Choosing the right kickboxing bottoms matters: the wrong shorts can restrict movement, chafe during sparring, or fail to manage sweat. This guide presents four top kickboxing suit bottoms chosen from hands-on testing, expert input, and real-user feedback to help you find the best fit for training, sparring, or competition.
Considerations and Testing Approach
How we evaluated products
- Real-world usage: Each pair was assessed for range of motion, waistband comfort, breathability, and durability during typical training sessions (pads, bag work, and light sparring). We paid special attention to side-slit design and fabric behavior during kicks and knee strikes.
- Expert opinions: Feedback from coaches and experienced fighters shaped priorities: mobility, secure fit, and robust seams ranked highest.
- Consumer feedback: We reviewed user ratings and returned common complaints (fit, waistband slippage, fabric pilling) to highlight likely real-world issues.
Key factors weighed
- Mobility: How the cut and slits affect kicking and knee movement.
- Comfort & Fit: Waistband construction, sizing accuracy, and internal seams.
- Fabric performance: Quick-dry, moisture management, and durability.
- Value: Price relative to features and expected lifespan.
This combination of lab-like movement tests, coach input, and user experience informed the final rankings.
Kick-Thai Training Shorts
Lightweight satin kick-Thai shorts designed for mobility during strikes and knees. Sublimation printing keeps graphics vivid. Side slits and regular length provide excellent range of motion; comfortable for beginners and seasoned fighters seeking an affordable, functional pair for training and sparring.
LEONE's Kick-Thai shorts deliver the essentials without a premium price. The satin fabric and sublimation print make them visually striking while remaining light and comfortable. The classic side slits and regular length maximize hip mobility for kicks and knees. Construction is straightforward—good for frequent training but expect lighter-duty durability compared with heavy-duty polyester blends.
Standout points:
- Very light satin feel that reduces drag during kicks
- Side slits and cut tailored for Thai-style striking
- Affordable option for beginners and recreational fighters
Considerations: sizing runs true to the listed "regular" fit; if you spar often, inspect seams over time as satin is less abrasion-resistant than modern athletic synthetics.
adidas KB K1 Shorts
Adidas KB K1 shorts combine quick-dry, moisture-wicking PrimeGreen fabric with a fitted elastic waistband for secure, comfortable sessions. Eco-friendly recycled polyester, flexible cut and robust construction suit intensive training, making them a reliable premium option for MMA, Muay Thai and boxing.
The adidas KB K1 is a premium, performance-focused kickboxing short. Built from 100% recycled polyester (PrimeGreen), the fabric wicks moisture quickly and dries fast, which keeps skin cooler during long sessions. The elastic fitted waistband stays secure during explosive movement while the flexible cut preserves full range of motion for kicks and knees.
Standout points:
- PrimeGreen recycled fabric—eco-forward and performance-oriented
- Quick-dry, moisture-wicking surface that supports heavy training
- Fitted elastic waistband for secure movement
Considerations: While built to endure intense sessions, choose your usual athletic size; the cut is unisex and designed to work across a range of body types. At a mid-to-high price point, it’s justified by material and construction quality.
adidas Quick-Dry Training Shorts
Quick-dry adidas training shorts deliver performance features—moisture-wicking recycled polyester, flexible fit and secure waistband—at a competitive price. Versatile for men and women, they balance durability and comfort for regular training, sparring, and high-intensity workouts.
These adidas training shorts strike an excellent value: you get the same core performance features as the higher-priced models—100% recycled quick-dry fabric, a flexible cut, and a secure waistband—without a premium markup. The result is a durable, comfortable short that fits most routine training needs, from cardio-intensive classes to technical Muay Thai workouts.
Standout points:
- Excellent performance-to-price ratio
- Moisture-wicking and light fabric for long sessions
- Unisex design works for a wide range of athletes
Considerations: If you train multiple times per week, this model holds up well; those seeking specialized competition cuts might prefer a dedicated fight short, but as an all-around training short it’s hard to beat.
adidas Performance Kick Shorts
Editors' pick for well-rounded performance: adidas kickboxing shorts use PrimeGreen recycled materials, offer excellent moisture control, and a flexible, comfortable waistband. They strike a strong balance of fit, durability and eco-conscious construction, suitable for amateurs and pros alike.
Our editors selected this adidas variant as the all-around winner. It blends eco-friendly PrimeGreen fabric with a design that excels in comfort and durability—ideal for daily training and more demanding sessions. The waistband maintains fit during dynamic movement and the fabric resists clinging when wet.
Standout points:
- Balanced performance: mobility, moisture management, and durability
- Eco-conscious materials without sacrificing function
- Suitable across experience levels from beginner to competitive
Considerations: Price is slightly higher for some sizes, but the build quality and consistent performance justify the investment if you train often or want a dependable do-it-all short.
Comparison Overview
Below is a concise comparison of the four top picks and where they excel:
- Kick-Thai Training Shorts (Best Budget Pick) — Price: $28.47. Best for beginners and casual trainees who want classic Thai styling and maximum mobility at a low cost. Lightweight satin; less abrasion resistance than heavy synthetics.
- adidas KB K1 Shorts (Premium Choice) — Price: $36.99. Best for athletes seeking premium materials and reliable performance. PrimeGreen recycled fabric, quick-dry and a secure waistband.
- adidas Quick-Dry Training Shorts (Best Value for Money) — Price: $36.99. Best value: delivers core performance features (moisture-wicking, flexible fit) at a competitive price—great for regular training.
- adidas Performance Kick Shorts (Editors Choice) — Price: $37.71. Best overall pick: balanced performance, durability, and eco-friendly materials. Ideal for frequent trainers who want one dependable short.
Which is best overall? The adidas Performance Kick Shorts (Editors Choice) are the strongest all-around option for most users due to their balance of fit, materials, and durability.
Alternatives for specific needs
- On a strict budget: choose the Kick-Thai Training Shorts for classic styling and mobility at the lowest price.
- For eco-minded athletes: adidas models (all three) use PrimeGreen/recycled polyester and offer better moisture management and long-term performance.
- For the best value: the adidas Quick-Dry Training Shorts give most of the performance benefits without premium pricing.
After hands-on testing and reviewing coach and consumer input, the adidas Performance Kick Shorts emerge as our top recommendation for most kickboxers—balancing mobility, moisture management, and durability with eco-conscious fabric. If you’re on a budget or just starting, the Kick-Thai Training Shorts are a reliable, affordable option. For consistent training with a strong value, the adidas Quick-Dry variant is an excellent middle ground. Choose based on how often you train, your budget, and whether eco-friendly materials matter to you; all four options are solid depending on those needs.