Shopping for cheap men’s running shorts can be surprisingly tricky, because the best-looking deals often disappear fast—or they only pop up online in the wrong sizes. Plus, many stores keep “sale” items in limited runs, so you might miss the price you saw yesterday. You also have to balance comfort (waistband, liner, chafe resistance) with cost, which isn’t always easy when the rack is chaotic. And if you’re trying to compare prices, you quickly realize that “cheap” can mean anything from clearance markdowns to value brands. That’s where a targeted hunt in Germantown, Maryland comes in—one stop at a time, and one stride closer to savings.
## 10 Places in Germantown to Buy Cheap Men’s Running Shorts (and what to expect)
> Note: Prices change constantly, and I can’t reliably access live store inventories or real-time markdowns. Below are **typical “cheap” average prices** you can often find for men’s running shorts at these retailers (usually during clearance, sales, or with budget/value lines). If you want, tell me your budget and size, and I can suggest which stores are most likely to have the best hits for that range.
### 1) Walmart (Value racks that move fast)
Walmart often has budget-friendly men’s athletic shorts in-store—especially when seasonal clearance hits, so check frequently and be ready to grab sizes. It’s a great place to start your search when your wallet needs a quick breather.
- **Website:** https://www.walmart.com/
- **Average cheap men’s running shorts price:** **$12–;$20**
### 2) Target (Discounts you can feel in your stride)
Target tends to run solid promotions on athletic wear, and their value-priced lines can be surprisingly competitive for basic running shorts. It’s a retail sprint where sales can catch you right before checkout.
- **Website:** https://www.target.com/
- **Average cheap men’s running shorts price:** **$15–;$25**
### 3) Marshalls (Try-on treasure, bargain-style)
Marshalls is famous for rotating clearance and off-price finds, which means one visit might be good—and another might be *even better*. The selection can vary, but when you find a deal, it’s like striking gold mid-run.
- **Website:** https://www.marshalls.com/
- **Average cheap men’s running shorts price:** **$12–;$24**
### 4) TJ Maxx (Savings that show up in the details)
TJ Maxx often carries discontinued styles and brand overstocks, so you can sometimes score name-brand athletic shorts without name-brand pricing. Consider it your shortcut—your wallet won’t have to go long distance to find value.
- **Website:** https://www.tjmaxx.tjx.com/
- **Average cheap men’s running shorts price:** **$12–;$25**
### 5) Ross Dress for Less (Clearance chaos—organized enough for deals)
Ross can be hit-or-miss, but that’s also why the prices can be so good. If you’re flexible and check the rack often, you can land a bargain that feels like a fast finish.
- **Website:** https://www.rossstores.com/
- **Average cheap men’s running shorts price:** **$10–;$20**
### 6) Academy Sports + Outdoors (Sports gear with a price tag that behaves)
Academy is a strong option for affordable athletic apparel, especially when you catch a promo or clearance event. It’s like finding a training plan for your budget—simple, effective, and ready to go.
- **Website:** https://www.academy.com/
- **Average cheap men’s running shorts price:** **$14–;$26**
### 7) Dick’s Sporting Goods (Discount bins and seasonal markdowns)
Dick’s often has budget-friendly running shorts in their sale sections and during seasonal transitions. If you hunt around the racks, you can sometimes find steals that make your next mile feel cheaper.
- **Website:** https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/
- **Average cheap men’s running shorts price:** **$18–;$30**
### 8) Five Below (Budget-friendly basics for warm-weather runs)
Five Below specializes in low-cost items, and while running-focused options may be more limited, you can still find basic athletic shorts deals depending on what they carry. Think of it as a quick pit stop—short on price, not necessarily on comfort.
- **Website:** https://www.fivebelow.com/
- **Average cheap men’s running shorts price:** **$8–;$15**
### 9) Sportswear outlets / local discount sellers (When the deal finds you)
Local discount and outlet-style sellers in the area can sometimes have short-season overstocks and low-priced athletic gear. It’s the kind of shopping where you “show up and score,” because stock won’t wait for your size to appear.
- **Website:** (Varies by specific outlet/seller)
- **Average cheap men’s running shorts price:** **$10–;$22**
### 10) Online pickup options from major retailers (Catch the sale, then sprint to grab it)
Even if you prefer in-store shopping, using websites with store pickup can help you find “cheap” clearance prices before they vanish. It’s like running your errand in advance—less guesswork, more wins on the rack.
- **Website (example):** https://www.bestbuy.com/ (Note: for illustration of pickup flows; best for checking pickup mechanics rather than shorts)
- **Average cheap men’s running shorts price:** **$14–;$28**
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## Quick tips to keep it cheap (without giving up comfort)
- **Look for clearance + end-of-season:** prices often drop hardest when the weather flips.
- **Check the liner and waistband:** cheap shorts that fit right prevent chafing and re-buying.
- **Buy two when you find a great deal:** that way you’re not gambling on future markdowns.
If you tell me your **size**, **inseam length** (e.g., 5”, 7”, 9”), and whether you prefer **mesh vs. lined**, I can narrow this down to the most likely winners for your exact run-style—and we’ll keep your search moving at a speed your wallet can handle.