Whether you are a professional baseball player, an amateur, or you just love playing baseball. Everyone involved in baseball needs to be wearing the proper protective gear.
It doesn't matter if you are sliding to a second base, making defensive driving during your game, or even stealing a base. You'll find wearing baseball sliders will provide the maximum protection needed.
In this guide, you will find all the information you need regarding sliding shorts, ranging from sizes and fitting to choosing the right shorts and materials. And, of course, our top pick for the best baseball sliding shorts.
What are Baseball Sliding Shorts and How Do They Work?
You may be wondering what are baseball sliding shorts and do they even work? Well, they provide you with the safety and protection you need during the game.
Baseball sliders protect you from bruises and abrasion while you are sliding on the field. The slider shorts help you continue with your game as if nothing happened.
Sliding shorts are often also known as compression shorts in baseball. The primary purpose behind these is to give you an extra layer of protection between your pants and you. The baseball sliders will play a vital role during running and sliding on dirt while preventing any injuries.
Are Compression Sliders the Same as Compression Shorts?
Yes, both the compression slides and shorts are the same for baseball players, but retailers might not use the same terminology. As for retailers, compression shorts will not have any added padding on the sides, whereas compression sliders do so.
Who Should Wear Baseball Sliding Shorts?
Even though sliding shorts are not mandatory for baseball, we recommend for you to be wearing them. The shorts protect your glutes and thighs from any bruises and abrasions when you slide on the field.
A lot of MLB players today prefer wearing sliding shorts as the shorts provide extra protection, which is needed during the game against any long-term injuries.
So if you are a catcher, a pitcher, a baseman, or even a fielder, you'll need sliding shorts for baseball.
Sizing and Fit Guide for Baseball Sliding Shorts
When opting for sliding shorts, look for an ideal size according to your waist and inseam.
Adult
Different brands have varying waist options for shorts. But the standard sizing for adults ranges from small to extra large.
Small sliding shorts will have a waist of 30 inches and an inseam of 14 inches.
Each size up has two inches more, hence large is 34 inches waist and 18 inches inseam.
Youth
For youth sliding shorts, the sizes vary from small to extra-large as well.
Small shorts have a waist of 22 inches and 10 inches inseam. In contrast, extra large is 28 inches waist and 13 inches inseam.
Whatever size you buy, make sure it has a snug fit. The shorts should not be too tight as that will hinder movement, cause discomfort and restrict blood flow. On the other hand, they shouldn't be too loose as they can slide down and not provide the protection needed during the game.
What are the Things to Look for in Baseball Sliding Shorts?
There are quite a few things that you need to consider before deciding on pair. So let's delve into it right away!
Comfort
The first thing to consider whenever you opt for any sliding shorts is whether they are made from high-quality fabric to provide you the comfort you need during the game.
If you opt for shorts with unique fabric for keeping the heat away, this plays a significant role in adding to the comfort factor.
Size and Fit
Baseball sliding shorts need to have a secure and snug fit to your body to ensure high mobility while you play. If the shorts are ideal for your body, you won't have the fear of tearing or it slipping off during your game.
Padding Materials
You opt for sliding shorts for protection against abrasions while you dive on the field. It is always recommended to look for the type of protection the sliding shorts offer.
The best sliding shorts for baseball come with high-quality A-grade padding material. You are bound to sweat a lot during your game, and you are likely to get into dangerous slides.
The padding of the shorts need to be thick enough to protect against any bruises and injuries. These foam paddings are generally on the sides of the shorts.
Moisture Wicking
As we often tend to play baseball during hot and humid days, sweating is common among baseball players.
An important thing to look for in your sliding shorts is whether it has a moisture-wicking material or not as this material would keep you dry during sweaty days to increase your performance.
Some of the best baseball sliding shorts also come with antimicrobial fabric, which is meant to fight any bad odor during hot days.
Another material in sliding shorts is mesh, which provides ventilation and keeps you fresh while you play.
Stitching
The stitching of your sliding short also matters significantly. Make sure to look for flatlock stitching in your shorts as it prevents itchiness and unnecessary rubbing.
You should also see that the short is well stitched and sturdy enough to last you a few games; you don't want your shorts tearing while you play!
Sliding shorts having good quality stitching would make it easier to be washed in a washing machine.
Waistband
The waistband of your slider shorts needs to be just the right fit, not too loose, not too tight. This is where an elastic waistband can help in providing a secure fit and high comfort. Once you select the waist inches, make sure to opt for an elastic waistband in your slider shorts.
