The perfect gear for your bike ride is more than just the ones on your bike, it’s also the clothes you put on your body. The perfectly padded bike shorts will not only improve your bike ride but also excite you for the next one.
Here, we will make sure you know the features of a great bike short before offering some of the best selection of shorts out there.
Table of Contents
TLDR – Top Pick
Our top pick for men’s best padded bike shorts is Sponeed Men’s Cycling Shorts.
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 05:21 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our top pick for women’s best padded bike shorts is Beroy Women’s Bike Shorts.
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 01:48 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Features You Need To Consider
Nobody wants to be overdressed or underdressed, that’s why you need the perfect outfit to compliment your riding experience. You can always get more than one padded bike shorts, but you still need to choose wisely each time.
A cycling short is not so much about the aesthetics and more towards the comfort. There are different shorts for both men and women – which we will cover in this piece. Bike shorts are made to be tight and flexible, using Lycra or spandex. They are meant to reduce chafing – by having no seams across the crotch area-, breathable, reduce heat absorption, and chills from the winds. Some pads are also known as chamois, which is what you want.
We think these features are important to have in any padded bike shorts. Check them out:
Your Budget
The budget for a bike short ranges from $20 up to hundreds of dollars. Higher costing shorts are usually made with a more technical fabric and better chamois to support your skin during riding. It’s never a bad idea to try both a cheaper one and a more expensive one if you can.
The Fit
Bike shorts are generally tight, however, some prefer to wear looser pants over it. We suggest you not wear underwear, because underwear can cause blisters because of the lack of technicalities that a bike short has. Instead, you can try a bike underwear short, which is padded and can easily be worn underneath a baggy outfit.
The Padding
Beginners would want a thicker padding, which is believed to be more comfortable. The key, however, is the chamois. All riders are recommended to invest in a quality chamois. Don’t forget to shop according to your gender, a unisex bike short should be avoided.
Thinner paddings are perfect for triathletes. Comfortable to use for biking, running, as well as swimming.
The Color
Most bike shorts come in neutral colors (black and grey), with a splash of bright colors as an accent. These colors are chosen to easily match your jersey and also give you that slimming effect. Of course, you can still choose other colors, but everybody needs at least one black pair.
Bib Shorts?
Sometimes, riders will experience discomfort because of their shorts’ waistband sliding. This can be prevented by using a bib short. Instead of a waistband, bib shorts are supported by shoulder straps. Of course, this solely depends on your preference.
The Best Padded Bike Shorts Reviewed
After going through the bike shorts features, it’s time to look at the products first hand. It’s not a simple task to select from all the brands, models, and types. We have put together best men’s and women’s bike shorts – note that none of them are unisex.
Check them out below, and maybe find your very first pair, or the next one to add to your collection.
1. BALEAF Men’s Bike Cycling Underwear Shorts
Key Features:
- Available in multiple options
- 4 way stretch
- Breathable and lightweight
- Quick dry
- Fitting
The Baleaf men’s cycling underwear is made from 90% polyester and 10% spandex. It is stretchy; it absorbs your sweat and keeps you dry, and it fits amazingly. Well, the fit is different for everyone. If your legs are on the larger side, it might not fit so great. You can always try for a size bigger.
The fabric is breathable and snug. The padding provides great comfort and yet doesn’t feel bulky at all. It provides comfort for your long rides. It is great to wear by itself or even under another baggy pants. The primary purpose of these shorts is to act as underwear that doesn’t cause chafing.
Of course bike pants are compatible with all kinds of bikes, be it mountain bike, road bike, indoor spinning, and even motorcycles.
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Keeps “that” area dry and prevents chafing
- Doesn’t feel bulky
- Versatile – can be used on their own or as underwear
Cons:
- The fabric will ride up your legs
- The padding is insufficient
- Does not stretch out for bigger legs
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 02:44 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Sponeed Men’s Cycling Shorts
Key Features:
- Available in 6 colors
- 6 sizes available
- Elastic
- Compatible with machine wash
- Moisture wicking
These shorts are made of 80% polyester and 20% spandex. The material is moisture wicking and is great to prevent chafing. They come with elastic closure both at the top and the bottom, the one at the bottom is meant to prevent the pants from riding up. If your legs are bigger, you might feel some discomfort due to the bands at the bottom.
