Nike vs Under Armour Shorts 2026: Training Shorts Compared

The Nike Dri-FIT Training Shorts at $14.27 are the budget Nike entry on this Nike vs Under Armour shorts page. Dri-FIT wicking and lightweight mesh construction handle gym training and cardio at the lowest price in the Nike lineup on this page. The elastic waistband with internal drawstring provides a secure fit. Key practical limit: the base version has no pockets — a real constraint for buyers who carry a phone or key mid-workout. Sizing runs slightly large; order down if between sizes. Against the UA Raid 2.0 ($29.76, rank 1) and Launch Run ($33.90, rank 2) on this page, the Nike Training Short is the lowest-cost option at roughly half the price — right for buyers who want basic Dri-FIT performance without paying for UA's HeatGear or mesh-panel engineering. 4.5 stars from 5,126 Amazon reviews confirm consistent performance at this price.

The Nike Dri-FIT Icon Basketball Shorts at $14.99 are the court-specific option on this Nike vs Under Armour page. The relaxed fit is intentionally roomier than training or running shorts — basketball requires lateral cuts, jumping, and defensive slides where a tighter cut restricts range of motion. Dri-FIT manages sweat during high-output court sessions, and an elastic waistband with drawcord provides an adjustable fit. Tradeoffs versus the other shorts on this page: the longer basketball cut is not ideal for cycling or running where shorter, closer-fitting shorts are better, and the roomy silhouette may look baggy for slimmer builds. At $14.99 — $0.72 more than the Nike Training Short at rank 3 — the basketball cut is the practical choice for buyers who play basketball or prefer the classic basketball short silhouette. 4.5 stars from 12,777 Amazon reviews.

The Nike 7-Inch Dri-FIT Unlimited Woven Unlined at $16.99 is the premium Nike short on this page. The 7-inch inseam is the versatile middle ground — longer than running-specific 5-inch cuts and shorter than basketball-length styles, crossing running, lifting, and casual gym use in a single pair. Stretch-woven construction provides more structure and a cleaner silhouette than standard mesh, working across gym and everyday athletic wear without looking purely sportswear. Side hem vents add mobility for dynamic movements. The tradeoff: no built-in liner — buyers who need compression support for running or high-output activity will need to layer under it. At $16.99 versus $14.27 for the Nike Training Short, the Unlimited costs $2.72 more for the woven fabric and 7-inch versatility. The best Nike option on this page for buyers who want one short that crosses multiple activities.

The Under Armour Raid 2.0 at $29.76 is the gym-training top pick on this Nike vs Under Armour shorts page. Mesh back panel adds rear ventilation for high-intensity cardio where standard shorts trap heat. HeatGear fabric wicks moisture throughout extended workouts. The 2.0 update introduced specific changes worth knowing: fabric weight dropped from approximately 4.5 oz/sqyd (original Raid) to 4 oz/sqyd — lighter and better-ventilated, but less structured and more see-through during deep squats. Front pockets shifted higher on the hip, changing phone placement during lateral movement and increasing ejection risk. Drawcord is absent on several 2.0 colorways, relying on elastic tension alone during box jumps or rope climbs. For most gym training, the Raid 2.0's ventilation and moisture management earn their Best UA Shorts rank. Buyers migrating from the original Raid may notice the fabric feel difference. 4.6 stars from 11,264 Amazon reviews confirm broad satisfaction.

The Under Armour Launch Run 5-Inch Shorts at $33.90 are the running-specific UA option on this Nike vs Under Armour shorts page. The 5-inch inseam minimizes leg interference during a running stride — shorter than the Raid 2.0 gym shorts and optimized for pavement and track use over gym training. The built-in liner eliminates the need for compression shorts underneath, reducing layers and heat buildup. Lightweight fabric adds no noticeable drag during movement. The tradeoffs: the 5-inch inseam is polarizing — buyers accustomed to 7-9 inch training shorts will find it brief; fit runs snug per buyer reviews. At $33.90 versus the Raid 2.0's $29.76, the Launch Run costs $4 more for the running-specific cut and liner. For dedicated running use, the 5-inch inseam plus built-in liner is the right configuration; for gym-only training, the Raid 2.0 is the better fit.