When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, with no extra cost to you.
The Best Exercise Shorts on Amazon for Training
Performance Picks That Don’t Cut Corners
Move Better, Train Harder: Finding the Right Shorts for Every Kind of Workout
Your training gear can make or break your performance—and shorts are no exception. Whether you’re wrestling, lifting weights, running sprints, or hitting HIIT circuits, your shorts need to support your movement, stay in place, and wick away sweat without feeling restrictive or falling apart mid-session.
But let’s face it: not all gym shorts are made equal. Some ride up. Some sag. Others start to fray after two washes or lose their elasticity after a week. And when you’re ordering from Amazon, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by thousands of lookalike options that don’t actually tell you what they feel like in the middle of a workout.
That’s why we dug deep, scanned hundreds of reviews, and field-tested the top contenders to bring you the 3 best exercise shorts on Amazon right now. Whether you’re into strength training, MMA, wrestling, or functional fitness, these shorts deliver the comfort, durability, and freedom of movement you need.
Best Overall Pick: Under Armour Men’s Raid 2.0 Gym Shorts
Under Armour Men’s Raid 2.0 Gym Shorts
- Fabric is ultra-soft & smooth for extreme comfort with very little weight
- Mesh back panel for added ventilation where you need it
- 4-way stretch construction moves better in every direction
- Material wicks sweat & dries really fast
- Encased elastic waistband with internal drawcord
- Open hand pockets
Star Rating: ★★★★★ (4.7/5 based on 32,000+ reviews)
Price Range: $20–$35
Best For: All-purpose training, wrestling workouts, and weightlifting
Why We Picked It:
These shorts check every box for serious athletes. The Under Armour Raid 2.0s are made from a smooth HeatGear fabric that feels light and cool, even when you’re drenched in sweat. The material stretches four ways, making them excellent for mobility—whether you’re sprawling on a mat or hitting deep squats.
What Stands Out:
- Moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabric that doesn’t cling
- Anti-odor technology keeps things fresh
- Excellent length (10” inseam) for leg coverage without restricting movement
- Wide waistband with a secure fit
What Could Be Better:
- Not ideal for short-legged athletes looking for above-the-knee fit
- Side pockets are standard, but not zippered
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | 90% polyester, 10% elastane |
| Inseam | 10 inches |
| Colors Available | 15+ options |
| Fit | Loose, relaxed |
| Machine Washable | Yes |
Best Budget Pick: Amazon Essentials Men’s 2-Pack Performance Shorts
Amazon Essentials Men’s 2-Pack
- RELAXED FIT: Our most generous shorts fit, relaxed through the hip, thigh, and leg. Sits below the waist
- An ultra-lightweight and breathable fabric, with a soft finish.
- BASKETBALL SHORTS
- Featuring an adjustable elasticated waistband with drawcord , for additional security during workouts
- INSEAM LENGTH: 8″ on US size M
Star Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5 based on 65,000+ reviews)
Price Range: $18–$25 for a 2-pack
Best For: Budget-conscious athletes, home gym training, casual wear
Why We Picked It:
Gym clothes can get expensive. If you’re training multiple days a week and need a few reliable pairs of shorts without breaking the bank, this 2-pack from Amazon Essentials is a solid deal.
They’re lightweight, roomy, and surprisingly durable for the price. Perfect for guys who want performance without the logo markup.
What Stands Out:
- Comes in a pack of two—great value
- Comfortable elastic waistband with adjustable drawstring
- Side pockets are deep and useful
- Basic design that works for gym or daily wear
What Could Be Better:
- Material isn’t quite as breathable as premium brands
- A bit baggy for more intense movement or grappling work
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% polyester |
| Inseam | 9 inches |
| Colors Available | Multiple 2-pack combinations |
| Fit | Loose |
| Machine Washable | Yes |
Best for Mobility: HQUEC Men’s 12″ Athletic Basketball Shorts
HQUEC Men’s 12″ Athletic Shorts
- Made with selected high quality polyester fabric.
- The elastic waist of these men’s active shorts with djustable built-in drawstring for a solid comfort feel.
- Large side pockets that securely carry your phone, keys and other essentials.
- A relaxed fit with two sides ergonomic design for easy mobility.
- These sport basketball shorts are knee-length, also perfect for workouts, basketball, football, volleyball, tennis, baseball, badminton, exercise, training, cycling, running, hiking, jogging, boxing, etc.
Star Rating: ★★★★★ (4.8/5 – Highly Rated)
Price Range: $22–$30
Best For: High-mobility workouts, basketball-style training, wrestling warm-ups, and loose-fit gym sessions
Why We Picked It:
The HQUEC Men’s 12″ Athletic Shorts are built for freedom of movement and comfort. With a relaxed fit that sits below the waist and extends just past the knee, these are a go-to option for athletes who prefer roomy, breathable shorts that won’t bunch up or restrict explosive movements.
Made from an ultra-light, moisture-wicking fabric with a soft finish, they’re great for wrestlers warming up, lifters who like long cuts, or anyone doing agility work or cardio.
What Stands Out:
- Extra-long 12″ inseam for full leg coverage and freedom
- Relaxed fit through the hip, thigh, and leg
- Adjustable elastic waistband with drawcord for secure fit
- Breathable fabric with a soft, smooth texture
- Deep side pockets for essentials
What Could Be Better:
- Length may be too long for shorter athletes or those preferring above-knee cuts
- Not ideal for compression-style support
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Lightweight, breathable poly blend |
| Inseam | 12 inches |
| Colors Available | Multiple (solid & athletic styles) |
| Fit | Loose, relaxed |
| Machine Washable | Yes |
Final Thoughts: What to Consider Before Buying Gym Shorts
Finding the right pair of gym shorts isn’t just about style—it’s about performance, comfort, and how well they hold up to your training style. Whether you’re hitting the mats, the weight room, or the track, a few key details can make all the difference.
Quick Tips Before You Buy:
- Inseam Length:
Go shorter (5–7″) if you’re into wrestling, sprinting, or explosive movements that benefit from maximum range of motion. For barbell training or casual gym sessions, longer lengths (9–12″) offer more coverage and comfort. - Material Matters:
Moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester or spandex blends help keep you dry and flexible. Avoid anything heavy or prone to holding sweat. - Liner or No Liner?
Compression liners are great for reducing chafing during high-rep or contact workouts. If you prefer breathability and don’t want the extra support layer, liner-free shorts will serve you better. - Waistband Fit:
An elastic waistband with a drawstring gives you the best of both worlds—comfort and security, no matter how intense your training gets.
Which One Should You Buy?
If you’re looking for one solid pair of shorts that can handle just about any workout, the Under Armour Raid 2.0 is a standout. They offer breathability, durability, and freedom of movement—without the premium price tag.
On a budget? Amazon Essentials 2-Pack delivers surprising quality and function for a fraction of the cost—perfect for daily gym goers or athletes just building out their gear.
Need something with more room to move? Prefer a longer fit or basketball-style coverage? HQUEC’s Men’s 12″ Athletic Shorts combine a relaxed design with functional features that work well for wrestling warm-ups, lifting, or agility training.
If you found this post to be helpful, then you may be interested in the rest of our blog page here.