On a chilly run, you can become acutely aware of the cold-weather capabilities of your running tights.
Maybe your buns get super cold. Maybe your ankles are too exposed. Maybe you notice a nice, beet-red sheen over your whole lower body as you disrobe in front of the shower.
Winter running is tough enough; don’t make it harder by wondering if your goosebumps are poking through the threadbare fabric. Invest in a pair of winter running tights. And yes, invest is the right verb here; most of these tights are on the pricey side, but they’ll last for years.
To help you find the right pair of winter running tights, we had our BAMRbassadors, ranging from 5’2″ to 5’8″ and size S to XL, test six pairs of tights. Check them out—your frozen buns will thank you.
Smartwool Active Fleece Wind Tight
Price: $140
Sizes: S-XL
Out-of-the-package impression: Substantial, sleek and ready for cold temps. “I could tell they had wind-resistant panels over the quads, which was great,” notes Nicole, “That area gets really cold on me.”
The fit: Nicole (5’3″) found them to be a little long, but, “she’s used to that.” Laura (5’8″, normally a size large) found them to be a little big; if she ordered again, she would size down.
On the road: The thicker fabric wasn’t an issue. “My legs stayed warm on a 10-degree run, and the tights didn’t feel bulky,” says Nicole. Laura took them out in 20-degree temps and was equally as impressed; her glutes, normally an icy spot for her, stayed nice and toasty. In addition, both appreciated the multiple reflective details.
Pocket situation: Two: one with a zipper, one without.
Complaints: Nicole wasn’t a fan of the zipper around the ankles. “They were stretchy enough without them,” she says. Laura’s only complaint was the sizing; they slid down a bit during her run.
“If you live in a climate where the weather is cold and windy, these tights are worth the money. They’ll last for years.”
Rabbit Speed Tights
Price: $115
Sizes: S-XL
Out-of-the-package impression: Smooth and silky fabric.
The fit: Megan (5’2″) liked the 7/8-length leggings as they felt like full length to her. They hit Shannon (5’7″) right at the ankles. “They’re true to size, and the right amount of compression,” she says. Megan adds the profile is very flattering, “Especially around the butt. Smooth and snug in all the right places.”
On the road: No complaints. The drawstring helped Megan get the perfect fit, and on Shannon’s five-miler, they stayed put.
Pocket situation: SO many pockets! Two side pockets for a phone, one zipper in the rear, and two in the tights themselves for smaller items. “The side pockets are higher on the leg, so they don’t pull the tights down when full, like other tights can,” says Shannon.
Complaints: Shannon suggests removing the vent holes on the back to increase warmth for cooler runs.
“These are best for runs around 30-40 degrees. They’re not super thick, but they do feel substantial.”
Rab Talus Tights
Price: $95
Sizes: XXS-XL
Out-of-the-package impression: The trademark “Flexile” fabric felt weightless and super-stretchy; both testers loved it, although the fabric didn’t feel like it would be super warm.
The fit: Sarah and Mary Ellen (both 5’8″) loved the stretch and fit .”Spot-on: they’re snug, but not too tight,” says Sarah, “They offer the right amount of support without feeling restrictive.”
On the road: The weightless feeling translated to Mary Ellen feeling like her body was moving faster (yay for new gear!). Both testers will appreciated the lumbar-shaped waistband, which was both comfortable and kept the tights snug.
Pocket situation: Three total: two side, one zippered on the back. “This is the first pair of tights I’ve had that had a rear zip pocket big enough for my iPhone,” says Mary Ellen, adding that the well-designed waistband kept the phone flat and movement-free.
Complaints: Mary Ellen, who has a 31″ inseam, would prefer them to be a little longer, while Sarah felt these tights were a little out of her budget, but notes that they have some versatility: “They can be worn for lounging or hanging around,” she says, “so I would consider them as a useful splurge.”
“These are best for temperatures above freezing, but you could wear them as a base layer under other tights on really cold days.”
