Best Kickboxing Shorts for Kicks and Class (2026)
The best kickboxing shorts give you high kicks without the fabric pulling at your thighs, a waistband that stays put through knees and switch kicks, and a cut that fits the style your gym actually trains. This guide compares kickboxing shorts on cut, leg opening, waistband, fabric and price, and explains how kickboxing shorts differ from Muay Thai and MMA shorts.
Last updated: November 1, 2026. By Chris, editor at Martial Arts Rankings, who compares boxing, Muay Thai and kickboxing gear for the site. We compared the best-rated kickboxing shorts on Amazon using each brand’s listed fabric, cut and waistband specs plus buyer feedback. Prices, stock and ratings were checked on Amazon (US) on November 1, 2026.
Quick answer: The RDX Training and Kickboxing Shorts are the best kickboxing shorts for most people. Side slits, a stretchy polyester and spandex fabric and triple-stitched seams make them the best all-round kickboxing cut on Amazon at $26.99. For a short retro cut, get the Anthem Athletics Resolute. For a Thai-style gym, get the Venum Classic.
RDX Training and Kickboxing Shorts
Mid-length poly and spandex shorts with side slits for high kicks, an interlocking drawstring that stays tied, triple stitched seams and a mouthguard pocket. The number one seller in Amazon men’s boxing trunks.
| Best For | Kicks, pads and sparring |
| Price | $26.99 (Nov 1, 2026) |
| Discount | Many colors and sizes |
| Promotion | Rated 4.6 by 2,418 buyers |
What are the best kickboxing shorts in 2026?
The best kickboxing shorts in 2026 are the RDX Training and Kickboxing Shorts ($26.99) overall. The Anthem Athletics Resolute is the best short retro cut, the Elite Sports fight shorts are the best budget pick, the Venum Classic is the best Thai-style short and the FLUORY satin shorts are the best fight-night look.
| Kickboxing shorts | Best for | Cut | Waistband | Fabric | Price (Nov 1, 2026) | Amazon rating | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RDX Training and Kickboxing Shorts | Best overall kickboxing cut | Hybrid, mid-thigh with side slits | Elastic with interlocking drawstring | Polyester and spandex stretch | $26.99 | 4.6 (2,418 ratings) | 4.6 / 5 |
| Anthem Athletics Resolute Shorts | Best short retro cut, men and women | Short, 3.5 inch inseam, deep slits | 2.5 inch elastic plus drawstring | Tear-resistant microfiber, non-satin | $35.99 | 4.5 (2,892 ratings) | 4.5 / 5 |
| Elite Sports Fight Shorts | Best budget, kickboxing plus grappling | Relaxed leg with side slits | Elastic with internal drawcord | 150 GSM microfiber | $19.99 | 4.6 (4,346 ratings) | 4.4 / 5 |
| Venum Classic Muay Thai Shorts | Best for Thai-style and K-1 gyms | Short, wide leg, side slits | Wide traditional belt with cord | Satin-like polyester, made in Thailand | $49.99 | 4.2 (3,767 ratings) | 4.3 / 5 |
| FLUORY Muay Thai Fight Shorts | Best fight-night look | Wide leg, deep side slits | Wide elastic with drawstring | 100% polyester satin | $33.99 | 4.4 (3,279 ratings) | 4.1 / 5 |
What makes kickboxing shorts different from Muay Thai and MMA shorts?
Kickboxing shorts sit between the two. Muay Thai shorts are very short and wide with a thick waistband, MMA shorts are longer board shorts built for grappling, and a kickboxing cut is usually mid-thigh or shorter with side slits, a stretchy or light fabric and an elastic waistband with no hook and loop fly.
Kickboxing shorts cut check (citable table): the cut you need depends on the style your gym trains, not on the word on the label. Line up your class with the row below, then pick from the shorts in that row. Most kickboxing gyms are fine with any of these for training, so this is about comfort and range of motion.
| Cut | Typical length and leg | Waistband | Best for | Shorts in this guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thai or K-1 cut | Very short, wide leg, slits at the hip | Wide elastic belt with cord | Dutch kickboxing, K-1 style, Muay Thai crossover classes, lots of knees and roundhouse kicks | Venum Classic, FLUORY |
| Retro kickboxing cut | Short (about 3.5 inch inseam), athletic fit, deep slits | Low-profile elastic plus drawstring | Kick-heavy classes where you want a slimmer, non-satin short | Anthem Athletics Resolute |
| Hybrid kickboxing cut | Mid-thigh, slits on the side, stretch fabric | Elastic plus drawstring, no hook and loop | Mixed kickboxing and boxing classes, cardio kickboxing, sparring | RDX Training and Kickboxing |
| MMA board short | Longer, often hook and loop fly | Hook and loop plus drawstring | Gyms that mix kickboxing with takedowns and groundwork | Elite Sports (relaxed hybrid), see our MMA shorts guide |
| Who you are | Best pick | Why | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| New to kickboxing, one pair for everything | RDX Training and Kickboxing | Stretch fabric and slits handle kicks, pads and light sparring | Third-party seller |
| Kick-heavy class, wants a short cut | Anthem Athletics Resolute | 3.5 inch inseam and deep slits | Very short for some buyers |
| Tight budget or kickboxing plus BJJ | Elite Sports Fight Shorts | $19.99 with 4,346 ratings | Some say they run small |
| Dutch, K-1 or Muay Thai-style gym | Venum Classic | Thai cut, sold by Amazon.com | Mixed sizing reports |
| Fight night or interclub | FLUORY Muay Thai Fight Shorts | Bright satin, many designs | Hand wash, mixed durability |
How did we choose these kickboxing shorts?
