Best Padded Bike Shorts for Men and Women

Best Padded Bike Shorts for Comfortable Ride

Just as most sporting or outdoor activity requires special clothing or accessory appropriate for them, using one of the best padded bike shorts is pretty much a necessity if you take your biking activity seriously. Also referred to as Cycling shorts, bicycling shorts, chamois, knicks, or spats; they are short, skin-tight legwear strategically made to enhance the efficiency and comfort when riding a bike.

If you are just interested in riding your bike for leisure purposes and probably not for a long distance, then you could simply wear any type of shorts or trousers you like and have fun with it. On the other hand, if you are riding for fitness purposes, training or preparing for a cycling event then you really want to get the best bike shorts to provide you with the maximum comfort you need.

The best bike shorts are made from materials which may differ with manufacturers. Some shorts are made of knit wool which is good for hiding oil and grease stains, alongside chamois leather padding inside the shorts around the crotch area which helps to reduce chafing from the bicycle, while more modern biking shorts are made of spandex also known as lycra with a combination synthetic chamois. To take advantage of the benefits of different types of material, a combination is made and placed strategically in different areas of the short to improve the rider’s comfort.

Nevertheless, finding the best bike short that suits you can be quite hard to come by. In this article, we will review some of the best bike shorts available on the market. Here they are….

Best Padded Bike Shorts for Men

Castelli Competizione Kit Bib Short

The Castelli Competizione Kit Bib Short is one of the best padded bike shorts for men out there. It promotes comfort above all else. There is the KISS Air2 insert which ensures that one’s backside remains comfortable no matter how long they ride. The unique nature of the material from which the bib short is made also helps riders achieve a pleasant temperature no matter the weather and helps them ride along without needing to deploy too much pressure and force.

Key Specs

• Colors : 6 color combos (Dark Gray/Silver Gray, Black/Electric Lime, Black/Red, Black/Silver Gray, Black/Defender Green, Belgium Blue/White Silver)
• Material: 100% polyester
• Sizes Available: X to 3X Large
• Additional Features: KISS Air2 insert
• Care Instruction: Hand wash

Reasons to Buy

• The tailoring is solid.
• The chamois keeps you comfortable during long rides.
• The material is soft and breathable.
• The insert padding stays in place

Reasons to Avoid

• Inconsistent sizing.

PEARL IZUMI Men’s Quest Bib Shorts

PEARL IZUMI has been in the business of making cycling gear for some time now and they once more do a great job on the Quest Bib Shorts. For instance, the Quest has reflective material on some parts so that the rider will stay visible even in dark conditions and avoid any accidents. Moving on from that, the chamois is well padded and that will cushion the rider’s backside and greatly reduce discomfort. Also, the nature of the material from which the Quest Bib Short is made helps riders stay cool and dry as air easily moves through.

Key Specs 

• Colors: Black
• Material: Main Body – Recycled Nylon (80%), Spandex (20%), Bib – Recycled Polyester (77%), Elastane (14% ), Polyester (9%).
• Sizes Available: Small to 2XL
• Additional Features: 3-layered Levitate Chamois which helps absorb impact
• Care Instruction: Hand wash

Reasons to Buy

• The Quest is made of high quality material.
• It has a perfect tight fit.
• The padding is suitable for long rides.

Reasons to Avoid

• A bit expensive.

Przewalski Men’s Cycling Bike Bib Short 

 The Przewalski Men Cycling Bike Bib Short has grippers to eliminate any chance of the shorts riding up when you are riding. For fabric, the bib short is made of a material that quickly pushes sweat to the surface for equally quick drying. This will make sure that the person wearing it won’t battle with sweat but remain fresh. What’s more? the bib part is mesh to ensure airflow as well. The Przewalski Men Cycling Bike Bib Short  is also well padded and tight fitting and comes with two practical pockets that can be used to stow phones, keys, I.D. cards.

Key Specs 

Colors: Gray, Blue, and Black

• Material: Polyamide (71%) and Elastane (29%)
• Sizes Available: X-Small to 4X-Large
• Additional Features: two small pockets for storing phones and other small items.
• Care Instructions: Hand-wash

Reasons to Buy

• The Przewalski Men Cycling Bike Bib Short comes with two useful built-in pockets
• They don’t ride up but stay in place.
• The padding is excellent.
• It is comfortable to wear.

Reasons to Buy

• Questionable stitching on some of the shorts.

Souke Sports Men’s Cycling Underwear Shorts 

 The cycling underwear shorts from Souke Sports has a 6-layer multi density foam padding which will keep riders’ bottoms from getting uncomfortable while they’re on long rides. The pad is also perforated. This fact alongside the lightweight material means that riders will remain dry and cool during rides. The shorts also have silicone leg grippers and an elastic waistband to make sure that there is no slipping. Whether you are going for a leisurely ride or you use your bike for daily commute, the Souke Sports cycling underwear shorts will not disappoint you.

