BALENNZ Boy's 5-Pack Athletic Shorts Kids Youth Quick Dry Active Performance Basketball Shorts with Pockets Elastic Waistband

Love the shorts, no complaints aside from the slightly confusing size chart. My son typically wears a boys youth medium (8) in sweatpants and shorts (we get most of his bottoms from the boys section in Wal-Mart). They've been getting a little tight on him, so I wanted to get him some bigger shorts for the summer that did fit him. Now, I likely would have gone ahead and ordered a Large before reading the reviews, but they had me a bit confused. Some say the shorts run big, a few others said they run small, etc.. I checked the size chart, and it stated that their Mediums would fit like a size 10-12, which would be a Large (10-12) in the bottoms that we usually buy for my son. After a day or 2 of thinking it over, I eventually decided to go with Medium instead of Large, as I really thought the Larges would end up being way too big and have to be returned. The waistband on the Mediums ended up being almost literally the exact same size as his old size Medium (8) sweatpants, the ones he's growing out of. Good thing, in our case, that he's really only outgrowing his old pants in length and not so much in the waist. Thankfully the new shorts do fit his waist well, but they leave no room for growth, so this is likely the only summer that they'll ever see. I'm OK with that considering the price and quality. The shorts are plenty long for him reaching right at his knees. Lengthwise, I'm glad I didn't get Large because the size chart states that the length for those are 1 inch longer than the Mediums, and I'm not so sure they'd have looked good a whole inch past his knees. However, I do wish the Mediums had just a little more room in the waist. Overall, I'm happy with the shorts. They have pockets, nice, breathable and very soft material, not so thin that you can see through them, but thin enough that they'll be great for summer. I would purchase these again.MY ADVICE FOR THE SIZE CHART - don't pay attention to the actual size labels, like Small, Med, or Large. Use the measurements! I did measure the waist on them when they arrived, and the sizing is definitely accurate when using the measurements. Don't compare a size Small that you already have to a size Small in these shorts, as I feel like there's a good chance that they won't be the same. Don't use the number sizes, either (such as 8 or 10-12). Use the measurements if you feel unsure.

Great! I think I should have order a size up but overall they are good solid shorts. I like the length and the pockets!

My 12 year old son loves these shorts! Very lightweight but not see through. I've purchased other shorts for him that were too long and the length of these is perfect!

I purchased the BALENNZ Boy’s Athletic Shorts (Medium, Quick Dry, Moisture Wicking) about a month ago for my 10-year-old nephew, who’s active in soccer, school PE, and backyard play with my cat. I wanted lightweight, breathable shorts with pockets to keep him comfortable during sports and casual wear, especially in warm weather. After he’s worn these shorts for about 12 uses (including practices and playdates), here’s my detailed take on their performance, including pros, cons, and tips for other parents or guardians.How I Used ItI bought the Medium size for my nephew, who’s roughly 4’8” and 80 pounds, expecting it to fit like other Medium (10-12) athletic wear. The shorts are made of 100% polyester with moisture-wicking and quick-dry features, ideal for active kids. He’s worn them for soccer practice (twice weekly), school PE, and casual running around in 70-85°F weather. I’ve washed them 6 times in a standard machine (cold cycle, air-dried) to test durability, color retention, and shape. The shorts came in a single color (I got navy), but multi-pack options are available.ProsExcellent Comfort: The lightweight, breathable polyester fabric is soft and stretchy, keeping my nephew cool during sweaty soccer drills. He says they feel “comfy” and don’t chafe, even after an hour of running. The moisture-wicking tech works well—less sweat clings compared to his cotton shorts.Functional Pockets: The deep side pockets are a standout, securely holding his phone or small snacks during playdates or travel to practice. Unlike some athletic shorts, these pockets don’t flap or let items slip out during activity.Secure Fit: The elastic waistband with an inner drawcord provides a snug, adjustable fit that stays in place during sprints or jumps. No sliding down, which is a common issue with his cheaper shorts.Versatile Design: These shorts are great for multiple activities—soccer, basketball, PE, or lounging at home. They pair well with the 6-pack athletic T-shirts I got him, creating a sporty look for school or the field. They hit just above the knee, offering good coverage without restricting movement.Good Value: At around $10-$15 for a single pair (or less in multi-packs), these are affordable compared to Nike or Under Armour shorts, which often cost $25+. The quality rivals pricier brands for everyday use.ConsSizing Runs Small: The Medium fits my nephew’s waist snugly but leaves little room for growth, aligning with reviews noting these run small. It’s more like a size 8-10 in other brands. I wish I’d sized up to Large for longevity, especially since the size chart lists only a 1-inch length difference.Thin Material: The fabric is lightweight and breathable but slightly thin, especially in lighter colors (e.g., gray in multi-packs). It’s not see-through, but it feels less durable than thicker brands like Nike. I’m concerned it might tear if he snags it during rough play.Odor Retention: Like many polyester athletic wear, the shorts can hold onto sweat odors after intense use if not washed promptly. Pre-soaking with a bit of vinegar helps, but it’s an extra step compared to his cotton shorts.Limited Color Options in Single Pack: The single-pair option had fewer color choices compared to the 5- or 7-pack versions. I got navy, which is fine, but he prefers brighter colors like red or teal from his T-shirt pack for a fun look.ComparisonsCompared to the Real Essentials 5-Pack Youth Athletic Shorts, the BALENNZ shorts have deeper pockets and a softer feel, but Real Essentials offers more color variety in multi-packs. Against Nike Boys’ Dri-FIT Shorts, these are less premium (thinner, less robust stitching) but far cheaper, making them a better budget pick for casual sports. I also got him Athletic Works shorts from Walmart, which are thicker but less breathable, so BALENNZ wins for warm-weather activities. If you’re debating a single pair versus the 5-pack, go for the multi-pack for cost savings and color options unless you need a specific size or color.Tips for BuyersSize Up: Check the size chart and consider ordering one size larger, as Medium fits like a smaller 8-10. For a 10-year-old, Large might offer room to grow without being too long (only 1 inch longer per the chart).Wash Promptly: To avoid odor buildup, wash after each sweaty use or pre-soak with a splash of vinegar. Air-drying preserves the elastic waistband and fabric stretch.Pair with Athletic Tops: These shorts match well with moisture-wicking T-shirts (like the 6-pack I bought) for a cohesive sports outfit. Navy pairs with most colors, but multi-packs offer more styling options.Check for Rough Play: If your kid plays rough (e.g., climbing trees), inspect the fabric for snags after a few uses, as it’s on the thinner side. Reinforce seams early if needed.Who Should Buy This?The BALENNZ Athletic Shorts are perfect for parents or guardians seeking affordable, comfortable shorts for active kids aged 4-18 who play sports, attend PE, or need breathable casual wear. They’re ideal for budget-conscious households but may not last as long for rough-and-tumble kids or hold up to premium brands for competitive athletes. For versatility and value, they’re hard to beat.Overall, I’m impressed with these shorts for their comfort, functionality, and price. My nephew wears them regularly, and they’ve held up well so far, though I’ll likely size up next time. I’m considering the 5-pack for more colors. If you’ve tried these or have tips for kids’ sports gear, share in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Great fit the zipper pockets help from my phone not falling out

Fits true to size! My son loves them! They hold up in the washer and his typical boy stuff playing outside! And not to mention worth the money!

Great set of shorts at a good price!

These shorts run small. Order a size up. I like to order shorts a little big because my son prefers them to hit below the knee. These hit a few inches above his knees and are kinda snug. I’ll just let him wear them to bed and around the house.