10 Best Cheap Running Shorts for Women for Spring

I am rounding up the ten best cheap running shorts for women based on my review, online reviews & research, and my thousands of followers’ recommendations. Most shorts are under $20, are stylish and fit comfortably. My favorites are the Hey Nuts Biker shorts and running shorts.

If you are looking for a pair of new running shorts this spring but don’t want to spring a ton of money for a pair—I got you. I am rounding up the 10 best cheap running shorts for women. Most of these shorts are under $20 and all are under $30.

I include a range of shorts so you can find your new favorite pair. Most of the designs come in an array of colors and are in stock (with quick ship for the several I include on Amazon).

How I reviewed these shorts

I developed this list by asking my thousands of followers on Instagram for their favorites. Then I did an online search and searched in Amazon. I scoured reviews, paying close attention to the one-star and two-star reviews. The ones with the fewest negative reviews (but had a lot of 5-star reviews) are included on the list.

I also own several of these pairs!

The biggest knock against several of these running shorts is that they don’t stand up to washing. Since they are likely not as high-quality as name brands like Lululemon or Vuori, I recommend hand-washing your Pair of shortts or using a delicate cycle and air dry. However, you often get whar you pay for and if you only paid a little more than a cup of coffee—oh well! They helpe you look cute for a season!

Below is the list of the best running shorts for women on a budget.

Related: 8 Best Pocket Bras for Runners

10 Best Cheap Running Shorts for Women

Gym Rainbow High-Waisted Running Shorts

• $24.99 on Amazon
• 17 Colors
• Inside lining
• Back zip pocket
• 5 inch inseam

If you want a basic pair of high-waisted running shorts, then these are your go-to running shorts! These shorts

have a built-liner, come in almost every color, a lightweight high waistband, an easy-access back pocket, and mesh liner. The fabric is sweat-wicking, quick-dry, and four-way stretch. Best washed in the delicate cycle with cold water, and tumble dry low. Free return within 30 days!

Cons:

• Runs big
• Pills after washing if you don’t follow instructions

Related: Safety Tips for Runners & Best Personal Safety Devices

Avia Women’s Running Shorts

• $12.98
• 13 colors
• Mid rise design
• 4 inch inseam
• 2 side zipper pockets

I had several people tell me I had to include the Avia running shorts because they are ultra cheap, yet cute and

good quality for the money. These shorts feature interior compression liners with a bit of stretch for supportive comfort that helps them stay in place when running. The inner and outer layer shell is made of moisture-wicking materials that keep you cool and dry. If you want a mid-rise short, these are them. Two side zipper pockets can hold small essentials including pepper spray.

Con:

• Size up if curvy

Related: 10 Best Running Shorts with Pockets

Old Navy High-Waisted Extra Long Biker Shorts

• $13.49
• 5 colors
• 8-inch inseam
• High-rise
• Drop-in pockets on each leg

If you want a longer short or half tights with plenty of pocket storage, then you will love the Old Navy bike shorts.

These are a fave of many mother runners! They are long for extra coverage, have convenient drop-in pockets for your phone and/or energy gels. These also feature a smooth stretchy fabric with a compressive fit so they don’t ride up. I love that they sit at the belly button and are fitted. These are great especially for cold weather runs and long runs. Just be sure to add Body Glide so you don’t chafe!

Con:

• Rides up on some runners

Related: 6 Best Energy Gels for Runners

UnderArmor Women’s Play-Up 2.0 Shorts

• $12.86
• 4 colors
• 3-inch inseam
• Mid-rise

If you want a no-frills pair of running shorts, these are them. Under Armor makes great quality clothes and you

can’t beat the price for the quality. The fabric doesn’t pill and is super durable. These shorts are comfortable and breathable. Material wicks moisture and dries fast. The drawback is that they only come in basic colors. Nothing flashy or spicy.

