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10 Best Tri Shorts 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

MY KILOMETRE Triathlon Shorts Mens 9" Easy Reach Leg Pockets Chamois for Long-Distance Tri Race Black-White

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,309
Chamois Padding
Fit
Leg Grippers

Most important from
777 reviews

Chamois Padding
The legs do not ride up, and the padding strikes the right balance between comfort and functionality.
Fit
These shorts are half the price of name brands but just as comfortable, fitting true to size.
Leg Grippers
The grip on the legs is good and comfortable, and the side pockets are large and convenient.
Pockets
The mesh side pockets are perfect for holding nutrition, phone, and other essentials, making them practical for various activities.

The MY KILOMETRE Men's Triathlon Shorts are designed with a blend of 78% Regenerated Polyamide and 22% Xtra Life Lycra fibre, which makes them durable and chlorine resistant, suitable for both pool swims and outdoor use with UPF 50+ protection. The moderate compression helps with muscle support during long-distance races.

These shorts feature the MK TRI2.0 MULTI DENSITY CHAMOIS for enhanced comfort and performance, specifically designed to support the aero position on the bike and comfort during the run. The chamois padding is a significant strength, as it balances cushioning and flexibility well for long-distance triathlons. The shorts also come with accessible storage pockets on each side, providing easy access to nutrition during activities.

The ultra-thin and ultra-light elastic leg grippers ensure a snug fit without discomfort from silicone, making them ideal for extended wear. Additionally, the flat locked stitching minimizes chafing and follows the body's contours, enhancing comfort and durability. However, the requirement to hand wash the shorts might be seen as slightly inconvenient for those looking for low-maintenance gear. Despite this, the MY KILOMETRE Men's Triathlon Shorts offer a combination of comfort, functionality, and durability that makes them a strong choice for triathletes, especially those participating in longer events.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,309
Chamois Padding
Fit
Leg Grippers

Most important from
777 reviews

Chamois Padding
The legs do not ride up, and the padding strikes the right balance between comfort and functionality.
Fit
These shorts are half the price of name brands but just as comfortable, fitting true to size.
Leg Grippers
The grip on the legs is good and comfortable, and the side pockets are large and convenient.
Pockets
The mesh side pockets are perfect for holding nutrition, phone, and other essentials, making them practical for various activities.
#2

SLS3 Triathlon Shorts Men - Tri Short Mens - Men's Triathlon Shorts (Gray/Gray Stripes, X-Large)

Rating
9.6
Chamois Padding
Fit
Pockets

Most important from
656 reviews

Chamois Padding
The padding offers great comfort for biking without being noticeable during running or swimming.
Fit
The fit is snug and comfortable, with a nice drawstring.
Pockets
The pockets are convenient for carrying energy gels.
Seam Construction
High-quality seams reduce chafing and discomfort during longer races.

The SLS3 Triathlon Shorts for men provide a mix of comfort and performance, making them suitable for racing. They are made from a blend of 80% nylon and 20% spandex, offering a balance of flexibility and durability. The material ensures strong muscle support without being overly tight, which is great for long races. The chamois padding is foam-cushioned, giving you essential support during cycling while remaining light enough for running. However, some users might find the pad to be slightly too light for extremely long bike rides.

The fit is designed to stay in place, thanks to a waistband with a drawstring and soft leg grippers that prevent the shorts from riding up. The flatlock seams reduce chafing, adding to the comfort during a race. The presence of two open hip pockets is a thoughtful addition, making it easy to access energy gels and other small items on the go. The shorts are designed by athletes, which shows in their functionality and user-friendly design.

On the downside, the requirement for hand washing may be seen as a disadvantage for those looking for easier care options. Additionally, the shorts are made in China, which may be a consideration for those who prefer locally-made products. If you're looking for affordable, high-quality triathlon shorts that cover all the essential features without breaking the bank, these shorts are a solid choice.

Rating
9.6
Chamois Padding
Fit
Pockets

Most important from
656 reviews

Chamois Padding
The padding offers great comfort for biking without being noticeable during running or swimming.
Fit
The fit is snug and comfortable, with a nice drawstring.
Pockets
The pockets are convenient for carrying energy gels.
Seam Construction
High-quality seams reduce chafing and discomfort during longer races.
#3

SLS3 Triathlon Shorts Mens - Padded Tri Shorts Mens Triathlon Shorts - 2 Pocket FX Triathalon Shorts, Medium Compression (Black/Blue Geo, Small)

Rating
9.3
Material
Chamois Padding
Fit

Most important from
180 reviews

Material
The shorts combine great style with high-quality materials and construction.
Chamois Padding
The foam padding delivers comfortable cushioning during the bike segment without hindering the run.
Fit
The shorts offer a true-to-size fit with soft leg grippers that stay securely in place without discomfort.
Leg Grippers
The shorts offer a true-to-size fit with soft leg grippers that stay securely in place without discomfort.
Pockets
Two large open pockets provide convenient storage for energy gels or snacks, adding practical value.

