The Best Compression Shorts for Softball 2024
Game-ready options that boost performance and fit great under softball pants.
It doesn’t matter if you’re an infielder or outfielder, digging into the batter’s box or the pitcher’s mound, softball is all about being prepared, staying ready, and performing at the crack of a bat.
And the same needs to be true of your gear.
That’s why softball players of all skill levels opt to wear compression shorts or sliding shorts while they play.
The snug and stretchy fabric of compression shorts fits like a second skin and wears perfectly under the looser fitting design of softball pants.
Softball requires bursts of highly skilled, highly athletic maneuvers, so players need baselayer garments that are designed to support those movements while remaining comfortable and breathable.
When you’re competing on the field, you want to stay in the zone, locked-in and reacting freely, not distracted or restricted by an uncomfortable fit.
So, we’ve put together a list of the best softball compression shorts and sliding shorts.
Grab a couple pairs and take your game to the next level this season.
How To Choose the Right Softball Compression Shorts
When choosing a pair of compression shorts to wear for softball, always keep in mind the high levels of speed, flexibility, and skill the game requires.
In other words, you don’t want anything holding you back, constricting your muscles, or limiting your mobility.
The right pair of compression shorts should fit and feel like a second skin—snug but not restrictive.
They should provide you with worry-free security and a smooth fit and feel under your softball pants that eliminates any bunching or chafing.
A good indicator that you’ve found the right pair is that you aren’t thinking about them while you play.
It’s also common for softball players to opt for additional leg protection from their compression shorts in the form of sliding shorts.
Sliding shorts have extra padding at the hip and thigh areas that protects against scrapes and bruises while still maintaining the sleek and flexible fit of compression shorts.
Remember, as you’re choosing your compression shorts, comfort is key.
Make sure your compression shorts provide a very pleasant and comfortable fit that feels great even for extended periods of time.
A great way to maintain comfort and optimal performance is to have a few pairs of compression shorts available, especially if you have a long season ahead with many practices and games.
Even with their sweat-wicking capabilities, you always want to opt for a clean and dry pair each time you gear up.
Note: Featured products are independently selected and reviewed by Compression Athlete. If you purchase through our links, we may earn commission.
1. Under Armour Utility Pro Slider Shorts
The Under Armour Utility Pro Slider Shorts feature extra leg protection for sliding with super lightweight and breathable HeatGear fabric. These compression shorts sport sweat-wicking and quick-drying material with comfortable 4-way stretch.
Shop at Under Armour: UA Utility Pro Slider Shorts
Available on Amazon: UA Utility Pro Slider Shorts
Under Armour’s Utility Pro Slider Shorts utilize super light yet incredibly durable padding that includes interior foam spacer padding on the back panel for added protection. These compression shorts have a wide and flat elastic waistband that sits comfortably on the hips.
2. Under Armour Utility Slider Shorts
The Under Armour Utility Slider Shorts feature extra leg protection for sliding in a lightweight and breathable design. These compression shorts sport sweat-wicking and quick-drying HeatGear fabric with comfortable 4-way stretch.
Shop at Under Armour: UA Utility Slider Shorts
Under Armour’s Utility Slider Shorts utilize interior foam spacer padding on the back panel for added protection and a wide and flat elastic waistband that sits comfortably on the hips. These compression shorts are available in classic white and black colors.
3. Nike Pro Softball Slider Shorts
The Nike Pro Softball Slider Shorts feature screen-printed panels on the sides for extra durability and abrasion resistance when sliding and fielding. These compression shorts sport sweat-wicking Dri-FIT technology to keep you dry and comfortable.
Shop at Nike: Nike Pro Softball Slider Shorts
Nike’s Pro Softball Slider Shorts utilize stretchy fabric for a flexible fit that allows natural movements and a sleek body-hugging design that layers great under uniform pants.
4. Nike Pro Compression Shorts
The Nike Pro Compression Shorts are a popular choice among athletes of many sports, including softball players. These compression shorts have a sleek and supportive fit that offers tremendous performance and versatility.
Shop at Nike: Nike Pro Compression Shorts
Nike’s Pro Compression Shorts have a snug and comfortable fit with wider waistband elastic for pro-grade support. These compression shorts utilize Dri-FIT technology to wick sweat and keep you dry and are available in a variety of lengths and colors.