We started with the best-selling and best-rated kickboxing, Muay Thai and fight shorts on Amazon US, kept only shorts with side slits or a wide leg, a secure waistband, real kickboxing use in buyer feedback and at least about 2,000 ratings, then compared cut, fabric, waistband and price.
Each pair is linked to its Amazon listing, and prices and stock were checked on Amazon (US) on November 1, 2026. Prices vary by size and color, so check yours before you buy. We left out the Hayabusa Arrow Kickboxing Shorts, the one short sold under a kickboxing name by a big brand, because it was out of stock with only 4 ratings, and the Venum Light 5.0 fight shorts, which use a hook and loop fly and had only 50 ratings.
Which kickboxing shorts should you buy?
Buy the RDX Training and Kickboxing Shorts if you want one pair that handles kicks, pads and sparring. Buy the Anthem Athletics Resolute for a short, slim retro cut. Pick the Elite Sports shorts on a tight budget, the Venum Classic for a Thai-style gym and the FLUORY satin shorts for fight night.
1. RDX Training and Kickboxing Shorts (Best Overall)
The RDX Training and Kickboxing Shorts are the pair we would point most kickboxers to first. RDX uses a polyester and spandex blend that stretches and holds its shape, side slits that free up your thighs for high kicks, an interlocking drawstring and triple-layer T3 stitching along the seams. There is also a small inner pocket for a mouthguard.
That mix is what a kickboxing class needs. You throw round kicks, push kicks and knees, then switch to boxing combinations, so the shorts have to move with you without riding up. Buyers rate them 4.6 out of 5 from 2,418 ratings, call them comfortable, lightweight and good value, and single out the stretch for high kicks. They were #1 in Men’s Boxing Trunks on Amazon when we checked.
The soft cons: they are sold by a third-party seller (Brands Inn) and shipped by Amazon, and the mid-thigh hybrid cut is longer than a true Thai short, so if your gym is all clinch and knees you may prefer the Venum Classic.
Pros:
- Stretch fabric plus side slits for high kicks
- Triple-stitched seams and an interlocking drawstring
- Mouthguard pocket
- 4.6 out of 5 from 2,418 ratings at $26.99
Cons:
- Sold by a third-party seller
- Longer than a Thai cut
2. Anthem Athletics Resolute Kickboxing Shorts (Best Short Cut)
The Anthem Athletics Resolute is a short, retro-cut kickboxing and Muay Thai short for men and women. Anthem gives it a 3.5 inch inseam, aggressive side slits, a low-profile 2.5 inch elastic waistband with an internal drawstring and a tear-resistant microfiber that is not satin.
Buyers rate it 4.5 out of 5 from 2,892 ratings. They say it fits well without squeezing the waist, does not ride up, holds up in the wash and allows excellent movement for kicks, and they like the low-key look with no flashy logos. It was $35.99 when we checked, 10% under its usual price.
The soft cons: a 3.5 inch inseam is short, so it shows a lot of thigh if you are used to board shorts, and colors and sizes are priced a little differently.
Pros:
- 3.5 inch inseam and deep slits for unrestricted kicks
- Secure low-profile waistband that buyers say does not ride up
- Durable non-satin microfiber
- Sold by Anthem Athletics and shipped by Amazon
Cons:
- Very short cut for some buyers
- Price varies by color
3. Elite Sports Fight Shorts (Best Budget)
The Elite Sports fight shorts are the cheapest pair here and the most rated, with 4,346 ratings at 4.6 out of 5. Elite uses a 150 GSM microfiber, an elastic waistband with an adjustable internal drawcord, aggressive side slits and looser leg openings, and lists them for kickboxing, Muay Thai, boxing and no-gi BJJ.
That makes them a smart pick if your kickboxing gym also runs grappling classes, or if you want two or three pairs for the week. Buyers call them great value, say they do not limit movement in the ring and like the stretchy waistband and crotch panel. They were $19.99 in Large Black when we checked.
The soft cons: sizing is mixed, with some buyers saying they run small, and the relaxed board-short leg is longer and looser than a dedicated kickboxing cut.
