Best Elastic Waist Athletic Shorts for Boys of 2026

Mary Hopper Avatar
Mary Hopper
Last Updated: Jan 26, 2026

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The Elastic Waist Athletic Shorts are the perfect choice for active boys who value both comfort and style. These shorts feature a stretchy waistband that ensures a secure and flexible fit, allowing young athletes to move freely during any physical activity. Made from high-quality materials, these shorts are designed to withstand the rigors of intense play. With their sleek design and range of vibrant colors, the Elastic Waist Athletic Shorts are sure to become a favorite among boys who lead an active lifestyle.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

MLYENX Boys Athletic Shorts 5 Pack Cover #TOP 1
MLYENX Boys Athletic Shorts 5 Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Baseball Lifestyle 101 Ice Cream Youth Mesh Shorts Cover #TOP 2
Baseball Lifestyle 101 Ice Cream Youth Mesh Shorts
ftb score rating icon 9.8
adidas Boys Classic 3-Stripes Shorts Cover #TOP 3
adidas Boys Classic 3-Stripes Shorts
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Elastic Waist Athletic Shorts for Boys

#TOP 1

MLYENX Boys Athletic Shorts 5 Pack

5NHDK5AL
Large
MLYENX Boys Athletic Shorts 5 Pack Cover
MLYENX 5 Pack Boys Athletic Shorts Active Performance Youth Kids Basketball Shorts Quick Dry with Elastic Waist Pockets

MLYENX Boys Shorts are designed for active youth, offering comfort and style during sports. Made from lightweight and durable fabric, these shorts remain smooth and wrinkle-free, ensuring your child feels great no matter how much they move. The adjustable drawstrings and elastic waistband provide a custom fit, while deep pockets keep essentials like keys and wallets secure. Perfect for a range of activities, from basketball to running, these versatile shorts make it easy for your boy to stay active and look good doing it.

What We Like
True to size fit
Durable material
Comfortable for kids
Easy to wash
Great value pack
#TOP 2

Baseball Lifestyle 101 Ice Cream Youth Mesh Shorts

Baseball Lifestyle 101
Medium
Baseball Lifestyle 101 Ice Cream Youth Mesh Shorts Cover
Baseball Lifestyle 101 Ice Cream Youth Mesh Shorts – Strawberry, 5 in Inseam, Side Pockets, Elastic Waist – Size YM

The Baseball Lifestyle Youth Shorts offer a fun and vibrant style inspired by strawberry ice cream, perfect for young athletes who want to stand out. Made from lightweight, breathable polyester mesh, these shorts keep you cool and dry during practice or play by allowing air to flow and wicking away moisture. The design includes deep side pockets and a drawstring waistband, so you can easily carry essentials while enjoying a secure and comfortable fit. Plus, the elastic trim ensures you can move freely without feeling restricted. These shorts are durable and easy to care for, making them a great choice for both sports and everyday wear.

What We Like
Breathable mesh fabric
Secure drawstring waistband
Deep side pockets
Durable and easy care
Lightweight and moisture-wicking
#TOP 3

adidas Boys Classic 3-Stripes Shorts

AH5547
Black Adi
Large
adidas Boys Classic 3-Stripes Shorts Cover
adidas Boys Classic 3-Stripes Shorts (Black, Large)

The adidas Boys Classic 3-Stripes Shorts are perfect for boys who love to stay active. These shorts come with on-seam pockets for small items, a drawcord on elastic waist for a comfortable fit, and are made with 100% recycled polyester closed-hole mesh. The product is designed with Primegreen, a series of high-performance recycled materials that make it eco-friendly. It is also machine washable, making it easy to maintain.

What We Like
On-seam pockets for small items
Drawcord on elastic waist for a comfortable fit
Made with 100% recycled polyester closed-hole mesh and Primegreen, making it eco-friendly
Machine washable for easy maintenance
#TOP 4

Adidas Squadra 25 Kids Soccer Shorts

KQM36
Black/Black/White
Small
Adidas Squadra 25 Kids Soccer Shorts Cover
Adidas Unisex-Kids Squadra 25 Soccer Shorts, Black/Black/White, Small

The Adidas Squadra 25 Shorts are designed to keep young players comfortable during soccer practice and games. These shorts offer a regular fit that balances being loose enough for easy movement without feeling too baggy. With adidas AEROREADY technology, the fabric helps manage moisture, so you stay dry and focused on the game. Plus, the elastic waistband with a drawcord allows you to adjust the fit exactly how you like it for added comfort. These features make the Adidas Squadra 25 Shorts a great choice for active kids who want reliable, comfortable gear.

What We Like
Comfortable regular fit
Moisture-wicking fabric
Adjustable waistband
Lightweight design
#TOP 5

adidas Boys' Performance Shorts

AH5677
Black Adi
10-12
adidas Boys' Performance Shorts Cover
adidas Boy's Elastic Waistband Performance Shorts, Black Adi, M(10/12)

The adidas Performance Shorts are designed with your comfort in mind. The AEROREADY technology effectively wicks moisture away from your skin, keeping you dry during intense activities. The regular fit offers a nice balance between being too loose and too tight, allowing for freedom of movement. With an elastic waistband that features a drawcord, you can easily adjust the fit to your liking. Plus, the convenient side pockets provide a handy place to store small items while you're on the go.

