why You Want Running Shorts with a Phone Pocket?
Did you know that carrying your phone in your hand while running could be changing your running form? That’s right.
Carrying something whether a phone or handheld water bottle, flips our hand to the side so your thumb is now pointed towards your body. As a result you end up crossing your arms over the center line of your body while running.
It’s slowing you down and causing pain in your hips by twisting your body.
Now that being said, we absolutely want to carry our phone! It’s got apps to track how far did I run, it’s got safety features and of course all our favorite running podcasts.
I’ve covered a ton of options for how to carry a phone while running, but today we’re going to focus on shorts.
This list is no where near all of the options that are out there but these are some of our team’s favorite running shorts with phone pocket.
Looking for more running gear reviews?
- Best sports bras for running
- Best HR monitors (from watches to straps)
- Best wireless headphones for running
- Best sunglasses for running
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