When participating in a triathlon, you have to pay special attention to what you’re wearing. The best triathlon shorts will keep you comfortable and ensure hassle-free participation in the event. Triathlons are a test of endurance and personal capacity, and athletes have to wear shorts for all three events, namely, swimming, cycling, and running. It thus becomes very important to pick the right pair of shorts. But every athlete has a unique build and should wear a pair that will allow them to complete each leg without any restrictions. To help you choose better, here is a list of the best triathlon shorts.
10 Best Triathlon Shorts
1. Best High-Elasticity: SL3 Men’s Triathlon Shorts
SLS3 has designed these shorts for athletes by keeping in mind the intensity of the sporting events in a triathlon along with delivering a hassle-free experience. To ensure maximum comfort while participating in events, these shorts are made from 80% nylon and 20% spandex. Its atomic fit, high elasticity, and minimalist design help in better movement while participating. Its flatlock and softleg finish offer maximum comfort and durability. To prevent the reduction of speed while cycling, running, or swimming, the shorts are equipped with a tri pad that provides comfort to your body. Pros
Lightweight Comes with pockets Offers UV protection Controls chafing
Cons
May not be suitable for chlorinated swimming pools
2. Best With Flat-Locked Stitching: MY KILOMETRE Men’s Triathlon Shorts
The MY KILOMETRE Men’s Triathlon Shorts are made to ensure that its users experience maximum comfort while participating. Thanks to the polyamide and lycra that went into making these shorts, you can now experience better aerodynamics during the race. Do you crave an energy bar while you are running? No problem! These shorts have storage pockets on both sides of the legs and can be accessed easily while running. Simply put your favorite energy bar or a small bottle of water and you are good to go! It comes with a tri 2.0 multi-density chamois pad for better performance while on the bike and while running. Available in 4 colors and 5 sizes, these shorts have got you sorted while running a triathlon. Pros
Suitable for chlorinated swimming pools Prevents contours on the body Offers muscle compression Flat locked stitching for user comfort
Cons
Chamois may be oversized for cycling
3. Best With Micro Fleece Pad: Synergy Men’s Tri Shorts
As the name of the brand suggests, participating in a triathlon is all about synergy with your capabilities and your sports outfit. These shorts by Synergy ensure that you feel comfortable while wearing the shorts through its micro fleece pad. Made using 84% nylon and 16% spandex, Synergy ensures optimum performance while at a triathlon through better flexibility. These shorts come with a neo gel pad to enable better support and comfort while cycling. Available in 7 sizes ranging from XS to 3XL, this pair of shorts is a one-stop-solution for a comfortable experience while participating in a triathlon. Pros
Superior fabric Stylish design Custom-fit Suitable for carrying water bottles
Cons
The padding may be too thin.
4. Best Fast-Drying: Beroy Men’s Triathlon Shorts
The Beroy Men’s Triathlon Shorts provides a seamless experience to those who decide to wear it. It has a drawstring to secure its position firmly while wearing it. The shorts are made up of 80% nylon and 20% spandex, giving you flexibility while stretching and comfort while wearing. Are you worried that while participating the drawstring of the shorts may not be in place? Don’t worry! The waistband of the shorts secures it and prevents it from moving. The shorts are available in sizes ranging from S to 3XL. Available in 5 attractive and stylish designs, when it comes to clothing for a triathlon, these shorts have got it sorted! Pros
Sponge cushion as chamois support Padding suitable for all triathlon sports Comfortable finish around legs Fast-drying fabric
Cons
May not be suitable for machine wash
5. Best Seamless: Canari Women’s Triathlon Shorts
The shorts from Canari are made by fusing 83% nylon and 17% spandex keeping in mind the comfort of the athletes while participating in a triathlon. Its seamless design reduces chafing. It is equipped with grippers which help in preventing the shorts from riding up your thighs. Its design and inseam play an important role in ensuring mid thigh coverage. These shorts are available in 4 sizes, ranging from S to XL. Pros
Low bulk chamois pad Pull-on closure Dries quickly Versatile
Cons
Available only in 1 color
6. Best For Good Blood Circulation: 3SB Men’s Triathlon Shorts
Right from making these shorts using top-quality nylon and spandex for better mobility to ensuring that the shorts are uniquely designed for better blood circulation, these shorts from 3SB understand the issues faced by athletes and have designed the product accordingly. It is stitched to suit the shape of the body seamlessly. Its side pockets can be used to store energy bars and gels while participating in events. The shorts come in 4 sizes ranging from small to XL and are available in black color. Pros
Reduces fatigue caused by triathlons Quick-drying fabric Secure drawstring Light design
Cons
Not available in multiple colors
7. Best Breathable: TYR Men’s Competitor Core Tri Short
