In the event of an accident, motorcycle riders often suffer severe injuries, often involving serious road rash. For motorcycle riders, the Best Padded Shorts For Motorcycle Riding are an indispensable part of their riding gear. These are especially vital for women, who are 5 times more likely to develop road rash when in an accident.
While you can purchase motorcycle riding pants (also known as chaps or jeans) with padding, we recommend motorcycle riding shorts as an alternative.
In our abrasion tests, we scored each short for how much exposed skin was protected, as well as how robust the padding was. Top-scoring shorts were comfortable while on the bike, but kept your skin covered in the event of a crash.
Here are the top 7 best padded shorts to wear for riding motorcycle, bicycle and scooters.
Buy Our Top Best Padded Shorts For Motorcycle Riding:
Wait Are you in hurry? Then checkout these top picks……….
How We Pick & Test?
- Comfort: We tested each pair of padded shorts with a panel of motorcyclists who commute regularly on motorcycles.
- Waterproofness: We tested each pair’s waterproofness by riding in the rain and washing them by hand.
- Durability: We scraped, scuffed, and dragged each pair of shorts around until we thought they’d fall apart.
- Durability measurement: We measured each short’s abrasion resistance using the Abrasion Testing Machine (ATM).
Things to consider:
- Size: Many brands offer sizes from XS to XXXXXL; make sure to try a pair on before you buy. They’ll fit slightly differently depending on the brand, style, and fabric.
- Material: Look for a fabric that’s breathable and wicks away moisture, rather than one that traps it.
- Fit: Look for shorts that sit high on your hips, which will offer better protection if you go down.
- Pockets: Some models have extra pockets for your keys, phone, GPS, and even a small wallet.
- Zippers: For added security, look for shorts with zippers or snaps, rather than Velcro.
- Ventilation: For hot weather riding, look for shorts with breathable mesh panels.
- Additional features: Many models have padding at vulnerable areas, such as your knees. Some even have
1. Troy Lee Designs Shock Protective Shorts: (Cycling Motocross Dirt Bike Mountain Bike Padded Short!)
The Troy Lee Designs Shock Doctor LPS 7605 Protective Shorts are an excellent choice for those looking for top-notch protection while engaging in extreme sports. These shorts feature an ultra-durable fabric that is lightweight and breathable, allowing for maximum comfort and protection.
The Shock Doctor LPS 7605 shorts are equipped with an adjustable waistband and a vented panel to provide increased mobility and ventilation. The shorts also feature a low-profile interior that is designed to provide optimal padding for areas of the body that are most vulnerable to injury.
The shorts also offer extra protection to the hips, thighs, and tailbone.
Overall, these shorts are an excellent choice for those seeking premium comfort and protection while engaging in extreme sports.
The Shock Doctor LPS 7605 Protective Shorts are comfortable, durable, and have just the right amount of padding in the right places.
The compression fit is tight without being too constricting, and thanks to the low-profile chamois pad, movement isn’t restricted when you’re pedaling or ripping down the trail.
The mesh fabric is breathable and comfortable, and the elastic waistband adds a bit of extra security to the overall fit.
Features We Like:
- Snap, Buckle closure 82% Nylon 18% Spandex Durable, abrasion-resistant panels Integrated crotch chamois pad
- Waterproof, breathable, lightweight, quick-dry material
- 4-way stretch
- This fabric is durable, quick-drying, and stretchy so it can fit comfortably and securely.
- Reflective graphics on sides and rear
Pros And Cons:
2. NICEWIN Mens 4D Padded Bike Shorts Anti-slip Leg Cycling Underwear:
The NICEWIN Mens 4D Best Padded Shorts are ideal for motorcycle riders who want comfort and protection. The 4D design features a wide waistband, anti-slip leg, and padded crotch for maximum comfort while riding.
The shorts also provide a form-fitting fit that ensures maximum freedom of movement, while the breathable material ensures you stay cool and comfortable during long rides. The shorts are also designed with an anti-slip leg to ensure your legs stay firmly in place no matter how rough the terrain.
The wide waistband helps to keep the shorts securely in place and ensures a snug fit.
We love these mountain bike shorts. The quality is top-notch, the materials are comfortable, the fit is superb, and the design looks stylish. The wide waistband and padded leg openings are great, and the cycling shorts’ stretchy material covers the bottoms of your legs, though it doesn’t go all the way up.
Also, the multi-sport cycling shorts come in several colors, including some options that look a little like racing jerseys.
They’ve been our go-to mountain-biking pants for years, and they’ve been thoroughly tested in the gym, on the bike, and on skiing.
