10 Best Padded Bike Shorts – Reviews & Analysis

 

Top Padded Shorts for Bikes – Guide & Comparison

 

With summer around the corner, finding the best padded bike shorts is just what you need to feel comfortable and stay dry on your rides. However, with so many models of all types on the market, it can be tough to make a choice and be confident that it’s the right one. We’ve scoured the market and compared countless padded bike shorts so you won’t have to waste your own time. After having compared some of the most popular and appreciated models, our first recommendation is the sponeed Men’s Cycling Shorts Padded Anti-Slip. These pants are made of polyester and lycra for 4-way stretch performance, there are 6 panels to ensure a proper fit, and the elastic waist and silicone grippers prevent the pants from riding up and causing discomfort. In the unfortunate case that these are no longer available, you might also want to take a look at the Santic Cycling Men’s Shorts 4D Coolmax Padded.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

10 Best Padded Bike Shorts (Updated Reviews) in 2021

 

 

Whether you’re looking for womens padded bike shorts or a pair for men, the plethora of offers on the market might cause some confusion. To clear some of it and save you time, we have created a list of padded bike shorts reviews so you can choose a high-quality pair to make you feel amazing whenever you go out riding.

 

 

1. sponeed Men’s Cycling Shorts Padded Anti-Slip

 

This is a pair of comfy cycling pants that are going to help you eliminate all the sore spots and chafing that can spoil a ride. These are made of 80 percent polyester and 20 percent lycra for extra stretch and durability. These offer 4-way performance stretch and are made of 6 panels to ensure a good fit no matter your body type.

The material also wicks moisture away from your skin and to the exterior where it can evaporate and cool you down. This model is suitable for both road cycling and mountain biking so it is a great choice for a wide range of riders.

Thanks to the silicone leg grippers, the pants won’t slide up and need adjustments every other minute. The 3D gel pad offers cushion in all the right areas so that you can ride to your heart’s desire without a problem. The elastic waistband will ensure that the pants don’t roll down.

 

Pros

The materials these pants are made of are soft to the skin so you can wear these for prolonged periods without feeling any slight discomfort.

The model is made of 6 panels stitched together which means it will easily fit just about anyone, as long as it’s the right size.

The pants are made of polyester and lycra which are stretchy materials. These will also wick away sweat and cool you down but also dry really fast.

Thanks to the 3D gel pad, you won’t get those annoying bottom sores anymore, even after riding for several hours. Make sure to combine these with a good saddle.

 

Cons

The rubber gripper bands on the bottom part of the legs may cause rashes on extended rides, especially in people with sensitive skin.

Even though the pants come with an elastic waist, they might roll down on occasion, and in this case, some bib straps would have been really nice.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($37.99)

 

 

 

2. Santic Cycling Men’s Shorts 4D Coolmax Padded

 

If you’re in search of a pair of cycling pants that are comfortable and durable but don’t cost a load of money, you might as well go for these made by Santic. They are suitable for men but that’s not necessarily a limitation. They are made of 92 percent nylon and 18 percent lycra which means they stretch in multiple directions and provide a good fit.

These materials have the added advantage that they are wicking which means that they pull sweat away from your skin and allow it to dry, so you remain cool even during summer rides. There are 12 panels used to make these pants so that they fit you well. Thanks to the silicone grippers, the pants will stay on your legs and not roll up.

The 4D Coolmax Pad is thick and protects your bottom from the sores characteristic of the sport. The pad is also breathable and should dry fast if it gets wet from sweat.

 

Pros

This model is made of strong nylon but also spandex so it’s stretchy and should be comfortable to wear for extended periods.

These pants are made of 12 panels for an anatomical fit, so no matter what body proportions you have, these should fit nicely, you just need to choose the adequate size.

The materials are not only wicking but also breathable which means that you’ll benefit from proper ventilation in those hot summer days.

Thanks to the 4D Coolmax pad, you will feel comfortable even after extended rides and this material also dries quite fast.

The elastic waist and rubber grippers make sure that these don’t roll up or down while riding.

 

Cons

These pants run small so you should order one size up to make sure they fit properly.