Spooned men’s cycling shorts are compatible for machine wash and are generally easy to maintain.
These bike shorts are great to wear for all levels of cycling, however it might feel less comfortable over longer periods of time. The padding is also quite bulky and therefore might be uncomfortable to wear over smaller bike seats. The design is made specifically for biking, so combining your exercise with running may provide slight discomfort. The shorts feel comfortable during biking because of its breathable material. Chamois are added to provide extra satisfaction.
Pros:
- Smooth padding
- No chafing
- The fit on the waist is great
- Good value for price
- Breathable and comfortable
Cons:
- Not great if combined with other sports
- Choosing the wrong size will provide extreme discomfort
- The padding feels stiff
- Elastic band at the bottom is uncomfortable
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 05:21 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Santic Cycling Shorts
Key Features:
- Available in 10 colors
- Available in 7 sizes
- Breathable to reduce sweat
- Uses 4D coolmax pad
These bike shorts are a great comfort to support your rides, short or long. The material is made of 82% Nylon and 18% spandex and lycra. The material is breathable in the attempt to reduce sweat. But it is not moisture wicking. So if you do sweat, you might still get chafing. The design also comes with silicone grippers in the waistband as well as the bottom of the pants. All to keep it in place. It’s very important that you get the right size so that yours will snuggly fit you.
As for the care, it’s recommended to wash it by hand. If you wash it with a washing machine, there’s a chance that it will come out deformed, and we don’t want that.
Overall this short is compatible with your cycling needs and can last with the proper maintenance. Measure once and measure again to get the right sizing in order to prevent any discomfort whatsoever.
Pros:
- Will be a snug fit if you choose the right size
- The stitching is exceptional
- Comfortable over longer rides
- They don’t crawl up your legs
Cons:
- The chamois is hard and thick
- The material is not breathable
- The padding is not positioned properly
- The fit may not fit all bodies
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 02:44 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Sportneer Men’s Cycling Shorts
Key Features:
- Available in 2 colors
- Available in 4 sizes
- Stretchy seam to give a second skin fit
- Breathable materials
- Equipped with saddle support
The Sportneer Men’s cycling short is made with 82% Nylon and 18% Spandex. It promises no sweat and breathes. It helps reduce chafing, but it’s not moisture-wicking. It is equipped with 3 layers of padding to cushion your comfort. Here comes the tricky part. If you do not find a snug fit, the padding might be uncomfortable as it will not properly cushion your seat. The trick is to find the perfect sizing.
The shorts also come with a silicone gripper by the sides to prevent it from riding up your legs. It offers rider comfort as well as aero dynamism. Even though the material is not moisture-wicking, it acts as a second skin and is very comfortable.
Once you’ve purchased the right size, these shorts are great to use whether you’re mountain biking, road cycling, or biking to work. Protect your thighs and enjoy yourself.
Pros:
- A tighter fit provides comfortable padding
- Great value for the price
- The padding will absorb shocks on your ride
- Still comfortable on longer rides
Cons:
- Uncomfortable around the crotch area
- The fabric is thinner compare to others
- Padding is not placed properly
- May not be comfortable for all riding position
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 02:44 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Beroy Womens Bike Shorts
Key Features:
- Available in multiple colors
- Available in 7 sizes
- Multi density foam
- Uses 3D gel padding
- Anatomical shape
The Beroy Womens Bike Shorts are made of 80% Polyester and 20% Spandex. The fabric made from these materials is elastic, a great fit to your skin, and quick dry. They also incorporate moisture absorption and moisture perspiration. Their shorts are fitted with 3D gel padding and 3 foam densities. You can choose between 80kg/m3 or 120kg/m3. They are both made to be breathable but if you want more padding, you can go with the 80kg/m3. They also come with a logo on each side to help with visibility.
They also pay attention to the sewing, so you can safely wear it without fear of friction and irritation. They come in many sizes, so be sure to select the correct one. You want your shorts to fit perfectly with your legs and stick on your skin without scraping it. Their insides are brushed with microfiber, again, to maximize comfort and fit. Even so, choosing the wrong size will cause the padding to fit improperly and make for a poor riding experience.
