Whilst braving a cold, dreary morning to pound the pavements for a 5k run isn’t exactly inspiring, sometimes it’s just the wake up call you need to get energised for the working day ahead. And, really, with the right equipment, you’ll turn the daily chore into an enjoyable start to the AM.
Enter running tights, which can be layered under your favourite running shorts, or completely replace them, leaving you feeling prepared for anything Mother Nature can throw your way. Warming, quick drying, and sometimes weather resistant, they’re the solution to any unbearable bare-legged frosty mornings where your favourite shorts just won’t cut it.
Also known as compression pants, some styles are super tight to improve blood flow and muscle stabilisation and oxygenation, so consider these if you’re looking to reach your optimum potential. Others are a little softer, aimed at creating a comfortable, less restrictive extra layer, perfect if protecting yourself from the chilly elements is your main goal.
Another thing to look out for is pockets. Often large enough to fit keys or your phone, they’re a practical added extra that should be on your wishlist. Most leggings will have them but look out for how they’re secured, to make sure you can stow away your valuables safely, and check whether they’re seamless to avoid any chafing in the, ahem, sensitive areas
Other perks include reflective details, helpful when the nights start to draw in, weatherproof materials to combat particularly windy and rainy conditions, and mesh panels, offering breathability to those out there who are on the sweatier side.
Keep scrolling to treat yourself to a pair of running tights that transform your running wardrobe for the seasons ahead.
Under Armour Men's UA Speedpocket Tights
If you like to run with a phone, Under Armour’s leggings are for you. With an expandable center-front weather resistant waistband pocket, even a plus-sized phone will be easily accessible, protected from the elements, and completely secure. Even better, they’re super soft, quick drying, have laser perforations for ventilation, and boast an extra zipped back pocket for your keys. Once you’ve tried them, you’ll never look back.
Buy now £70.00, Under Armour
Soar Running Session Tights 2.0
If you want to set the pace, look no further than Soar’s running tights made using a lightweight woven fabric that offers a mild compression fit. This ensures that while there’s no restriction of movement, your muscles will feel supported even as you pick up speed. Even better, the inner face of the fabric boasts printed silicone to hold them in place.
There are small inner pockets for your valuables with no zips or seams that could lead to unnecessary chafing, and reflective details on the cuffs to keep you safe in the dark. They’re an investment that will make a difference.
Buy now £125.00, MatchesFashion
Tracksmith Turnover Tights
If vintage collegiate style is your aesthetic, look no further than American brand Tracksmith. Available in six colours, the brand’s tights are crafted in the brand’s Inverno Blend, a smooth knit that fends off light precipitation, with a soft brushed back that creates a barrier between you and the fabric - keeping you cool on summer days and warm when the winter weather arrives. Ideal for training in the cold, these are a stylish option that will have you covered for the months ahead.
Buy now £145.00, Tracksmith
2XU Light Speed compression tights
For those looking for extra support on anything from a 5k to a marathon, 2XU’s tights alleviate the load transfer on the knee joint and calf to relieve muscle strain, as well as boosting blood flow to muscles to improve performance and speed up recovery.
With three back pockets for your phone, keys, and gels, a reflective logo to improve visibility in the dark, and a durable moisture-wicking fabric to keep the skin cool and dry, they’ll give you your best cold weather run yet.
Buy now £100.00, MatchesFashion
Nike Dri-FIT Challenger
Made using 75 per cent recycled polyester fibres, Nike’s leggings are a more sustainable option that go the distance. An unrestrictive stretchy design, they’ll see you running for miles - and a large centre-back pocket and small side pocket means you can bring all of your essentials, too.
Featuring an encased elastic waistband with a drawcord for an adjustable fit and Nike’s signature Dri-FIT technology to keep you feeling comfortable, they’re an affordable style that won’t let you down.
Buy now £44.95, Nike
On Running Tights Long
Crafted using 50 per cent recycled materials, On Running’s tights are an ideal transitional option that are warm enough for cool days and light enough for in-between seasons - they even have buttons which mean layering the brand’s waterproof products is a breeze.
With ankle zippers and an adjustable waistband, they’re easy to get on and off, and covered pockets will keep your valuables secure. And offering a gently compressive feel whilst remaining high stretch and low weight, they’re the perfect all rounder.
Buy now £95.00, On Running
New Balance Impact Run Tight
Cold weather training is a tough balancing act, and once you’ve warmed up it’s hard to know whether you’ll overheat or not. Well, not with New Balance’s leggings, which have a handy storage tunnel for storing any top layers you need to strip off mid-run.
Designed in a fitted silhouette with drop-in hip pockets for nutrition and fitted pockets for valuables, they’re a premium product for a great price.
Buy now £55.00, New Balance
Gymshark Element Baselayer Legging
Sculpted for support and function, using a sweat-wicking and breathable fabric, Gymshark’s tights are a great affordable option. Though they don’t feature any pockets, they’re a perfect baselayer to wear beneath your favourite shorts, transforming them for the colder weather.
Buy now £22.00, Gymshark
Lululemon Senseknit Running Tight 28”
Take your long distance runs further with Lululemon’s leggings that offer freedom of movement and targeted support every step of the way. Sweat wicking, quick drying and with a four way stretch, they offer maximum comfort.
The gel pockets on the inner waistband and drop-in pockets on the side will ensure that storage for your nutrition, keys and valuables will be covered. Designed in both black and rhino grey, there’s an option to suit any running outfit.
Buy now £138.00, Lululemon
