Top Athletic Short Brands: Elevate Your Workout Wardrobe

Athletic shorts have become a staple for anyone engaging in physical activities, offering comfort and flexibility that enhance performance. With a plethora of options available on the market, choosing the right brand that delivers both style and functionality can significantly influence your workout experience. From moisture-wicking fabrics to ergonomic designs that cater to a range of sports, the right pair of athletic shorts can provide the support and confidence needed for any athletic pursuit. Explore the comprehensive list below to discover the best brands that are currently leading the pack in athletic shorts.

Illustration of athletic shorts

Best brands of athletic shorts in 2025

Nike

Nike stands as a dominant force in the athletic apparel market, particularly in athletic shorts, with its robust market share and innovative products. As of 2022, Nike holds 38.2% of the total footwear market and 30% of the athletic footwear market, indicating its strong presence in the sports industry. The company's apparel segment, including athletic shorts, contributed significantly to its revenue, with apparel sales making up 29.9% of total sales in 2022. Nike's global market share for sneakers and apparel was 16.4% in 2024, underscoring its continued leadership despite recent challenges. With a history of innovation, such as the introduction of Air technology and aggressive marketing strategies, Nike remains a top choice for athletes and consumers alike.

Adidas

Adidas is a leading producer of athletic shorts, renowned for its innovative designs, high-quality materials, and performance-driven features. In 2022, Adidas recorded a significant market share of 15.4% in the global athletic footwear market, and its footwear segment accounted for 55% of the company's net sales, indicating its strong presence in athletic apparel as well. The brand's focus on sustainability and inclusivity is evident in its product lines, such as the introduction of inclusive sizing collections and eco-friendly materials. Adidas' athletic shorts are popular among both professional athletes and casual users, thanks to their comfort, durability, and stylish designs. The brand's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has made it a favorite among athletes worldwide. For more information about their athletic shorts, visit their official website.

Under Armour

Under Armour has emerged as a leading producer of athletic shorts, surpassing Adidas in combined apparel and footwear sales to become the second-largest sports brand in the U.S. by 2024. Under Armour's apparel sales, which account for 14% of the U.S. market, have more than doubled those of Adidas, with a significant 20% increase in sales this year. The company's focus on women's sports apparel and footwear has been a key driver of this growth. Under Armour's global net sales exceeded $5 billion for the first time in 2018, driven by increasing demand for performance products and an active lifestyle. The brand's apparel segment accounts for approximately 66.5% of its worldwide revenue.

Lululemon

Lululemon Athletica Inc. stands as a leading producer of athletic shorts, renowned for its premium brand image, technical product innovation, and strong market presence. Between 2020 and 2023, Lululemon was the fastest-growing brand in the US sportswear market, increasing its market share from 3.9% to 5.4%. The company achieved a revenue growth of 8.76% in Q3 2024, enhancing its market share to approximately 4.93%. Lululemon's vertical retail distribution strategy and focus on women's athletic apparel have been key factors in its success, although the brand is also expanding into men's wear and other categories. Despite facing increased competition, Lululemon maintains a high operating margin of about 20%, reflecting its strong position in the non-luxury apparel space.

Puma

Puma is a significant player in the athletic wear market, particularly in athletic shorts, with a global shoe market share of 1.2% as of 2022 and a 4% share in the U.S. athletic shoe segment. The company has seen consistent revenue growth, with its footwear revenue increasing from $1.6 billion in 2014 to $4.6 billion in 2022, marking a 187.5% increase. Puma holds a 2.1% share in the global athletic footwear market and a 5.1% share in the trainers segment. The brand collaborates with top athletes and has a strong presence in various sports, including football, running, and basketball. Puma's direct-to-consumer sales grew by 17.5% in 2023, reflecting strong demand for their products. Discover more about their major brand campaign aimed at strengthening their position in sports by visiting their corporate news page.

Reebok

Reebok is a prominent brand in the athletic footwear and apparel market, known for its quality and popularity. With a brand awareness of 92% among sportswear owners in the United States, Reebok is well-recognized and liked by 33% of sneakers owners, who also appreciate its products. Despite its strong brand presence, Reebok's market share in the athletic footwear sector is relatively lower, with 18% of sportswear owners and 19% of sneakers owners reporting ownership of Reebok products. However, the brand enjoys a significant loyalty rate, with around 73-74% of its owners likely to purchase Reebok again. While Reebok is not specifically highlighted as a top producer for athletic shorts, its overall brand strength and customer loyalty are notable. For more detailed information, you can visit Reebok's sportswear brand profile in the United States.

Gymshark

Gymshark, founded in 2012 by Ben Francis and Lewis Morgan, has emerged as a leading producer of athletic shorts, known for its high-quality, functional, and stylish products. The company's success is attributed to its innovative approach, leveraging social media and influencer marketing, which has helped it gain over 9 million followers on Instagram. Gymshark's revenue has seen significant growth, reaching £556.2 million in 2023, with a 15% increase from the previous year. The brand's global presence spans over 180 countries, and it has recently expanded into the high-end market with its Everwear collection. Gymshark's focus on direct-to-consumer sales through its e-commerce platform allows it to offer competitive pricing and build a strong community of fitness enthusiasts.

Columbia

Columbia Sportswear Company is a renowned producer of high-quality athletic shorts, offering authentic and high-value outdoor apparel suited for various activities such as hiking, trail running, and everyday outdoor pursuits. As of Q3 2024, Columbia holds a market share of 2.27% in the Apparel, Footwear & Accessories industry, with net sales increasing 3% in the third quarter, driven by earlier shipments and strong international-direct market growth. The company's Columbia brand sales grew 4% in Q3 to $804.0 million, reflecting its strong presence in the market. Columbia's products, including athletic shorts, are part of its comprehensive range that caters to diverse outdoor needs. The brand's commitment to innovation and quality has made it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.

ASICS

ASICS is a renowned brand in the athletic footwear market, holding a global market share of 8.1% as of 2020, making it the fourth-largest athletic footwear brand worldwide. In the performance running footwear segment, ASICS maintained a significant 9.9% global market share in 2019 and a 13.3% market share in the running shoe market as of January 2020. In the United States, ASICS accounts for approximately 6.5% of the athletic footwear market share as of 2021. The brand's strong presence is also reflected in its regional market shares, with the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region contributing 30% of its footwear net sales in 2022. ASICS' focus on high-performance products has resonated with athletes and consumers globally. For more details, visit the ASICS Official Website.

New Balance

New Balance is a prominent player in the athletic footwear industry, holding about 4% of the global shoe market and a significant 10% market share in the United States. In 2022, the company achieved a record-high $4.23 billion in shoe revenue, with footwear accounting for 80% of its total revenue. New Balance has seen substantial growth, driven by expanding product lines, brand collaborations, and athlete sponsorships, with a 21% growth in revenue from 2021 to 2022. The brand is also known for its commitment to quality and sustainability, using 91% preferred leather and 64% preferred cotton in its manufacturing as of 2022. New Balance's market presence is further bolstered by its strong showing in the NBA, where it climbed to the 6th spot in the 2022-23 season with a 2.3% share. For a detailed breakdown of New Balance's achievements, please visit New Balance Shoe Statistics.