The Best Running Tights For Men in 2024

The products featured in this article have been independently reviewed. When you buy something through the retail links on this page, we may earn commission at no cost to you, the reader. Sports Illustrated editorial staff are not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more here.

As the weather starts to get cooler, having the right pair of running tights makes all the difference in terms of comfort, warmth and movement. Running is a year-round sport, yet for many chilly temperatures and rough conditions can be the deterrent that prevents you from getting out the door. Having the right cold-weather running gear, including running gloves and tights, can help.

Here, we’ll run you through our picks for the best men’s running tights, ensuring you are investing in yourself and a pair of tights that will help you face the conditions head on. I even put a couple of pairs to the test during my marathon training to help you decide which tights are best for you. Plus, we’ll help you understand the benefits of running tights, how to use them and what to keep in mind with your training.

Wind, precipitation, colder temperatures and all the uncontrollable elements can make a run hard; do yourself a favor and invest in a pair of tights that will control what you can control—your comfort, warmth and movement.

Our Picks for the Best Running Tights for Men in 2024:

• Most Comfortable Men’s Running Tights: adidas Own the Run Leggings
• Best Winter Running Tights for Men: Lululemon Surge Warm Tight
• Best Size-Inclusive Men’s Running Tights: Nike Dri-Fit ADV AeroSwift
• Best Men’s Running Tights with Compression: NoBull Men’s Compression Tights
• Best Men’s Running Tights with Pockets: Janji Trail Tight
• Best Budget Men’s Running Tights: Baleaf 2-in-1 Compression Tights

Most Comfortable Men’s Running Tights: adidas Own the Run Legging

Key Features:

• Price: $65
• Sizes: XS–2XL
• Material: 72 percent recycled polyester, 28 percent recycled elastane interlock
• Special features: Reflective detailing, adidas’ AEROREADY technology to keep you dry, ankle zips for increased ventilation
• Best for: Keeping you visible during dawn and dusk runs

The adidas Own the Run Legging will have you feeling warm, comfortable and supported, proving why these tights are our pick for the most comfortable men’s running tights. For me, these tights are the perfect length and I like that they have a tapered leg and a zipper along the calves, an added benefit making them easy to get on and slide off.

I really like the ability to unzipped the legs along the calf for a bit of extra airflow—there is lightweight construction around the calves that already creates plenty of airflow. The waistband is one of my favorite parts—it makes sure the tights are snug but not too snug. 

What we like:

• Leg pockets are great for additional gels and keeping keys secure
• Reflective elastic logo gives extra visibility during darker runs
• $65 price point fits most budgets

What to consider:

• The feel of the zipper on the calf muscle may takes some getting used to
• Great for keeping warm during cool runs

Best Winter Running Tights for Men: Lululemon Surge Warm Tight

Key Features:

• Price: $128 (some versions on sale)
• Sizes: XS–XXL
• Material: 84 percent Nylon, 16 percent Lycra elastane
• Special features: Weightless coverage, sleek and cool to the touch, mesh fabric panel for added airflow, 2 side drop in pockets
• Best for: Keeping warm on cold days

Lululemon has done it again. These tights are bound to keep you comfortable, supported and feeling fast. When I took these out for my first long run I was amazed at how comfortably they hugged my skin, feeling like a second layer of skin. Some tights are too tight or too loose—but for me, these fit great. I was satisfied that these tights also stay right in place on a long run, whereas other tights you may have to adjust throughout your run, pulling them up or down. They are great for colder temperatures, and the pockets are perfect to keep your phone in place. In line with Lululemon’s promise, they are bound to last you a long time, and the four way stretch creates plenty of “give” and added flexibility.

What we like:

• Smooth to the touch—they feel like they are truly a second layer of skin
• Sweat-wicking and dries very quickly
• Great for colder temperatures

What to consider:

• At $128, this is the most expensive on our list
• These tights are a tighter fit and can be hard to get on at first (if you are someone who doesn’t like tighter tights, you may consider ordering a size up)

Best Size-Inclusive Men’s Running Tights: Nike Dri-Fit ADV AeroSwift

Key Features:

• Price: $125
• Sizes: S–4XL Tall
• Material: 89 percent polyester / 11 percent spandex
• Special features: Dri-FIT ADV technology & moisture-wicking fabric that helps regulate heat and airflow while you run
• Best for: Size-inclusive tights (with sizes up to 4XL Tall)

Nike’s Dri-Fit ADV AeroSwift tights are lightweight and so comfortable you will find yourself wearing them around the house as well as on your runs. The Dri-Fit ADV technology & moisture-wicking fabric is designed to keep you dry and comfortable on your runs, and there is extra ventilation around the Flyvent waistband. One of our favorite features are the 5 pockets, and the back pocket is an extra added plus for gels. There is a liner that adds some extra support, but this could either be an added benefit or drawback based on preference. These tights are made with at least 75 percent recycled polyester, and they come in sizes S–4XL, including tall sizes. An added benefit is the cool design, with ridges running up and down the tights.