Con:

• Bottoms balloon out/ baggy in bottom

Adidas Run It Brand Love Shorts

• $11
• 1 pattern
• 3 inch inside
• Regular waist
• No pockets

These Adidas women’s running shorts are ultra on-sale and I love the allover pattern which features a reflective

logo. These shorts are lightweight with a mesh interior liner for added coverage. The AEROREADY material keeps you cool and dry. Looks really cute matched with one of the adidas AEROREADY sports bras like this one. And by the way, since I am an adidas fan, I have to recommend their women’s trail running shoes if you plan to these shorts on some vert and dirt!

Con:

• Limited sizes and colors, no pockets

Related: 10 Best Winter Running Leggings for Women

Hey Nuts Biker Shorts

• $18.89 on Amazon
• 42 colors
• High-rise
• Inside pockets
• 6-inch inseam

These Hey Nuts Biker Shorts from Amazon are how I discovered the world of Lulu dupes. The compression shorts

look and feel just like the Lulu Align shorts, priced at $64. But these shorts come in more colors, 3 inseam lengths (4,6 and 8), and are under 20 bucks! They have a buttery soft fabric, a bit of compression, high-waist with a seamless waistband, internal key pocket, fit comfortably, and have held up.

Con:

• Not durable if you wash a lot

Related: 12 Best Must-Have Spring Gear

HeyNuts Running Shorts

• $27.99 on Amazon
• High Waisted
• Small zippered pocket on back
• 4-inch inseam

While we are talking about Lululemon running shorts (this is a running website after all), these HeyNuts running

=shorts are almost identical to the Lululemon speed-up shorts.  They are about $12 cheaper, coming in at $27.99. These classic fit running shorts feature a high lightweight elastic waistband with built-in continuous drawstring High waist design provides extra support, suitable for running and training, rear zipper pocket for storing small items like keys or a credit card, breathable quick dry material, with a 4 way stretch.

Con:

• Fit tighter than Lululemon shorts.

Related: What to Wear for a Cold 5k

Nexsonic Flowy Running Shorts

• $19.98
• 27 colors
• No pockets
• Built-in liner
• In-seam unknown but looks pretty short

You’ve likely noticed the flowy relaxed fit shorts trend on girls and moms alike. This look was popularized by

Lululemon but now you can’t get them on Lulu. But you can on Amazon! These Nexsonic flowy running shorts give you total freedom of movement and come in so many colors. They are super soft, lightweight, airy, and comfortable. You can wear these breathable shorts running or with a preppy outfit. The wide elastic waistband doesn’t ride up and the built-in brief liner provides extra coverage. Bonus is that the material is anti-wrinkle.

Con:

• Open hem frays
• Color fades with washing, so hand wash or use delicate cycle and air dry

Soothfeel High-Waisted Running Shorts

• $24.99
• 24 colors
• 3 inch inseam
• Large side pocket on each leg

If you like the Vuori split shorts, then you will love the Soothfeel high-waisted running shorts dupe. These shorts

are quick-drying with a sweat-wicking fabric, elastic waistband on the inside that sits high on the waist. Like Vuori running shorts, they don’t restrict you when you are opening up your stride. They also have two deep side zipper pockets that can hold your phone, keys, and credit card—much larger than the Vuori zip pocket which is a plus.

Con:

• Some users say there is too much fabric in the inner layer so it bunches

Related: Vuori Running Shorts Review

Blooming Jelly Quick Dry Running Shorts

• $19.99 on Amazon
• 30 colors
• Side phone pocket
• 1.75 inch inseam

When reviewing these shorts, I want a pair! These short length shorts come in beautiful colors, quick dry

breathable fabric, and that highly coveted side pocket. You can store a phone on the side—a rarity with traditional running shorts. However, you wouldn’t want to run with the phone there as the pocket isn’t big enough to zip the top. But you can if you are just wearing these around.

Cons:

• Sizes are not consistent.

I hope this list of cheap running shorts helps you find your go-to shorts for spring, with money leftover in one of their pockets!

If you want guidance with your running goals including your half marathon goals, check out my run coaching services. Also, be sure to check out my free training plans:

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