Sports Shorts Price Comparison
Compare 309 sports shorts from Nike, PUMA, ASICS and more. Find the best price across top UK retailers, from budget basics to technical performance shorts.
Sports Shorts price comparison UK
Something stands out immediately when you look at this market: the price spread is enormous. Sports shorts start at just 107 £ and climb all the way to 121 £, which tells you this isn't a category where you can pick blindly. The difference between a pair that chafes after two miles and one that genuinely performs comes down to fabric construction, seam quality, and a few details most shoppers overlook entirely.
Nike dominates the catalogue here with over 100 products, yet their average price sits well below what you might expect — making them one of the stronger value propositions in the range. PUMA punches hard at the budget end, with several options available for under 109 £, which is genuinely useful if you're kitting out a junior or need a spare pair for the gym bag. ASICS and TCA cater to the more performance-focused buyer, with technical fabrics and flat-lock seam construction that justify their higher price points. Merrell, interestingly, appears prominently in the top products — though their listings here are trail shoes rather than shorts, which is worth knowing before you click through.
The biggest mistake we see buyers make is treating all sports shorts as interchangeable. Cotton blends might look fine on the shelf, but they retain sweat and cause chafing during anything beyond a light walk. For running, cycling, or court sports, you want a polyester or polyester/spandex blend with proper moisture-wicking properties. Pair that with flat-lock seams and a secure drawcord waistband, and you've got a short that won't let you down mid-session. If you're training outdoors through British winters, a DWR coating is worth paying extra for.
Pocket configuration is another underrated factor. Zippered side pockets are essential for runners carrying a key or gel; mesh-lined pockets help with ventilation. Gilbert's rugby shorts, available at the very affordable end of the market, are a solid pick for team sports where durability matters more than ultralight weight. For those building a complete kit, it's worth browsing our Sports Shirts & Tops and Sports Trousers categories to match your shorts with the rest of your kit.
Our comparison covers 309 products with live pricing updated daily across major UK retailers including Amazon, Currys, and specialist sports stores. Whether you're after a no-frills training pair or a technical short built for race day, comparing prices here before you buy is the quickest way to avoid overpaying. Check out our Sports Sweaters & Hoodies section if you need to complete your cold-weather training wardrobe.
How to Choose the Right Sports Shorts
With prices ranging from 107 £ to 121 £, picking the right pair of sports shorts is less obvious than it looks. The wrong inseam length, a cotton-heavy fabric, or a waistband that rolls mid-run can ruin an otherwise good session. Here's what actually matters — and what most buyers get wrong.
Inseam length for your activity
This is the single most overlooked spec when buying shorts online. A 3-inch inseam suits sprinters and cyclists who need maximum leg freedom; a 7-inch inseam is the all-rounder for gym work and casual running; a 9–11-inch inseam suits basketball or anyone who prefers more coverage. Getting this wrong doesn't just look odd — it causes chafing at the inner thigh during repetitive movement. Always check the product spec, not just the size label.
Fabric composition: synthetic vs cotton
For any athletic use, avoid cotton-dominant blends. Cotton absorbs sweat and holds it against your skin, which leads to discomfort and chafing within minutes of intense activity. A 100% polyester or polyester/spandex blend wicks moisture away from the skin and dries rapidly. Nylon blends add durability for trail or outdoor use. Recycled polyester options are increasingly available and perform comparably to virgin synthetics — worth considering if sustainability matters to you.
4-way stretch and freedom of movement
4-way stretch fabric moves with you in every direction — horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. It's non-negotiable for running, HIIT, or any sport involving lunges and lateral movement. 2-way stretch is adequate for lower-intensity gym work or team sports where you're not constantly changing direction. Check the elastane percentage: anything above 10% spandex in the blend typically indicates genuine 4-way stretch.
Seam construction and lining
Flat-lock seams lie flush against the skin and eliminate the raised ridges that cause chafing during long runs or rides. Standard overlocked seams are fine for casual wear but become a problem over distance. Lining matters too: a mesh or brief lining removes the need for separate underwear and improves ventilation, while a compression lining provides muscle support during high-impact activities. Budget shorts often skip both — worth checking before you buy.
Waistband stability
A waistband that rolls or slips mid-session is deeply annoying and surprisingly common in cheaper shorts. Look for an internal drawcord rather than an external one if you're running — it sits flush and doesn't flap. Contoured or wide elastic waistbands distribute pressure more evenly and stay put better than narrow bands. If you're between sizes, a drawcord is particularly useful for dialling in the fit.
Pocket security for your essentials
Runners and cyclists need at least one zippered pocket for a key, card, or energy gel. Open side pockets are fine for the gym but will eject your phone the moment you sprint. Back pockets with Velcro or zip closures are useful for longer outdoor sessions. At the budget end of the market (under 109 £), pockets are often absent entirely — factor this in if storage matters to you.
- Budget basics (From 107 £ to 109 £) : PUMA and Gilbert dominate this bracket with simple training shorts and rugby shorts. Fabric quality is functional rather than technical — fine for casual gym use or junior sport, but expect standard seams and limited pocket options. Good for kitting out a team or stocking up on spares.
