Looking for the best athletic shorts to keep you moving with ease? I’ve tested countless pairs and will share my top picks that deliver comfort, breathability, and performance in every step.
Finding the best athletic shorts can change the way you move. I’ve tried so many styles, and the right pair always feels like freedom.
Lightweight. Breathable. Reliable. I know what works because I’ve worn them in long runs, tough workouts, and relaxed weekends. Let me guide you to the styles that fit your life and keep you feeling your best.
List of Top 10 Athletic Shorts
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Flowy Athletic Shorts for Women Gym Yoga Workout Running Sweat Short Pants Spandex Butterfly Tennis Skort Skirt with Pockets Underneath Girls Cute Comfy Trendy Clothes Casual Summer Outfits Black S |
Perfect for active women who want cute, comfy, and functional wear from the gym to casual days out. Great for yoga, running, tennis, hiking, or just relaxing in style. |
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Flowy Athletic Shorts for Women Gym Yoga Workout Running Sweat Short Spandex Butterfly Tennis Skort Skirt with Pockets Underneath Teen Girls Cheer Dance Cute Comfy Trendy Clothes Casual Summer Blue S |
Perfect for active women and teen girls who want to stay cute, comfy, and ready for anything. Great for workouts, sports, or just relaxing in style. |
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Flowy Athletic Shorts for Women Gym Yoga Workout Running Sweat Short Pants spandex Butterfly Tennis Skort Skirt with Pockets underneath Girls Cute Comfy Trendy Clothes Casual Summer Outfits Hot Pink S |
Perfect for active women who want to look cute while staying comfortable. Great for sports, workouts, or just relaxing in stylish everyday wear. |
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BALENNZ Athletic Shorts for Men with Pockets and Elastic Waistband Quick Dry Activewear |
These BALENNZ Athletic Shorts are perfect for men who want comfort and performance in their workout gear. With a breathable fabric and quick-drying technology, these shorts keep you feeling fresh and dry. The elastic waistband and side pockets offer the right fit and convenience, making them ideal for gym sessions, running, or sports activities. |
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BOOJO 5 Pack Athletic Gym Mens Shorts – Workout Black Quick Dry Basketball Shorts with Pockets for Running Casual Activewear |
These shorts are perfect for men who move—whether you’re into running, basketball, or just relaxing at home. They’re light, soft, and built to keep you dry and comfortable all day. |
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WaltZon Boys Cargo Capris Pants Youth Quick Dry Lightweight Pull-On Hiking Shorts for Sports Outdoor with Zipper Pockets(LL0326-Gray18) |
Perfect for active boys who love outdoor fun and need lightweight, quick-dry comfort with plenty of pockets for all their gear. Great for hiking, sports, and everyday wear in sunny or breezy weather. |
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NORTHYARD Men’s Athletic Running Shorts Quick Dry Workout Shorts 7″/ 5″/ 9″ Lightweight Sports Gym Basketball Shorts Hiking Exercise LODENFROST-5inch L |
These shorts are perfect for active men who love to run, hike, play sports, or just stay cool all day. If you want comfort, style, and easy movement, these are made for you. |
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Real Essentials Men’s 5 Pack: 9″ Dry-Fit Shorts – Athletic Gym, Workout, Basketball, Running, Casual Lounge Active Pockets, Set 10, XL |
Perfect for active men who want cool, comfy shorts for sports, workouts, or just relaxing at home. Great for anyone who loves easy movement and everyday comfort. |
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NORTHYARD Men’s Athletic Running Shorts Quick Dry Workout Shorts Lightweight Sports Gym Basketball Shorts Hiking Exercise Navy-7 inches XL |
Perfect for men who want lightweight, cool, and comfortable shorts that move with them. Great for running, training, or any active day outdoors. |
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BALENNZ Women’s 5 Pack Athletic Workout Shorts with Zipper Pockets Activewear Elastic Waist Gym Running Shorts,Medium |
Perfect for active women who want to stay cool, comfortable, and organized while moving. These shorts are great for workouts, daily wear, or just staying on the go. |
Detailed Reviews
We’ve picked the top 10 athletic shorts using expert checks and real customer views. Each one was reviewed for comfort, performance, and value. This guide will help you choose the perfect pair for your needs. Read on to find the ones that fit your life best.