These shorts are also relatively easy to take care of. Compatible with machine wash and air drying.
Pros:
- Padding feels great if the shorts fit properly
- Can be worn under tights or baggy attire
- Shorts stay in place once fitted properly
- Padding is comfortable
Cons:
- May not fit your body
- The thigh elastics is tight
- Padding may fit improperly
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 01:48 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. NOOYME Womens Bike Shorts
Key Features:
- Available in many colors
- Available in 6 sizes
- Elastics on the waist
- Chamois padded
- Equipped with non-slip silicone leg grippers
The Nooyme biking shorts is made of 80% Polyamide and 20% Spandex completed with elastic waistband and non slip silicone grippers around the thighs. The design is meant to reduce chafing and avoid all kinds of friction towards the skin. The chamois pad is 3D structured, multi layered, thin, breathable and comfortable.
The shorts can be used for trail riding, commuting, working out and so much more. Even so, the padding will not completely eliminate the discomfort especially for beginners. The gel padded chamois has different thickness to provide support for all areas. Just like many others, these shorts also come with reflective tabs for night visibility.
If you ever found yourself with an uncomfortable pair, maybe you need to take another look at the size chart and make sure you’re getting the correct one. It’s common to match 1 size up, or 1 size down based on brand.
Pros:
- Compatible to use for spin classes as well as outdoor riding
- Padding thickness is just right
- Fits great if you purchase the right size
- The padding is great for all riding positions
Cons:
- May be uncomfortable for longer rides
- May be uncomfortable around the crotch area
- A tight fit
- May cause blisters
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 02:44 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. BALEAF Womens Bike Shorts
Key Features:
- Available in multiple styles and colors
- Available in 7 sizes
- Equipped with 3D Gel chamois
- Breathable and keep-dry material
- Stretchy
Baleaf also offers biking shorts for women. These are made of 80% nylon and 20% spandex. The material is breathable, dry, comfortable, and high stretch. They come with a multi density 3D Gel Chamois which will protect you against the bike saddle on long rides. There is a non slip silicone gripper by the bottom of the pants to keep your shorts from riding up. They also come with the usual waistband and reflective logo on the sides.
Some selections offer pockets for your phone or other things you might need easy access to. They are suitable for cycling, spinning and even road biking. Find the correct style, color and size to accompany you on your next workout or commute. A good bike short should be suitable for all kinds of conditions. The fabric on this one is thinner when compared to others, and might not be your preference. However their thin padding is still great and worth a try.
Pros:
- The padding is a great protection
- A great fit with the right size
- Padding is not bulky
- It’s a nice length
- Chamois stitching is smooth
Cons:
- Doesn’t last long
- Chamois not positioned properly
- Thin fabric
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 02:44 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Top Pick for Men’s & Women’s Padded Bike shorts
The top pick for Women’s Padded Bike short is the Beroy Women Bike Shorts. It has a great basic feature of 3D Gel Padding, multi-density foam, anatomical shape and a great selection of colors. Any discomfort you might feel may be caused by choosing the wrong size.
They also use thigh elastics instead of the non-slip silicone some other brands might use to completely ensure the shorts to stay in place. However, this might be personal preference and you might prefer a non-slip silicone.
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 01:48 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Spooned Men’s Cycling Short is our winner for Men’s Padded Bike Short. It comes in a vast selection of colors when compared to other brands for men. They are also compatible with machine wash and are made with moisture-wicking material, which is what you should look for.
Again, any discomfort you might feel may be caused by purchasing the wrong size and the padding works great for cycling, but not so much for running.
Overall a great material, truly a good value for the price. Feel free to look at other features which may be more important to you if you do enjoy wearing bike shorts for other sports, or maybe looking to train or compete as a triathlete.
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 05:21 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Bike shorts, however uncomfortable, will feel more comfortable to experienced riders. And bike shorts, however comfortable, will feel uncomfortable for beginners.
Because padding does help, but taking on a new sport will challenge your body. It’s just something to keep in mind as you browse and select the best padded bike shorts of your own. Remember to select based on your gender, because a unisex bike short will not cut it.
