Winter weather has arrived to many of our road routes and running trails, and while it doesn’t mean the end of running, the changing weather does mean it’s time for many of us to switch from shorts to tights. Running tights are a versatile layering option, with plenty of different material blends and thermal options. I’ve tested dozens of running tights, from warm-weather sweat-wicking models to heavy-duty winter running tights built with merino and fleece. These are the best for their fit, thermal regulation, and how well they stay up while running.
Best Running Tights
The Expert: I’ve been hiking and trail running for as long as I can remember, often in terrible weather and conditions that require a variety of clothing styles and layering techniques. I've been testing and reviewing running gear and apparel for nearly a decade, which helps me understand the nuances of fit, materials, technical details, and intended use. I have personally tested dozens of models of running tights, ranging from top name brands to budget picks. My gear reviews and other work has appeared in Backpacker, Lonely Planet, Outside, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Backpacking Light, and The Trek, among other outlets. I am the cofounder of Backpacking Routes, a website that connects backpackers with long-distance trails across the country.
How to Choose Running Tights
Running tights are pretty straightforward, but I recommend looking at material blend, number (and location) of pockets, and the fit/rise. Your choice is also impacted by where you live and the conditions you’ll be running in.
Materials
The fibers found in tights are usually polyester or nylon for durability and water resistance. Thicker, sturdier tights are often woven with more elastane (spandex) for stretch and compression, great for runners who want more wrap-around support during workouts. A pair of tights with a lower elastane percentage can feel more comfortable for all-day wear, but they won’t have the same structure and support as ones with higher elastane content.
More From Runner's World
I’ve included several pairs of winter-ready tights in this roundup, which are made with an insulating fleece or merino. For cold-weather tights to wear on high-output days, consider body mapped patterning such as windproof panels on the front for weather protection, and perforations behind the knees to vent heat.
Features (Zippers, Pockets, Drawcords)
Look for the number/depth of pockets, reflective striping for after-dark runs, and zippered leg openings. Deep side pockets are great for stashing a phone or headphone case, and a zippered pocket on the waistband can hold a credit card or keys. If floor workouts are part of your regimen, choose tights with pockets that forgo zippers (think envelope-style) for added comfort.
Most tights also come with an internal drawcord to help keep them secure during movement, and some will have zippers around the lower legs to help pull them on and off.
Length and Rise
Running tights often come in 3/4 (capri), 7/8, or full-length styles. I like full-length for maximum coverage during cold runs, and opt for 7/8 for more versatility. You can always wear tall socks to cover any shin gaps. Three-quarter length tights are a great option for moderate temperature runs, and they tend to stay securely on your hips or waist, as there’s less material to catch and pull. As far as rise goes, I opt for a high rise fit with a wide, yoga-style waistband. The high waist helps the tights stay up during runs, and the wide waistband resists pinching, rolling, and bunching.
How We Selected
To find the best leggings for runners, we queried a variety of sources, including runners from all around the country running in a range of conditions, as well as wear-testers and staff who logged mileage through all sorts of weather to evaluate comfort and performance.
I’ve also worn most of these pants, and focused my own testing on a range of products for durability, weather protection, and ease of movement. These bottoms will shield you from wind, allow for a full range of motion, and keep you from becoming a human ice cube. These are the tights we’ve worn on runs, to yoga class, and admittedly, long past when we finished our workouts—because they're just that comfortable.
BEST ALL AROUND
Brooks Method 7/8 Tights
Pros
- Durable face fabric
- Deep side pockets
- Ventilation perforations
Cons
Key Specs
| Material | 72% polyester, 28% spandex |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS–2XL |
| Pockets | 4 |
These running tights are so versatile it seems impossible they’d feel comfortable for everything from yoga to skate skiing to a long run, but they do. These don’t roll or sag during runs, and the perforations along key ventilation points help dump heat as the activity ramps up. They have a smooth finish that resists pilling, and the deep side pockets securely hold a phone and headphone case on the go. There are two additional pockets in the waistband, and while these tights aren’t lined or windproof, they’re slim enough to wear under a looser cold-weather layer like podium pants or windproof joggers.
BEST MODERATE COMPRESSION
Janji 7/8 Groundwork 2.0 Tight
Janji 7/8 Groundwork 2.0 Tight
Janji 7/8 Groundwork 2.0 Tight
Pros
- Five pockets
- Seamless cuffs
- Secure high waist
Cons
- More compression than other pairs
Key Specs
| Sizes | Women’s: XS–XL | Men’s: S-XL |
|---|---|
| Material | 68% nylon, 32% spandex |
| Number of Pockets | 5 |
These tights have a stretchy, high waistband that will help prevent you from continually pinching the sides to hike them up, though the stiffer fabric can cause them to fit less snug around the lower legs.