Key Specs 

• Colors: six – Blue, Black, Green, Gray, Orange, and Red.
• Material: polyester (90%) and spandex (10%)
• Sizes Available: small to XXXXL
• Additional Features: 6-layer premium protective multi-density foam padding
• Care Instruction: Machine wash

Reasons to Buy

• The fabric is very soft, nice, and stretchy.
• The grippers are tight but not comfortable.
• The waist band is quite strong.
• Its padding is great.
• The shorts don’t ride up but stay in place.

Reasons to Avoid 

• The inner leg seams are not flat seams and may cause some chafing.

See Also: Best Mountain Bike Pedals: Your One Stop Comprehensive Guide

NOOYME Men’s Padded Cycling Shorts

Amateur bike riders would love this incredible bike shorts because of the very important feature it has which is shock absorbing/proper cushioning capabilities. This is because of the anticipated soreness that could be experienced when training to be a pro. For sure those bumps and falls are not fun in any way.

Nevertheless, it also serves the professionals so well with its handful of features including; Sleek design( which speaks loud that the wearer is a serious sports person), flatlocked seams which are so smooth that it aids the avoidance of friction and irritation. It is made of 80% Polyamide and 20% spandex which is most suitable for enhancing moisture wicking and body heat thermoregulation. To keep shorts in place and balanced, its leg grippers are elastic and non-silicone. Also to enhance durability the shorts is to be washed cold in a machine, avoid bleach, hand dry only, then rinse with clean water after every use. Moreso, for enhanced safety riding at night, the shorts have carefully designed two reflective marks that are highly visible and reflective.

Pros

• Enhanced durability
• Stable padding that gives maximum comfort during rides
• It has two reflective marks that make the rider very visible at night
• It has flatlocked seams which are smooth enough to prevent irritation and friction
• Sleek design

Cons:

• It might be a little shorter as compared to similar brands
• The waistband may slack from excessive usage

Verdict:

This wonderful pair of bike shorts works well for both amateurs and pros in cycling. Its highly reflective design works well to provide increased safety for continuous riding even at night; plus the great comfort it provides by its stable padding. In other words, this is a bicycle short you are bound to enjoy and it gives great value for money.

See Also: Best Commuter Bikes – Affordable Road Bikes, Urban and Traditional Bikes

Best Padded Bike Shorts for Women

BALEAF 4D Padded Bike Shorts

 Baleaf’s padded bike shorts for women were designed by women for women. The fabric quickly pushes moisture to the surface so that it can quickly evaporate as well. It is elastic but also super firm thus helping tuck in one’s tummy. The bike shorts also come with two packets that ladies can use to stash away their phones as well as other items of a similar small size. Baleaf 4D padded bike shorts can be used for road biking, indoor cycling exercise etc.

Key Specs 

• Colors: 11 – Green, Purple, Caramel, Navy Blue, Blue, Black, Black & Blue, Black & Grey, Black & Pink, Black & Purple,  Black & White.
• Material: Polyester (85%) and Spandex (15%)
• Sizes Available: X-Small to X-Large
• Additional Features: Two side pockets
• Care Instruction: Hand wash and Machine Wash

Pros 

• It comes with pockets for storing small essential items.
• The waistband is snug and comfortable.
• Fabric is nice and of good quality.
• The padding is quite thick making the shorts ideal for long rides.

Cons

• Sizing can be a bit inconsistent

PEARL IZUMI Women’s Quest Cycling Shorts

The Women’s Quest Cycling Shorts by PEARL IZUMI is made of high quality compression fabric with a strong waistband. There are also leg grippers to keep the shorts in place during rides. Quest cycling shorts also have a well padded chamois to help prevent sore backsides after rides. The shorts also come with reflective elements to ensure the visibility of whoever is wearing during the night time for instance.

Key Specs 

• Colors: 3 – Black, Navy, and Black Phyllite Texture
• Material: nylon (80%) and spandex (20%)
• Sizes Available:X-Small to 3X-Large
• Additional Features: 8.5 inches inseams
• Care Instruction: hand wash

Reasons to Buy

• The Quest cycling shorts is high waist.
• It has thick padding that is dependable.
• The fabric is smooth and slick.
• It has reflective stripes that keep riders visible even at night.

Reasons to Avoid

• Grippers are a bit loose

Beroy Women Breathable Bike Shorts

Beroy’s bike shorts for women have a reflective logo and fluorescent panel which work together to ensure that riders will be seen by all. Asides this, there is a 3D gel pad that acts as a shock absorber to create a situation where riders remain comfortable no matter how long they stay on the bike. The shorts also has waistband and grippers as well. Beroy’s bike shorts for women can be used for indoor cycling exercise, outdoor cycling and mountain biking.