The SLS3 Triathlon Shorts are designed with triathletes in mind, offering medium compression that supports your muscles without feeling too tight or restrictive. Made from a mix of nylon and spandex, the fabric balances stretch and durability. The shorts include a foam-padded chamois that provides cushioning for the bike portion of your race while remaining slim enough to not slow you down during the run.

Two open hip pockets provide practical storage for energy gels or snacks, allowing easy access on the go. The flatlock seam construction helps prevent chafing, and soft leg grippers keep the shorts in place so you won’t have to stop and adjust them mid-race. These shorts require hand washing, which might be less convenient if you prefer machine care. While the foam padding works well for most riders, it may not offer the same level of protection as thicker cycling-specific pads for very long rides.

These shorts deliver solid comfort, practical features, and a reliable fit at a reasonable price, making them especially suitable for triathletes looking for straightforward gear made by a brand with experience in the sport.

Rating
9.3
Material
Chamois Padding
Fit

Most important from
180 reviews

Material
The shorts combine great style with high-quality materials and construction.
Chamois Padding
The foam padding delivers comfortable cushioning during the bike segment without hindering the run.
Fit
The shorts offer a true-to-size fit with soft leg grippers that stay securely in place without discomfort.
Leg Grippers
The shorts offer a true-to-size fit with soft leg grippers that stay securely in place without discomfort.
Pockets
Two large open pockets provide convenient storage for energy gels or snacks, adding practical value.

Buying Guide for the Best Tri Shorts

When it comes to choosing the right tri-shorts, it's important to consider several key factors to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Tri-shorts are a crucial piece of gear for triathletes, providing comfort and performance across swimming, cycling, and running. The right pair can make a significant difference in your overall experience and performance. Here are the key specifications to consider when selecting tri-shorts and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
MaterialThe material of tri-shorts is important because it affects comfort, durability, and performance. Most tri-shorts are made from a blend of synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester, and spandex. These materials are chosen for their moisture-wicking properties, stretchability, and quick-drying capabilities. When choosing tri-shorts, look for materials that offer a good balance of compression and flexibility. If you prioritize comfort during long races, opt for softer, more breathable fabrics. For those who need more support, look for materials with higher compression.
Chamois PaddingChamois padding is the cushioning in the seat area of the tri-shorts, providing comfort during the cycling portion of a triathlon. The thickness and type of padding can vary. Thicker padding offers more comfort for longer rides but may be less comfortable for running. Thinner padding is less intrusive during the run but may not provide as much comfort on the bike. Consider your primary discomfort points and the length of your races when choosing the right level of padding.
FitThe fit of tri-shorts is crucial for comfort and performance. A good fit should be snug but not too tight, allowing for a full range of motion without causing chafing. Tri-shorts come in various lengths, from short to long. Shorter lengths may be more comfortable for running, while longer lengths can provide more coverage and support during cycling. Try on different sizes and lengths to see what feels best for your body type and the specific demands of your races.
Leg GrippersLeg grippers are the bands at the bottom of the shorts' legs that help keep them in place. They prevent the shorts from riding up during activities. Good leg grippers should be comfortable and effective without being too tight. Silicone grippers are common and provide a secure fit. If you find that leg grippers are too tight or cause discomfort, look for tri-shorts with wider or softer grippers.
PocketsPockets in tri-shorts can be very useful for carrying nutrition, keys, or other small items during a race. The number, size, and placement of pockets can vary. Some tri-shorts have side pockets, while others have rear pockets. Consider what you need to carry and how accessible you need those items to be during your race. If you prefer to carry minimal items, fewer or smaller pockets may be sufficient. For longer races where you need more nutrition, look for tri-shorts with larger or multiple pockets.
Seam ConstructionThe construction of the seams in tri-shorts can affect both comfort and durability. Flatlock seams are common in high-quality tri-shorts because they lie flat against the skin, reducing the risk of chafing. Look for tri-shorts with minimal seams in high-friction areas to enhance comfort. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to chafing, prioritize tri-shorts with flatlock seams or seamless construction.

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