Gear Up for Training With These Men’s and Women’s Running Shorts That Won’t Chafe

Published Apr 7, 2026 7:17 am ET


Pixdeluxe/Getty Images

We might earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of the links. The McClatchy Commerce Content team, which is independent from our newsroom, oversees this content.

Calling all runners! Whether you’re training for a 5K or an ultra-marathon, finding anti-chafing running shorts for summer is absolutely crucial. So, I’ve rounded up 20 men’s and women’s options from REI, Lululemon and beyond that’ll keep you feeling comfortable all the way to the finish line.

Take a look at my top cost-friendly picks below. There are many plus-size options, as well as varieties with and without lining to cater to everyone. Because every type of runner deserves a solid pair of shorts—sans the chafing!

20 Pairs of Anti-Chafing Running Shorts

Men’s

Women’s

Lizzy Rosenberg is a Catskills-based journalist, with about eight years of experience in the world of journalism. She has written and edited at People.com, Elite Daily, PureWow, Green Matters, and Distractify. Additionally, she has several freelance bylines with SKI Magazine, Outside Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Hey Alma, Best Products and USA Today’s Reviewed. You may also recognize her name from the book Green Living, which she helped her team write and publish during her time as Managing Editor at Green Matters.

Tracy Yochum

Tracy Yochum

Editor McClatchy Commerce

Based in Charlotte, NC, Tracy Yochum joined the McClatchy Commerce content team as a Commerce Writer and Editor in early 2023. She began her journalism career in the 1980s at the Asbury Park Press in New Jersey, where she was an award-winning reporter and editor. She joined The Charlotte Observer in 1997 as a copy editor and served in several newsroom and publishing center roles before joining the Commerce Team.