Best Men's Athletic Shorts Under $100 (2026)

• 10 products compared from 2 brands • avg ItemOracle score 4.2/5

We selected products under $100 by combining a value score that factors material quality, functional features (inseam, waistband, pockets), and durability indicators

The Verdict

This roundup covers men's athletic shorts under $100, focusing on breathable, quick-dry, and pocketed options optimized for running, gym and everyday training. Selections were ranked by a value score that weights material performance, fit features (inseam, waistband, pockets) and customer-reported durability

Top Picks

  1. 1
    NORTHYARD Men's athletic running shorts

    Best Overall NORTHYARD Men's athletic running shorts

    NORTHYARD • ★ 4.2/5 • Budget

    Best for quick-dry needs: breathable fabric built for running and high-sweat training

    Lightweight, breathable shorts with quick-drying fabric and built-in drawstring for a secure fit. Customers note quality, comfort, and lightweight feel, with a zippered back pocket for storage

    • quick-dry fabric
    • adjustable fit
    • zippered pocket
    Buy at Amazon →
  2. 2
    Maamgic men's athletic shorts, 5.5" inseam, elastic waist

    Best Value Maamgic men's athletic shorts, 5.5" inseam, elastic waist

    maamgic • ★ 4.2/5 • Budget

    Best for a secure fit: elastic waist and 5.5" inseam designed for versatile workouts

    Soft, breathable shorts with moisture-wicking terry fabric and an elastic encased waistband. Comfortable fit with deep side pockets and a back velcro pocket, suitable for workouts and daily wear. Customers note comfortable, well-fitting cut and quality material

    • elastic waistband with secure fit
    • breathable, soft material blend
    • multiple pockets for storage
    Check current price on Amazon →
  3. 3
    Maamgic Mens Athletic Shorts 5.5" with pockets

    Maamgic Mens Athletic Shorts 5.5" with pockets

    maamgic • ★ 4.2/5 • Budget

    Best for pocket utility: tailored pockets that keep essentials secure during exercise

    Soft, breathable athletic shorts with a 5.5" inseam and elastic waistband. Moisture-wicking terry fabric, with two side pockets and a back Velcro pocket for essentials. Customers praise comfort, fit, and material quality

    • 5.5" inseam for versatile length
    • high cotton content for comfort
    • multiple pockets for storage
    Check current price on Amazon →
  4. 4
    Maamgic men's athletic shorts, 5.5-inch inseam, elastic waist

    Maamgic men's athletic shorts, 5.5-inch inseam, elastic waist

    maamgic • ★ 4.2/5 • Budget

    Best balanced pick: 5.5" inseam and elastic waist combine mobility with everyday comfort

    Lightweight 5.5" shorts with breathable terry fabric, moisture-wicking and flexible material. Comfortable fit with a wide elastic waistband and multiple pockets for essentials

    • 5.5" inseam for balanced length
    • multiple pockets including back Velcro
    • soft, breathable fabric
    Check current price on Amazon →
  5. 5
    Maamgic Mens Athletic Shorts 5.5" Elastic Waist Jogger

    Maamgic Mens Athletic Shorts 5.5" Elastic Waist Jogger

    maamgic • ★ 4.2/5 • Budget

    Best for jogger-style comfort: elastic waist and relaxed cut for low-impact training and lounging

    Soft, breathable athletic shorts with an elastic incased waistband, 5.5" inseam, and multiple pockets. Customers praise comfort, fit, and material quality

    • elastic waistband with deep pockets
    • 5.5" inseam length
    • soft 80/20 cotton-poly fabric
    Check current price on Amazon →
  6. 6
    Maamgic athletic gym shorts 5.5" inseam

    Maamgic athletic gym shorts 5.5" inseam

    maamgic • ★ 4.2/5 • Budget

    Best gym staple: straightforward 5.5" inseam and durable fabric for regular workouts

    Comfortable athletic shorts with a 5.5" inseam, lightweight terry fabric, and breathable design. Customers cite comfortable fit and functional pockets as key benefits

    • breathable terry fabric
    • functional pockets
    • adjustable waist feel
    Buy at Amazon →
  7. 7
    Maamgic Men's Athletic Shorts 5.5" Inseam with Pockets

    Maamgic Men's Athletic Shorts 5.5" Inseam with Pockets

    maamgic • ★ 4.2/5 • Budget

    Best for mixed fabrics: cotton-poly blend that balances softness with workout-ready performance

    Lightweight, breathable athletic shorts with an elastic waistband and multiple pockets. Customers praise comfort, fit, and material quality

    • comfortable fit with wide waistband
    • multiple pockets including back velcro
    • high cotton content for softness
    Check current price on Amazon →
  8. 8
    Maamgic Men's Athletic Shorts 5.5" Inseam

    Maamgic Men's Athletic Shorts 5.5" Inseam

    maamgic • ★ 4.2/5 • Budget

    Best all-purpose trainer: pocketed design and mid-short inseam for varied disciplines

    Lightweight, breathable athletic shorts with an elastic waistband and multiple pockets. Comfortable fit with high-cotton content and moisture-wicking terry fabric; includes deep side pockets and a back velcro pocket for essentials

    • 5.5" inseam for balanced coverage
    • two deep side pockets + back velcro pocket
    • 80% cotton 20% polyester for comfort
    Buy at Amazon →
  9. 9
    Maamgic Men’s Athletic Shorts, 5.5" Inseam

    Maamgic Men’s Athletic Shorts, 5.5" Inseam

    maamgic • ★ 4.2/5 • Budget

    Best soft-feel option: cotton-poly blend offering comfortable wear for both workouts and errands

    Soft, breathable athletic shorts with an 80/20 cotton-poly blend, moisture-wicking terry fabric, and a secure waistband. Customers praise comfortable fit and functional pockets

    • comfortable wide waistband
    • functional pockets with zippers
    • high-cotton content and thick feel
    Check current price on Amazon →
  10. 10
    Maamgic men's athletic shorts with pockets and 5.5" inseam

    Maamgic men's athletic shorts with pockets and 5.5" inseam

    maamgic • ★ 4.2/5 • Budget

    Best utility-focused short: pocketed build and 5.5" inseam for practical training use

    Lightweight, breathable shorts with an elastic waistband and zip pockets. Comfortable fit with high-cotton content suitable for workouts and everyday wear. Customers note the 5.5" length and versatile style

    • comfortable fit with wide waistband
    • secure pockets with zippers
    • breathable and lightweight fabric
    Buy at Amazon →

Buying Guide

Choose the right inseam

Shorter inseams (around 5.5") suit running and high-mobility training, while longer cuts offer more coverage for casual wear

Prioritize fabric performance

Look for quick-dry, breathable blends or poly-cotton mixes that wick sweat and dry fast for repeated workouts

Check waistband and fit

Elastic waists and adjustable drawcords provide secure, comfortable fit across activities and body types

Inspect pocket design

Deep or zippered pockets are useful for phone and keys, while minimal pocketing reduces weight for racing or interval training

Consider multi-use versatility

Choose shorts with neutral styling and durable fabric if you need gear that transitions from gym to casual wear