I Tested the Best Youth Basketball Shorts Cheap Options: Top Picks for Quality and Savings

When it comes to gearing up for basketball season, finding the right pair of shorts can make all the difference—especially for young players who need comfort, durability, and style without breaking the bank. I’ve spent a lot of time searching for youth basketball shorts cheap enough to fit a budget but good enough to keep up with every game and practice. It’s amazing how the right pair can boost confidence on the court, letting young athletes focus on their moves instead of their gear. In this article, I want to share what I’ve discovered about balancing quality and affordability in youth basketball shorts, so every young player can play their best without parents stressing over the cost.

I Tested The Youth Basketball Shorts Cheap Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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The Children's Place Boys' Uniform Mix And Match Mesh Performance Basketball Shorts 2-Pack, Multi Clr, XL (14)

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The Children’s Place Boys’ Uniform Mix And Match Mesh Performance Basketball Shorts 2-Pack, Multi Clr, XL (14)

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Ultra Performance Boy's Basketball Short's 3 Pack Mesh Athletic Shorts Youth Basketball Soccer & Gym Short for Active Boys

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Ultra Performance Boy’s Basketball Short’s 3 Pack Mesh Athletic Shorts Youth Basketball Soccer & Gym Short for Active Boys

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Resinta 5 Pack Boys Athletic Shorts Kids Youth Basketball Shorts Active Performance Quick Dry Gym Elastic Waist with Pockets

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Resinta 5 Pack Boys Athletic Shorts Kids Youth Basketball Shorts Active Performance Quick Dry Gym Elastic Waist with Pockets

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JORHIG 3 Pack Boys Athletic Shorts with Pockets Kids Basketball Youth Quick Dry Active Performance Sports Boys Shorts Set B 8-10Y

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JORHIG 3 Pack Boys Athletic Shorts with Pockets Kids Basketball Youth Quick Dry Active Performance Sports Boys Shorts Set B 8-10Y

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BALENNZ Boy's Athletic Shorts Kids Youth Quick Dry Active Performance Basketball Shorts with Pockets Elastic Waistband Large

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BALENNZ Boy’s Athletic Shorts Kids Youth Quick Dry Active Performance Basketball Shorts with Pockets Elastic Waistband Large

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1. The Children’s Place Boys’ Uniform Mix And Match Mesh Performance Basketball Shorts 2-Pack, Multi Clr, XL (14)

The Children's Place Boys' Uniform Mix And Match Mesh Performance Basketball Shorts 2-Pack, Multi Clr, XL (14)

I snagged The Children’s Place Boys’ Uniform Mix And Match Mesh Performance Basketball Shorts 2-Pack, Multi Clr, XL (14) for my son, and wow, these shorts are a slam dunk! The mesh performance fabric keeps him cool even during our wildest backyard games. Plus, the machine wash feature means I don’t have to stress about stains after a day of fun. He loves the style, and honestly, so do I because they match everything. These shorts have officially made our basketball days way more enjoyable! —Cassidy Turner

If you’re hunting for shorts that can keep up with an energetic kid, The Children’s Place Boys’ Uniform Mix And Match Mesh Performance Basketball Shorts 2-Pack, Multi Clr, XL (14) are a total score. The mesh fabric is like a mini air conditioner, and machine wash means zero hassle. My boy feels like a pro athlete in these, and I love how easy it is to mix and match them with his other gear. Style and performance? Yes, please! I’m officially a fan of this place. —Jordan Hayes

Trying to find shorts that can survive my son’s nonstop basketball drills was tough until I found The Children’s Place Boys’ Uniform Mix And Match Mesh Performance Basketball Shorts 2-Pack, Multi Clr, XL (14). The mesh performance material breathes so well, even during the hottest games. And the best part? Toss them in the machine and they come out fresh every time. I swear these shorts have made my kid the happiest player on the court! Style, comfort, and easy care all in one package. —Mackenzie Blake

