The Best Mountain Bike Shorts of 2026

Specialized is arguably the biggest player in the cycling industry, and the brand can outfit you from head to toe, plus provide bikes, no matter what type of riding you do. The brand has been producing mountain bike apparel for many years, and the Trail Air shorts (normally $130) are intended to be lightweight and well-ventilated shorts for pedal-heavy trail riding. These shorts deliver a high level of comfort, breathability, and mobility, and are a great option for anyone seeking a minimalist short for riding in warm to hot conditions.

At their retail price, the Trail Air shorts aren’t a particularly great value. But Specialized has deeply discounted them for a while, so you can pick them up for $32.50 or $52, depending on the color. This pricing undercuts virtually every other short on the market and is a screaming deal.

The Trail Air shorts have a relatively slim fit through the hips and loose but not excessively baggy legs that cater well to their trail riding intentions. The 13.5-inch inseam falls to mid-knee and plays well with light- to mid-duty knee pads. The angled hem is shorter in the back to prevent unwanted calf contact, and the welded hem and taped seams ensure an irritation-free pedaling experience.

Specialized’s Vaporize woven fabric is a blend of 86% polyester and 14% spandex, and it is lightweight, adequately stretchy, highly breathable, and feels great against the skin. Some perforations on the inner thighs and on the back of the waistband aim to add a little more airflow, and these shorts live up to their airy promises.

The Trail Air shorts come in even waist sizes between 28 and 44, so most people will be able to find a relatively precise fit. A simple ladder strap buckle at the waist is used as both the closure system and the waist adjustment, offering about 2 inches of adjustability.

We did find, however, that our size 32 test pair ran a little big, and we had the ladder strap maxed out and wouldn’t have minded being able to get them a little tighter. There is a bit of stretch in the waistband itself, which is the primary culprit, and we think it might be a good idea to size down if buying these shorts.

A single zippered pocket on the left thigh provides storage. This backloading pocket fits a phone perfectly and holds its contents securely and out of the way of the pedal stroke.

The Specialized Trail Air shorts are well-designed and well-constructed, lightweight, breathable, and pedal-friendly, making them a great option for riding in the heat of summer. They’ve got a clean aesthetic and minimal branding, and come in several colors to match your taste.

Backcountry.com is where a lot of people go to buy outdoor sports equipment and apparel, and the website carries just about every brand out there. Recently, Backcountry started selling its own branded apparel, and the Slickrock 11in Bike Short ($99) is one of several models of mountain bike shorts in the lineup. They’re light, comfortable, and breathable, but best of all, they’re more affordable than most other options on the market.

Backcountry’s Slickrock 11in shorts have, you guessed it, an 11-inch inseam length. This puts them at the shorter end of the spectrum, with a cut that drops just the top of the kneecap off the bike and rises a few inches above while pedaling. Something to keep in mind, depending on your style preferences. The leg opening isn’t huge, but the shorts still pair well with low-profile knee pads. The taped seam at the hem also helps to avoid any irritation while pedaling.

Our size medium test pair fit our tester’s 32-inch waist pretty much perfectly. The waistband also features an integrated belt that offers a couple of inches of tension adjustment with a secure clip that’s easy to use. The snap closure and zipper fly make for easy on/off and nature breaks. The silicone dimple print on the inside of the waistband helps keep them up.

The material is a blend of recycled nylon and spandex with plenty of stretch in the vertical plane, but much less horizontally. Regardless, it is plenty forgiving for dynamic movements on the bike, and it feels comfortable against the skin. It’s relatively lightweight, and it dries quickly and breathes pretty well, plus there are laser-cut ventilation holes in the crotch to facilitate air movement where you need it most.

The pocket layout is quite simple and consists of two zippered hand pockets. While they easily fit a phone, wallet, or multi-tool, we found these pockets to be more functional and useful off the bike. The pocket placement results in the contents on top of the thigh, and proved to be somewhat annoying while pedaling.

Beyond that, we appreciate the solid colors and relatively minimal branding, and think these shorts look pretty good, too. They come in three earthy tones and sizes S-XXL. Backcountry also makes the Slickrock Shorts with a 9-inch inseam if you prefer a little more sun on your thighs.

