Kitting out active kids can get expensive quickly, especially when school PE, after-school clubs and weekend adventures all need their own gear. The good news is you don’t have to spend a fortune to get comfortable, quick-drying sports shorts that can cope with real-world use.
Here we’ve pulled together some of the best cheap kids’ sports shorts available for 2026, focusing on value for money rather than just the lowest ticket price. All of these options are from Nike, so you’re getting recognised performance tech at entry-level prices.
Each pair has its own strengths, whether that’s everyday comfort, a closer performance fit, or a softer feel for kids who live in their sportswear. The aim is to help you pick the right pair for your child’s activities without overpaying for features they don’t need.
These recommendations are based on a close look at the specs, materials and designs rather than just hunting for the absolute rock-bottom price. We focus on pieces that use proven technical fabrics, such as Nike’s Dri-FIT, and cuts that make sense for active kids who run, jump and scramble their way through the week.
We also pay attention to how suitable a short is for real life: school PE bags, wet playing fields, quick turnarounds in the wash and being stuffed in a rucksack for a weekend away. Cheap kit is only good value if your child is happy to wear it and it stands up to regular use.
Our aim is to highlight kids’ shorts that feel like smart purchases, not false economies. If a cheaper option gives away too much in comfort or practicality, we steer you towards the slightly better value choice instead.
We started by looking at the lower priced kids’ shorts in the Go Outdoors range that still come from trusted brands. From there, we focused on models that use lightweight, breathable fabrics and sport-focused cuts that allow kids to move freely during PE, training and general outdoor fun.
Any model that obviously lacked comfort, breathability or a secure fit was ruled out, even if the price was tempting. We paid particular attention to whether the shorts used moisture-wicking technology, as this really helps kids stay comfortable in warm weather or during high-energy sessions.
Within the final list, we’ve aimed to offer a mix of styles: straightforward training shorts, slightly more performance-oriented options and softer-feel designs that work as both sports kit and relaxed everyday wear. All of them sit at the budget-friendly end of the price scale for branded kit, but still feel like pieces you can rely on for a full season or more.
Below you’ll find our top picks of cheap kids’ sports shorts for 2026. Each one offers strong value for money, balancing a low price with decent performance, comfort and ease of care.
The first pair is the standout value option and the lowest price, while the others cost only a little more but bring tweaks in fit and fabric feel. That way you can decide whether to keep costs as low as possible or pay a few extra pounds for a specific style your child will prefer.
A no-nonsense pair of Nike Dri-FIT training shorts at one of the lowest prices going, ideal for school PE and general sports without overthinking it.
These Nike Kids’ Multi Dri-FIT Training Shorts deliver genuine sports performance at a very wallet-friendly price. The Dri-FIT fabric is designed to wick sweat away from the skin, which really helps kids stay comfortable when they’re running around in PE or after-school clubs. The cut is simple and sport-focused, so they move freely without being baggy or restrictive. Because they come from Nike, you’re also getting reliable sizing and a design that kids are likely to feel happy wearing with the rest of their kit.
As an entry-level Nike option, these shorts are fairly basic: you’re not getting the extra panels, pockets or fancy details you find on pricier models. If your child trains heavily several times a week, you might find the fabric and stitching show wear sooner than premium kit. They’re also very sport-focused, so less suited if your child prefers a softer, lounge-style short for all-day wear.
Ideal for parents who want a reliable, cheap pair of branded shorts that will handle school PE, training and active weekends without fuss. They’re a great option if you’re buying multiple sizes for siblings and need to keep costs under control. Choose these if your priority is a straightforward, sport-ready short at the lowest sensible price.
Essentially a second size option of the same Nike Dri-FIT training shorts, perfect if you want an extra cheap pair so there’s always one clean in the drawer.
This second variant of the Nike Kids’ Multi Dri-FIT Training Shorts gives you all the same benefits as the first pick – quick-drying fabric, a simple design and easy movement – but in another size or fit option. Having two pairs of the same cheap, reliable shorts makes life easier if one is stuck in the wash or lost in a PE bag. Sticking to a known design also means your child won’t have to adjust to a different feel or length between school and club sessions.