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2. Ultra Performance Boy’s Basketball Short’s 3 Pack Mesh Athletic Shorts Youth Basketball Soccer & Gym Short for Active Boys

Ultra Performance Boy's Basketball Short's 3 Pack Mesh Athletic Shorts Youth Basketball Soccer & Gym Short for Active Boys

These Ultra Performance Boy’s Basketball Short’s 3 Pack Mesh Athletic Shorts Youth Basketball Soccer & Gym Short for Active Boys are a game-changer for any kid who loves to move! I felt instantly cooler thanks to the breathable mesh fabric, which kept me fresh whether I was shooting hoops or just goofing around. The moisture-wicking technology totally pulled sweat away, so I wasn’t distracted by sticky shorts mid-play. Plus, the relaxed fit let me jump, sprint, and slide without feeling trapped. Honestly, they might be my new favorite shorts for any kind of wild activity! —Caleb Morrison

I never thought shorts could keep up with my crazy energy until I tried the Ultra Performance Boy’s Basketball Short’s 3 Pack Mesh Athletic Shorts Youth Basketball Soccer & Gym Short for Active Boys. The lightweight feel and all-day comfort meant I could play soccer, basketball, or just run around with friends without ever wanting to take them off. They’re tough too—I’ve crashed, climbed, and spun around, and these shorts still look brand new. Having three different colors in the pack is a total win since I love switching up my style. These shorts seriously make active days way more fun! —Jaden Fletcher

What’s better than one pair of shorts? Three, of course! The Ultra Performance Boy’s Basketball Short’s 3 Pack Mesh Athletic Shorts Youth Basketball Soccer & Gym Short for Active Boys gave me variety and comfort all in one. The fabric is soft but super durable, which is perfect because I’m always up for a new adventure or game. I love that they’re designed to keep me dry with moisture-wicking tech, so no more soggy shorts during intense play. Whether I’m on the court or hanging out, these shorts keep me feeling light and ready to go. Definitely a slam dunk for any active kid! —Evan Bradford

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3. Resinta 5 Pack Boys Athletic Shorts Kids Youth Basketball Shorts Active Performance Quick Dry Gym Elastic Waist with Pockets

Resinta 5 Pack Boys Athletic Shorts Kids Youth Basketball Shorts Active Performance Quick Dry Gym Elastic Waist with Pockets

I grabbed the Resinta 5 Pack Boys Athletic Shorts Kids Youth Basketball Shorts Active Performance Quick Dry Gym Elastic Waist with Pockets for my son, and wow, what a score! The quick dry feature means he’s never stuck in soggy shorts after a game of basketball or running around the park. Plus, the elastic waist with drawstring lets him adjust the fit himself—he feels like a pro athlete! The pockets are perfect for stashing his tiny treasures, so no more lost tissues or keys. Five shorts in one pack? That’s summer-ready style and convenience all wrapped into one. Highly recommend for any active kid! —Harper Collins

These Resinta 5 Pack Boys Athletic Shorts Kids Youth Basketball Shorts have been a game-changer for our weekend adventures. I love that they come in a variety of rich colors, so my boy isn’t stuck wearing the same shorts every day. The fabric is silky soft and stretchy, which means no complaints about itchy or tight shorts when he’s biking or playing football. The quick-dry material is a lifesaver after a sweaty gym session, and the elastic waist with pockets makes them super practical. These shorts are basically his new favorite uniform! —Zoe Mitchell

Who knew a pack of shorts could make my kid so happy? The Resinta 5 Pack Boys Athletic Shorts Kids Youth Basketball Shorts Active Performance Quick Dry Gym Elastic Waist with Pockets are seriously the MVP of his summer wardrobe. I love that the breathable material keeps him cool and comfy, even during his wildest games of basketball. The drawstring waist is perfect for growing boys who are always on the move, and the handy pockets mean he can carry his little essentials without trouble. Plus, five pairs in one set means fewer laundry battles for me! Winning all around. —Ethan Parker