The padding could be a little too big so some people might have problems with bulges forming when off the saddle.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($27.99)

 

 

 

3. beroy Womens Bike Shorts with 3D Gel Padded

 

These shorts are just perfect for women and girls who love cycling. They are made of 80% polyester and 20% spandex which means they’re quite resistant to abrasion but stretchable so they fit properly on just about any body type. Besides being elastic, the materials are also quick-drying so you don’t have to stay wet from sweat for too long even on hot summer days.

The shorts feature a 3D gel padding inside that protects your behind from bumps and rough riding so you don’t come home with sores. The pad is also breathable so even if it gets wet, it should dry in a couple of hours. There are rubber bands on the legs to reduce chafing and keep them staying properly.

There’s a reflective logo on the back which should make you more visible to oncoming traffic in low light conditions, although you should definitely have a tail light mounted on the bike.

 

Pros

These are made of soft but resistant materials that will withstand the rigors of cycling while also being soft and preventing chafing, particularly in delicate areas.

The 3D gel padding is there to prevent sores and pressure points which can become a problem the longer you ride.

The polyester and spandex used don’t just make these pants elastic but also quick-drying so you won’t stay wet even when riding for many hours under the hot sun.

The hems and elastic waist will provide a better fit and prevent the shorts from rolling up or down and requiring constant adjustments.

 

Cons

The padding seems to be a bit more in the rear than at the front which means it’s better suited for beginners who usually ride upright.

They might be too tight on some people so there’s a chance you could need a size larger than what you usually wear.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($26.99)

 

 

 

4. Przewalski Men’s 3D Padded Cycling Bib Shorts

 

This model is perfectly suited for riding in the warmer seasons. These bib shorts will stay on much better compared to the non-bib versions. This is because the shoulder straps will keep the pants from rolling down at the waist and also ensure that the pad or chamois doesn’t sag.

These shorts are made of 71% polyester and 29% spandex, which means they’re quite resistant but also stretchy enough to provide a comfortable fit. Actually, the spandex composition is higher than in similar products, so you can expect a somewhat more snug fit without being too tight. There are many panels that make up these shorts so they conform to your body better.

The 3D anatomical pad is there to ensure that you don’t feel any sores in the saddle and there’s enough padding in the crotch area for comfortable rides. The back is made of mesh which provides enough coverage while still allowing enough air to flow and dry away sweat.

 

Pros

Made of polyester and spandex, these shorts offer the right fit and durability. They are stretchable and the multi-panel construction gives them an anatomical fit which means anybody should be satisfied.

Thanks to the 3D padding, you won’t get chafing and sore spots, especially in the crotch area, so you will not feel any discomfort even after long rides.

The extended back mesh provides adequate cover for cool mornings and evenings but the material also allows enough air, so with proper ventilation, you won’t have many problems with sweat.

The shorts are made of many panels stitched together so they provide an anatomical fit. The leg grippers prevent them from riding up.

 

Cons

The material is a bit thin and might not be great for walking around when off the bike.

The straps are also quite thin and might become loose the more you wear them.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($32.99)

 

 

 

5. Ally Mens MTB Mountain Bike Short Loose-fit

 

If all the tight cycling shorts aren’t exactly to your liking and you’re looking for a looser fit, then these are just what you need. The shorts are an excellent choice for mountain biking and not only. These are made of durable materials that are also stretchable so you get a proper fit without being too tight.

The elastic waist is there to ensure the shorts stay on comfortably and you can also adjust it, thanks to the velcro straps. On the exterior, you can’t even tell that they’re cycling shorts, as there is nothing that bulges out. This is due to the fact that you get separate 3D Coolmax GEL padded underwear that will still keep you comfortable without making you look funny.

There are 7 pockets that allow you to store all sorts of stuff, from your phone, wallet, and keys to other essentials you might need during the ride.

 

Pros

The shorts have a loose fit so you will feel great wearing them. There’s no padding bulging out so you won’t look like you’re wearing diapers.

The item gets delivered with a pair of underpants that have their own padding which means you can use them for extra cushion.

You get 7 pockets that you can use to stuff all sorts of items inside which can come quite in handy for short trips to the store or others where you need to keep things within reach.

The elastic waist ensures a good fit but there are also two velcro straps that you can adjust if you need to.

 

Cons

The underpants aren’t as thin or well-designed as they should, so you might want to get another pair and wear them underneath the shorts, which are pretty good.