Key Specs

• Colors: Black with either Blue, Atrous, G-Black, White, Gradient Purple, Orange, S-Black, Atrous-Grey, Purple, G-Grey, Classic Blue, Gradient Blue, Magenta
• Material: Polyamide (80%) and Spandex (20%)
• Sizes Available: medium and large
• Additional Features: 3D chamois gel padding as well as  Reflective logo and fluorescent contrast panel
• Care Instructions: hand wash and machine wash

Reasons to Buy

• The reflective stripes appear both in front and at the back, promoting safety in multiple directions.
• The shorts come in multiple colors that people can choose from.
• The padding is quite comfortable.
• It can be used for daily commuting, leisure rides, mountain biking, indoor cycling etc.
• It can be washed with a machine.

Reasons to Avoid

• Gripper feels a bit too tight.

Heathyoga Womens 4D Padded Bike Shorts

Heathyoga’s women’s bike shorts have 4D gel padding to take off most of the pressure from the backside while people are riding. It is also made from a light fabric that promotes the comfort of the wearer. Asides from comfort, Heathyoga’s women’s bike shorts also has a stylish and practical design with as many as three pockets for practical use as well as reflective elements.

Key Specs 

• Colors: six – Black, Navy Blue, Black with either Blue, Pink, White, Dark Gray.
• Material: spandex and polyester
• Sizes Available: medium to XX-Large
• Additional Features: reflective elements and back mesh pocket.
• Care instruction: hand wash

Reasons to Buy

• Great padding that does a good job.
• Multiple pockets for storing items.
• Hugs the body quite nicely.
• Comes in a wide range of stylish colors.

Cons

• Padding in front is not so sufficient especially for those who have to ride while most leaning forward.

FAQs

What Qualities Should I Consider When Choosing The Best Padded Bike Shorts?

Anybody who is looking to get very good padded bike shorts should ensure that the material is light and breathable and that the chamois is well padded. They should also ensure that the shorts have grippers and that it is of a snug fit.

What is the Difference Between Budget and Premium Padded Bike Shorts? 

Premium padded bike shorts are naturally more expensive than budget bike shorts. They are also of a higher quality in terms of material, padding, fitting, and even tailoring. For instance, most premium padded bike shorts have flat seams which will not rub against the biker’s body. Premium padded bike shorts also come with additional helpful features such as a zip guard that will not be readily found in budget padded bike shorts.

Which is More Comfortable: Snug or Loose Padded Bike Shorts?

Loose clothing is often associated with comfort however when it comes to cycling, the opposite is what is better. Padded bike shorts that are snug are more comfortable than loose ones. They will readily soak up sweat from the body for quick evaporation. They will also help compress muscle and increase blood flow.

Can Padded Bike Shorts Reduce Saddle Soreness?

Although bike seats are often padded, if you ride on it without any intermediary for a long time, it will get quite uncomfortable for your back side. What can help reduce saddle soreness is padded bike shorts. They come with multi-layered padded chamois to keep one’s bottom comfortable.

What Sets Gel Padded Bike Shorts Apart From Foam Padded Ones?

Padded bike shorts either have foam pads, gel pads, or cushion pads. The gel padded bike shorts expand under pressure and tries to redistribute the load while foam pads will compress in the same situation. Some people swear by the effectiveness of gel pads while others believe that foam paddings are better.

What Kind of Fabric Works Well for Padded Cycling Shorts?  

Fabrics that are light are what cycling shorts should be made from. Cycling shorts’ fabric should also dry quickly so that sweat will not linger.

How Long Do Padded Bike Shorts Usually Last? 

A person who has padded biker shorts can use them for several months or even a couple of years depending on how often they ride. If you are always riding, your padded biker shorts will wear out within a year at most. One that rides only occasionally will find that their biker shorts may last for two to three three years. To ensure that your padded bike shorts last long, consider buying about two pairs and switching between them.

Should I Go for Padded Bib Shorts or Regular Padded Bike Shorts?

Regular bike shorts come with waist bands that may hamper breathing but Bib shorts have suspenders that won’t cause such issues. On the other hand, bib shorts cause a bit of a hassle when one wants to use the toilet which is not the case with regular shorts. However, if you are a casual rider, then regular bike shorts will work. But if you do take your cycling seriously, then perhaps go for bib shorts.

See Also: Best Commuter Bikes – Affordable Road Bikes, Urban and Traditional Bikes

Conclusion

In conclusion, when going for bike shorts do not concentrate only on the pricing to determine the quality as well as comfortability of the short, instead, look out for the material it is made of, it’s elasticity, padding amongst others. Nevertheless, you can save yourself the stress and make a choice from any of the above recommendations on the best bike shorts, they are some of the best currently on the market.