1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best value: Mountain Warehouse Running Leggings
3. Best for wind and rain: Gore R3 Partial Windstopper Tights
4. Best for the cold: Tracksmith NDO Tights
5. Most comfortable: Saysky Logo Pace+ Tights
6. Best running tights with pockets: Soar Fast Cargo Tights
7. Best compression tights: 2XU Ignition Shield Compression Tights
8. Best for milder winters: Nike Dri-FIT Challenger
For some runners, the moment the weather gets too cold for shorts is the moment they choose to give up outdoor running altogether until the spring. Pah, I say to them, pah! Running in the winter is just as enjoyable as running in the summer—you just need the right kind of running gear, and that includes tights.
The best running tights—also known as leggings—will keep you snug without restricting movement and some offer compression to help warm up your muscles and aid in their post-run recovery. Here is my pick of the best men’s running leggings to consider.
How I Test Running Tights
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I run around 50-70 miles a week all year round and while the winter is not too harsh where I live in north London, I still opt to wear tights for a lot of my runs during the colder months. I test each pair of tights I cover in this round-up over two or three runs, and I’m looking for warmth without feeling any kind of restriction on the run.
The Quick List
These are the running tights I rate most highly, within various categories. For more in-depth analysis, click on the links to the full reviews further down the page.
Best value
These budget tights are a great option for those who run through fairly mild winters and don’t tend to need tights every day. They bunch up a little more than the pricier picks on my list, but will do fine for occasional use.
Best for wind and rain
The windproof and water-repellent fabric on the top half of these tights will help you to power through the elements on your runs. That protection comes at the expense of bulk, but you won’t care about that when the weather outside is frightful.
Best for the cold
Built to handle the rigors of snowy winters, these dual-layer tights are exceptionally warm and water-repellent. They’re overkill in mild conditions, but might become essential for running in harsh winters.
These thick tights have a soft interior that makes them feel very cozy indeed, and I found that they are also easier to pull on than other tights. They’re suitable for very cold days, though are a bit bulky for hard runs.
Best running tights with pockets
The pouch on the back of these tights has several useful pockets and a pull-through tunnel you can use to stash a jacket on the run. The tights themselves are warm but fairly lightweight, so they don’t feel restrictive on the run.
Best compression tights
Great for using during runs or to aid your recovery after them, the 2XU compression tights offer extra protection thanks to the waterproof fabric on the top of them. There’s a large pocket on the back for your phone too, which is handy.
Best for milder winters
These lightweight tights won’t suit particularly wet and cold conditions but are a great option for milder climes where you don’t want to risk overheating. The tights have a phone pocket, and this uses a coated material to protect your phone if it does start raining.
The Best Running Tights For Men
Best Value
If you rarely feel the need to pull on a pair of tights, then having a cheaper set just to provide extra warmth on particularly cold days is a smart way to go. These Mountain Warehouse leggings aren’t as warm as pricier tights and don’t have any pockets and I found they bunched up a little, but they will do the job for occasional use. Best of all, they seem to be constantly reduced from their already low RRP.
Best For Wind And Rain
Windproof and water-repellent fabric on the top half of these tights keeps you warm and dry where it’s most appreciated, while the lighter fabric below the knee prioritizes breathability. There’s a small zipped pocket on the back of the tights, which have reflective details on the front and back. They might be bulkier than most tights, but there are occasions when the extra warmth and protection you get here is invaluable. I remember running around an icy field in a freezing gale wearing these tights, marveling at their warmth.
Best For The Cold
NDO stands for no days off, and wearing these seriously warm tights enables you to run on freezing days without fear that your legs will fall off. The dual-layer design has a windproof and water repellent outer layer and traps warmth against your body. It’s a snug design that’s bulkier than lightweight tights, but I found the tights still allow free movement.
Two large envelope pockets on the back can be used without having to take your gloves off, though I found it hard to use them while wearing mittens. There is also a zip pocket that’s large enough for your phone, which is held tightly against your body so it doesn’t bounce. The price is high and these tights will be too warm if your winters don’t often feature freezing temperatures, but if you are facing those conditions regularly the NDO tights might make themselves indispensable.
Most Comfortable
The soft fabric on the inside of these tights makes them a joy to pull on, and the cozy, comfortable feel might well prove an extra motivation to get out the door for your run on freezing days. The tights are thick, and so can feel a bit bulky for fast running, but they’re perfect for long and easy cruises in cold conditions.
There is a drop-in pocket on the right leg for your phone, and a fairly large zip pocket on the back of the tights that you can stuff keys and a couple of gels in. I also found the Saysky Logo Pace+ tights easier to pull on than others, and while that isn’t a massive factor, it adds to the comfort when the tights slip on without needing a lot of tugging, because I find that can irritate the hair on my legs.
Best Running Tights With Pockets
A world of pockets awaits anyone who picks up these tights, with myriad options for storing your stuff attached to the back of the Soar Fast Cargo Tights. There is a large pouch pocket with two sections that allows easy access to things like gels and another large zipped pocket for valuables. There’s also a slide-through tunnel into which you can push extra layers so your belongings are held in place against your body.
The result is that you can carry enough gear for long runs without needing a running belt or a backpack, and the pockets are well designed so you can grab stuff easily with one hand from the pouch and tunnel. You can also run fast in the tights thanks to their close fit and lightweight feel. If you frequently head out in freezing temperatures you might need warmer tights than these, but I found them warm enough for any runs last winter.
Best Compression Tights
They won’t work for everyone, but those looking for a combination of warmth, weather protection and compression will find it in these tights. The fabric on the upper legs is waterproof, while the lower legs are sheathed in a thermal material for extra warmth. They may be just too warm for some and the high level of compression will not appeal to everyone, but one feature that I’m sure will appeal to pretty much all runners is the large pocket on the back that can take a phone.
Best For Milder Winters
The Challenger tights aren’t the warmest or most weatherproof in Nike’s range, and if you want more water resistance in particular it’s worth looking at the Repel tights instead, but for those who live in climates with relatively mild winters the Challenger tights might see you through to spring. The benefit of the lighter material is that it allows you to move freely too.
I’m always pleased to see a pocket for your phone on running shorts and tights, and in this case Nike has used a coated material for the pocket to keep your phone dry. There is also a smaller drop-in pocket for essentials like keys or a card, and the ankle zipper on the bottom of the tights makes it possible to get them on and off without taking off your shoes.
More Winter Running Gear
- When it comes to running in comfort, it’s all about that base, so here are the best baselayers for running
- Protect your hands from the winter weather with the best running gloves