The sizing seems to be off so you might want to order at least one size up to ensure that they won’t be too tight.

Click to see the price on Amazon!

 

 

 

6. NOOYME Womens Bike Shorts with 3D Padded

 

These women’s padded bike shorts are not to be overlooked. They’re made of modern and long-lasting materials, offer an anatomical fit, and they come at an affordable price. Plus, they look pretty good, and there are several patterns that you can choose from.

The shorts are made of 80% polyamide and 20% spandex so they’re soft to the skin but also elastic enough to conform to the shape of the body. The elastic waist will prevent these from rolling down, especially when riding in a more aggressive body position. The flatlock seams prevent chafing and rashes so you feel great even after hours of cycling.

Leg grippers made of silicone have been included to prevent these from riding up and requiring constant readjustment. The 3D chamois will keep your bottom comfy and prevent aches and sores caused by long hours in the saddle. There’s a reflective strip in the back to make you more visible in poor light.

 

Pros

With a stylish and elegant design, these shorts are a good choice for women who love riding their bikes. There are multiple styles and colors to choose from.

The fit is quite comfortable thanks to the spandex included in the fabrics but also due to the multiple panels.

The non-slip leg grippers do what their name says, and that is to prevent the shorts from rolling up and being a pain especially when riding for longer periods.

The 3D chamois is quite comfortable and soft and it prevents chafing and rashes so you can ride in style without being bothered by a thing.

 

Cons

The lighter colors are a bit see-through so you might want to go for a darker color if you have a problem with ‘visibility’.

The sizing might be a bit off and the shorts might be one size larger so you want to consult the manufacturer’s size chart first.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($26.99)

 

 

 

7. BALEAF Men’s Cycling Shorts 3D Padded

 

Finding the right pair of pants can sometimes be difficult, or at least until you stumble upon this model. It’s made of soft and breathable materials that will keep you feeling great when in the saddle. The materials are also wicking and they dry fast so sweat shouldn’t be a problem anymore, even on longer rides.

Thanks to the silicone leg grippers, the shorts won’t ride up, which can be annoying in the least and downright exasperating when it happens often. The multi-level and high-density chamois is designed in such a way to prevent any pressure points and saddle sores, especially after long riding days.

There are extensions on each side of the chamois to ensure that there’s no friction and chafing which could ruin your day. The shorts are made of many panels stitched together but due to the flat seams, you won’t feel any discomfort.

 

Pros

The silicone grippers at the hems are there to ensure that the shorts don’t cause chafing but that they also don’t roll up and become a big annoyance.

The multi-panel construction allows these to offer an anatomical fit while the flat seams won’t cause any discomfort.

This model comes with big side pockets where you can store your mobile phone, wallet, keys, and other essentials.

The materials used are elastic for a snug fit that’s not too tight, but just right to give you the comfort you need.

You won’t have problems with sweating and staying wet as the fabrics wick moisture away and dry fast.

 

Cons

The leg openings might not fit properly, depending on the thickness of your legs. If they are too loose, they won’t grip your legs very well.

The chamois could be a bit thicker and wider, and some people might not get all the protection they need with this model.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($33.99)

 

 

 

8. Eco-daily Cycling Women’s 3D Underwear Shorts

 

These are a pretty good choice for women that aren’t fans of tight cycling shorts and want to wear something underneath. They are made of light and breathable materials such as polyester and spandex. That means that sweat will dry really quickly, and actually, due to the mesh fabric, chances are you won’t sweat that much in the first place.

The advantage of wearing padded underpants is that you can wear a skirt or just about anything else on top of these and that without feeling embarrassed or getting saddle sores after only a couple of hours of riding. The 15 percent spandex composition makes these quite elastic so they will conform to the shape of your body.

The protection pad is quite thick and it protects your behind without being too bulky. The legs don’t have any grippers but they won’t roll up either due to their ingenious design.

 

Pros

These are a great solution for women who don’t want to wear those stretchy cycling pants but wish to get some cushion and be able to wear anything else on top of them, such as skirts.

They’re made of polyester and spandex so they’re durable, fast-drying, and elastic, providing a comfortable and snug fit.

The mesh fabric ensures proper ventilation so you won’t get soaking wet as soon as you start riding.