What We Like
Moisture-wicking technology
Comfortable regular fit
Adjustable drawcord
Convenient side pockets
#TOP 6

YERIOK Boys Athletic Shorts 5 Pack

7-8 Years
YERIOK Boys Athletic Shorts 5 Pack Cover
YERIOK 5 Pack Boys Shorts Boys Athletic Basketball Mesh Kids Soccer Gym Clothes Quick Dry Active Sports Shorts Black, Navy Blue, Mixed Color A 7-8Y

The YERIOK Boys Shorts offer a great combination of comfort and style for active kids. With five colorful pairs, you have plenty of options for daily wear during the summer. Made from breathable mesh material, these shorts quickly wick away sweat, helping you stay dry and comfortable during sports or play. The eye-catching contrast stripes add a fashionable touch, making them appealing for kids. Plus, the adjustable elastic waistband ensures a snug fit, allowing for freedom of movement in any activity, whether it's basketball, running, or just hanging out.

What We Like
5 colorful pairs included
Breathable and quick-drying
Stylish contrast stripes
Adjustable waistband for comfort
#TOP 7

adidas Squadra 21 Shorts

23052
Black/White
Medium
adidas Squadra 21 Shorts Cover
adidas Boy's Squadra 21 Shorts, Black/White, Medium

The adidas Boys Shorts are perfect for you with features that enhance your comfort and performance. The sizing runs small, so sizing up ensures the perfect fit for your activities. Stay dry with the moisture-absorbing AEROREADY technology, keeping you comfortable during workouts. The drawcord on the elastic waist allows you to adjust the fit to your liking. Made with Primegreen, these shorts are eco-friendly, supporting sustainability while you play.

What We Like
Well made
Comfortable fit
Correct sizing
Reasonably priced
Lightweight option
#TOP 8

EXARUS Boys Athletic Quick Dry Running Shorts

Set1
12 Years
EXARUS Boys Athletic Quick Dry Running Shorts Cover
EXARUS Boys Athletic Running Shorts Quick Dry Reflective Elastic Waist with Pockets Water Resistant Hiking Gym Lightweight Shorts 12Y

The EXARUS Boys Quick Dry Shorts are designed with lightweight, stretchy fabric that dries fast and keeps you comfortable by wicking away sweat during workouts. You’ll appreciate the water-resistant woven material that helps keep you dry and includes zipper pockets, side slits, and reflective accents for better safety and ease of movement. The knitted basketball shorts in the pack offer soft, breathable fabric that stretches with you, perfect for active play. Plus, the 2-in-1 compression shorts provide muscle support and come with handy pockets, an adjustable waistband, and a towel loop to keep you ready for any sport or activity.

What We Like
Quick-drying fabric
Water-resistant material
Reflective safety details
Soft, breathable knit
Compression support with pockets
#TOP 9

HONCAN Boys Quick Dry Cargo Shorts 9069

9069-black
15-16
HONCAN Boys Quick Dry Cargo Shorts 9069 Cover
HONCAN Boys Pull on Cargo Shorts, Outdoor Kids Youth Quick Dry Hiking Shorts, Lightweight Elastic Waist Athletic Short with Zipper Pockets(9069-Black16)

The HONCAN Boys Cargo Shorts are designed to keep you comfortable and dry with quick-drying, moisture-wicking fabric that helps manage sweat during active play. The adjustable drawstring waist lets you find the perfect fit, so the shorts stay secure without being too tight. With two open side pockets and two cargo flap pockets, you have plenty of room to carry your essentials like a phone or wallet while on the move. The stretchy fabric and side slits allow for excellent freedom of movement, letting you run, jump, and bend without feeling restricted. These shorts are ideal for all kinds of outdoor activities and sports.

What We Like
Quick-drying fabric
Adjustable waist
Multiple pockets
Stretchy, flexible material
#TOP 10

Somaibo Boys Quick Dry Athletic Shorts

SMB-CAM1173
Black
11-12 Years
Somaibo Boys Quick Dry Athletic Shorts Cover
Somaibo Boys Athletic Shorts Kids Quick Dry Basketball Soccer Running Sports Gym Active Performance Shorts with Pockets 11-12 Years Black

The Somaibo Boys Athletic Shorts are designed to keep your child comfortable during any sport or activity. Made with a lightweight, breathable fabric blend, these shorts dry quickly to help your child stay cool even on hot days. The elastic waistband adjusts easily to fit snugly, preventing the shorts from slipping down while offering great support. Plus, an internal drawstring adds extra security to keep the shorts in place during running or training. With these features, your child can focus on the game or exercise without distractions from uncomfortable or loose clothing.

What We Like
Quick-dry fabric
Breathable material
Elastic waistband
Internal drawstring
Side pockets
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our elastic waist athletic shorts for boys research, we found 48 elastic waist athletic shorts for boys products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 31,846 customer reviews through our big data system to write the elastic waist athletic shorts for boys list. We found that most customers choose elastic waist athletic shorts for boys with an average price of $17.93.

The elastic waist athletic shorts for boys are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of elastic waist athletic shorts for boys, including MLYENX, Baseball Lifestyle 101, adidas, YERIOK, EXARUS. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 703 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Mary Hopper Avatar

Mary Hopper is an Italian fashion designer with 10 years of extensive working experience in the fashion industry. She can design clothing and fashion accessories, such as handbags, backpacks, shoes, and jewelry. She is also a professionally trained content writer specializing in managing various fashion and beauty blogs.