5. Adidas Techfit Shorts
The Adidas Techfit Shorts feature a comfortable, stretchy, and worry-free compression fit. These compression shorts enjoy a wide application in the sports world as they’re versatile and available in several colors.
Shop at Adidas: Adidas Techfit Shorts
Available on Amazon: Adidas Techfit Shorts
Adidas Techfit Shorts offer unique design features for comfort and support, including a pre-curved waistband and seams that wrap around your body. These compression shorts have adaptive-fit fabric for a locked-in feel that flexes with your every move.
6. 2XU Core Compression Game Day Shorts
The 2XU Core Compression Game Day Shorts feature an extra lightweight and flexible PWX compression fabric in a shorter 5-inch length and beige color for discreet wear under uniform pants.
Shop at 2XU: 2XU Core Compression Game Day Shorts
Available on Amazon: 2XU Core Compression Game Day Shorts
2XU’s Core Compression Game Day Shorts utilize flatlock seams to reduce chafe, provide squat-proof coverage, and sweat-wicking circular knit fabric with 360-degree stretch. These compression shorts have a drawstring waistband for a secure and adjustable fit.
7. Mizuno Compression Sliding Shorts
The Mizuno Compression Sliding Shorts pair an incredibly lightweight fabric with a sleek and comfortable design for the perfect fit under your uniform pants.
Shop at Mizuno: Mizuno Compression Sliding Shorts
Available on Amazon: Mizuno Compression Sliding Shorts
Mizuno’s Compression Sliding Shorts utilize a moisture-wicking DRYLITE dual filament yarn construction to keep you cool, dry and comfortable. These compression shorts have a soft touch elastic waistband and circulation-boosting compression construction.
8. Mizuno Aero Vent Padded Sliding Shorts
The Mizuno Aero Vent Padded Sliding Shorts pair foam padding side panels for sliding protection with an incredibly comfortable, breathable, and lightweight aero mesh fabric.
Shop at Mizuno: Mizuno Aero Vent Padded Sliding Shorts
Available on Amazon: Mizuno Aero Vent Padded Sliding Shorts
Mizuno’s Aero Vent Padded Sliding Shorts utilize a moisture-wicking DRYLITE dual filament yarn construction to keep you cool, dry and comfortable. These compression shorts have a soft touch elastic waistband and a shorter inseam for comfort under uniform pants.
9. RIP-IT Period Protection Pro Softball Sliding Shorts
The RIP-IT Period Protection Pro Softball Sliding Shorts feature high impact padding on the sides for sliding protection, as well as an advanced leak-proof layer for discreet and highly effective period protection.
Available on Amazon: RIP-IT Period Protection Pro Softball Sliding Shorts
RIP-IT’s Period Protection Pro Softball Sliding Shorts utilize a comfortable seamless fit with a stay-put elastic waistband. These compression shorts have sweat-wicking material that’s breathable, durable, and allows a full range of motion.
How Should Softball Compression Shorts Fit?
When you try on either your compression shorts or sliding shorts, they should fit tightly on your body but not too tight that they restrict any of your movement.
While you shouldn’t see any loose or baggy spots in the fabric, any bulging in the thigh area could indicate that the fabric is pressing too tight on your body.
While compression shorts should lay smooth and flat, some leg rolling and bunching is to be expected when you’re active.
This is also true of the additional padding used by sliding shorts along the legs.
Compression shorts worn under softball pants can vary in length but typically extend close to the full length of the thigh to optimize coverage and protection.
An important factor to keep in mind when wearing compression shorts under your softball pants is that you’ll want to have a pair that layers well, rather than a pair designed to be worn as outerwear.
Compression shorts that are designed to be worn on their own as outerwear tend to have slightly thicker fabric and may have bulky features like pockets, drawstrings, and other unnecessary detailing.
In other words, you want a lightweight design with a smooth and snug fit beneath your softball pants that prioritizes breathability, mobility, and security.
For more about the fit, style, and wear of compression shorts, be sure to check out our Comprehensive Guide to Compression Shorts.
A great pair of compression shorts isn’t the only softball essential that you’ll need.
Be sure to check out our top picks for this season's best softball cleats.
