Best Men's Athletic Shorts Under $50 (2026)
We ranked options under $50 by a composite value score that weighs verified user ratings, functional features (quick-dry fabric, sun protection, pockets), and brand reliability
This roundup covers men's athletic shorts under $50, focused on versatile, performance-oriented options suitable for running, training, and water-based activities. Selections were chosen using value-focused metrics including user ratings, performance features (sun protection, quick-dry fabrics), and overall customer feedback
Top Picks
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1
PFG Backcast IV Water Short - Men
Columbia PFG Backcast IV water shorts for sun protection and quick-dry comfort. Customers note quality, fit, and fast drying with deep front pockets as a plus
- sun protection
- quick-dry comfort
- durable materials
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2
Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short
Columbia backcast IV water shorts with OMNI-SHADE and OMNI-SHIELD protections. Quick-dry comfort from textured 100% nylon; features deep front pockets. Customer note: great quality, comfortable fit, and fast-drying
- sun protection
- quick-dry fabric
- stain and rain resistance
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3
Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short
Columbia PFG Backcast IV water shorts with sun protection and quick-dry nylon fabric. Provides UV ray shielding, rain resistance, and fast drying. Customers note quality, comfort, and a great fit with durable wear
- UV protection
- quick-dry comfort
- rain and stain resistance
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4
Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short
Lightweight nylon shorts with OMNI-SHADE and OMNI-SHIELD protection, plus quick-dry comfort. Customer note: great quality, comfortable fit, and durable for ocean activities
- sun protection with skin cancer foundation seal
- quick-dry nylon material
- stain and rain resistance
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5
Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short
Columbia water short made of 100% nylon with sun and stain protection. Quick dry comfort and durable fit. Customers note quality, comfort, and fast drying
- UV protection
- quick-dry fabric
- durable comfort
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6
Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short
Lightweight nylon shorts with sun protection and quick-dry comfort. Customers note quality, comfort, and durable fit for beach activities
- sun protection
- quick-dry fabric
- durable fit
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7
Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short
lightweight nylon shorts with sun protection and quick-dry comfort. customers note quality, comfort, and durability with a good fit
- sun and stain resistance
- quick-dry comfort
- comfortable fit
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8
Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short
Lightweight nylon short with sun protection and quick-dry comfort. Customers note quality, fit, and durability with fast drying and a comfortable feel
- blocks UVA/UVB rays
- quick-dry wear
- textured nylon fabric
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9
Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short - Men's
Lightweight, quick-dry nylon shorts with sun protection and stain resistance. Customers note quality, comfort, and durable fit with fast drying
- OMNI-SHADE sun protection
- quick-dry nylon fabric
- stain and rain resistance
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10
Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short
Lightweight nylon shorts with sun protection and quick-dry comfort. Customers note quality, comfort, and durability with a good fit for beach activities
- sun protection with Skin Cancer Foundation seal
- quick-dry nylon material
- stain and rain resistance