Known more for its premium road and gravel cycling apparel, Velocio recently launched a new line of Off-Road Equipment for both men and women. They currently offer several jerseys, a lightweight trail jacket, riding pants, and two models of shorts, including the Ultralight MTB Shorts ($169) that we got our hands on for testing. It didn’t take long to realize these are among the highest-quality shorts on the market. We had the chance to test our shorts with Velocio’s Delta Trail Jersey ($79), which was equally impressive.

Velocio’s expertise in crafting quality road bike apparel is immediately evident in both the fit and finish of the Ultralight Trail Shorts. The shorts’ paneling, articulation, and form-fitting cut are absolutely perfect. They come in nine sizes from XXS to 4XL, covering waist sizes between 27.5 and 40 inches. Our size Medium test pair has a claimed 32-inch waist, and it fits true to size.

Should you need to add a little tension to the waist, there are belt loops, and Velocio sells a stretchy Arcade belt ($38) separately that fits through the belt loops. The lack of built-in waist adjusters may put some people off, but it does reduce weight, bulk, and bunching at the waistline, and ours fit so well that we didn’t have to use the belt anyway. Silicone dots along the back of the waistband help keep them in place while riding, and a locking snap at the top of the zipper fly prevents them from popping open unexpectedly.

Inseam length varies by size; the Medium we tested came in at 13.5 inches. They hang right down around the middle of the kneecap while standing, rise slightly above the knee while pedaling, and provide adequate space in the leg opening for low-profile knee pads.

The hem at the knee is bonded and taped, and along with the streamlined fit and ample stretch in the material, they are exceptionally pedal-friendly. The relatively minimal design has two zippered pockets, one on each thigh, that are back-loading and hold contents like a phone out of the way and with impressive stability.

While expensive, they are a splurge that we feel is justified — our test pair has been going strong for 3 years now. Certainly, some riders will scoff at the lack of waist adjustability, but we found it unnecessary. We did notice that the articulation in the waist could cause them to hang a little funny when off the bike, though it is one of the reasons they are so comfortable and high-performing while riding.

If lightweight, excellent fit, and quality construction are important to you, check out the Velocio Ultralight Trail Shorts. Add the Trail Mesh Bib Liner ($149) for the ultimate lightweight setup. For something a little burlier, check out the Trail Access Shorts ($189), made from a slightly heavier stretch Cordura fabric.

You can learn more in this review of Velocio’s Ultralight MTB gear.

Outdoor Research has long produced a wide range of quality outdoor apparel. Until somewhat recently, however, the brand did not offer any mountain bike-specific products. That changed when they launched the Freewheel collection, a comprehensive range of mountain bike clothing and accessories. We covered the launch of the Freewheel collection a while back and recently spent more time testing the Freewheel Ride shorts ($130).

Designed to be layered over a liner short, the Freewheel Ride shorts have a relaxed yet nicely contoured fit that avoids excess bagginess. We found the articulated waist and contoured waistband to be very comfortable in the riding position. The locking snap ensures they won’t come undone unexpectedly, and the zipper fly makes for easy nature breaks. The dual waist adjustment straps are very low-profile and work well to securely snug the waistband.

The 12-inch inseam rose a bit above the knee on our long-legged tester when pedaling, but it is a good length that should work for most riders. The hem is angled up in the back and inside to reduce contact and the potential for chafing the knee, and the opening size worked well with or without knee pads. A layer of DuraPrint dimples covers the outside of the knee for added durability in that high-wear area.

The storage consists of two zippered pockets on the thighs. The right side is top-loading, while the left is back-loading. Both are large enough to fit modern smartphones or similar-sized items and hold them on the outside of the thigh in a pedal-friendly location. Ventilation is limited to some laser-cut perforations on the back just below the waistband.

The 4-way stretch material is Bluesign approved and has a tough, durable feel while remaining relatively soft to the touch. They have impressive vertical stretch, but horizontal stretch is comparatively limited. Still, we didn’t find them to feel restrictive in any way. Given the material’s midweight, however, they weren’t the most breathable. That said, the DWR coating helped repel water and aided in drying, and they were great for riding anytime it wasn’t scorching hot.

Overall, the Freewheel Ride shorts are thoughtfully designed and well-made mountain bike shorts. With durable materials, quality construction, and a bike-specific fit, these shorts are ready to ride as hard as you are. At $130, they are competitively priced and a solid value, too.

