5 Best Athletic Shorts for Men - May 2026

BEST OF THE BEST

Under Armour

Raid 10-Inch Workout Shorts

Trusted Brand

A best-selling pair that our fitness expert personally attests to.

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PROS

Made with soft HeatGear material that wicks away moisture and has a UPF 30 rating.
Inseam is the perfect length according to wearers of all heights.
Holds up well to extreme wear and repeated washing.

CONS

Material is extremely thin and somewhat sheer, especially in direct sunlight.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

DSG

Men's 8'' Agility Woven Shorts

Well-Made Value

Our expert recommends these inexpensive and well-made shorts his clients love.

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PROS

Lightweight polyester/spandex blend fabric feels soft and airy.
Has sweat-wicking properties.
Comfortable 8-inch inseam is neither too long nor too short.
Drawstring waist for secure hold.
Two side pockets.

CONS

Some feel the sizes run a little small especially for more muscular legs.

Adidas

Designed 2 Move 3-Stripe Shorts

Great for Outdoor Wear

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PROS

Shorts have a lightweight, airy feel without appearing or feeling flimsy.
Silky-smooth finish.
Ventilated design manages heat and moisture effectively, especially in warmer climates.
Available in several colors.

CONS

Pockets are much smaller than expected and won't fit larger phones.

Nike

Dry Training Shorts

Sweat Management

This pair uses Nike's much-loved Dri-Fit technology to keep you cool; our expert owns several pairs of these.

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PROS

Wick-away material is soft, lightweight, and allows for non-restricted movement.
Won't bunch up while you walk or engage in activity.
Wearers are big fans of the 9-inch inseam.
Extensive size range that includes big and tall sizes.

CONS

Some wearers felt the shorts ran or were cut small compared to other Nike shorts.

Russell Athletic

Cotton Shorts with Pockets

Relaxed Fit

Our expert notes that it's hard to beat Russell Athletic's value and their shorts hold up very well.

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PROS

Generously cut all-cotton shorts that are soft and breathable.
Many wearers say they're ideal for yoga or low-impact training.
Since they're affordable, many wearers invested in several pairs as their go-to shorts.

CONS

Thin material and single-stitch seams.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews

How We Tested

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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First Reviewed

September 27, 2021

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