Micro shorts are every runner's must-wear RN - 8 top picks you'll wear on repeat
Trust me on this one.

If you've recently taken up running or joined a run club, welcome. Long a fairly niche hobby for those who craved the endorphin rush or wanted to become a part of the elusive 1% of the population who finish a marathon, running has taken over in the last few years, prompting a sharp increase in the number of people lacing up.
One of the most joyous things to come from the boom in interest in running, IMO, is how fun athleisurewear brands are now being with their designs. Long gone are the days of boring or brashly-printed pieces that smelt like your old PE kit after two washes - in have come dopamine-bright sets, polarised round-the-face sports glasses, hydration vests and carbon plate-boosted shoes galore, all meticulously paired to create the finished 'Gram look, of course.
The standout trend among the runner girlies RN? Micro shorts, adorned by many a running influencer still hoping that the UK might finally show us the sunshine we've all been waiting for. Pair with a cropped, sweat-wicking vest and whack a scrunchie or ribbon in your hair and you're good to smash whatever distance you choose (while looking cute for some selfies at the same time).
While I was a little dubious about the trend to begin with, it's safe to say I'm a convert. As the Senior Health Editor here at MC UK, I'm picky about what kit I feature and never write about designs that are fashion-forward but not actually functional (in other words, leaving you with chafing, unsubtle sweat patches or a serious front or back wedgie). But the micro shorts I've been testing tick all the right boxes, working with your body to provide a barely-there feeling while you're moving while also looking seriously cute.
Below, I've shared my top tried and tested picks, plus included some top picks from my favourite athletes and runners. Keen to invest in some shorts? Read our definitive guides to the best running shorts that don't ride up, the best gym shorts, best workout leggings, and women's cycling shorts, while you're here.
Best micro shorts: Quick shopping links
- Best cycling-style micro shorts: £54 at adidas (was £90, save 40%)
- Best lightweight micro short: £28 at ASICS (was £40, save 30%)
- Best colourful micro shorts: £38 at Free People
- Best sweat-wicking micro shorts: £48 at lululemon
- Best breathable micro shorts: £69.99 at Nike
- Best micro shorts available in a range of colours: £25 at Amazon
1. Best colourful micro shorts
Free People Get Your Flirt On shorts
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
What I thought when testing: These viral Free People shorts went viral for a reason - they're super cute and loved by runners and influencers alike for the high waistband, wide range of colourways and fashion-forward design. They're also designed from a water-resistant material and come with built-in pants and two side pockets. I've personally got five colourways, although the Royal blue is my favourite. Do note: they run large, so size down if you like a tight fit.
2. Best sweat-wicking micro shorts
lululemon Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short 4"
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
What I thought when testing: Athlete Anya Culling's favourite shorts, these lululemon micro shorts are expertly designed to tick all the right boxes for your runs. Sure, they look great, but they also feel great, too, sweat-wicking well, offering ample movability for each stride, and coming with a discreet and easy-to-use zippered pocket in the seam for your small essentials.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
3. Best breathable micro short
Nike AeroSwift
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
What I thought when testing: These are an absolute cult favourite among the runner girlies, so much so that they regularly sell out. With a side split, they don't offer the most coverage, but are lightweight, moisture-wicking, breathable and high-waisted enough to offer ample mid-section support, too. The inbuilt brief liner offers plenty of comfortable coverage, too, and has always been anti-chafe when I've tested.
4. Best cycling-style micro shorts
adidas Adizero Promo Running Booty Shorts
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
What I thought when testing: Keen to invest in a micro short that'll go the distance with you? These booty shorts from adidas are built with high performance in mind. I loved the stretchable, lightweight fabric and that the shorts keep your body temperature regulated over any distance. Plus, the elastic waist effortlessly holds the shorts in place. Side note - they're part of their Adizero range, which includes one of the best running trainers , the Adizero Adios Pro, which I wore for the Berlin Marathon last year.
