Personally, we suggest wearing a pair of running shorts over your running tights, especially in cold weather. However, with a high-quality pair of running tights, this won’t make a huge difference in terms of warmth. How tight should my running tights be? Super lightweight and breathable, the Higher State 7 Inch Running Shorts provides you with outstanding comfort all day. Breathable, the shorts allow a constant airflow that will keep you feeling fresh. The composition of the shorts is windproof which provides shielding from the wind. Designed with a performance fit, the anatomical cut of the shorts is designed for optimal movement and comfort in motion; allowing you to perform at your best. The performance fit is teamed with ergonomic seams that ensure a functional fit, allowing natural movement while working out. Reflective details on the shorts increase visibility during low-level lighting; great for early morning training sessions or late night runs. Keeping you feeling protected the shorts are integrated with UV protection which offers the skin protection from harmful UV rays. It's entirely a personal preference from a comfort and style point of view as to whether you wear leggings or shorts. "I would always say to clients and friends, where what you find comfortable," says Ward. "The worst possible thing is being uncomfortable when running, so make this a priority as chafe isn’t fun, nor is hitching up your bottoms." Providing superb comfort, breathability, and visibility, the Higher State 7 Inch Running Shorts will keep you feeling cool, comfortable, and confident as you train. There are three main types of shorts. The first are looser shorts of various lengths, from very short split shorts to 5in or 7in shorts. These usually have an inner brief to add support in key areas. Then 2-in-1 shorts have the same outer layer, but instead of an inner brief they have a full set of tight, stretchy shorts underneath. Finally, half tights just have the inner layer.

Anna Ward, a personal trainer and specialist running coach, also puts these among her favorites. "The Sweaty Betty Power shorts are perfect for longer runs as they have lots of built-in storage," says Ward. "They're also made of soft material, are high-waisted, and are six inches in length on the inseam, which isn't too long and I've found they prevent chafing well." The standout features are comfort and durability on longer runs. I tested the Brooks Chaser 7" Short during a half-marathon race and they immediately went into rotation for my training runs after this. They're so comfortable with new updates to the design offering a wider waistband, which naturally stretches around you as you move, with the option to tighten with a drawstring band. At 7" on the inseam, they're also longer than all but one of the options on our list, giving a little more coverage and support without chafing or riding up. High-waisted or on the hips? It's perhaps one of the more undervalued features of running shorts but it can make a big difference, says Ward. "It can change how comfortable running shorts are. I like a short that sits above my hips/on my waist. If you are the same, look for short that has a high waist band in the product description."

When considering running shorts, you must weigh your desire for premium comfort and performance with the value that they provide you. All of the shorts we tested can provide a good running experience, but the higher-end models provide the highest quality materials and construction. However, you may be looking to buy more than one pair of shorts, and spending top dollar may not be what you're after. The Under Armour Launch SW shorts provide the best value with solid all-around performance and a relatively low price. Many other high-end models outperform the Launch but at nearly double the price. Waistband Comfort and Fit Unique standout designs that offer a great liner and waistband comfort, these are perfect shorts for tempo efforts with their streamlined design Microscopic holes in the fabric make these the most breathable shorts we've tested. These shorts are great for hot and humid conditions without soaking up too much moisture Ward, who is also the studio manager of Instate Fitness Wandsworth, loves them so much, she has two pairs."I find a cycling short is usually the best to prevent chafing," she adds. "However, for faster and shorter runs, I prefer a free-flowing short that doesn’t make me feel as restricted so I can speed and lengthen my stride."

Support: Support means different things to different people. Some prefer biker shorts for compression around the hips, groin, and legs, while others will appreciate a looser, more free-flowing design. I've gathered a selection to offer a variety, including plenty of 2-in-1 options for those who want a little of both. Think about material: "When I am running for longer periods, I want to make sure that the inside of my thighs isn’t rubbing as I will chafe so I make sure that the shorts are a comfy material and won’t rub along the inside thigh," she says. "A cycling short is usually the best to prevent this. However, for faster and shorter runs, I prefer a free-flowing short that doesn’t make me feel as restricted so I can speed and lengthen my stride." Having endorsed several world-famous runners over the years, it's perhaps no surprise that Nike is one of the most established running brands out there. Available online and in-store, they offer an impressive range of expertly engineered fitness clothing - including running shorts, naturally. As mentioned, I own a few pairs of running shorts and I've put each of them through their paces over the last few years - taking them up to my longest distance outside of a race, 30km, alongside shorter running sessions, intervals, and other workouts. I also gathered a variety of pairs from across the market after enlisting the help of Anna Ward, a true specialist and marathon runner, to offer advice on choosing the best running shorts and some recommendations of her own.Comfort: Arguably this is the most important factor to consider when it comes to choosing your running shorts. Shorts that ride up, chafe or otherwise sit uncomfortably just won't work. My top tip: don't be nervous about giving your shorts a proper test when you're trying them on, either in-store or at home. Jump around, lift your knees as high as you can, play around with the waistband, anything to make sure you're going to be comfortable in these shorts.