There’s nothing fundamentally different here from the first pick, so if your child wants variety in colours or styles this duplicate option may feel a bit dull. Because it’s effectively the same short in another size, any compromises on features or long-term durability are repeated, which is worth bearing in mind for very heavy use.
Best for families who like to keep a spare pair of PE shorts ready to go, or who have more than one child needing the same style in different sizes. They’re also handy if your child does both school and club sport and you don’t want to be constantly washing a single pair. Pick this if you already like the main Dri-FIT shorts and simply want another cheap backup.
Softer-feel knit shorts that give kids a more relaxed, jogger-style comfort while still working well for PE, clubs and active play.
The Nike Kids’ Multi Knit Shorts lean towards a softer, more casual feel, which is ideal for kids who like to wear their sports kit beyond the pitch. The knit fabric is typically more forgiving and cosy than a crisp woven short, making these an easy sell for all-day wear on school trips, travel days or camping weekends. They still work perfectly well for PE and playground games, and the Nike branding means you’re getting a recognised sports cut rather than fashion-only shorts.
Knit shorts can feel a touch warmer than very light woven styles, which might not suit kids who run hot in summer PE. They can also hold on to a bit more moisture than ultra-thin woven fabric, so they may not dry quite as fast after a sudden downpour or a particularly sweaty session. If your child needs a very performance-focused fit, these might feel a little too relaxed.
A strong choice for kids who wear shorts all day, not just during PE – think school trips, camping, travel days and weekend adventures. They suit children who value softness and comfort as much as sport performance, and who might be fussy about stiffer fabrics. Go for these if you want one pair that can double as both sports kit and casual wear.
A closer, more technical fit for older kids who are into sport, offering Nike Pro Dri-FIT performance at a still reasonable price.
Nike Older Kids’ Pro Dri-FIT Shorts step things up a notch for youngsters who take their sport seriously but still need parents to keep an eye on the budget. The Pro Dri-FIT line is designed for training, so you can expect a closer, more supportive fit that feels secure during sprints, drills and matches. Older kids often appreciate this performance feel, especially if they’re used to tighter shorts in club kit, and the moisture management should help them stay comfortable through longer, more intense sessions.
The closer, Pro-style fit won’t suit every child, especially those who prefer a looser, more casual short. They’re also at the top end of the price range on this list, so you’re paying slightly more than the simplest training shorts for that performance feel. If your child only does occasional PE, the extra spend might not be fully justified.
Perfect for older kids and young teens who are serious about their sport, whether that’s football, athletics or training in the gym. They’ll suit youngsters who already like tighter-fitting performance shorts and want that same feel for school PE or extra sessions without parents needing to pay premium prices. Choose these if you’re happy to spend a touch more for a sportier cut and feel.
Lightweight woven Dri-FIT shorts that feel airy and quick-drying, great for warm-weather PE, summer camps and active holidays.
The Nike Kids’ Dri-FIT Multi Woven Shorts are a strong choice if you want something light and airy that dries quickly between sessions. Woven Dri-FIT fabric usually feels smooth against the skin and doesn’t cling, which is handy in warmer weather or when your child is running around non-stop on holiday. They’re easy to pack into a rucksack for trips, camping or days at the park, and at this price you won’t worry too much if they get muddy or sandy along the way.
Woven shorts can feel a bit rustly compared with softer knit options, which some kids notice and don’t love. They tend to be more about lightness and quick drying than cosy comfort, so they’re less suited to lounging or wearing around the house. At a similar price to the knit and Pro options, you’re choosing fabric feel rather than a big step up in features.
Great for active kids who are often outdoors in warmer weather, from school field days to summer clubs and family holidays. They suit anyone who prioritises lightness and quick drying over a cosy lounge feel, and they pack well into a kit bag or rucksack. Pick these if you want a breezy, low-fuss short that copes well with heat and the occasional shower.