5. Best micro shorts available in a range of colours
CRZ Yoga Women's High Waist Running Shorts
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
What I thought when testing: If you're on the hunt for a more budget-friendly micro short, these light, stretchy shorts from CRZ Yoga are a great option. They dry quickly and have an airy liner to make sure you feel confident and supported. I also loved the side zipper pocket and inner drawstring, so I could take my essentials with me and make sure the shorts fit my body well.
6. Best lightweight micro short
ASICS Road 3.5in Short
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
What I thought when testing: ASICS have really thought of everything with these shorts, and they're easily one of my favourite pairs. Super comfortable and with a gentle mesh inner, I'm a fan of the ergonomic design and the fact the shorts move effortlessly with your body. The anti-chafing seams also make them great for any weather or conditions.
7. Best pink micro shorts
Free People Carpe Diem Shorts
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
These have very quickly become my favourite pair of workout shorts. I wore them for the London Landmarks Half recently and they sweat-wicked like a dream, didn't ride up, didn't show sweat patches and offered plenty of room for movement. Plus, who can resist these cut colourways?
8. Best high waisted micro shorts
Daily Run 3-stripes 5" short leggings
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
When I tested these cycling shorts, they didn't ride up or chafe, however I predominantly recommend them for shorter runs (under 13 miles) as they don't totally sweat wick after a long period. They're also very micro, so there's the risk of some chafe if that's a concern. The built-in pocket also makes them ideal for the gym or Pilates workouts, so they're a fantastic all-rounder.

Ally Head is Marie Claire UK's Senior Health and Sustainability Editor, nine-time marathoner, and Boston Qualifying runner. Day-to-day, she heads up all strategy for her pillars, working across commissioning, features, and e-commerce, reporting on the latest health updates, writing the must-read wellness content, and rounding up the genuinely sustainable and squat-proof gym leggings worth *adding to basket*. She also spearheads the brand's annual Women in Sport covers, interviewing and shooting the likes of Mary Earps, Millie Bright, Daryll Neita, and Lavaia Nielsen. She's won a BSME for her sustainability work, regularly hosts panels and presents for events like the Sustainability Awards, and is a stickler for a strong stat, too, seeing over nine million total impressions on the January 2023 Wellness Issue she oversaw. Follow Ally on Instagram for more or get in touch.
-
How are Trump’s tariffs affecting the fashion industry?
The fluctuating situation in the US is having very real consequences
By Rebecca Jane Hill
-
Here's every character returning for You season 5 - and what it might mean for Joe Goldberg's ending
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Céline's new Selfridges pop-up is an ode to summers on the French Riviera
A one-stop-shop for the ultimate holiday wardrobe
By Clementina Jackson
-
Pink activewear is officially the must-wear trend of the season - 9 items our Health Editors can't stop wearing
Make your workout even more fun with a pop of pink.
By Amelia Yeomans
-
Stuck for warm weather exercise gear? These 7 spring workout sets from our Editors' favourite brands have you covered
Don't let sweat cramp your style.
By Amelia Yeomans
-
On the hunt for the best running shoes? I'm a Health Editor and marathon runner who's tested nearly 1000 pairs - my definitive pick for every distance and gait
Don't be confused by the jargon - we've tried 100's of trainers and these are the ones worth investing in.
By Ally Head
-
Chic and cosy is a winning combination - 13 best gym layers that MC UK Editors wear daily
You don't have to travel to the gym in your old uni jumper anymore...
By Amelia Yeomans
-
Pilates shrugs are set to be the next big activewear trend: 6 of the best, chosen by our expert Editors
Chic and comfortable? Sign me up.
By Amelia Yeomans
-
Road To Recovery: I'm a runner who currently can't run - how low impact exercise is helping me feel fitter than ever
Plus, boosting my mental health tenfold, too.
By Ally Head
-
Want to look effortlessly stylish whilst getting a sweat on? 6 cool girl activewear brands you need to know about
Delivering on both functionality and fashion.
By Amelia Yeomans
-
I was one of the first in the world to try lululemon's new Glow Up range - and think they might just be the brand's best designs yet
A sweat-wicking, sculpting dream.
By Ally Head