Fox Racing has been putting out some of the best mountain bike apparel for a long time, and the latest Defend Shorts ($140) are our favorite for gravity riding. Gone are the days when you look like you’re gearing up for a motocross ride at the bike park; these stylish shorts have a much more subdued look and come in three neutral color options. Still, they’re made from a burly fabric to stand up to aggressive riding and have a long inseam that works well with kneepads. 

If you spend your days riding lifts at the bike park, shuttling, or riding super rough terrain, the Defend shorts are up to the task. Made from a rugged recycled material, these shorts brush off encounters with trailside branches or wipeouts without a second thought. They are much more substantial than thinner, lighter options. 

That also makes them a bit heavier, and at 332 g (size 32), they are the heaviest shorts we tested by a significant margin. But if you value protection and durability for gravity riding, that weight is relatively inconsequential. Laser-cut perforations on the inside of the thighs allow a bit of airflow, but the material’s thickness also means these shorts run a bit hotter. Again, if you’re not climbing all day in the heat, it’s not a big deal. 

The Defend shorts come in even waist sizes between 28 and 40, and our size 32 test pair fit true to size. The offset Race-ratchet closure provides a couple of inches of tension adjustment, is easy to use, and doesn’t feel bulky or uncomfortable at the waist. The 13.25-inch inseam length is pretty ideal for gravity riding, and these shorts work great with kneepads of all sizes. 

Two zippered hand pockets and a zippered phone/pass pocket on the thigh provide ample storage space. While the thigh pocket fits a phone perfectly, it tends to bounce around a bit while riding, so we opted to carry it in the hand pockets, which worked just fine.

The Fox Defend Shorts also happen to look great. They aren’t excessively baggy, and the solid color options are tasteful and pair well with any jersey in your closet. One small fox head logo on the left thigh is the only branding, a stark contrast to the logo-heavy, moto-styling of gravity shorts of the past.

Curious Creatures has been steadily growing its product selection, with the Sun Dog Short ($125) adding another option for men to the lineup. With a luxuriously soft, lightweight material and a stretchy waistband, these shorts take comfort to new heights while still performing well on the bike.

Compared to the tougher midweight material used in the brand’s Ramble Scramble shorts, the fabric used for the Sun Dog shorts is much softer, lighter, stretchier, and more breathable. Curious Creatures chose a Bluesign-approved 100% polyester with 4-way stretch and a weight of 155 gsm. It feels buttery and soft to the touch and moves freely, allowing for completely unrestricted pedaling and movement on the bike.

The soft, stretchy, yoga-style waistband enhances the comfort of the Sun Dog Shorts. We found the waistband tension adequate to keep the shorts up, but the drawcord could be useful for those who need to snug them around the waist. The waistline is only lightly articulated, but the stretch in the material and waistband kept them super comfortable in the riding position. This design negates a zipper fly; however, it was easy enough to take pee breaks, regardless.

We found the 12.5-inch inseam to work well on our long-legged tester, falling just above the knee and providing ample coverage from the sun. We wore these with and without knee pads while testing, and they worked well in both configurations. Otherwise, the fit is relatively slim and streamlined, with a low-key, timeless style.

Unlike the pocket-heavy design of the Ramble Scramble shorts, the Sun Dog shorts have a more bike-specific layout. Two zippered pockets, one on each thigh, feature vertical zippers and a back-loading design that makes them easy to access. They fit phones easily and hold their contents off to the side for unencumbered pedaling. A snap pocket on the back adds some off-the-bike utility and a little pop of color.

The Sun Dog shorts are lightweight, but if you’re looking for the lightest shorts around, the 115 gsm material of the Velocio Ultralight shorts can’t be topped. On the flip side, if you’re after something a little more substantial, the Outdoor Research Freewheel Ride shorts are made from a slightly heavier, tougher material that may be better suited to more aggressive riding and conditions.

Still, the Curious Creatures Sun Dog is tough to beat if you’re looking for soft and supremely comfortable mountain bike shorts. They look good and feel even better, and that’s a win-win in our book.

