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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

Tri Short - Men's, Black, S

The Castelli Men’s Tri Short offers a fitted design that is ideal for triathletes seeking comfort and versatility in a two-piece race kit. Its standout feature is the KISS Tri seat pad, which provides excellent cushioning for cycling without causing discomfort during the run. The secure fit is enhanced by an inside drawcord and SnapLock fastener, helping the shorts stay in place through swimming, biking, and running. This makes it a reliable option for triathlons or intense training sessions.

The shorts also have GIRO3 leg grippers, which prevent the fabric from sliding up, offering stability and comfort during movement. A rear pocket adds practicality for storing nutrition gels or energy bars, though there is only one pocket, which might be limiting for some users. The UPF 50+ rating is a great bonus, protecting your skin from sun exposure during outdoor workouts. The shorts require hand washing, which is normal for high-performance gear but might require more care than casual shorts.

Weighing just 6.4 ounces, they are lightweight and made either in the USA or imported. The design emphasizes comfort and function, making it a solid choice for triathletes who want a dependable tri short with good padding and secure fit features.

#2

Zoot Women’s LTD 6-Inch Triathlon Shorts, Endurance Cycle Padded Shorts for Swim, Bike, Run with Quick Drying UPF 50+ Fabric - Driftspeed - Large

Rating
9.1
Chamois Padding
Fit
Leg Grippers

Most important from
36 reviews

Chamois Padding
The chamois provides excellent cushioning without interfering with performance, striking a balance between comfort and minimal bulk.
Fit
Sizing up can lead to a perfect fit, especially for those with muscular legs, ensuring comfort and freedom of movement across biking and running.
Leg Grippers
The shorts offer a comfortable compression fit that stays securely in place with impressive grip around the legs.
Seam Construction
Seams positioned along the sit bones can cause discomfort on longer rides beyond 20 miles, which may affect extended cycling sessions.

The Zoot Women’s LTD 6-Inch Triathlon Shorts are designed to perform well across all three triathlon activities: swimming, biking, and running. They use a high-quality, quick-drying fabric that offers breathability and UPF 50+ sun protection, helping keep you comfortable during long sessions outdoors. The shorts provide a supportive yet breathable compression fit with a wide waistband and an inseam drawstring, making it easier to get a snug, secure fit that stays in place without being too tight.

For pockets, the dual hip holster design is practical, allowing you to carry small essentials without interference during your activities. The seam construction uses Seamlink stitch technology, which minimizes chafing and improves comfort against your skin. These shorts are mid-rise and made with durable, stretchy fabric designed to last through many workouts.

They serve as a solid choice for women looking for versatile triathlon shorts that balance comfort, quick drying, and practical features, particularly if you appreciate the trusted quality of a brand like Zoot.

Rating
9.1
Chamois Padding
Fit
Leg Grippers

Most important from
36 reviews

Chamois Padding
The chamois provides excellent cushioning without interfering with performance, striking a balance between comfort and minimal bulk.
Fit
Sizing up can lead to a perfect fit, especially for those with muscular legs, ensuring comfort and freedom of movement across biking and running.
Leg Grippers
The shorts offer a comfortable compression fit that stays securely in place with impressive grip around the legs.
Seam Construction
Seams positioned along the sit bones can cause discomfort on longer rides beyond 20 miles, which may affect extended cycling sessions.
#3

MY KILOMETRE Mens Triathlon Shorts with Adjustable Drawstring Easy Reach Leg Pockets Chamois for Long-Distance Tri Race (Pure-Black Medium)

Rating
9.1
Fit
Material
Pockets

Most important from
844 reviews

Fit
The shorts deliver a comfortable, supportive fit with no chafing, even during long rides and runs.
Material
They hold up remarkably well through rigorous training and race conditions, maintaining a like-new appearance despite heavy use and washing.
Pockets
Plenty of pocket space with well-designed ventilation prevents water from pooling, making it easy to carry energy gels during all triathlon segments.
Chamois Padding
The padding offers solid cushioning for cycling and running, although it can feel a bit thick and stiff during swimming.

The MY KILOMETRE Mens Triathlon Shorts are made from a blend of regenerated polyamide and spandex, offering a comfortable stretch with added chlorine resistance, which is great for swimming in pools. They also provide UPF 50+ protection to shield your skin from the sun. The adjustable drawstring helps achieve a personalized fit, while the ultra-thin elastic leg grippers are designed to stay comfortable without the usual silicone irritation.

These shorts feature MK TRI 2.0 multi-density chamois padding tailored for the aero bike position, giving cushioning for both cycling and running segments of a triathlon. Flat locked stitching reduces chafing by following your body’s natural shape, enhancing comfort during longer races. On each leg, there are easy-to-reach storage pockets ideal for carrying nutrition or small essentials without slowing you down. The shorts are best hand-washed to maintain their quality.

They are designed to suit triathletes seeking a balance of comfort, practical storage, and durability through swimming, cycling, and running. The sizing is mainly medium, and the shorts are imported, so sizing may vary slightly; therefore, trying them on before a race is advisable.

Rating
9.1
Fit
Material
Pockets

Most important from
844 reviews

Fit
The shorts deliver a comfortable, supportive fit with no chafing, even during long rides and runs.
Material
They hold up remarkably well through rigorous training and race conditions, maintaining a like-new appearance despite heavy use and washing.
Pockets
Plenty of pocket space with well-designed ventilation prevents water from pooling, making it easy to carry energy gels during all triathlon segments.
Chamois Padding
The padding offers solid cushioning for cycling and running, although it can feel a bit thick and stiff during swimming.

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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