TYR takes pride in being a swimwear brand which was co-founded by 1972 Olympic bronze medalist Steven Charles Furniss. It continues to remain one of the major manufacturers of sports apparel. This pair of shorts by TYR is known to be one of the most durable swim gears available in the market, making it completely performance driven, thanks to its specialized compression webbing. The shorts are available in 3 sizes— XS, small, and large. Since this product comes from a brand that was founded by former Olympian swimmers, you can be assured of its performance, making it a must buy! Pros
Light in weight Ultra-breathable fabric Offers UPF 50+ protection Highly durable
Cons
Drawstring may be fragile
8. Best With UPF 50+ Sun Protection: Zoot Core Men’s Tri 7 Inches Shorts
Zoot hails from the land of the ironman triathlon world championship, that is, Hawaii. These shorts have a flattering biowrap ginger-free hem which eliminates the need for a firm leg gripper. Its endura+ fabric helps keep the shorts dry and comfortable when used. These shorts have UPF 50+ sun protection to ensure that you participate seamlessly while swimming, cycling, and running. This pair of shorts is available in 5 sizes ranging from S to XXL. If you are looking for a triathlon shorts from a reputed brand that understands sporting events and designs products accordingly, this is for you! Pros
Offers next-to-skin comfort Integrated compression Double-layered brushed fleece Vibration protection
Cons
Seams may be stitched poorly
9. Best With Seamless Gusset: Zoot Core Men’s Tri 9 Inches Shorts
Whether you are training for a triathlon or gearing up for the race day, this shorts by Zoot outperforms. Its performance endura+ fabric keeps the shorts dry and comfortable while participating. Thanks to the integra SBR 2d fleece pad, you will be able to achieve maximum level of comfort while you are cycling. The shorts have dual pockets to store cooling gel or water bottles. The shorts are made from high-quality polyamide and elastane and are available in 5 sizes, ranging from S to XXL. Its drawcord gives a secure fit to its users. Pros
Eliminates sausage leg Seamless gusset Next-to-skin comfort Stretches comfortably Provides extra core coverage for smooth movement
Cons
Pad may not have the required depth
10. Best Abrasion-Resistant: Women Select Pursuit Tri Shorts
These shorts for women are a great fit with enhanced durability and comfort. Ideal for training and races, its one-access pocket can be used by athletes for storing cooling gels and water bottles. This pair of shorts is available in 2 colors— black and navy coral and exists in 6 sizes ranging from XS to XXL. Made from top-quality nylon and lycra, this pair gives you much-needed comfort and flexibility. Its dry fabric takes pride in being one of the best for compression and reducing moisture. Whether you swim, cycle, or run, this pair of shorts delivers maximum performance and is a must-buy! Pros
Abrasion-resistant Suitable for machine wash Reflective design for low light Suitable for all levels of athletes
Cons
The padding might seem non-existent.
Now that you have seen a list of triathlon shorts, you would want to understand that each has unique features and you must be careful in picking the suitable shorts. How do you do that? Read on to know more.
How To Choose The Right Triathlon Short?
Fabric
Fabric is one of the most pivotal factors when choosing triathlon shorts. Triathlon shorts are made using nylon and spandex. While one particular fabric may give you an edge over another during the three sporting events in a triathlon, athletes prefer shorts that are made by combining both nylon and spandex to balance the benefits across all events. Blended fabrics provide comfort while swimming and dry quickly by the time athletes proceed to running or cycling.
Compression
Participating in a triathlon translates to experiencing intense heat, physical and mental stress while running, swimming and cycling. This means that you must buy shorts that can absorb sweat and provide a cooling feeling to your body faster. However, if you experience any cramping, compressions are not recommended. The overall point is to look for shorts that have some sort of aero specific benefits.
Pockets
Usually, experts do not recommend shorts with pockets, especially when you are running and carrying something in the pockets, because it can hinder your performance. The pockets in a triathlon shorts are used not only for carrying energy bars but also gel packs to relieve body pain. If you are planning to carry energy bars, water bottles or cooling gels, you can consider using shorts with pockets.
Pad
Since a triathlon consists of 3 events, you have to pick shorts with pads that are compatible with all events. If you have any past experiences with chafing, you can go for shorts that have thinner underpads. However, if you experience body pain while cycling, you can go for shorts with a thicker underpad. Every athlete will have a forte in triathlon where you can pick suitable shorts.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is an experienced product writer who writes on clothing and fashion. She ensures her articles meet the needs of the readers. Keeping user requirements in mind, she has compiled a list of the best triathlon shorts from numerous different websites. She added a detailed description of each product, including their flexibility, fabric, and pros and cons, to help you find the right shorts according to your requirements.