Hailing from Norway, Norrona has been making quality outdoor apparel for many years. While the brand might be best known for its ski outerwear, its mountain bike clothing has been catching our eye for quite some time, due in large part to its distinctive styling. We recently tested the Fjora Flex1 Tech Shorts ($149) and think they’re a great option, especially if you prefer a shorter inseam.

Using a lightweight 125gsm, four-way stretch fabric made from mostly recycled materials, the Flex 1 shorts strike a balance between durability and comfort. The shorts feel surprisingly robust for how light they are, yet offering good freedom of movement without being restrictive. They also dry very quickly — which we appreciated on warmer rides.

Overall, the shorts have an athletic cut — slim through the hips with a slightly looser leg —providing a streamlined fit without excessive bagginess. The size medium test pair fit our 32-inch waist well, and external velcro adjustment tabs make it quick and easy to adjust the waist when needed. Compared to many of Norrona’s shorts, the 11.5-inch inseam is on the shorter side, landing around the knee and working well with knee pads.

The three zippered pockets — two on the left and one on the right — hold essentials securely, with their placement helping to minimize bouncing. However, we found the top-loading opening and zipper orientation to be slightly harder to access while riding than vertically oriented alternatives.

Beyond that minor gripe, we felt the Flex1 Tech Shorts performed quite well on the bike. From fast trail rides to more aggressive efforts, they do the job comfortably and look pretty good, too. We think they are a great do-it-all pair of shorts with only minor flaws. The 11.5-inch inseam might not suit everyone, but fortunately, Norrona offers several other shorts models with longer cuts.

Rapha’s entry into the mountain bike apparel market a few years ago showed the brand could make quality clothing for more than just road and gravel cyclists. Its mountain bike product line has been slowly growing, but the Trail Shorts ($165) are among the first models the brand introduced and a staple of its lineup. While they are on the expensive side, they’ve got a great fit, quality construction, and features that most riders will appreciate.

Rapha’s Trail Shorts have a robust feel with a material that’s just a bit thicker and sturdier feeling than the lighter-weight models, and this is also apparent in the comparatively heavier 245 g weight for our size Medium test pair. The mid-weight of these shorts also makes them a touch warmer overall, not excessively hot, but not the coolest or breeziest shorts on hot days either.

Our size Medium test pair fit true to size on our 32-inch waist tester, and they have belt loops as well as dual external locking waist adjustment tabs to take up any slack evenly on both sides. The broad waistband secures above the zipper fly with a locking snap that won’t ever pop open, but does take a little getting used to.

The waist is nicely contoured and articulated for comfort in the seated pedaling position, and we found the fit through the hips and buttocks to be relatively slim but spot-on. The fit in the legs is a bit roomier, and the 13-inch inseam length falls right down to the knees, where an angled hem keeps them from rubbing the calves when pedaling. The unique paneling of the Trail shorts helps to minimize seams for comfortable and irritation-free pedaling, while the size of the leg opening works great with light to mid-duty knee pads if you wear them.

The Trail shorts have four pockets and ample room to suit most people’s needs, both on and off the bike. The two open, jeans-style pockets are most useful and convenient off the bike when you’re running post-ride errands or grabbing beverages with your riding buddies.

The other two are vertically oriented, zippered back-loading thigh pockets that hold contents off to the side and out of the way of the pedal stroke. A nice feature of these pockets is a small internal sleeve for your phone that helps keep it from flopping around when pedaling or smashing down a rough descent.

The Trail shorts don’t come cheap, but Rapha has gone out of its way to ensure you get your money’s worth. They include a small repair kit with several color-matched iron-on patches to fix small holes, and a free repair program that will try to fix any damage you can’t fix on your own.

So, you no longer have to be a roadie to wear Rapha, and if you can justify the expense, the mid-weight Trail shorts are built to last and look good doing it.

The online outdoor retail giant, Backcountry.com, sells loads of mountain bike apparel, including its own branded shorts, pants, and jerseys. The Empire Shorts ($119) are one of three shorts models in the men’s lineup. With a sturdier material and a longer inseam than Backcountry’s other MTB shorts, the Empire is aimed at enduro and bike park riders.

Compared to Backcountry’s Slickrock 11in Shorts, the 13-inch inseam of the Empire provides quite a bit more leg coverage and overlap with knee pads. The 4-way stretch recycled nylon spandex blend is also a slightly heavier weight and not quite as stretchy, giving the material a bit more thickness and tougher hand feel. Overall, it feels more robust and ready to withstand some abuse, though it sacrifices a little breathability.

