Running is a simple pursuit—you just have to get out and go—but sometimes, even when you're already out on the road, issues can pop up that might hold you back from achieving your goals. Maybe you skipped stretching, or you forgot to fuel properly. Another thing that holds us back at the track or on the trails? Ill-fitting running shorts.

And selecting stellar shorts is all the more important for race day. “Running form is crucial to your overall performance for a race and your longevity as a running competitor, especially for those who may be running more than usual, putting more miles than ever on your body,” says James Dietler-Bennion, CSM CPT, Orangetheory Fitness senior head coach. If you have uncomfortable shorts that are throwing your gait off while you put pedal to the proverbial medal, you’re not going to crush that PR, folks.

When you’re not wearing the proper running gear—whether you need something like stability running shoes or you go off-road sans trail running sneaks—your time and technique can suffer. (Also, is there anything worse than too-long shorts sticking to your sweat-drenched thighs, making every stride miserable?) That’s why we did an extensive sweep of the market to find the best running shorts available.

From unlined pairs to compression shorts, from solids to patterns, we’ve got something for everyone. Behold: Here are 20 of our favorite pairs of running shorts. Grab a pair or two, then pick out your next running workout so you can get to work.