Related Post: The Best Nike Shoes for Every Type of Run

What we like:

• Five pockets providing plenty of storage (two pockets with a moisture barrier to keep your gear dry)
• Reflective features on back pocket increasing visibility
• Flyvent waistband provides extra ventilation and has drawcords for you to adjust the fit
• The ridges running up and down the tights make for a cool look & design

What to consider:

• On the more expensive side at $125
• Built-in liner may not be preferred by some

Best Men’s Running Tights with Compression: NoBull Men’s Compression Tights

Key Features:

• Price: $89
• Sizes: S–XL
• Material: 86 percent Nylon, 14 percent Spandex
• Special features: Layerable, sweat-wicking
• Best for: Compression tights

NoBull’s compression tights get the job done. They are a solid, durable compression bottom layer perfect for any workout. They come in three colors: dark shadow, black and white, with the signature NoBull logo on the exposed waistband. One thing to keep in mind is these are a true base layer—meaning there are no pockets and they run shorter than the other tights on our list, leaving some skin exposure between the ankle and mid-calf. There also is not is not an adjustable drawcord, unlike the other tights on this list, leaving less room for adjustment.

Related Post: The 10 Best Compression Socks for Every Workout

What we like:

• Very stretchy and flexible
• Designed to be versatile, making these a purchase you can use for running, cross training and all sports
• Comes in three colors

What to consider:

• Since these are a true base layer, there are no pockets
• With a 23-inch inseam, there is a decent amount of skin exposure from ankle to mid-calf

Best Men’s Running Tights with Pockets: Janji Trail Tight

Key Features:

• Price: $98
• Sizes: S–XL
• Material: 68 percent nylon, 32 percent spandex
• Special features: Breathable moisture-wicking fabric with four-way stretch, 7 pockets
• Best for: Many pockets with different purposes

These running tights for men are one of our favorites, as Janji has created a tight bound to keep you comfortable, dry, and secure for your long runs. Janji has a half tight and fleece tight, in addition to this trail tight. Janji markets these trail tights as a “minimalist feel,” and these are so minimalist you may even forget you are wearing them. These are our favorites for their storage, with seven different pockets bound to keep your phone, nutrition, and keys secure. The soft elastic waistband with an external drawcord is a plus—while other tights have a rougher waistband that sometimes can even “dig” into your skin, this waistband keeps you comfortable with a slightly looser fit around the waist for the miles ahead.

What we like:

• Seven total pockets—some of our favorite features are the deep double-tiered side pockets and in pocket S-biner key clip and a back pass-through pocket to stash an additional layer as you get warmer throughout your run
• Comes in four different colors
• Dual-layered front panel to help with warmth, comfort and modesty
• Reflective logos on the front and back of the tights

What to consider:

• Drawstring runs on the smaller sided, decreasing the ability to adjust the fit

Best Budget Men’s Running Tights: Baleaf 2-in-1 Compression Tights

Key Features:

• Price: $34
• Sizes: S—3XL
• Material: 68 percent Nylon, 32 percent Lycra
• Special features: Built in brief, mesh waistband with inner drawstring, 2 side pockets
• Best for: Budget running tights

Lycra’s 2-in-1 compression tights are a great picket for a budget compression tight. At just $34, you get a great bang for your buck with this pair of tights. We were impressed that even at the lower price, Baleaf still provided two side pockets and a mesh waistband with an inner drawstring to help with adjustability. One thing to keep in mind before purchasing is these tights also have a built-in brief which may either be a plus or a drawback based on preference.

What we like:

• At just $34, a great budget compression tight
• Unlike many other compression tights, these come with two pockets
• Offer a size-inclusive range

What to consider:

• With a shorter inseam, we see these more as a base/mid-layer
• Comes with built-in brief

What Are the Benefits of Wearing Running Tights?

There are many benefits to running with tights. They can help to protect you as a runner against wind, precipitation and colder temperatures. Particularly if you live in an area with hasher climate conditions, you want to make sure you are investing in a quality pair of running tights for the miles ahead to keep you warm, comfortable and healthy.

If you are thinking to yourself, “Well why can’t I just wear jogging pants?”, one of the other big benefits of running tights is that they are moisture-wicking and lightweight. Runners sweat during all seasons, even during the coldest of temperatures, so tights ensure that your sweat moves to the outer parts of your tights in order to evaporate keeping you dry and warm.

