Indy, I do prefer running skirts for running, walking, hiking. They look good on me for some reason. I am short (barely 5'1") and have a smallish waist, and I swear I feel taller when I wear the skirts! While I am thin, I always feel like my "athletic" thighs are flapping around in regular shorts. I also have a pair of longish Nike running shorts, that look more like bike shorts, very stylish, that i wear if it's a bit cooler out. I never wear traditional running shorts, though I do have 2 pair of Nike compression type shorts, sort of like bike shorts without a chamois. They are really old, I used to wear them at the gym. But, I prefer the skirts. I have one by Athleta and one is a Brooks.
I am not so much of a runner, but the skirts can be worn for hiking and walking, and look fine for dashing into a store.