Overall, these shorts are a great option for motorcycle riders who want a comfortable fit, while still providing enough protection to keep them safe.
Features We Like:
- Universal Size Fits Most People
- Comfortable & Breathable Material
- 4-Dimension Padded Bike Shorts
- Anti-slip Leg Grips
- Wide Elastic Fixed Waistband
- Comfortable & Breathable Material
- Anti-slip Leg Grips
- Wide Elastic Fixed Waistband
- Comfortable & Breathable Material
- Anti-slip Leg Grips
- Wide Elastic Fixed Waistband
Pros And Cons:
3. Sportneer Mens Padded Bike Shorts with Pocket Gel Padding:
The Sportneer men s Padded Bike Shorts with pocket gel padding are very comfortable. They provide compression and comfort without restricting movement. The gel padding in the crotch area provides extra comfort for prolonged rides.
The bright colours are easy to see at night and the material feels durable. The pocket design is well thought out. The gel padding on the front and back of the shorts is firm against the skin and helps support the body. There is extra padding in the crotch area which reduces chafing and keeps things in place.
The 3 pockets are secure and work well for holding your phone and other essentials. The reflective strip on the back of the pocket is a nice touch and helps you to be more visible on dark nights. The stitching is well done and seems strong.
The only improvement I would like to see is the length. They feel long for mountain biking which is fine but riding on the road may be a struggle.
Pros And Cons:
4. Valano Men’s Cycling Shorts Bike Underwear 3D Padded:
The Valano Men’s Cycling Shorts Bike Underwear 3D Padded, Bicycle MTB Liner Mountain Shorts for Cycle Riding Biker, UPF50+ is one of our favorite underwear undershirts for cycling. It’s comfortable enough to run a few miles in, but it provides enough padding to keep you from feeling sore after that same distance.
It has plenty of stretch for active use, and it dries quickly after a wash. The design makes it easy to put on, especially if you’re wearing cycling shorts or pants. The tight elastic waistband fits securely without slipping or riding down.
The 3D pad is durable, even through repeated washings. The jersey itself has equal protection from the sun, with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor of 50+. An elastic belt holds the pad in place, and the straps are long enough to move freely over your shoes without chafing your legs.
Let’s not forget the pleasing aesthetics of the men’s mountain bike shorts, with non-shaded stripes and a deep V cut.
Any cyclist would be proud to wear the Valano MenÂ’s Cycling Shorts Bike Underwear 3D Padded, Bicycle MTB Liner Mountain Shorts for Cycle Riding Biker, UPF50+.
5. Troy Lee Designs Shock: Cycling Motocross Dirt Bike Mountain Bike Padded Short
The Troy Lee Designs Shock Doctor LPS 7605 Protective Shorts are the best shorts in our lineup. These shorts offer incredible protection without compromising breathability, and at 8 ounces (for a size large), they’re some of the lightest shorts in our lineup.
They have excellent padding in the crotch and butt, and they offer plenty of flexibility, which is great for cycling, running, and snowboarding. These shorts also have an extremely comfortable waistband.
These shorts are fully compatible with SPD cleats, and the padding in the crotch and butt offers excellent protection.
Features We Like:
- Zippered fly
- Dual snap closure
- Mesh inner liner
- Fits waist up to 40″
- Protective padded shorts
- Removable chamois pad
- Dual snap closure
- 82% Nylon 18% Spandex
Pros And Cons:
6. Mens 4D Padded Bike Shorts: (Biking Bicycle Motorcycle Underpants!)
These types of bike shorts have come a long way since the old thin, saggy, awkward pads of the past. The NICEWIN padded bike shorts for men are some of the best we’ve ever seen.
The padding is plenty, but not excessive, and because it’s built into the shorts, you don’t have the problem of finding comfortable spots to tack pads on.
The padded cycling shorts are designed to fit comfortably over work pants, and the fabric is pleasantly soft against the skin. The padded cycling shorts are also well constructed, with smooth flat seams to prevent abrasions and chafing on thighs.
The elastic waistband is wider than most, which keeps the waistband from rolling up in your entire ride. Although they are not waterproof, the padding on the mountain bike shorts does a good job of keeping the rider dry and the stretchy fabric breathes well as well.
And NICEWIN padded bike shorts get bonus points for not having tacky logos all over them like most other cycling shorts.