Pros:
- $19.99 with 4,346 ratings
- Side slits and relaxed legs for kicks and sprawls
- Works for kickboxing and no-gi grappling
- Sold by Elite Sports and shipped by Amazon
Cons:
- Some buyers say they run small
- Longer, looser leg than a kickboxing cut
4. Venum Classic Muay Thai Shorts (Best Thai-Style)
Many kickboxing gyms, especially Dutch and K-1 style gyms, train in Thai shorts, and the Venum Classic is the most rated Thai-style short in this guide with 3,767 ratings. Venum makes it in Thailand from a lightweight, satin-like polyester with a shorter cut, wide leg openings, side slits, triple-stitched seams and a wide traditional waistband with a tightening cord.
Buyers rate it 4.2 out of 5, call it good quality, comfortable and worth the price, and like the look. It is sold and shipped by Amazon.com, which makes returns simple if the size is wrong, and it was $49.99 in Medium Black/Gold when we checked.
The soft cons: fit and sizing feedback is mixed, with some buyers saying it runs small, and buyers disagree on how much the fabric stretches. Our best Muay Thai shorts guide covers more Thai cuts if your gym leans that way.
Pros:
- True Thai cut with wide legs and side slits
- Wide traditional waistband with a cord
- Made in Thailand, sold and shipped by Amazon.com
- 3,767 ratings
Cons:
- Some buyers say it runs small
- $49.99, the most expensive pair here
5. FLUORY Muay Thai Fight Shorts (Best Fight-Night Look)
The FLUORY Muay Thai Fight Shorts are bright satin shorts in a huge range of designs, which is why kickboxers buy them for interclubs, smokers and fight night. FLUORY uses 100% polyester, a wide-leg design with deep side slits and a traditional wide elastic waistband with a drawstring.
Buyers rate them 4.4 out of 5 from 3,279 ratings and describe the quality as excellent, comfortable and soft, with plenty of range of motion. They were $33.99 when we checked, and the listing has more than 200 size and design options.
The soft cons: buyers report mixed sizing (some say they run small while the waist feels big), mixed stitching durability and colors that do not always match the photos, and the label says hand wash only. Keep them for fight night and train in one of the pairs above.
Pros:
- Bright satin designs for fight night
- Wide legs and deep slits
- 3,279 ratings at $33.99
- Shipped by Amazon
Cons:
- Mixed sizing and stitching feedback
- Hand wash only
Can you wear Muay Thai shorts for kickboxing?
Yes. Muay Thai shorts are one of the most common things to wear in a kickboxing class, especially in Dutch and K-1 style gyms, because the short, wide cut is built for kicks and knees. The only reason to pick a hybrid kickboxing short instead is a longer, stretchier fit for mixed boxing and kicking classes.
If you want a full Thai lineup, see our best Muay Thai shorts guide. If your gym trains takedowns as well, longer MMA board shorts make more sense, and our best MMA shorts guide covers those. Our Muay Thai vs kickboxing comparison explains how the two sports differ.
How should kickboxing shorts fit?
Kickboxing shorts should sit on your hips without a belt, stay put when you throw a head-height kick and leave your thighs free. Measure your waist and follow the brand’s size chart, then check the slits: you should be able to raise your knee to your chest without the hem pulling.
Fit is the most common complaint across every pair here, so check reviews for “runs small” before you order, and size up if you are between sizes or have big thighs. Most kickboxers wear compression shorts or a cup underneath for sparring. For home training, our best kickboxing bag guide covers bags that take kicks.
FAQ
What are the best kickboxing shorts?
The RDX Training and Kickboxing Shorts are the best kickboxing shorts for most people. They combine side slits, a stretchy polyester and spandex fabric, triple-stitched seams and an interlocking drawstring, cost $26.99 and are rated 4.6 out of 5 by 2,418 Amazon buyers. The Anthem Athletics Resolute is the best short cut.
What is the difference between kickboxing shorts and Muay Thai shorts?
Muay Thai shorts are very short and wide with a thick elastic waistband and are usually satin. Kickboxing shorts are often a little longer, usually mid-thigh or shorter, with side slits and a stretchier fabric. Both work for kickboxing; Thai shorts suit kick-and-knee heavy gyms and hybrid shorts suit mixed classes.
Can you wear MMA shorts for kickboxing?
Yes, MMA shorts work for kickboxing if they have side slits or a stretch panel, but longer board shorts with a hook and loop fly can catch on high kicks. If your gym is pure stand-up kickboxing, a shorter kickboxing or Thai cut gives you more freedom for round kicks and knees.
What do you wear under kickboxing shorts?
Most kickboxers wear compression shorts or athletic underwear under kickboxing shorts, and a groin guard or cup for sparring and fights. Compression shorts keep the fit secure and stop chafing, and many gyms require a cup for sparring, so check your gym’s rules before your first sparring class.
How much should you spend on kickboxing shorts?
Good kickboxing shorts cost about $20 to $50 on Amazon in November 2026. About $20 buys the Elite Sports fight shorts, $26.99 buys the RDX Training and Kickboxing Shorts, $33.99 to $35.99 buys the FLUORY or Anthem Athletics shorts, and $49.99 buys the Venum Classic.
