The Best Soccer Compression Shorts for Men 2023

High-performing, worry-free picks for the pitch.

The most common base layer choice among soccer players is compression shorts, occasionally referred to as “sliders” in the soccer world.

Compression shorts are a favorite among soccer players for the same reasons they’ve become so popular among athletes of nearly every sport: they eliminate undergarment chaffing, wick sweat from your body, and improve overall athletic performance.

Just to name a few!

So, whether you’re looking to try compression shorts for the first time, or simply looking for an upgrade or replacement pair, there are few key things you’ll want to look for in your new sliders.

For starters, you’ll want an option that fits both snug and smooth under your shorts.

This means nothing that can bunch up or shift around as you move, and nothing that creates a bulky feel when combined with your uniform.

You’re also looking for lightweight, breathable, and sweat-wicking material.

This will keep you distraction-free and moving fast on the field—no damp garments bogging you down and rubbing the wrong way.

With these characteristics in mind, we put together a list of the Best Soccer Compression Shorts for 2023 that are definitely worth a look.

Note: Featured products are independently selected and reviewed by Compression Athlete. If you purchase through our links, we may earn commission.

1. Nike Pro Dri-FIT Compression Shorts

The Nike Pro Dri-FIT Compression Shorts utilize supportive and lightweight fabric in a stretchy design for a full range of motion. Nike’s Dri-FIT technology moves sweat away from your body to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable.

Shop at Nike: Nike Pro Dri-FIT Compression Shorts

Shop at Nike: Nike Pro Dri-FIT Compression Shorts (Long)

The Nike Pro Dri-FIT Compression Shorts have a snug elastic waistband and flat seams throughout for a smooth feel on your skin. These compression shorts also feature mesh fabric in the front pouch and upper back for improved airflow.

2. Under Armour HeatGear Compression Shorts

The Under Armour HeatGear Compression Shorts are the latest version of their original performance baselayer and are constructed with an ergonomic design for extra comfort, durability, and superior coverage.

Shop at Under Armour: UA HeatGear Compression Shorts

Under Armour’s HeatGear Compression Shorts fabric is lightweight and features mesh paneling for extra ventilation. These compression shorts are sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and feature 4-way stretch material.

3. Adidas TechFit Training Short Tights

Adidas Techfit Training Short Tights feature a sleek and compressive fit with moisture absorbing AEROREADY to keep you dry and moving freely. The Techfit design supports your muscles and focuses energy to boost explosiveness, agility, and endurance.

Shop at Adidas: Adidas Techfit Training Short Tights

Adidas’s Techfit Training Short Tights feature a performance stretch fabric, comfortable elastic waistband, and a 3D sculpted pouch. These compression shorts have a lightweight feel and fit great under shorts.

4. 2XU Force Compression Shorts

The 2XU Force Compression Shorts utilize signature Muscle Containment Stamping technology for superior muscle support and endurance. These compression shorts are designed to be layered under shorts with a smooth feel and flat elastic waistband.

Shop at 2XU: 2XU Force Compression Shorts

2XU’s Force Compression Shorts utilize lightweight performance PWX fabric with circular knit for 360-degree stretch. These compression shorts have flatlock seams to reduce chafing and are moisture-wicking and quick-drying to keep you cool and dry.

5. Sleefs Compression Shorts

The Sleefs Compression Shorts feature a comfortable and durable performance fabric with non-woven stretch fabrication for advanced movement.

Shop at Sleefs: Sleefs Compression Shorts (Black)

Shop at Sleefs: Sleefs Compression Shorts (White)

Sleefs’ Compression Shorts have a smooth and sleek fit that layers well under shorts with a breathable design for temperature regulation. These compression shorts utilize a stay-put elastic waistband and are available in multiple colors and prints.

6. Storelli BodyShield Turf Burn Sliders

The Storelli BodyShield Turf Burn Sliders feature a proprietary anti turf burn material for confidence when sliding and tackling. These compression shorts utilize extra thin yet durable reinforced paneling on the thighs that won’t restrict your movement.

Available on Amazon: Storelli BodyShield Turf Burn Sliders

Storelli’s BodyShield Turf Burn Sliders sport a lightweight second-skin fit with moisture-wicking material that’s enhanced with anti-bacterial treatment to reduce germs and odor.

7. Storelli BodyShield Impact Sliders

The Storelli BodyShield Impact Sliders feature the usual lightweight mobility of compression shorts mixed with padded protection for your thighs. The 3mm XRD Impact Protection shields you from turf burns, cuts, bruises, and abrasions during slides and tackles.

Available on Amazon: Storelli BodyShield Impact Sliders

Storelli’s BodyShield Impact Sliders utilize sweat-wicking material and armor padding to absorb up to 90% of impact. Padded sliders are also a popular option among goalkeepers, as they tend to see a lot diving and high-impact movement.

Should You Wear Compression Shorts for Soccer?

Opting for a pair of compression shorts to wear under your uniform is the popular choice of athletes across the world of sports.

Not only are they the most secure and worry-free option out there, but they also provide a soft and comfortable fit that wicks sweat and eliminates chaffing.

Additionally, compression shorts are the only base layer option that support your leg muscles and improve circulation.

This improved circulation can help boost endurance, as well as keep your leg muscles warm in cooler weather conditions.

Note that in soccer, you may also hear compression shorts go by the name “sliders.”

The term sliders, or sliding shorts, highlight the protection these shorts can offer against turf burn.

Certain sliding short designs offer padded protection to further protect your leg muscles.

This design is also popular among goalies due to the high impact moves required of the position.

Compression shorts worn under soccer shorts can vary in length but are typically sized smaller in length than the top layer shorts worn over them.

However, with compression shorts you don’t have to worry about the leg of the shorts showing from underneath your uniform shorts.

So, unless you have certain team uniform rules to follow, you can pick a compression short length based on personal preference.

Most importantly, though, when wearing compression shorts under your soccer shorts, you’ll want to be sure to have a pair that layers well, rather than a pair designed to be worn as outerwear (pockets, thicker fabric, etc.).

In other words, you want a smooth and snug fit that’s lightweight and doesn’t require adjustment.

A great pair of compression shorts aren’t the only soccer essential that you’ll need. Be sure to check out our top picks for the best men’s soccer cleats.