Best Pickleball Shorts (2026): Length, Pockets, and Court Fit

The best pickleball shorts for most men are the NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Running Shorts, because three zipper pockets and a quick-dry fabric cover both open play and the gym. On a hard court you lunge, shuffle, and stop short, so the fabric has to stay off your thighs and your pockets have to keep a phone and keys from bouncing. Length and pocket security matter more than any logo on the leg.

This guide covers the three lengths worth considering, what separates a good pocket from a useless one, and when a built-in liner earns its place. If you are still building the rest of the outfit, start with our what to wear to pickleball guide and the best pickleball shoes. The rest of the small gear lives in the accessories guides, and best pickleball grips covers the other thing players replace first.

What makes a good pickleball short

Three things do most of the work. The fabric needs to be light enough to dry between games, the waistband needs to stay put when you split step, and the pockets need a zipper. Everything else is preference.

Weight is the first filter. A thin, quick-drying short feels better on a hot outdoor court, and it also dumps sweat fast enough that you are not sitting in a wet layer during the changeover. Heavier cotton shorts hold moisture and get heavy by game two.

Waistband security is the second filter. An elastic band with a real drawstring beats a bare elastic band, because you can cinch it once and stop thinking about it. A band that rolls or digs is the most common complaint on cheap court shorts.

Pockets are the detail people underestimate. A wide open slash pocket dumps your phone the first time you sprint for a lob. A zippered side pocket keeps a phone or keys flat against your thigh, and a ball pocket is a nice extra if you like to serve with a spare in hand.

5, 7, or 9 inch: picking your length

Seven inches is the safe middle for most players. It clears the knee, stays out of the way on a lunge, and looks like a normal short when you stop for coffee after the game.

Nine inches adds coverage. Taller players and anyone who dislikes exposed thighs on a low dink tend to prefer it. The extra fabric does not slow you down, but it can feel warmer on a hot day.

Five inches is the lightest and fastest feeling of the three. Runners like it, and some pickleball players do too. The tradeoff is obvious: more leg showing, and less material to help hold a ball or a phone.

If you are between sizes, go with the shorter length for speed and the longer length for coverage. You can also buy the same short in two lengths and split them by season, which is why a listing with all three options is easier to shop than three separate pages.

Quick comparison

Top pick: NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Running Shorts

The NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Running Shorts are the pair to start with because they cover the most ground for one price. You get three zipper pockets, a four-way stretch fabric that dries quickly, flatlock seams that cut chafe, UPF 50+, and reflective strips for early or late games.

The pocket setup is the real reason it wins. Most budget shorts give you one zippered pocket and one open pocket. This pair zips all three, which means your phone sits flat against your leg instead of swinging. The mesh lining inside the pockets adds a little airflow where a plastic bag feel usually shows up.

Length options make it flexible. The 5 inch version is the lightest and drops the back pocket, which suits players who hate anything pressing on the seat during a fast hands exchange. The 7 inch is the everyday length, and the 9 inch adds coverage without dragging. A 5 foot 11, 180 pound reviewer in a fit video still preferred the 5 inch for running, which tracks with how it feels on court.

The fit is the thing to watch. More than one owner reports inconsistent sizing, so measure your waist and check the chart rather than assuming your usual letter. A few reviewers also mention reflective strips wearing off over time, and one had a zipper pull break. For the price, those are small risks on an otherwise secure short.

Who it is for: Men who want one short for pickleball, the gym, and errands, and who value locked-down pockets over featherweight fabric.

Best value: G Gradual Men's Athletic Running Shorts

The G Gradual Men's Athletic Running Shorts are the price pick, and they keep the features that matter. Two deep zippered side pockets handle a phone and keys, the elastic waistband has a built-in drawstring so it stays where you cinch it, and the light fabric dries fast on a hot court.

The inseam choice is generous for the money. You can get 5, 7, or 9 inches, the same range as shorts that cost twice as much. The fabric is a thin polyester and elastane blend with UPF 50+, and reviewers consistently describe it as breathable and quick-drying for the price.

Because these run under $20 and often sit on a deal, this is a good time to buy a second pair if you play more than twice a week. The tradeoffs are honest ones: the material is thin enough that it will not last as long as a heavier short, and the open front cut can look slightly baggy. A few buyers also note the drawstring slips loose, so double-knot it.

Who it is for: Budget buyers who want zippered pockets and length options without paying a premium, and players who want a spare practice pair.

Best built-in liner: adidas Club Tennis Climacool Two-in-One

The adidas Club Tennis Climacool Two-in-One Shorts are the court-specific pick. A 7 inch outer shell covers an attached 9 inch inner short, and the inner layer adds light compression while stopping the chafe that shows up in humid weather. The mesh gusset and side slits give you room to lunge and split step.

The pocket design is what tennis and pickleball players tend to praise. The ball pockets are deep and angled, and the stitched lower opening keeps balls from spilling when you sprint. Front pockets hold small items, and the CLIMACOOL fabric manages sweat through a long match.

Two things to know before you buy. The woven shell has very little stretch, so the fit comes from the cut rather than the fabric, and the review trail is thinner than the other two picks. If you want a dedicated court short with a liner and you chafe easily, that tradeoff is worth it. If you play in cooler weather or prefer an unlined short, the NORTHYARD or G Gradual is the better call.

Who it is for: Pickleball and tennis players who chafe, want a built-in liner, and want dedicated ball pockets on court.

What to skip

Skip cotton. It soaks through, gets heavy, and stays wet between games. Skip shorts with only open slash pockets if you carry a phone on court, because you will lose it on a full sprint. Skip anything with a bare elastic waist and no drawstring, because it will roll or slide once you start moving.

Skip the temptation to buy a whole matching outfit before you have played a season. Shorts and shoes do the work. Matching shirts and headbands are a later purchase, and our what to wear to pickleball guide covers what actually matters on day one. When you are ready for a top, best pickleball shirts for women narrows the fabric and sun-protection choice.

Bottom line

The best pickleball shorts keep your gear secure and stay out of your way. Start with the NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Running Shorts for three zipper pockets and a length that fits your game. Choose the G Gradual if you want the same feature set for less, or the adidas Club Tennis Climacool Two-in-One if you chafe and want a built-in liner. Pick your inseam, check the size chart once, and get back to playing.