10 Best Tri Shorts 2025 in the United States

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.

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.

The Zoot Women’s Core 8-Inch Tri Shorts are designed specifically for female triathletes, offering a good balance of comfort and performance across swimming, cycling, and running. Made from stretchy Italian Endura+ fabric, these shorts dry quickly and provide UPF 50+ sun protection, which is helpful for long outdoor events. The fit is tailored to avoid the tightness of traditional compression shorts, while still offering some compression to support your muscles and improve aerodynamics. The BIOWRAP technology ensures the hem stays in place without uncomfortable grippers, which is a nice touch to prevent shifting during movement. Hip pockets on both sides offer convenient storage for small race essentials, which not all tri shorts include. Seamlink stitching reduces chafing and stretches with your body, adding to comfort during long sessions.

The shorts don’t mention a specific chamois padding, which some athletes might miss for extra cushioning on the bike. Also, care instructions require hand washing, which means a bit more effort for maintenance. The 8-inch inseam provides moderate coverage, appealing to those who prefer a bit more leg protection without restricting movement. These shorts are suitable for triathletes seeking a reliable and comfortable option with practical features, though those needing heavy padding or very technical compression might consider other choices.