7. Sportneer Mens Padded Bike Shorts with Pocket Gel Padding Bicycle Cycling Shorts for Mountain Road Biking with 3 Pockets
These Sportneer bike shorts are comfortable and stylish, with nice fit and nice pockets for my essentials. Although I have only worn them twice so far (they have been sold out for a while), they re very comfortable and breathable.
They re also quite durable, and, as far as I can tell, the material doesn’t stretch providing a good fit. The pockets are a little smaller than I d like, so if you have a bulky phone, it might not fit.
I have also found them a little snug in the hips/thighs, so I m not sure how much room I have for full movement. So far, they re a great buy for the price
Pros And Cons:
Features We Like:
- 4 D Molded Silicone Sponge
- 3 Thoughtful Pockets
- 2 Side Pockets and 1 Rear Pocket Included\
- Reflective Strip on Rear Pocket
- Non-Slip Grip
- Breathable, Quick Dry, Moisture Absorbent
- Highly Suitable for Indoor and Outing Cycling
- Non-Slip Grip, Breathable, Quick Dry, Moisture Absorbent
- Highly Suitable for Indoor and Outing Cycling, Highway, Mountain, Spinning Bike, Motorcycle Riding, even Horse Riding!
How To Choose the Best Padded Shorts For Motorcycle Riding?
When it comes to motorcycle riding, comfort is key. And one of the most important pieces of gear for a comfortable ride is a good pair of padded shorts.
There are a lot of different options out there when it comes to padded shorts, so how do you know which ones are the best? Here are a few things to look for:
A comfortable fit.
Make sure the shorts fit snugly but aren’t too tight. You should be able to move freely in them without feeling constricted.
Breathability.
You’ll be doing a lot of sitting on your motorcycle, so you need shorts that won’t make you sweat and will help keep you cool. Look for shorts made from lightweight, breathable materials.
Padding in all the right places.
Assuming you would like tips for finding the best padded shorts for motorcycle riding:
When it comes to motorcycle riding, comfort is key. You want to be able to enjoy the ride without worrying about getting saddle sores. Padded shorts are a great way to add an extra layer of comfort, and they can also help prevent chafing.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing padded shorts for motorcycle riding. First, you’ll want to make sure that the shorts are comfortable and allow for full range of motion.
Second, you’ll want to choose shorts with breathable fabric so you don’t get too hot while riding.
Third, you’ll want to find shorts with the right amount of padding. Too much padding can be uncomfortable, and not enough padding won’t provide enough protection.
Do padded bike shorts really help?
Padded bike shorts are a popular choice for cyclists of all levels and have become a key component of cycling apparel. Padded bike shorts are designed to provide cushioning and comfort while riding, and are typically made from lightweight, breathable materials that wick moisture away from the body.
The padding in the bike shorts helps to reduce chafing and discomfort from the saddle, and can also help to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of soreness. Ultimately, padded bike shorts can help to make cycling more comfortable and enjoyable, and can help to keep the cyclist riding longer, and with more enjoyment.
Do road bikers wear padded shorts?
Yes, road bikers typically wear padded shorts. This type of clothing is designed to reduce the amount of irritation and chafing caused by the friction between the cyclist’s body and the saddle.
Padded shorts also have extra cushioning to make the ride more comfortable, and the fabric is designed to wick away sweat and help keep the rider cool.
Many road bikers prefer shorts with a longer inseam, as these provide more coverage and protection from the elements. The padding in the shorts can range from a thin layer of foam to a more substantial layer of gel.
Should biker shorts be tight or loose?
Biker shorts should fit snug, but not tight, in order to provide the most comfortable and effective ride. The tightness should allow for freedom of movement during pedaling, while also providing enough compression to support your muscles.
When trying on biker shorts, make sure they fit comfortably around the waist and hips, and that they don’t pinch or bind when cycling. If the shorts are too loose, they will bunch up and create a distraction while riding. If they are too tight, they can cause chafing and discomfort. The right fit will allow you to enjoy a smooth and efficient ride without any distractions.
Do you wear shorts over padded bike shorts?
No, you should not wear shorts over padded bike shorts. Wearing a pair of shorts over padded bike shorts can increase the amount of friction between the two layers of clothing, leading to chafing and discomfort.
Additionally, wearing shorts over the padded bike shorts can lead to the shorts bunching up and becoming uncomfortable. It is best to wear the padded bike shorts alone or under a pair of lightweight cycling shorts for comfort and performance.
Final Words:
The best padded shorts for motorcycle riding are the ones that fit snugly and offer good coverage. They should also be comfortable and allow for a full range of motion. There are many different styles and brands available, so it’s important to try out a few different pairs to find the ones that work best for you.
