Year round runners know the importance of having more than just a pair of shorts to throw on before hitting the road. When things get chilly and cold in the fall, winter, or spring – it is key to be able to slide into some leggings that’ll keep you warm without restricting movement.
Not only do leggings or running tights put a layer between you and the elements, but they can help wick sweat, boost performance, and keep you seen while running at night. Despite how simple the task of finding the right pair of running leggings may seem, it can – at times – be incredibly hard to tell which pair are right for you. It isn’t uncommon that runners will get turned around as to what is worth picking up and what’s not so great. Some are meant for dead-of-winter runs and are, as result, much thicker, while others are meant to constrict your muscles to aide in recovery. We’ve assembled a list of what we think are the best running tights for men. Take a scroll through and see which pair you want to throw on before conquer your local circuits this season.
Nike Pro Hypercool Tights
If you are looking for a solid entry level pair of running tights to pick up for this season, it is hard to go wrong with Nike’s Pro Hypercool. The fabric on these tights is made up of roughly 86% Dri-FIT – Nike’s proprietary sweat wicking and breathable fabric – and 14% spandex. The panels on the running tights are made up of a slightly different composition of 88% Dri-FIT and 12% spandex. The result of this combination is both an incredibly flexible and dynamic pair of tights that keep you cool and dry no matter the exercise. To top it all off, the waistband on these tights is breathable, making them that much more comfortable.
Adidas Response Long Tights
Far from a pair of spandex leggings, this offering from Adidas is completely built for runners. Featuring the athletic apparel giant’s proprietary Climacool ventilation to keep you both cool and dry, along with pre-shaped knees for better articulation while running trails and up steep hills – these running tights are built for taking on your toughest routes. For those who like to run in the early morning before work or after the sun goes down – the tights also feature some reflective detailing along the calves. And to top it all off they feature a concealed zipper pocket on the right side with moisture protection.
Under Armour No Breaks Leggings
For those who are getting out on colder runs – this pick from Under Armour is worth a look. Made with the brand’s HeatGear fabric, these are constructed to keep you protected from chilly weather without weighing you down. Thanks to a four-way stretch technology built into the HeatGear fabric, runners can move without restriction. Of course, Under Armour didn’t stop there. Along with a top of the line moisture transportation and wicking system, combined with an Anti-Odor tech, the leggings feature a built-in brief for support and exterior mesh pockets for carrying keys, cash, or a phone close to the body.
Sugoi Titan Zap Tights
Sugoi has a long history in form fitting athletic wear. They started in 1987 with a pair of bike shorts, but have since evolved into a much more well-rounded company, providing apparel for both professional triathletes and average enthusiasts. It takes just a glance to understand that their Titan Zap tights draw on this decades-deep well of knowledge. Made from a breathable and moisture transferring fabric, these are ideal for heading out on the trail or for running in the city. The reflective back calves on these tights are both large and bright – making for great visibility – while the large waistband and zippered back pocket make for a comfortable fit and easy storage.
Saucony Siberius Tights
Spring and fall chills are nothing when put up against the Saucony Siberius tights. Built to beat back cold and frost, these tight-fitting running pants are made from a polyester and spandex blend that easily wicks sweat – keep the wearer both warm and dry no matter the length of their run. In addition to the warm fabric, the leggings feature an interior drawcord for a comfortable fit, grippers on the cuffs for stability while trouncing around trails, and an exterior zippered pocket along the back.
2XU Accelerate Compression Tights
2XU’s compression tights are a slightly different breed than other running tights. More than just providing a second skin for protection and sweat-wicking while running in colder climates, the leggings are engineered with PWX fabric to provide support for the leg’s major muscles. More than just simply compressing them, this special fabric better aligns muscles along wearer’s legs, making for smoother and more protected movements while training either in the gym or while out on the trail. A tertiary benefit of this type of leggings is that it also provides better circulation along the major muscles for more efficient warm ups and recovery.
Nike Power Speed Flash Tights
This pair of tights from the athletic wear behemoth in the Pacific Northwest combines the best of compression and alignment technology with visibility and targeted reflectivity. These things help support your leg muscles without actually restricting motion by combining Nike’s proprietary Power fabric with the screen printed reflective wrap along the quads and calves. This makes it so when runners hit the trails their muscles vibrate less, reducing fatigue and keeping you seen. In addition to this high tech build, the tights feature a zippered back pocket – for carrying cards, cash, or keys – and a sweat-wicking Dri-FIT technology.
Asics Finish Advantage Tight
Whereas Nike uses a special fabric and screen printing tech for their supportive leggings, this pair from Asics combines an entirely different type of high compression fabric in strategically placed sections along their leggings for support while running. Not only will these provide better circulation and reduce fatigue while running, but the extended compression along the lower back will provide for support along the core and lower back.
Essential Running Gear
Tights are just one part of a runner’s setup. Whether you are dedicated to hitting the trails, shaving down your PR on the track, or just run casually in your city – we’ve got you covered with the best gear for every run.