The 3D padding is designed especially for women and there are cut-away areas as well as multiple layers to ensure maximum comfort.

Thanks to the flat-locked seams, there won’t be any discomfort or any material rubbing against your skin.

 

Cons

Since the padding is more in the back than the front, these are more suited to women riding upright, on commuter bikes or mountain bikes rather than for road cyclists.

The shorts might still ride up, especially on persons with larger thighs.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($21.99)

 

 

 

9. Souke Sports Men’s Cycling Underwear Shorts 4D Padded

 

If you’re in need of some protection for riding all day in the saddle but don’t like the regular tights, you’re going to find this pair quite appealing. These underwear shorts are made of 85 percent polyester and 15 percent spandex. These materials are soft and elastic and they fit just right no matter your body type. They also wick away sweat and dry fast.

The elastic waist makes sure that these won’t roll down and bother you while you’re cycling. It’s also quite wide so it should feel comfortable and snug. The 4D pad is ergonomic and thick and it will protect your bottom from saddle sores which could otherwise ruin your day. It has 6 layers of premium materials which ensure the right cushion for even day-long rides.

Thanks to the anti-slip leg grippers, the shorts won’t ride up which could be really annoying, especially when climbing steep inclines.

 

Pros

Made of 85% polyester and 15% spandex, these are ideal for short rides, long rides, and anything in between. They are durable and can be worn as they are or underneath other pants or shorts.

The 4-way stretch seamless chamois is there to provide enough cushion and protection. The 6 different layers make sure of that and they’re also perforated to provide adequate airflow and prevent over-sweating.

The materials will wick sweat away from your skin and dry quite fast, especially in windy weather or when cycling at high speeds, so you’ll stay cool for longer.

The thick and wide waistband will make sure that the shorts don’t slide or roll down.

 

Cons

Due to the grippers for the legs and the seams, these might damage baggy shorts if you wear the latter on top of these, so perhaps it’s best that you wear them as they are or at least pick something made of sturdier materials to wear over them.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($19.54)

 

 

 

10. PEARL IZUMI Men’s Escape Quest Short

 

These are your standard cycling shorts, but the fact that they’re made of high-quality materials and that they come at a reasonable price should make them an interesting choice. They’re made of 6 panels that are stitched together to provide an anatomical fit. The materials are stretchy and will conform to your body.

These are also quick-drying and they absorb sweat from your skin and ensure you stay cool and comfortable. Speaking of comfort, these also come with padding for the crotch area to provide some protection for those long rides. This model is made by stitching 6 panels together. Don’t worry as the seams are flat so they won’t bother your skin or cause any rashes.

The shorts are good for road cycling, mountain biking, but also other activities where you need something snug but soft on the skin. These are machine-washable so you can keep them clean without worrying about premature wear.

 

Pros

If you’re looking for a pair of cycling shorts, then these are a good choice, thanks to their simple yet pleasant design and modern materials used.

The pants will fit just fine, thanks to the fact that stretchable materials have been used. These take sweat away from your body and let it evaporate so you stay dry and cool throughout the day.

The chamois gives you a layer of protection so you don’t get sores and aches after long rides.

Due to the fact that 6 panels are used for this model, it should fit well on any body type if it’s the right size.

 

Cons

The chamois is a bit soft so you might still get saddle sores after long hours of riding. You might want to get an extra pair or ride constantly so you get used to it.

The hems at the thighs are a bit loose so they might not grip your legs well, which could cause them to ride up.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($50)

 

 

 

Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

Are you looking for cheap padded bike shorts? Or maybe you want the best padded mountain bike shorts and have extra money to spare. No matter what you’re looking for, the search for the perfect pair might have you wasting hours upon hours looking at countless models. To avoid that, read the guide below and find out what the main factors to take into consideration are.

Materials

Whether we’re talking about affordable padded bike shorts or more expensive models, there are several main materials that are used for their manufacture. Most shorts are mainly made of either polyester or nylon that’s mixed with lycra. Lycra is the elastic material that makes clothes stretchy. It’s also called spandex or elastane.

You might also find polyamide or similar materials. What you won’t find is natural fibers such as cotton, and there’s a very good explanation for this. Cotton can absorb more than 20 times its weight in water, and it dries really slowly, two properties that are not desired in sports clothing in general and cycling shorts in particular.