- The sweet spot (From 109 £ to 110 £) : Where most Nike and TCA options sit. You start getting proper moisture-wicking fabrics, flat-lock seams, and internal drawcords at this level. This is the range we'd recommend for anyone training regularly — the performance uplift over budget shorts is noticeable, and the price is still reasonable.
- Performance tier (From 110 £ to 115 £) : ASICS and Rogelli Sportswear feature here, alongside Nike's more technical lines. Expect 4-way stretch fabrics, compression lining options, and better seam construction. Suited to runners, cyclists, and anyone doing structured training who wants kit that keeps up with them.
- Premium and specialist (Over 115 £) : At this level you're looking at specialist technical shorts — GORE-TEX® treatments, advanced antimicrobial coatings, and ultralight constructions. Justified for serious endurance athletes or outdoor use in unpredictable British weather. Overkill for most gym-goers.
Top products
- Nike DN0730-480 (Nike) : One of the most affordable Nike shorts in the catalogue — a solid entry-level option for gym use or casual training. Don't expect premium seam construction at this price, but for the money it's hard to fault.
- PUMA 766028_02_S sports shorts (PUMA) : Budget-friendly and functional. Fine for junior sport or as a spare pair, but the fabric and seam quality reflect the price — not a long-term training companion for serious athletes.
- PUMA 704943_03_116 sports shorts (PUMA) : A reliable PUMA training short at a very accessible price point. Good for younger athletes or team kit purchases where budget is the primary constraint. Sizing runs on the smaller side.
- Gilbert 82009802U sports shorts (Gilbert) : Gilbert's rugby heritage shows — these are built for durability and contact sport rather than running performance. Excellent value for team sports; less suited to endurance or gym training.
- Gilbert 82009903U sports shorts (Gilbert) : The most affordable option in the top listings and genuinely decent for what it is. Ideal for rugby training or school sport. If you need lightweight running shorts, look elsewhere.
Related categories
Frequently Asked Questions
What inseam length should I choose for running?
For running, a 5-inch or 7-inch inseam is the most practical choice for the majority of runners. A 5-inch inseam maximises leg freedom and suits faster-paced running, while a 7-inch offers more coverage and reduces thigh chafing on longer distances. Avoid anything shorter than 5 inches unless you're sprinting — and avoid longer inseams above 9 inches, which restrict stride length and trap heat.
Are cotton sports shorts worth buying?
No — for any athletic activity, cotton sports shorts are a poor choice. Cotton absorbs sweat and holds it against your skin, which causes chafing, discomfort, and a heavy, wet feeling during exercise. A polyester or polyester/spandex blend wicks moisture away and dries in minutes. Cotton shorts are fine for lounging or very light activity, but if you're actually training, spend a little more and get a synthetic fabric.
What's the difference between mesh lining and compression lining?
A mesh lining is a lightweight, breathable inner layer that promotes airflow and replaces the need for separate underwear — it's the standard choice for running and gym shorts. A compression lining is a tighter, fitted inner layer that wraps the muscles to reduce vibration and fatigue during high-impact activity. Compression lining is worth paying for if you're doing long runs, HIIT, or plyometric training; for casual gym sessions, mesh lining is perfectly adequate.
Do I need a DWR coating on sports shorts for outdoor training in the UK?
If you train outdoors regularly in the UK, a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating is a worthwhile feature. It causes light rain to bead and roll off rather than soaking into the fabric, which keeps you more comfortable and prevents the shorts from becoming heavy when wet. It won't replace waterproof trousers in heavy rain, but for drizzle and damp conditions — which are hardly rare here — it makes a real difference. Budget shorts rarely include DWR treatment; it typically appears from the performance tier upwards.
What are flat-lock seams and why do they matter?
Flat-lock seams are stitched so the seam lies completely flat against the skin, eliminating the raised ridge that standard seams create. That ridge becomes a serious source of chafing during repetitive movement — particularly on the inner thigh during running or cycling. If you've ever finished a long run with red, irritated skin along the seam line, flat-lock construction is the fix. It's a detail worth checking in the product description, especially on shorts priced above 109 £.
Are the Merrell products in this category actually sports shorts?
No — the Merrell products appearing in the top listings are trail running shoes (the Moab Speed 2), not shorts. They appear here due to catalogue categorisation. If you're specifically looking for sports shorts, filter by PUMA, Nike, TCA, ASICS, or Gilbert, which are the genuine shorts brands in this category. It's worth double-checking product listings before comparing prices.
How do I stop sports shorts from riding up during exercise?
Shorts ride up primarily because the inseam is too short for your body proportions, or because the fabric lacks sufficient stretch. Choose a longer inseam (7 inches or more) if you find shorter styles consistently ride up, and look for 4-way stretch fabric that moves with your legs rather than pulling against them. A gripper elastic hem — a silicone strip on the inner hem — is another feature that keeps shorts in place, though it's more common on cycling shorts than general training shorts.