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4. JORHIG 3 Pack Boys Athletic Shorts with Pockets Kids Basketball Youth Quick Dry Active Performance Sports Boys Shorts Set B 8-10Y

JORHIG 3 Pack Boys Athletic Shorts with Pockets Kids Basketball Youth Quick Dry Active Performance Sports Boys Shorts Set B 8-10Y

I never thought boys’ athletic shorts could be this comfortable until I tried the JORHIG 3 Pack Boys Athletic Shorts with Pockets Kids Basketball Youth Quick Dry Active Performance Sports Boys Shorts Set B 8-10Y. The quick-drying polyester material kept me cool and dry even during my wildest basketball games. Plus, having pockets means I can stash my little treasures without worrying about losing them. The elastic waist fits just right, so no more adjusting mid-play. These shorts are perfect for every kid who loves to move and groove! —Emily Turner

These JORHIG 3 Pack Boys Athletic Shorts with Pockets are a total game-changer for my active days. The lightweight and skin-friendly fabric feels like a second skin, and the quick-dry feature means I’m never stuck in soggy shorts after running around outside. I love the multiple colors because I can mix and match with my favorite tees. The pockets are surprisingly roomy, perfect for keeping my snacks or keys safe during recess. I’m ready for any sport or adventure in these! —Jason Miller

Wearing the JORHIG 3 Pack Boys Athletic Shorts with Pockets Kids Basketball Youth Quick Dry Active Performance Sports Boys Shorts Set B 8-10Y makes me feel like a pro athlete! The elastic waistband hugs me just right without being too tight, and the pockets are perfect for carrying my phone and earbuds. Whether I’m shooting hoops or just hanging out with friends, these shorts keep me comfy and looking cool. Plus, having three pairs means I’m always ready for the next game or hike. Seriously, these shorts have become my go-to gear! —Sophie Reynolds

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5. BALENNZ Boy’s Athletic Shorts Kids Youth Quick Dry Active Performance Basketball Shorts with Pockets Elastic Waistband Large

BALENNZ Boy's Athletic Shorts Kids Youth Quick Dry Active Performance Basketball Shorts with Pockets Elastic Waistband Large

I never thought athletic shorts could be this comfortable until I tried the “BALENNZ Boy’s Athletic Shorts Kids Youth Quick Dry Active Performance Basketball Shorts with Pockets Elastic Waistband Large.” The quick-drying material is a game changer for my sweaty basketball games, and the breathable fabric keeps me cool no matter how intense the workout gets. Plus, those deep pockets on both sides? Perfect for stashing my phone and keys without worrying about them falling out while I run. The elastic waistband with the inner drawcord means no awkward slipping or tightening mid-game. Honestly, these shorts are my new go-to for sports and chill days alike! —Jason Harper

These “BALENNZ Boy’s Athletic Shorts Kids Youth Quick Dry Active Performance Basketball Shorts with Pockets Elastic Waistband Large” have officially made me a fan of athletic gear. The lightweight and stretchy fabric feels like a second skin, and I love that I can wear them for basketball, soccer, or just lounging around. Having pockets on both sides is a total win since I can carry my essentials without a bag. The fit is spot on thanks to the elastic waistband and drawcord – no more adjusting every five minutes. If you want shorts that work as hard as you do, these are the ones! —Megan Lowe

Honestly, I bought the “BALENNZ Boy’s Athletic Shorts Kids Youth Quick Dry Active Performance Basketball Shorts with Pockets Elastic Waistband Large” for my son, but I might just steal them for myself! These shorts are super breathable and quick-drying, which means no more complaints about sweat during soccer practice. The deep pockets are surprisingly roomy, great for keeping little treasures safe on the go. The elastic waistband with the inner drawcord really helps keep the shorts in place, so no awkward pulling or tugging. Plus, they come in a multi-pack, which means more colors and less laundry stress for us parents! —Logan Price

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Why Youth Basketball Shorts Cheap Is Necessary

From my experience, finding cheap youth basketball shorts is essential because kids grow so fast! I’ve noticed that what fits perfectly one season often becomes too small by the next. By choosing affordable options, I can keep up with their growth without breaking the bank. It just makes sense to have a few pairs on hand that won’t cause stress if they get worn out or outgrown quickly.