“At no point during my run did I feel like pulling up the leggings,” said a tester. “The women’s version of the Groundwork tight was comfortable, form-fitting, and overall ideal for runners who have a somewhat curvier, hourglass body shape.” These bottoms have five pockets for storage: two slits in the waistband, an external back envelope pocket, and two deep side pockets.
BEST ODOR CONTROL
Korsa Women’s Infinite High Rise Capri
Korsa Women’s Infinite High Rise Capri
Korsa Women’s Infinite High Rise Capri
Pros
- Soft material
- Odor-resistant fabric
Cons
- Only one pocket
Key Specs
| Material | 80% polyester, 20% spandex |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Pockets | 1 |
This capri from Korsa—Road Runner Sports’s apparel line—is light enough for temperate weather and ultra-soft for all-day wear. The leggings have a high waistband with a small pocket that’s convenient for storing keys and cards, though we’d love to see a deep side pocket or two for additional carrying capacity. We found this pair’s moisture-wicking prowess as well as its odor-controlling abilities to be effective in our testing. One tester ended her run at a coffee shop and spent the rest of her caffeinated workday still comfortably wearing the capri.
BEST RUN-TO-YOGA-CLASS OPTION
Outdoor Voices SeamlessRib 7/8 Legging
Outdoor Voices SeamlessRib 7/8 Leggings
Outdoor Voices SeamlessRib 7/8 Leggings
Pros
- High, wide waistband
- Body-sculpting fit
Cons
- No pockets
- Less durable
Key Specs
| Material | 63% nylon, 29% polyester, 8% elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Pockets | 0 |
These high-rise leggings fit in the sweet spot of moderate runs, yoga classes, and everyday wear. They’re built with OV’s SeamlessRib for a smoothing look and moderate compression, and are made with more than 30% recycled materials. They’re snug without feeling suffocating, and while they aren’t my top pick for long outdoor runs, these are a solid pair to wear to the gym when you transition from the treadmill to the yoga class.
MOST COMFORTABLE FOR ALL-DAY WEAR
Old Navy Women’s High-Waisted Powersoft 7/8 Leggings
Old Navy Women’s High-Waisted Powersoft 7/8 Leggings
Old Navy Women’s High-Waisted Powersoft 7/8 Leggings
Pros
- Side pockets
- Soft handfeel
- Affordable price
Cons
- Less compressive
Not only are these tights affordable, but they come in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes, and they have deep side pockets. You can also choose from different inseams so the length is an honest 7/8, even if you are petite or tall. A minor critique is that the Powersoft fabric wasn’t as snug or compressive as other high-waisted tights, though we love the softness of the brushed fabric.
BEST UNLINED COLD-WEATHER TIGHTS
Brooks Momentum Thermal Tights
Brooks Momentum Thermal Tights
Brooks Momentum Thermal Tights
Pros
- Three pockets
- Fast-drying material
- UPF 50+ fabric
Cons
- No reflective detail
These 28-inch-inseam tights are woven with Brooks’s moisture-wicking, poly-spandex fabric, which locks in warmth so you won’t freeze… all without feeling like bulky overkill for moderate-to-cold days. This material also shields you from ultraviolet rays with UPF 50+ protection, so you’ll be protected from the cold and the sun. Both the men’s and women’s tights have side pockets with ample room, along with a back pocket in the waistband. While testers liked the tights’ overall comfort, runners up before dawn wished this pair offered more reflectivity, and keep in mind the lower spandex amount means less compression.
BEST AFFORDABLE MEN’S RUNNING TIGHTS
Asics Men’s Essentials Tight
ASICS Men's Essentials Tight
ASICS Men's Essentials Tight
Pros
- Good base layer under wind pants
- Affordable
Cons
- Lower rise
- Narrow waistband
Key Specs
| Material | 92% polyester, 8% spandex |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
| Pockets | 1 |
The Essentials Tight is an ideal option for men who want more coverage on their legs or an extra layer under their shorts or pants when the temperature dips. It has an interior drawstring to adjust the waistband and is made of quick-drying materials, which had one tester running midday in 70 degrees without complaint. These pants have a zippered back pocket that can fit keys and a credit card, and they come in a good size range that includes two “tall” options for longer inseams.
FASTEST DRYING TIGHTS
New Balance Women’s Q Speed Fuel 7/8 Tight
New Balance Women’s Q Speed Fuel 7/8 Tight
New Balance Women’s Q Speed Fuel 7/8 Tight
Pros
- Hip pockets
- Reflective waistband
- Lightweight fabric
Cons
- Tend to sag
- Narrow waistband
Key Specs
| Material | 100% polyester |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Pockets | 2 |
The Q Speed Fuel grants your need for speed with a sleek fit and high-rise coverage. One tester even dubbed these the most comfortable tights she’s worn, though the lower compression means they’re hard to keep from sliding down, and the waistband can feel narrow to some testers. If you’re looking for tights comfortable for all-day wear with a lightweight feel, these are a solid pick.
