Best Men's Athletic Shorts (2026 Guide)
Selections were chosen by combining average product ratings with review volume and filtering for relevant features like quick-dry fabric, pockets, and common inseam lengths
The Verdict
- Best Overall: NORTHYARD Men's athletic running shorts — Best for runners: quick-dry, breathable fabric built for high-ventilation workouts
- Best Value: Maamgic men's athletic shorts, 5.5" inseam, elastic waist — Best for everyday training: 5.5-inch inseam and elastic waist for versatile comfort
This roundup covers top-rated men’s athletic shorts chosen for common performance features like quick-dry fabric, breathability, pocket design, and inseam length. Picks were selected by aggregating product ratings and review volume to surface consistently well-reviewed options across price points
Top Picks
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1
Best Overall NORTHYARD Men's athletic running shorts
Best for runners: quick-dry, breathable fabric built for high-ventilation workouts
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
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2
Best Value Maamgic men's athletic shorts, 5.5" inseam, elastic waist
Best for everyday training: 5.5-inch inseam and elastic waist for versatile comfort
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
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3
Maamgic Mens Athletic Shorts 5.5" with pockets
Best for phone storage: built with pockets that hold essentials during gym sessions
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
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4
Maamgic men's athletic shorts, 5.5-inch inseam, elastic waist
Best balanced pick: 5.5-inch inseam with pockets and an elastic waist for general use
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
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5
Maamgic Mens Athletic Shorts 5.5" Elastic Waist Jogger
Best jogger-style option: elastic waist and jogger cut suited for warmups and light runs
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
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6
Maamgic athletic gym shorts 5.5" inseam
Best basic gym short: 5.5-inch inseam and simple styling for straightforward 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
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7
Maamgic Men's Athletic Shorts 5.5" Inseam with Pockets
Best mixed-fabric choice: cotton-poly blend feel with pockets for casual training
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
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8
Maamgic Men's Athletic Shorts 5.5" Inseam
Best no-frills training short: pocketed design and 5.5-inch inseam for everyday use
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
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9
Maamgic Men’s Athletic Shorts, 5.5" Inseam
Best cotton-blend option: comfortable cotton-poly mix for soft wear during workouts
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
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10
Maamgic men's athletic shorts with pockets and 5.5" inseam
Best pocketed classic: 5.5-inch inseam with practical pockets for gym essentials
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