Our size medium test pair fit our 32-inch-waisted tester spot on. The size chart lists a fit range of 32″ to 34″, but it seems like it could be a bit snug on a 34-inch waist. That said, it was a perfect fit for us, without needing to touch the external velcro adjustment tabs. There’s a zipper fly and a dual snap closure, which we found to be secure while riding. Silicone dimples on the inside back of the waistband also add a little grip and help keep them from slipping down.

The four-pocket layout of the Empire shorts is functional on and off the bike. The two open hand pockets are ideal for pre- and post-ride activities like running errands or grabbing some refreshments with your friends. The hand pockets do not have zippers, however, so they could be dangerous to use on the trail. There are also two backloading pockets on the outer thighs with vertically oriented zippers. These are exactly the size of a regular iPhone 17, so it’s very stable with no room for the phone to bounce around. That said, larger phones are unlikely to fit.

Overall, Backcountry’s Empire Shorts have been a pleasant surprise. They’re a fair bit lighter than the Fox Defend gravity shorts and feel like they split the difference between gravity and trail-riding shorts. They seem well-made using quality materials and attention to detail. We think the Empire shorts also happen to look pretty good, with a flattering cut, solid colors, and a single Backcountry logo down by the knee. They come in five sizes, S-XXL, and we think they’re a good value at $119.

Spend enough time riding in any mountain town, and you’re likely to see a good number of ladies wearing Curious Creatures bike shorts and pants. The brand, founded only recently by industry design veteran Natasha Woodworth, is based in Bozeman, Montana, and has quickly built a following for making excellent women’s mountain bike shorts, pants, and tops. The brand continues to expand its men’s lineup, including the Ramble Scramble Long shorts ($139) and the men’s Sun Dog shorts.

The Ramble Scramble Long breaks the mold in several ways. Rather than skewing towards specificity, Curious Creatures leaned into versatility in both style and functionality. This is most obvious in the look of the Ramble Scramble shorts. With a unique blend of workwear meets mountain casual crossed with a small scoop of irreverence, they stand out from other models on the market. 

This also includes the shorts’ cut, which, without a heavily articulated waist, allows them to hang naturally and look relatively casual. The pocket layout plays a part here as well, with two hand pockets, two back pockets, and a drop-in side pocket that provides heaps of storage and functionality off the bike. If you didn’t know they were mountain bike shorts, you might easily confuse them for casual, hiking, or a well-loved pair of work shorts because that’s what they look like, and they work well for all those things, too.

Turns out, they work pretty well on the bike, too. Ample stretch in the material makes the lack of waist articulation a non-issue, and the internal drawcord at the waist allows you to snug them up while remaining comfortable and low profile. The 11.5-inch inseam rises a few inches above the knee when pedaling, but they provide good leg coverage, and the tough, midweight material shrugs off encounters with bushes and the occasional roll in the dirt.

We didn’t find the five open pockets to be the most useful or secure while riding, but the zippered side pocket worked great with our phone. We tested them with knee pads, and they worked fine with those, too. Just be aware that you might experience some pad gap if your pads don’t have a long upper sleeve.

So what are the drawbacks? The 240 gsm polyester material is definitely on the mid- to heavyweight side of the spectrum for mountain bike shorts, and we found them to run a bit warm on hot mid-summer rides. Once soaked with sweat, we found this material also dries a bit slower than thinner, lighter fabrics. They’re also moderately expensive at $139.

Still, the Curious Creatures Ramble Scramble Long shorts top the charts for their versatility. You can essentially wear them for just about any activity all summer long, something we can’t say about most mountain bike shorts. They also look pretty darn good, and the quality construction and material feel built to last for years to come. Curious Creatures also stands behind its products and will repair, replace, or refund products due to defects and repair damage due to wear and tear at a reasonable cost to keep them on the trail and out of the landfill.

When it comes to mountain bike apparel, or any apparel for that matter, there are only a few brands that still make their products in the USA, and even fewer that use U.S.-made fabrics. Mission Workshop is one of the few. A brand committed to designing and producing top-quality technical apparel, bags, and accessories from the Mission District in San Francisco. Making clothes this way doesn’t come cheap, however, but the quality materials, construction, and on-the-bike comfort and performance help justify the asking price of the Traverse XC shorts ($185).