Another added benefit is that tights will allow you to continue to move freely and not be constricted by multiple layers of shorts on top of pants. What we love about many of the tights recommended here is that they feel like a second layer of skin—it will feel like you are able to focus on your movement, so much so they can often help you better tune in on your form.

Can Compression Tights Help with Performance/Recovery?

Yes, there are many research based benefits to wearing compression tights. One of the most commonly cited benefits is that they improve blood flow and, in turn, improve oxygenation of muscles. This helps to assist both performance and recovery, relieving soreness from running, muscle fatigue or help provide relief when muscle soreness is present.

What to Look for in Running Tights

When considering which running tights to purchase, there are many things to look for. We recommend thinking about the following areas.

1. Price: Although some tights on this list come in at over $100, these are long-term investments. Something to consider is whether you will be relying on these tights for a long time, and if you are consistently running in sub-30 temperatures, you are going to want to invest in quality to make sure you keep yourself warm, comfortable and help prevent your muscles from feeling tight.
2. Purpose: Like running shoes, not all running tights are made equal. You want to get clear on your “why” in buying tights. If you are looking for a base layer, then a 19-inch or 29-inch inseam on compression tights as a base layer under workout clothes makes sense.
3. Special features: Throughout this guide we outline many other special features on running tights like pockets, reflective features, elastic/mesh waistbands, external/internal drawstrings, inner liners, and so much more. Get clear on how important these features are for you, because this will narrow down your list based on what you are looking for.
4. Style: Like any pair of running clothes, you also want to look good while you run. Some of the tights in this piece have different colors, and the Nike Dri-Fit ADV AeroSwift have a cool design with ridges running up and down.

How We Chose the Best Running Tights for Men

Similarly to the list above, we thought about many factors while considering our best running tights for men. We considered price, purpose (cold weather, compression, etc.) and our own tested personal experience.

Men’s Running Tights FAQs

What is the difference between running tights and running leggings?

The main differences comes in the material—running tights are often made with Lycra and nylon, whereas leggings are typically made of polyester or knitted cotton as the primary fabric and paired with elastane or spandex for stretch. Running leggings also typically come with an elastic waistband.

So running tights make a difference?

Yes, whereas joggers or running pants may also keep you warm, running tights and running leggings help you as a runner better understand your movement and form.

Why do men wear tights under workout clothes?

This is also a matter of personal preference. Several of the tights we recommended in this article have added layering on the front panel to help with modesty, but some may prefer to wear running shorts on top of the tights.

Both of the compression tights that we recommend in this article are great examples of base layers that many athletes choose to wear under workout clothes for cross training. On this note, some people choose to wear tights under workout clothes in the gym and/or during warmer conditions—this article focuses on many of the benefits of wearing tights during colder climates, but tights’ benefits of improved movement, range of motion and flexibility extend during all climates / forms of movement.

Are compression tights and running tights the same?

Our list has all either compression or fitted tights. Although they are very similar, the main difference is that fitted tights will be snug on your legs, whereas compression tights will be a tighter fit.

There are several research-based benefits to wearing compression tights. In addition to those mentioned above, a 2021 study published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science found that compression garments, including compression tights, improved blood flow, muscle oxygenation and resting venous flow (the flow of blood back to the heart). For runners, that can mean reduced fatigue and a shorter recovery time.

One thing to keep in mind is that for some, the tightness of compression tights might be uncomfortable or even painful. We recommend that you try on your tights before purchasing if you have never worn them before to figure out what level of compression (tightness) is right for you.

Is it better to run with shorts or tights?

This is a matter of personal preference based on temperature. Some runners will prefer to wear tights even during warmer temperatures based on how they feel. As the weather drops below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, we recommend we wearing tights particularly if you are going out for longer runs.

What’s the difference between men’s and women’s running tights?

Some of the biggest differences come in the design of the front panel or inclusion of a liner. Many of the men’s tights we recommend in this article are designed to keep everything in place and several include a liner to help with this. Those that do not have liners often have added material in the front panel to help with extra warmth/protection for the front region. The fitness and clothing industry is continuing to adapt to inclusive language, and although this article is about men’s running tights, by and large most features in running tights are very similar for people of all gender identities.

Final Thoughts: Will Running Tights Benefit Your Training?

As you consider purchasing your running tights, think about what your priorities are: What price are you willing to pay, what purpose will these tights serve, what special features are you looking for and what style would you like. This will help you narrow down your list and ensure your investment is right for you. Finding the right pair of tights makes all the difference in the world to keep you moving during the colder months and can help you stick to your running schedule. You’re sure to find a pair of running tights that will have you excited to run out the door—even on the coldest days—in our guide. Happy running!

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.