REASONS TO BUY
Very affordable
Smooth and comfortable waistband
Aesthetic appeal
REASONS TO AVOID
Slow to dry
Medicore technical performance
Built to feel fashionable above functional
The Gym People High Waisted Running Shorts Review
This pair of running shorts performs best as budget-friendly lifestyle and fitness shorts rather than as a dedicated running option
The high-waisted comfort of The Gym People shorts makes them a great option for wearing during at-home workouts.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
By Ally Arcuri ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ July 1, 2026
RELATED: The Best Running Shorts for Women
Our Verdict
The Gym People High Waisted Running Shorts are a budget-friendly option that prioritizes softness and everyday comfort over technical performance. Featuring a smooth, high-rise waistband, built-in liner, thoughtful pocket storage, and a stylish fit, they deliver an easy, secure fit that transitions seamlessly from workouts to daily life. Their barely-there feel makes them especially appealing for strength training, walking, and casual movement, while the accessible price point adds to their appeal. While they can certainly handle the occasional run, their warmer, more thigh-exposing construction and less-refined materials make them better suited to comfort-focused activities than serious, high-mileage training.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
The Gym People High Waisted Running Shorts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Running Short | Best Workhorse Running Short |  Best Bang for Your Buck | ||
| Price | $25 List Check Price at Amazon | $70 List Check REI (on sale!) | $65 List Check REI (on sale!) | $34 List Check Price at Amazon | $30 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This pair of running shorts performs best as budget-friendly lifestyle and fitness shorts rather than as a dedicated running option | This hybrid design combines the freedom of a running short with the added security of a biker short liner for ultimate support, storage, and coverage | From their breathable, quick-drying construction that handles sweat and heat exceptionally to their thought storage solutions, this pair of shorts is an easy recommendation for runners of all kinds | This beginner-friendly staple that makes the transition from basic athletic wear to real running gear affordable | These shorts are a budget-friendly, beginner-friendly option that delivers basic comfort and functionality for running and everyday activity |
| Rating Categories | The Gym People High... | REI Swiftland 2-in-1 | REI Swiftland | Nike Tempo | Under Armour Fly By |
| Overall Comfort (50%) | |||||
| Pockets (30%) | |||||
| Breathability & Moisture Control (20%) | |||||
| Specifications | The Gym People High... | REI Swiftland 2-in-1 | REI Swiftland | Nike Tempo | Under Armour Fly By |
| Best for | Beginner | Versatile running | Running | Beginner | Beginner |
| Liner Type | Brief | Biker short | Brief | Brief | Brief |
| Pockets | 2 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Fits a Phone | Yes | Yes - two! | Yes | No | No |
| Dry Time - Clothesline | 47 | 22 | 21 | 32 | 27 |
| Dry Time - Blow Dryer | 15 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 12 |
| Body Material | 90% polyester, 10% spandex | 73% recycled nylon/27% spandex | 73% recycled nylon/27% spandex Liner: 86% polyester/14% spandex |
Polyester | Polyester |
| Waistband Drawstring Placement | None | interior | interior | interior | interior |
| Alternate Styles | None | traditional version: 5", 3" inseam length, high or mid rise available | 5", 3" inseam length, high or mid rise available, 2-in-1 | 2.5", 3" inseam length available, plus sizes available | 2-in-1 |
Our Analysis and Test Results
When smooth-to-the-touch comfort along your tummy is what you want, these budget-buy shorts come in clutch. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Likes
The Gym People High Waisted Running Shorts are a comfort-first, budget-friendly buy in the world of running shorts. The fabric is ultra-soft to the touch, and the high-waisted design is soft, stretchy, and sits securely without digging in. The comfort of these shorts makes them easy to wear all day, even after your workout has ended.
The breathable liner helps the shorts stay in place during hard efforts. Credit: Ally Arcuri
These high-waisted running shorts don't ride up and have a disappearing-like touch against the skin. This pair of running shorts isn't our go-to for running, but it's an easy choice for workouts and days when comfort is crucial.
The Gym People shorts offer two stealth pockets that function well for light loads. The rear pocket features an itty-bitty zipper that opens to a rather large rear waistband pocket. The front stash pocket is ideal for carrying a quick-access item, such as a gel.
We preferred wearing The Gym People shorts on cooler days because the waistband isn't as moisture-wicking as some more technical options. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Dislikes
The Gym People shorts are not particularly well ventilated. During longer or hotter runs, they tend to feel warmer and less airy than more technical options. The waistband, while smoothly comfortable, can retain moisture, which doesn't feel the most inviting during extended sweat sessions.
Even though the waistband is ultra-soft, the leg openings ride up when you move your legs, exposing a bit more than chafe-fearing runners may prefer. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Although the high-waisted design and built-in liner help keep the shorts secure and prevent the main body from riding up, the leg openings can feel a bit loose and swishy. This extra movement can leave the upper thighs feeling more exposed and may even lead to some chafing on longer runs.
The fabric and seams of the Gym People running shorts are fine for casual use, but they're not built for heavy weekly mileage. Over time, they may lose shape or show wear faster than premium running shorts. While we didn't specifically encounter this issue during our testing, the 90% polyester, 10% spandex fabric feels a bit more prone to snags and wear than more finely crafted shorts.
While we don't fully recommend these shorts for runners in need of their next piece of gear, their comfort and style make them a worthy addition to closets in need of more athleisure. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Should You Buy The Gym People High Waisted Running Shorts
The Gym People High Waisted Running Shorts are best thought of as a comfort-first hybrid short, not a true performance running short. They win on softness and price, but they fall behind technical brands when it comes to breathability, moisture control, and long-run durability. Runners on a budget will find that a few dollars more can buy more technical-feeling performance.
What Other Running Shorts Should You Consider?
In terms of budget shopping, the Nike Tempo and the Under Armour Fly By offer slightly more bang for your buck, though neither option is as soft to the touch. The Tempo and Fly By both use more moisture-wicking fabrics that behave like traditional running shorts and hold up well for consistent, repeated use. However, neither includes the pocket storage found in The Gym People shorts, which makes that option slightly more appealing for everyday convenience and carryability.
—Ally Arcuri
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