Finding the right pair of gym shorts that do not cost a small fortune is harder than it sounds. Most big-name brands charge fifty dollars or more for a simple piece of fabric, which feels like a total rip-off when you are just going to sweat in them anyway.
I decided to try a pair of these budget-friendly Running Shorts Summer Gym Sportswear Men Jogging Outdoor Sports Shorts Fitness Man Quick Dry Breathable Pants Male Clothing options from AliExpress. After putting them through several weeks of heavy lifting and trail runs, I have some thoughts on whether they are actually worth your hard-earned cash.
What are these sports shorts?
These are basic, lightweight, athletic shorts designed for people who want something functional without the fancy price tag. They feature quick-dry fabric and usually come with an elastic waistband, which is perfect for guys who want a simple fit for their daily workouts.
Getting them with free shipping was a nice bonus since it kept the total cost extremely low. They are essentially unbranded, mass-produced sportswear that competes with the entry-level gear you find at big box stores.
Real world performance
The first thing you notice is how thin the material feels. While this might worry you at first, it actually makes a big difference when you are running on a humid July afternoon.
These shorts handle sweat surprisingly well because the fabric does not hold onto moisture like cotton does. I found they dry out within about twenty minutes of being hung up, which is great if you need to wash them in the sink while traveling.
The fit is fairly standard, though the length is a bit shorter than the baggy basketball shorts most people are used to. This is a good thing for squats and lunges because the fabric does not bunch up or restrict your movement when you are at the bottom of a heavy lift.
Honest pros and cons
- Cheap price makes it easy to stock up on five pairs at once.
- The material is very breathable and stays cool during long runs.
- Lightweight fabric makes them feel almost invisible while moving.
- Shipping takes a long time, often three weeks or more.
- Sizing is inconsistent, so you might need to order a size up.
- The stitching around the pockets is not the most durable I have seen.
- There is no local warranty or easy way to return them if they do not fit.
Who should buy these?
If you are the type of person who destroys clothes at the gym and does not want to worry about ruining expensive gear, these are perfect. They are also great for people who want to fill out their workout wardrobe without spending a full paycheck.
Skip these if you are looking for heavy-duty compression shorts or if you need something with deep, secure pockets for a large smartphone. You should also look elsewhere if you have a big event coming up in a few days, as the shipping times from overseas are never guaranteed.
What other buyers say
One guy I talked to mentioned that he bought three pairs specifically for his weekend hiking trips. He liked the weight but warned that the drawstring is a bit short, making it tricky to tie if you have thick fingers.
Another user pointed out that the colors look exactly like they do in the photos. He did mention that the fabric is slightly see-through in the white version, so he suggested sticking to the darker colors like black or navy.
Final verdict
I think these shorts are a solid buy for the price. You are not getting luxury materials or high-end construction, but you are getting a functional tool that gets the job done.
Save your money for better shoes or supplements and grab a few pairs of these for your daily training. Just make sure you double-check the size chart before you hit the buy button, because returning them is basically impossible.
