Who Makes The Best Running Tights?

Running tights can help keep you warm in cold conditions. But the benefits they offer don’t stop there. Sportswear makers have packed their running tights full of other features that help runners stay dry and comfortable, provide protection from the elements, and offer convenience while on and off the road.

Some of the more popular options to consider include:

Fight moisture / Stay warm
• Special fabrics wick away sweat from your skin to keep you feeling dry
• Mesh panels placed in high-moisture or high-heat areas maximize breathe-ability.
(Lookout for rear mesh panels in tailwinds though…)
• Extra thermal layers or lining keep you warm

Manage your environment
• Reflective material makes you more visible in low light
• Front panel wind-barrier fabric blocks wind
• Water-resistant fabric or fabric treatments repel precipitation

Stay comfortable /Stash your stuff
• Pockets help you safely stash personal items like keys
• Zippers adjust for easy on/off or custom fit
• Specialized features aid your performance in other targeted areas

Here are four different options for running tights that offer a variety of features. The best running tights for you will depend on your specific needs as a runner.

Karrimor– (general warmth)
Karrimor, a company known more for its outdoor footwear and rucksacks than for its running gear, offers basic running tights. Contrary to the increasing feature trend of some brands, karrimor running tights are relatively basic. Made of 90% polyester and 10% spandex, this simple style has zip pockets on the side and back to allow stashing of keys, cards or MP3 players as needed.

ASICS Mens Myles Core Tight – (technical warmth)
These asics running tights leverage the technology of 90% Polyester / 10% Lycra knit compression fabric to deliver stretch and create a breathable running environment. The company claims such compression action keeps muscles warm during workout. A different approach than adding a thermal layer for warmth, these tights focus on providing warmth in a single layer. For comfort, flat lock stitch construction avoids chafing and gripper elastic keeps everything in place, rounding out the promise of light and comfortable warmth.

CWX Stablyx Tight –(muscle support)
These cwx running tights promise specialized muscle support for lower back, glutes, abs and knee joints. Supporting these lower body muscle groups during activity can reduce muscle fatigue and improve performance. To increase stability and power to the core area, these tights also provide support for lower abdominal muscles, hips and back. Similar to the effects of taping to protect injured muscles and reduce the incidence of injury to muscles and joints, the supporting construction in these tights targets the same effect. They can be worn inside or outside other layers to adjust to temperature and other conditions.

Brooks Vapor Dry 2 – (thermo-regulation)
These brooks running tights employ a two-step approach to achieving warmth and comfort. Their name for this approach is Equilibrium™. By using fabric with superior moisture wicking ability, body surfaces stay drier and runners are less likely to become chilled. In addition, mess fabric is placed in high heat zones to keep areas from overheating. Together these features help regulate body temperature. Constructed of 93% polyester and 7% spandex.