14 of the best men’s running tights for shorter, cooler days
Running tights are an essential addition to every runner’s wardrobe. Not only do they provide warmth and comfort in colder conditions, running tights can boost performance by being lightweight and form-fitting, making them more aerodynamic (so you'll at least be moving faster in your head).
As well as regular running tights with varying degrees of insulation, you'll find thermal running tights specifically designed to insulate in freezing conditions, compression tights that are built to help you recover more quickly, and short tights – either three-quarter length or above the knee – for those who want to run quickly in warmer weather while reducing the chance of chafing.
How we test
The RW test team has logged thousands of miles testing every running product we can lay our hands, feet and, in this case, legs on. Drawing on that wealth of experience, we thoroughly road-tested a wide range of tights and leggings, then compared our notes to narrow it down to the very best options, considering their comfort, design, versatility and value for money.
Why trust us?
Runner’s World UK has been vetting and reviewing running gear since 1983. Our essential recommendations, including all kinds of running shoes, are selected based on data and insights gathered by our editors, who put the latest and greatest running shoes and gear through their paces day in and day out. In 2024, the Runner’s World test team is led by e-commerce editor Ali Ball, an 11-time marathoner and ultramarathoner who has over seven years experience testing fitness gear and tech.
The best men's running tights
Achieving warmth without compromising on weight is really the main issue with cold weather tights; you can get lovely warm tights, but they’re often heavy and feel restrictive. These Soar ones do a fantastic job of feeling unobtrusive when running, allowing for the full range of movement, whilst being warm and breathable. The fit of these tights is also pretty much bang on; the crotch depth means you’re not hiking the waistband high on the stomach to avoid sagging and the silicone grippers strategically placed on the inside of the tight keep them in exactly the right place.
These snug-fitting running tights are designed to wick away moisture to help keep you cool and dry. Made from high-stretch material, they’re designed to provide a resistance-free running experience, while two drop-in waistband pockets can carry your keys and band card.
As their name suggests, these leggings are designed to keep your pins nice and toasty even in wintry conditions. They offer firm, supportive compression and dependable warmth along with a surprising amount of breathability, which makes the an ideal base layer.
They have a drop-in pocket at the thigh for a phone and are durable enough to hold up in the wash. Count them as a winter running staple for anyone who clocks miles in extra-cold conditions.
If you’re a shorts-over-tights runner, these 2-in-1s take the faff out of doubling up, combining 7in shorts with stitched-in, three-quarter, 21in leggings. The tights are wonderfully soft and supportive but flexible, with good wicking and effective anti-chafe seams. The ventilated gusset keeps things breathable. We also loved the trio of zippered pockets. The cinchable, silicone-studded waistband stays put well, but the capri length does leave ankles exposed.
Ideal for trail runners, these offer warmth in milder temperatures, as well as a handy waist adjustment feature to dial down the fit to your exact measurements, plus extra protection on the ankles. The four-way stretch offers a degree of muscle support, and the robust material will withstand snags on branches. Two pockets provide plenty of storage space, too.
Built for taming trails but just as happy on the road, this is an excellent utility tight with versatility. It’s a do-it-all combo of bucket-loads of storage with a tight but comfortable, flexible fit and a mid-weight fabric that’ll boost warmth. The waistband packs three stretch-mesh compartments and there’s a small zippered rear pocket, a zippered thigh pocket for a phone and pole loops. Mesh knee panels, elasticated leg cuffs and reflective stripes add to the win.
Designed for long-hauling where you need to carry kit, the USP here is storage with a whopping seven pockets. Two small internal front drop pockets happily port small gels or headphone cases, and two sets of phone-friendly, deep-drop dual thigh pockets – one with a key clip – beef up the stash space. Plus there’s rear stowage for a lightweight jacket. But it’s not just about storage; the super-soft, silky and mildly compressive fabric delivers comfort and we love the modesty-protecting dual-lined frontage.
Offering simple styling with plenty of well-considered detail, these deliver a triple whammy of cold-busting comfort, trail-tough durability and ample storage. The fit is nicely balanced between flexibility and compression. We found the reinforced lower legs great for battering through bracken, the soft gripper tape kept the high-back waistband firmly fixed and the ankle zips make it easy to whip these off after warm-ups. A zippered rear phone pocket and a mesh pocket complete this versatile option.
The best men's thermal tights
A long-time team RW favourite, upgraded this winter with redesigned pocket placement and a minimal, removable drawstring. Soft, luxurious and supportive ‘Inverno Blend’ Italian fabric regulates temperature and moisture for long-miles comfort, enhanced by no-chafe flat lock seams and a droop-proof waistband/drawstring combo. Storage is covered with three drop-in external pockets for fuel and a secure zip phone pocket on the back right.
With the right gear, running during the chilliest months of the year can be every bit as comfortable as venturing out for a spring jog. These are made from warm, form-fitting merino wool, with a stretchy-knit fabric that allows freedom of movement and puts brushed-merino next to your skin for a cosy-luxe feel. Perfect for keeping your legs warm without creating friction or limiting mobility, and the reflective detailing will help keep you seen on low-light outings, too.
Tights that will take an absolute pasting, whether it’s via wind or rain, and keep your pegs dry – the R5s are wrapped in three-layer Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper tech in specific areas, which keeps water droplets out while letting moisture escape. An essential addition to every runner’s wardrobe.
The best men's compression tights
Decathlon’s Kiprun range reliably delivers quality running kit at wallet-friendly prices. These compression tights come complete with five pockets (one big enough for a phone) and a seriously figure-hugging fit. They feel snug and supportive on the run, and we experienced no chafing or rubbing while wearing them. The tights’ targeted ventilation behind the knees prevents your legs from getting too hot and sweaty on the move. But if you’re between sizes, we advise going, as the fit is on the smaller side.
A collab between Adidas and performance fabric specialists Rheon Labs – worn by athletes at the Paris Olympics – these zebra-striped leggings pack a special techno-fabric twist. Strategically placed strips of a reactive super polymer stiffen dynamically during high-energy runs to support your muscles. The wide waistband, elasticated cuffs and compression-like fit keep everything locked and loaded. They lack storage but are excellent for faster racing and up-tempo sessions.
Another good option when temperatures drop, Cep’s weightier zonal compression tights use a thicker blend of fabrics that offer targeted compression and an excellent barrier against the cold. If you struggle with thin waistbands that may cut in, the extra-wide band here holds securely with no unwanted pressure. Elasticated leg cuffs also prevent fussy ride-up. If storage is a deal-breaker, note that stash space is limited to a knitted thigh pocket, not quite big enough for the largest iPhone.
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