Padding Areas
The padded sliding shorts need to cover sensitive areas of your body, including the thighs, hips, knees, and groin. Of course an extra protective baseball sliding short is going to provide you the protection needed.
Knee Pads
Baseball is a game of strength, and there are high chances of injuries during the game, so it's best to protect the knees. Hence it is an excellent choice to choose sliding shorts with pads that provide extra protection to the knees.
An extra knee pad with your shorts can only benefit you in the long run.
Protective Cup
Some men's sliding shorts also come with protective cups, which depend on personal preference.
Few players prefer using such sliding shorts in which you can insert the Cup for extra protection. At the same time, others tend to opt for shorts with an athletic supporter inbuilt.
Length
There are four length options in baseball sliding shorts, short, mid quad, long, which fall right above the knees, and full-length sliding shorts.
The most popular choice has to be the long-short which falls above your knee. The second best option is a baseball sliding short with an extra protective layer of knee padding.
Our 5 Best Baseball Sliding Shorts
Here's our top picks of the best baseball sliding shorts to provide you with the protection you need.
1. Shock Doctor Shockskin Lax Impact Short
The Shock Doctor impact shorts is one of the best options when it comes to baseball sliders. Shock Doctor is a brand that is not only preferred by college athletes but also professionals worldwide.
These shorts have shock-skin integrated fabric and vented padding to provide high comfort and flexibility during the game.
The Shock Doctor impact short also comes with padding in areas like the hip, thigh, tailbone for added protection. Along with this, it also has X fit brief built-in cup for groin protection.
The best part about these shorts is that they have an ultra carbon flex cup bound to transfer the shock away and a gel pad for added comfort and a snug fit.
These Shock Doctor impact shorts come with moisture-wicking technology to keep you dry during the game.
They are ideal for all kinds of players, be it a catcher or a fielder. It comes with flatlock stitching for a comfortable and chafe-free fit.
Pros
Cons
We feel the best baseball sliders has to be this Easton Elite Padded Sliding Shorts. It is made from 90% imported polyester material and 10% spandex to provide baseball players' comfort and protection during the game.
These shorts have an extra protective layer for preventing abrasions in all areas, including a space for a cup holder to protect the groin area.
They are equipped with bio-dry technology to absorb moisture and sweat during hot and sunny days.
The best part about these shorts is the 5mm two ply neoprene elite padding providing you with protection from bruises during the game.
You shouldn't have a problem with the size choices as it comes in both youth and adult options. In addition, the size ranges from adult small to adult extra-large. Similarly for youth as well.
Pros
Cons
These elite padded Youper shorts are among the best baseball compression shorts you can find. They have a four-way stretch fabric that is moisture-wicking and provides easy mobility.
These sliding shorts come with a cup pocket with 100% sponge sliding pads to protect you from abrasions on the thighs and hips.
The elite padded sliding shorts by Youper is top of our list as they are made from 82% polyester and 18% spandex which keeps you cool and dry during hot days.
They are the ideal padded sliding shorts for players who want to enjoy some contact play. The best part about these is that the compression shorts can be used in baseball, softball, and even football and MMA.
Pros
Cons
Another top choice for youth baseball sliding shorts has to be these from Franklin Sports. They are exceptionally comfortable with an elastic waistband made with polyester material, keeping you cool while you sweat.
These shorts have superior protection with in-built cup protection and sliding pads on the thighs.
Pros
Cons
Another popular product by Shock Doctor has to be these compression shorts made from four-way stretch moisture-wicking fabric.
It also has a dual mesh cup along with a flatlock seam for a snug fit. Available for both youth and adult players.
Pros
Cons
Sliding Shorts With Knee Protection
Another slider shorts which we need to mention is the Nike baseball sliding shorts with knee pads. Despite not making our top 5, this is an excellent choice if you are looking for extra protection around your knees.
It comes with dry-fit moisture-wicking technology. They are compression shorts, but along with that, they are elite padded for extra protection.
Frequently Asked Question:
Do you wear underwear under sliding shorts?
The answer is no. You should not wear underwear under your sliding shorts as it can impair the protection sliders are supposed to provide and impair mobility.
Conclusion
All the sliding shorts we've reviewed are great, however the best baseball sliding shorts would have to be the Shock Doctor Shockskin Lax Impact Short!
These shorts are made from high-quality, durable material. Ideal for infielders and catchers and provide the essential protection which you need during the game.