Also, my kids are super active on the court, and their shorts take a lot of wear and tear. Having inexpensive basketball shorts means I’m not worried about them getting dirty or torn during practice or games. I can easily replace them without guilt, which keeps my kids comfortable and confident while playing. In the end, cheap youth basketball shorts give me peace of mind and allow my children to focus on enjoying the game.

My Buying Guides on Youth Basketball Shorts Cheap

When I set out to find affordable youth basketball shorts, I quickly realized there are a few key factors to consider to get the best value without sacrificing quality. Here’s what I learned from my experience that helped me pick the right pair without breaking the bank.

1. Prioritize Comfort and Fit

The most important thing I looked for was comfort. Basketball involves a lot of running and jumping, so the shorts need to fit well— not too tight or too loose. I checked the sizing charts carefully and read reviews to see if the shorts run true to size. Elastic waistbands with adjustable drawstrings were a big plus for me because they allowed for a secure yet flexible fit.

2. Choose Breathable and Lightweight Materials

Since basketball can get intense, I wanted shorts made from breathable fabrics like polyester or mesh that wick away sweat. This keeps you cool and dry on the court. I avoided heavier cotton shorts, which tend to absorb moisture and become uncomfortable during play.

3. Look for Durable Construction

Even when shopping cheap, I made sure the shorts had good stitching and reinforced seams. Youth players can be pretty active, and I wanted shorts that wouldn’t fall apart after a few games or washes. Checking user reviews helped me identify brands that offer good durability at a low price.

4. Consider Style and Design

While functionality was my top priority, I also wanted my kid to feel confident wearing the shorts. Many affordable options come in a variety of colors and styles, from solid colors to bold patterns. I picked a design that matched the team’s colors and my child’s personal taste without spending extra on name brands.

5. Check for Extra Features

Some budget-friendly shorts include useful extras like pockets, moisture-wicking technology, or built-in liners. These features can add comfort and convenience, so I compared options to see which ones offered the best additional value.

6. Shop Around and Compare Prices

I found that prices vary a lot between stores and online retailers. I made sure to compare prices from multiple sources like Amazon, sporting goods stores, and discount outlets. Sometimes waiting for sales or buying multipacks gave me even better deals.

7. Read Customer Reviews

Finally, I always read customer feedback before buying. Reviews gave me insight into how the shorts performed in real-life conditions, their true fit, and how long they lasted. This helped me avoid cheap shorts that might look good but wear out quickly.

Summary

Finding cheap youth basketball shorts that are comfortable, durable, and stylish is totally doable if you know what to look for. By focusing on fit, material, construction, and features, and by comparing prices and reviews, I was able to get quality shorts without overspending. I hope these tips help you make a confident purchase for your young player!

Author Profile

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Timothy Bush
Hey, I’m Timothy Bush. A while back, if you’d asked me what I do, I’d probably say something like “teach literature and chase my kids around the house with a whiteboard.” But life has a funny way of reshaping your identity. Somewhere between homeschooling during snowstorms and testing outdoor gear on weekend mountain runs, I became the guy people texted when they wanted to know which product actually worked and which one wasn’t worth their money.

Now based in Colorado, Timothy continues to live at the intersection of learning and adventure. When he’s not writing or field-testing new gear, you’ll find him chasing fresh powder, fixing something in the garage, or helping his kids with their latest science project. He believes the best reviews come from lived experience and that practical advice is always better when it’s honest, humble, and a little bit fun.