Best Budget MTB Shorts: What I Actually Wear (And What Works)
Looking for affordable MTB shorts that hold up? I've worn the same pair since 2022 and bought them twice. Here's what I actually ride in, what to look for, and the best budget picks on Amazon.
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5/1/20264 min read
Best Budget MTB Shorts: What I Actually Wear on the Trail
If you're getting into mountain biking and wondering whether you need special shorts, the honest answer is no — you don't need to spend a lot to ride comfortably. But a decent pair of MTB shorts does make a difference, and once you find one that works you'll probably buy it again. I have.
Honestly for a long time I just rode in Dickies or cargo shorts and it worked fine. If that's where you're starting out there's nothing wrong with it — I've got 25 years of riding and plenty of that was in regular shorts. Dedicated MTB shorts start to make sense when you want secure zipper pockets, a more technical fit, or you're riding enough that durability becomes a real factor.
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What Actually Matters in MTB Shorts
The things that matter most are pockets, fit, and durability. You want pockets that actually hold stuff securely — not just open slash pockets that dump your phone on a rocky descent. Zipper pockets are the move. Fit matters because MTB shorts are cut differently than regular shorts, more relaxed through the hips and thighs to allow movement on the bike. And durability matters because you're going to wear these constantly, not just on weekend rides.
Length is personal but worth thinking about. I prefer my shorts to hit below the knee, I don't want the short cycling look and I don't want to feel exposed on the bike. Worth noting I'm on the shorter side, so what hits below my knee on me might sit higher on a taller rider with the same waist size. MTB shorts are almost always sized by waist only with no inseam option, so keep your own proportions in mind.
The Liner Question
Most MTB shorts come with a padded liner inside, and this is something riders have strong opinions about. I grew up riding cross country and wore lycra back then, but these days I just don't. I ride without the liner and honestly have no issues, no chafing, no discomfort, even on longer rides and daily commuting through the hills. I ride a lot, not just trails but errands, commuting to work, general getting around, and the shorts hold up fine without it.
My dad is the complete opposite. He always wears lycra, even under regular shorts when riding. When I buy a pair that comes with a liner I just pass it to him. So both approaches work, it comes down to personal preference and what you're used to. If you're new to riding don't stress about it either way.
What About Padding?
Some MTB shorts come with hip padding or protective inserts. I've added these occasionally and the main benefit is just confidence — knowing there's a little cushion on your hips if you go down. It's not a necessity for most trail riding but if you're working on new skills or tend to crash hip-first it's a nice addition.
What I Actually Wear
The shorts I keep coming back to are the Ally Men's Mountain Bike Shorts. I first bought them before 2022 and have bought them again since, my dad has a pair too and we're both still wearing them. That's three or four years of use between us and they're holding up.
What I like most is the zipper side pockets. They're deep and secure, I've fit a wallet, keys, and even a GoPro in there without anything shifting around on the trail. That's not something every pair of MTB shorts can say. They come with a padded liner which I give to my dad, and the fit is relaxed enough to move well on the bike without being baggy. At around $40 they're genuinely good value for how long they last.
One other thing I appreciate that a lot of shorts skip is belt loops and an expanding waistband. If the fit is slightly big or you've got heavy stuff in the pockets like a GoPro it makes a real difference — just grab a comfortable stretchy belt and you're sorted. I actually wear these shorts all the time outside of riding too, errands, just out and about. I'd wear them to work if they'd let me.
One I'd Try Next
When it's time for a new pair I'd probably try the Andean Trails mountain bike shorts. I already bought their MTB pants and have been happy with them so far, so the brand has my trust. If you're in the same boat where you want to branch out from the Ally shorts it's a reasonable next step.
Andean Trails Shorts on Amazon
A Few Other Budget Options Worth Looking At
The Amazon MTB shorts category has gotten pretty solid in the budget range. A few worth considering alongside the ones above:
Baleaf makes a popular padded option that shows up as a bestseller and runs around $24. Good for riders who want the liner built in and don't want to spend much. ROCKBROS has a well reviewed pair with detachable padding around $44 if you want the option to remove it. And if you want something more minimal without padding the MSR Rush Shorts are a cleaner look at around $43.
Bottom Line
You don't need to overthink MTB shorts. Find something with secure pockets, a relaxed fit, and a length you're comfortable in. The Ally shorts have been my go-to for years and at $40 they're hard to argue with. If you're just getting started and want to know what else to wear on the trail, check out my post on what to wear when getting into MTB.