1. Flowy Athletic Shorts for Women Gym Yoga Workout Running Sweat Short Pants Spandex Butterfly Tennis Skort Skirt with Pockets Underneath Girls Cute Comfy Trendy Clothes Casual Summer Outfits Black S
Stay cute and comfy in these flowy athletic shorts. They look like a skirt but have built-in spandex shorts underneath. The high waist and drawstring fit make them easy to wear all day.
Perfect for gym, yoga, running, or tennis. Great for dance, hiking, or basketball too. The pockets keep your small items safe while you move.
Wear them as trendy athleisure or for casual summer outfits. One piece, so many ways to style.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
Perfect for active women who want cute, comfy, and functional wear from the gym to casual days out. Great for yoga, running, tennis, hiking, or just relaxing in style.
Ready to Purchase?
2. Flowy Athletic Shorts for Women Gym Yoga Workout Running Sweat Short Spandex Butterfly Tennis Skort Skirt with Pockets Underneath Teen Girls Cheer Dance Cute Comfy Trendy Clothes Casual Summer Blue S
These flowy athletic shorts are cute, soft, and comfy. They look like a skirt but have built-in spandex shorts underneath. The fit is light, easy, and perfect for all-day wear.
The high-waisted design with drawstring gives a comfy fit. Plus, the pockets underneath keep your things safe.
Great for the gym, yoga, or running. Also perfect for lounging or casual summer outfits.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Perfect For:
Perfect for active women and teen girls who want to stay cute, comfy, and ready for anything. Great for workouts, sports, or just relaxing in style.
Ready to Purchase?
3. Flowy Athletic Shorts for Women Gym Yoga Workout Running Sweat Short Pants spandex Butterfly Tennis Skort Skirt with Pockets underneath Girls Cute Comfy Trendy Clothes Casual Summer Outfits Hot Pink S
Move with style in these flowy athletic shorts. They are cute, soft, and comfy for all-day wear. The bold hot pink makes you stand out.
Enjoy the 2-in-1 design with built-in spandex shorts. Stay secure with the high waist and adjustable drawstring. Keep your essentials close in side pockets.
Perfect for gym to street. Always light and breezy.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
Perfect for active women who want to look cute while staying comfortable. Great for sports, workouts, or just relaxing in stylish everyday wear.
Ready to Purchase?
4. BALENNZ Athletic Shorts for Men with Pockets and Elastic Waistband Quick Dry Activewear
Stay cool, stay fast, stay ready. These athletic shorts are soft, light, and built to move. The quick-dry fabric keeps you fresh no matter how hard you train.
With a 10-inch inseam and pockets on both sides, they’re made for action. The elastic waistband with drawcord gives you the perfect fit every time.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
These BALENNZ Athletic Shorts are perfect for men who want comfort and performance in their workout gear. With a breathable fabric and quick-drying technology, these shorts keep you feeling fresh and dry. The elastic waistband and side pockets offer the right fit and convenience, making them ideal for gym sessions, running, or sports activities.
Ready to Purchase?
5. BOOJO 5 Pack Athletic Gym Mens Shorts – Workout Black Quick Dry Basketball Shorts with Pockets for Running Casual Activewear
Stay cool and move with ease in the BOOJO 5 Pack Athletic Gym Shorts. The soft fabric is gentle on your skin and offers great stretch for any activity. You’ll feel comfortable from warm-up to cool-down.
Enjoy the perfect fit with the elastic waistband and inside drawstring. These shorts are lightweight, so they won’t slow you down. The large pockets keep your phone and wallet close.
The quick-dry fabric keeps you dry and fresh. Great for the gym or relaxing at home.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Perfect For:
These shorts are perfect for men who move—whether you’re into running, basketball, or just relaxing at home. They’re light, soft, and built to keep you dry and comfortable all day.
Ready to Purchase?
6. WaltZon Boys Cargo Capris Pants Youth Quick Dry Lightweight Pull-On Hiking Shorts for Sports Outdoor with Zipper Pockets(LL0326-Gray18)
Stay cool and comfortable with these WaltZon Boys Cargo Capris. The lightweight fabric and elastic waistband make them easy to wear all day.
Built for action, these quick-dry shorts keep kids dry in warm or windy weather. With multi pockets, they’re perfect for carrying small items like a phone or keys.