BEST BUDGET PICK
90 Degree By Reflex Power Flex Tights
90 Degree By Reflex Power Flex Tights
90 Degree By Reflex Power Flex Tights
Pros
- Affordable
- Wide, comfortable waistband
- Durable build
Cons
Key Specs
| Material | 100% polyester |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-3XL |
| Pockets | 2 |
I call these tights a “budget pick,” but there’s very little compromise here. The Power Flex has consistently been one of my go-to tights for everything from everyday wear to runs, hikes, and yoga classes. The material is thick without being overly constricting, and I haven’t yet worn through a pair, either by stretching or pilling. These have the same high-waist, wicking fabric, and deep side pockets of pricier leggings, plus they come in a wide variety of fun and trendy colors.
BEST FOR RUNNING IN THE DARK
Under Armour Run Anywhere Tights
Under Armour Run Anywhere Tights
Under Armour Run Anywhere Tights
Pros
- Deliberate reflective detailing
- Wide zippered pocket
- Stays secure around waist
Cons
- Fairly lightweight for cold
Key Specs
| Material | 77% polyester, 23% elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Pockets | 2 |
With waist-to-ankle reflective detailing, these lightweight, breathable tights are a great moderate-temperature option for pre-dawn and after-dark runs. They use Under Armour’s HeatGear fabric, which has a comfortable four-way stretch without losing support, and wicks sweat while still providing full coverage. I can fit a phone and gels in the wide, zippered back pocket, and stash my headphone case in the deep side pocket.
BEST THERMAL REGULATION
Norrona Trollveggen Warmwool2 Stretch Tights
Norrona Trollveggen Warmwool2 Stretch Tights
Pros
- Body mapped paneling for warmth
- Recycled materials
- Versatile for winter activities
Cons
- Don’t stay up as well as more compressive models
Key Specs
| Material | Body: 57% polyester, 33% nylon, 10% elastane | Panel: 76% polyester, 18% wool, 6% elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Pockets | 1 |
This winter-specific pair of tights comes with body-mapped wool-blend panels for added wind resistance and insulation, and are incredibly breathable while feeling warm and protective. They have zippers along the side for easy changing and venting, and are made from a blend of wool, elastane, and recycled polyester that stays structured and odorless. These are a great all-around pair of winter tights, whether you’re running or wearing them as a hiking or skiing base layer. It would be nice to have a waistband pocket, but they did include a large zippered thigh pocket that fits a phone, gel, and a credit card.
BEST FOR SUPER COLD RUNS
Smartwool Merino Sport Fleece Wind Tights
Smartwool Merino Sport Fleece Wind Tights
Smartwool Merino Sport Fleece Wind Tights
Pros
- Windproof paneling
- Reflective striping
- DWR finish
Cons
- Might feel too hot for some runners
Key Specs
| Material | Body: 46% polyester, 38% Merino, 16% elastane| Panel: 85% nylon, 15% elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Pockets | 3 |
This winter running tight from Smartwool uses a high percentage of merino in the face fabric and lining, and a nylon / elastane blend in the windproof front panel. While they do have sweat-wicking capabilities, I would recommend these tights for colder runs, as they’re warmer than pants without the merino lining and face fabric. These have a durable water repellent (DWR) finish for light precipitation, a high waistband with an internal drawcord, and flatlock seams to help prevent chafing.
Q&A
RW: What’s the #1 feature you look for in running tights?
MS: Rise and waistband—few things irritate me more than constantly tugging on my tights to keep them up from sliding down. I like a high rise to keep the tights in place, and a wide, yoga-style waistband with an internal drawcord for comfort and security. The right combo of these elements means comfortable fit and function, staying high over my hips without pinching my stomach.
RW: What length tights do you prefer?
MS: I opt for 7/8-length tights. This style is long enough to be protective against the elements, but they don’t bunch around my ankles like full-length tights. This length is also versatile for people with different inseams, making them easy to shop for. Additionally, many 7/8-length running tights have an angled cut around the ankle, which I’ve found makes them easier to take on and off.
RW: When do you switch over to winter-specific running tights?
MS: It depends on the conditions, but on a sunny day I’m ready for fleece-lined tights or weather-protective paneling at around 20 degrees. If it’s windy or snowing, I wear a heavier pair around 30 degrees. On the coldest days, I wear a pair of midweight tights with windproof pants over the top, similar to cross-country ski layering.
Maggie Slepian is a full-time freelance writer in the outdoor industry and has tested gear professionally for almost ten years—she is an avid backpacker, trail runner, bikepacker, and horseback rider and has thru-hiked thousands of miles on the Appalachian, Colorado, and Ouachita trails, along with backcountry travel on terrain including coastal trails, the desert, and high alpine peaks. Maggie has written for New York Magazine, Huffington Post, REI, and Outside. She is a columnist with Backpacker Magazine and is the co-founder of BackpackingRoutes.com. Contact her at MaggieSlepian.com.