Icebreaker Merino 260 Fastray 25″ High Rise Tights
Price: $120
Sizes: XS-XL
Out-of-the-package impression: Right when I felt them, I knew I was going to love them,” says Nicole. “A wonderful wool texture,” says Laura, “Super soft.”
The fit: Nicole (5’2″) found these to be the “perfect length for her shorter frame.” Laura (5’8″) was equally impressed. “True to size and very comfortable,” she says, “They don’t ride up or down.”
On the road: Both testers found these winter running tights to be rock solid as far as fit. Nobody had the waistband slip or the crotch drop.”I was pleasantly surprised!” says Nicole, adding that they slipped on so easily, she thought they’d be too big.
Pocket situation: One side pocket that felt pretty minimal.
Complaints: Laura wasn’t a fan of the color she tested (above), and she needed to wear longer socks to cover her ankles. Nicole found them a bit pricey. “If they had deeper pockets and reflective bands, I could justify the cost.”
“The wool fabric is great alone for days around 30 degrees, and you can easily use these as a base layer on colder days.”
Black Diamond Session Tights
Price: $92-119
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Out-of-the-package impression: Sarah tested the ink blue color, which she appreciated. “A pleasant pop from basic black,” she says. Megan adds that the fabric felt high-quality: a good combo of stretch and compression.
The fit: The small was too big for Megan (5’2″, 120 lbs.), who would have preferred an XS (editor’s note: we didn’t have time to get her a replacement size). Meanwhile, 5’8″ Sarah, who typically wears a small, found the small to be perfect for her. “Snug and supportive fit,” she says, “With a streamlined, flattering silhouette that felt long enough.”
On the road: Sarah loved “They stayed up without me having to yank them up mid-run,” says Sarah, “I always appreciate that with my body type, as I tend to deal with slippage quite often (or I have to tie the draw string super-tight and then struggle to untie it!).”
Pocket situation: Two: a side pocket and a waist pocket.
Complaints: Sizing issues aside, Megan would have appreciated a zipped back pocket for a key, and Sarah wanted the fabric to have a little more heft to it to counteract cold temps.
“These would be great for those days when it’s not super cold: somewhere in the 30s.”
Baleaf Laureate High-Rise Zipper Pockets Thermal Leggings
Price: $37.99
Sizes: XS-XXL
Out-of-the-package impression: “They looked soft and stretchy,” says Jessica. Amanda loved the style, but wasn’t keen on the color they tested (Tannin). “It shows more dirt, wetness and body lines,” she says, “I prefer black or darker colors.”
The fit: Both raved about a perfect fit. “High waist; true to size,” says Jessica, who also shared Amanda’s complaint about the color. “They show everything. They’re not the least bit flattering.”
On the road: Maximum comfort, minimal movement: both testers agreed they loved the performance while moving. That said, despite thermal being in the style name, the fabric wasn’t warm enough for Jessica, who ran in 25 degree temps.
Pocket situation: Three: two phone-size pockets on each side, plus one zipper pocket.
Complaints: The color was the only complaint. “I’m so comfortable in them, I’m not ready to strip them off after my hike,” says Amanda, “I would wear them on a daily basis if I could.”
So basically only the Smartwool are true winter tights, everything else is “above 30 only”. Can we have a redo and find some reviews for tights rated 0-30F? Or just go with whatever you XC ski in ?
I noticed that too, but I think it’s a personal preference as well. I personally have a few pairs of the Baleaf leggings and wear them on every run below 30 degrees and do just fine in them. In fact, if it’s much above 30 degrees then they are too hot and I’m wishing for non-thermal, thinner leggings. So I think it’s something you have to test out and find your own preference!
I agree, 30ish degrees isn’t winter! I’m in MN and Craft brand do well for actual winter, though they have poor size inclusivity (AND run small). I also really love Athleta’s tights – the Rainier (for coldish) and Altitude (really cold!) and Athleta’s size inclusivity makes it a super win!