They’re great for hiking. They’re great for fishing. They’re great for everyday wear.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
Perfect for active boys who love outdoor fun and need lightweight, quick-dry comfort with plenty of pockets for all their gear. Great for hiking, sports, and everyday wear in sunny or breezy weather.
Ready to Purchase?
7. NORTHYARD Men’s Athletic Running Shorts Quick Dry Workout Shorts 7″/ 5″/ 9″ Lightweight Sports Gym Basketball Shorts Hiking Exercise LODENFROST-5inch L
Stay cool and move free in the NORTHYARD Men’s Athletic Running Shorts. The lightweight, quick-dry fabric keeps you fresh and dry all day.
They have 3 zipper pockets for safe storage. The soft waistband and flat seams feel smooth. Reflective strips help you stay seen at night.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
These shorts are perfect for active men who love to run, hike, play sports, or just stay cool all day. If you want comfort, style, and easy movement, these are made for you.
Ready to Purchase?
8. Real Essentials Men’s 5 Pack: 9″ Dry-Fit Shorts – Athletic Gym, Workout, Basketball, Running, Casual Lounge Active Pockets, Set 10, XL
Get ready for all-day comfort and all-sport performance. This 5 pack of men’s 9″ Dry-Fit shorts works for the gym, the court, or the street. You’ll stay cool, dry, and ready for action.
The lightweight fabric is soft and smooth. It pulls sweat away to keep you fresh.
An elastic waistband gives a fit that moves with you. Side pockets hold your phone or keys. This pack is a great value for active or casual wear.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
Perfect for active men who want cool, comfy shorts for sports, workouts, or just relaxing at home. Great for anyone who loves easy movement and everyday comfort.
Ready to Purchase?
9. NORTHYARD Men’s Athletic Running Shorts Quick Dry Workout Shorts Lightweight Sports Gym Basketball Shorts Hiking Exercise Navy-7 inches XL
Stay light, cool, and ready to move with the NORTHYARD Men’s Athletic Running Shorts. The quick-dry fabric wicks away sweat fast. Four-way stretch gives you freedom in every step.
The elastic waistband with drawstring fits just right. Flatlock seams keep you comfortable all day.
Two secure zipper pockets hold your essentials tight. UPF 50+ fabric protects from strong sun. These shorts work for running, gym, or any outdoor sport.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
Perfect for men who want lightweight, cool, and comfortable shorts that move with them. Great for running, training, or any active day outdoors.
Ready to Purchase?
10. BALENNZ Women’s 5 Pack Athletic Workout Shorts with Zipper Pockets Activewear Elastic Waist Gym Running Shorts,Medium
Stay cool, dry, and confident in BALENNZ Women’s Athletic Shorts. Made with lightweight, breathable fabric, they give you all-day comfort.
The high waist keeps them in place. The side split design lets you move freely. The zipper pocket keeps your essentials safe.
Perfect for running, yoga, gym, or daily wear. With a 5-pack in different colors, you’ll always have a fresh pair ready. Style, comfort, and function—every time you move.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
Perfect for active women who want to stay cool, comfortable, and organized while moving. These shorts are great for workouts, daily wear, or just staying on the go.
Ready to Purchase?
Buying Guide
The right shorts can change how you move. I learned this the hard way after running in pairs that felt heavy and rough. Once I switched to lighter, breathable shorts, every workout felt better.
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Fabric: Always pick lightweight and breathable fabric. It helps you stay cool, dry, and free while you move.
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Fit: A good fit makes all the difference. Shorts that are too tight or too loose can slow you down.
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Length: Choose the right inseam length for your activity. Shorter lengths are great for running, while longer ones work for gym or casual wear.
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Waistband: Look for a comfortable waistband with a drawstring. It keeps the shorts in place no matter how you move.
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Pockets: Secure zipper or hidden pockets keep your phone and keys safe. This is important for running or workouts outside.
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Stretch: Shorts with stretch fabric give you more freedom. They move with you instead of holding you back.
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Quick-Dry: Moisture-wicking fabric keeps sweat away. This makes long workouts or hot days much easier.
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Durability: Choose shorts that stay strong after many washes. Good stitching and quality material mean they last longer.
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Style: Pick a style that feels good and looks good. When you like what you wear, you move with more confidence.