So if you read a padded bike shorts review and see cotton as the main material, steer clear of it if you don’t want to get hypothermia or just be miserable after half a day of riding soaking wet. Synthetic materials, on the other hand, wick sweat away from the body and dry fast.

 

Construction and padding

Even if the use of spandex makes the shorts elastic and able to better fit on the body, that is not enough. That is why these are usually made of multiple panels, stitched together. This allows the shorts to conform to the body better and provide an anatomical fit. The more panels there are, the better, and the more expensive the item will be.

The lower the number of panels, the baggier and saggier these will be, so they’re best to be avoided. Anything with 6 panels and up should be ok. How these are stitched is also important, as you don’t want the seams to annoy you or even cause rashes and abrasions on your skin. Flat-locked seams are what you should be looking for in an item such as this.

The padding, or chamois, is the thing that’s positioned in the crotch area. It differs depending on whether it’s mens padded bike shorts that we’re talking about or models for women. For men, the padding needs to be thick but still leave some space in some sensitive parts, and the same goes for women’s models; it’s just that the padding will probably need to be a bit thicker but narrower.

Pads can be made of multiple synthetic layers, some synthetic layers and a gel layer, or another. Gel pads aren’t necessarily a great idea since they can degrade faster, but they can soak a lot of sweat. They might dry more slowly than just synthetic pads.

You must find a balance between getting enough protection, and getting too much of it and being bothered by a too-thick chamois or looking downright funny with a giant-diaper look.

Fit

The shorts should fit snugly around your bottom and legs but not tight, as this can affect blood flow, cause chafing, abrasions, or constant discomfort that can easily ruin a ride.

Bib shorts are a good choice as they stay on better, provide coverage for the back, and at least the top part doesn’t roll down. However, they’re a pain for women, for those ‘nature breaks’, where normal shorts are better. Read some womens padded bike shorts reviews and you’ll understand what we mean.

Now, for both padded bike shorts for men and women, elastic leg grippers or silicone hems are to be desired as they prevent these from riding up and needing constant readjustment.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

Q: What type of padded bike shorts should I get?

As far as the main types go, there are regular shorts and bib shorts. The former are good for just about everyone and especially women, while the latter are more suitable for men. That’s because the shoulder straps can make ‘nature breaks’ more inconvenient for women, although that’s not to say that bib shorts aren’t a good choice for some.

If we are to talk about padded mountain bike shorts, perhaps bibs are better because this discipline implies riding over rough terrain and, in competitions such as cross-country, the last thing you want is to have your shorts sliding down or the legs riding up and causing chafing in the crotch area.

There are also underwear padded shorts that you might want to consider. Some of them don’t even look like underwear so you can wear them as they are. Others can be worn with another pair of shorts or long pants on top, and they’re also good for women who want to wear skirts or other clothing.

Q: How should padded bike shorts fit?

This is something that depends on what sort of riding you usually like. If you love road cycling, then there’s no question that you will need close-fitting shorts, or tights. These should conform to the shape of your body and still be comfortable, so they shouldn’t be too tight. They need to be aerodynamic and minimize air resistance while still feeling nice.

Of course, the shorts don’t really need to be that close-fitting, but many cyclists like them that way. The problem arises when the padding or chamois is too thick and wide which gives the pants an awkward appearance. You probably don’t want to be seen walking around town with what looks like a huge diaper underneath your pants.

If you’re into mounting biking or you commute a lot through town, another good idea would be to have loose shorts. These may or may not have padding underneath, but they come with multiple pockets and might feel better, especially where the drag coefficient isn’t as important.

 

Q: Are cycling bike shorts expensive?

Well, that depends. Most padded shorts shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg. Plus, there are many companies nowadays that offer quite cheap models that don’t necessarily skimp on quality to sell for a low price. For example, you can easily find a pair of padded cycling shorts for around 20 to 30 bucks.

Of course, these won’t use high-tech materials and won’t be suitable for competitions, but then again, if what you’re interested in is to get protection for your behind from saddle sores, then paying over 200 dollars for a pair isn’t needed.

There are many other models priced decently and you can get them from reputable companies. What’s important to remember is that not even wearing the most expensive pants and riding the greatest saddle will keep you from sores and aches. You need to ride often if you want to avoid those.