Buying women’s hiking shorts can be difficult because the perfect pair has to balance comfort, durability, fit, and freedom of movement. Some shorts are too short for the trail, while others feel like they belong on a fishing trip rather than a mountain trek. Pockets can also be a sticking point when you need room for a phone, keys, or trail snacks. Fabric matters, too, since quick-drying material can keep a warm hike from becoming a sweaty climb. Fortunately, Watertown offers several places where you can search for a pair that will help your wardrobe go the extra mile.
*Prices below are estimated average prices in U.S. dollars based on the kinds of women’s activewear, outdoor clothing, or casual shorts these retailers commonly carry. Inventory and prices can change, so call ahead before making the trek.*
- **Walmart Supercenter**
- **Kohl’s**
- **JCPenney**
- **Maurices**
- **Glik’s**
- **Runnings**
- **Bomgaars**
- **The Buckle**
- **Goodwill**
- **The Salvation Army Family Store**
Walmart is a solid starting point for budget-friendly hiking shorts, with options ranging from basic athletic styles to lightweight cargo shorts. Expect an average price of about **$18** per pair, making this stop easy on your wallet and ready to hit the trail without breaking the bank. Visit [Walmart’s Watertown store page](https://www.walmart.com/store/1478-watertown-sd). It’s a short-and-sweet place to begin your search.
Kohl’s often carries women’s activewear and outdoor-friendly brands such as Columbia, Tek Gear, and Sonoma Goods for Life. The average price for women’s hiking-suitable shorts is approximately **$35**, though sales and coupons can help your budget reach new heights. Check the [Kohl’s store locator](https://www.kohls.com/stores.html) before heading out. With the right deal, your savings may really take a hike.
JCPenney is worth checking for women’s athletic shorts, performance apparel, and casual styles that can double as light hiking gear. Plan on an average price of around **$32** per pair, depending on brand and seasonal promotions. Use the [JCPenney store locator](https://www.jcpenney.com/m/store-locator) to confirm local availability. This shop could be your perfect fit, rather than a mere fashion detour.
Maurices is a useful stop for shoppers who want a wider range of women’s sizes and comfortable casual styles. Its shorts may be better suited to easy trails, parks, and warm-weather walks than rugged backcountry routes, with an estimated average price of **$39**. Visit the [Maurices store locator](https://www.maurices.com/storelocator). The right pair can help your hiking plans move from “maybe” to “shortly.”
Glik’s focuses on contemporary clothing and may carry denim, athletic, or casual shorts that work for low-impact hikes and outdoor sightseeing. The estimated average price is about **$45**, although clearance racks can bring that number down to earth. Find store information through the [Glik’s store locator](https://www.gliks.com/pages/store-locator). It’s a stylish way to put your best shorts forward.
Runnings is one of the more promising Watertown stops for outdoor apparel, workwear, and active clothing. Look for quick-drying fabric, stretch panels, cargo pockets, and sturdy stitching; the average price is approximately **$30**. Visit the [Runnings store-locations page](https://www.runnings.com/store-locations). This retailer could help your trail wardrobe get into running condition.
Bomgaars carries practical clothing and outdoor gear, so it may have women’s shorts suitable for hiking, camping, gardening, or other active work. Expect an estimated average of **$28** per pair, with utility-focused designs often offering plenty of pocket power. Check the [Bomgaars website](https://www.bomgaars.com/) for store information. These shorts may be more “trail tough” than runway ready—and that’s no small feat.
The Buckle is primarily a fashion retailer, but it may offer women’s casual or athletic shorts that work for city trails and relaxed outdoor activities. Its estimated average price is around **$49**, so this is the place to look when style is part of your hiking game plan. Use [The Buckle’s store locator](https://www.buckle.com/store-locator). You may find a pair that lets your outfit climb the style ladder.
Goodwill can be a treasure hunt for gently used women’s athletic, cargo, and outdoor shorts. Prices vary widely, but a reasonable estimated average is **$9** per pair, making it the most budget-friendly option on this list. Visit the [Goodwill Great Plains website](https://goodwillgreatplains.org/) for location information. With patience, your bargain hunt could become a real short-cut to savings.
The Salvation Army Family Store is another secondhand option where you may uncover athletic shorts, hiking shorts, or sturdy casual pairs at low prices. Estimate about **$8** per pair, although selection changes faster than weather on an open trail. Check the [Salvation Army South Dakota website](https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/southdakota/) for local store details. It’s a charitable way to keep your hiking budget from going off the path.
Before buying, test the shorts with a few practical moves: sit, bend, squat, and walk around to make sure the waistband stays put and the pockets do not pull. For serious hikes, prioritize moisture-wicking fabric, stretch, secure pockets, and a comfortable inseam over appearance alone. After all, when your shorts fit well, every trail feels a little less uphill.