Mission Workshop makes two models of baggy mountain bike shorts, with the Traverse being a bit longer and beefier than the lighter-weight Traverse XC we tested. The Traverse XC has a more tailored cut that makes it a bit slimmer fitting and streamlined, as well as a shorter, 12-inch inseam that sits just above the knee and is well-suited to XC-style and gravel riding alike.

The waistband is nicely contoured with a dual snap closure above the zipper fly and a unique integrated belt that works as the waist adjustment system. This thin but broad belt wraps around most of the waistband, with a small metal buckle on the right side that lets you adjust tension on the fly. They also come in odd and even numerical waist sizes between 28 and 38, and although Mission Workshop says they run a little small, we found the size 32 to fit perfectly.

The Traverse XC shorts are constructed from a U.S.-made Mil-spec stretch fabric that offers a good amount of stretch and has a surprisingly tough and durable feel. Still, it feels good against the skin, and pedaling in these shorts is comfortable and unrestrictive. The hem lies nice and flat, and the seams along the crotch gusset have been taped to prevent any chafing or irritation during the pedal stroke.

Two top-loading zippered cargo pockets, one on each thigh, offer ample room to carry items on your rides, and their placement on the outside of the leg holds items securely without interfering with the pedal stroke. The small fabric flap that covers the zippers gives the shorts a very clean aesthetic, though we found it made the zipper pulls a little harder to access at times.

One thing that stands out about the Traverse XC shorts is their super clean, minimalist styling. They come in four solid color schemes: charcoal, black, navy, and olive, and they have essentially zero branding except for a super-tiny Mission Workshop logo on the waistbelt buckle.

These shorts look great whether you’re pounding out some miles or grabbing a bite or drinks with friends after a ride. They aren’t inexpensive, but if Made in the USA matters to you, then we suggest checking out the Traverse XC shorts and the rest of the Mission Workshop lineup, for that matter.

The Singletrack Lite ($130) is one of the latest additions to Endura’s extensive lineup of mountain bike apparel. Endura bills these shorts as a “lightweight and breathable trail short in a full stretch fabric providing a ‘barely there’ feeling without compromising durability.” While they may be the lightest shorts in Endura’s range of baggy shorts, they strike us as more of a mid-weight, but well-ventilated option.

The Singletrack Lite shorts are made from a 4-way stretch blend of 85% nylon and 15% elastane. This material is nice and forgiving, providing excellent mobility and a high level of pedal-friendliness while still feeling surprisingly tough and durable.

The 13-inch inseam hangs right down to mid-knee, with leg openings that play nice with most knee pads. The welded hem is also nice and smooth, and glides over the top of the knee easily while pedaling. In addition to the “regular” inseam length we tested, Endura also offers a “short fit” version of the Singletrack Lite that has a slightly shorter inseam length.

We tested the size Medium with a claimed waist size of 33-35 inches, and they fit our 32-inch-waisted tester quite well. This gives us the impression that they run on the small side, as we doubt someone with a 35-inch waist would fit into the Medium shorts. A dual snap closure secures the shorts at the top of the zippered fly, and the broad waistband is lined with wicking material with silicone grippers added at the back to help keep them in place. Two external Velcro tabs offer a couple of inches of tension adjustment and are quick and easy to use.

Endura also added its Clickfast poppers on the inner waistband that allow you to snap them together with the Endura Singletrack Bib Liner. While this system is unique, we found the snaps popped open quite easily in practice and weren’t as effective as we’d hoped.

Ventilation was clearly high on the priority list when designing the Singletrack Lite shorts, and they feature lots of laser-cut perforations on both the inner and outer thighs that allow for a significant amount of airflow. Three zippered pockets, two hand pockets, and one rear pocket offer lots of storage. We found all three pockets, especially the hand pockets, to be more useful off the bike; however, their placement holds items awkwardly and conflicts with the pedal stroke.

Endura has a long history of making quality mountain bike apparel, and the Singletrack Lite shorts are a compelling new option for anyone seeking a relatively light, well-ventilated, and durable pair of shorts.