Best Men's Athletic Shorts (2026 Guide)

We selected items by combining average customer ratings and review volume, prioritizing products with consistent feature tags like sun-protection, water-ready construction, and nylon athletic fabrics

Top Picks

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia • ★ 3.9/5 • Budget

    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
    Check current price on Amazon →
  4. 4
    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia • ★ 3.9/5 • Budget

    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
    Check current price on Amazon →
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7
  8. 8
  9. 9
    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia • ★ 3.9/5 • Budget

    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
    Check current price on Amazon →
  10. 10
    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia • ★ 3.9/5 • Budget

    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
    Check current price on Amazon →

Buying Guide

Fabric and dry time

Look for lightweight, quick-drying materials such as nylon or blended synthetics that shed water and dry faster after swims or sweaty workouts

Sun protection

Choose shorts with built-in sun-protection treatments (often labeled omnishade or sun-protection) for extended outdoor sessions

Fit and movement

Prioritize a cut that allows full range of motion—consider inseam length and whether a relaxed or athletic fit suits running, training, or water use

Pockets and closures

Check for secure pockets and reliable closures (zippers, hook-and-loop) to keep essentials safe during activity

Durability and care

Inspect construction details and care instructions; robust nylon blends and simple wash-care often extend garment life for frequent use