Winter running for some runners means continuing right on with their shorts wearing determination (yup I’m looking at my Colorado bad ass friends). But for me winter running tights ensure I get out the door and enjoy the miles a great deal more! Let’s look at some different weights and fits to find your perfect pair.
Moving to Colorado in 2015 from Florida, my gear closet quickly grew to now handle all the seasons.
Since then I’ve run in a ton of different styles and have narrowed it down to my top picks to help you out.
What am I looking for in a good winter running tight?
- Wicking – we don’t want anything that holds on to our sweat
- Fleece or wool that helps with the warmth and wicking
- Sometimes wind protection
- Stays up and doesn’t sag
- Bonus when it has a pocket
10 Best Winter Running Tights
Even in winter tights we have a HUGE range depending on what temps you’ll be heading out in to and whether it will be snowing or windy. All of these weather factors mean a couple different essentials might be needed in your closet for comfort.
This list is focused on the best tights for women, though many also come in men’s styles.
Checkout my top men’s running pants tested by my husband!
#1 Best Overall Winter Running Tight – Crash 2.0 PolarTec Tights from Title Nine ($99)
WINNING for so warm and an easy to use phone pocket! As a runner who really hates to be cold, these are my go to when winter is throwing down.
This isn’t a chilly morning pair, but really that legging you want when the temps have really started to drop.
The tights come with multiple, well-placed pockets that are super handy. They’re big enough to hold essentials like your phone, keys, or even a small wallet.
And of course I’m a super fan of the fact that Title Nine is all about women’s gear alone!! And has them in both petite and long.
Details:
- PolarTec fleece is the warmest, but light and super fast drying so you won’t feel overheated
- The pocket, ehhh not sure you’re getting a phone in there
- Comes in regular and petite
- Available in 5 colors
- Goes from XS-XL
#2 Best Cold Weather Tights – New Balance Heat High Rise ($100)
Made for the dedicated runner who doesn’t let a little cold get in the way, these New Balance running tights for women offer premium warmth without sacrificing performance. I’ve always found their tights to fit and perform well, so they make a perfect choice for winter running as well.
The NB HEAT technology captures warmth and wicks moisture, so you feel both warm and dry, whether you’re running on the trails or the track this winter. They have a fold-up cuff at the ankles to reveal a reflective taping if you’re running in low light.
Details:
- Highrise Fit with a fold-up cuff at the bottom with reflective taping
- Soft fit that will again provide sweat-wicking, while keeping you warm
- A little bit short for people with very long legs, but still enjoyable
- XS to XXL
- Only available in black
#3 Best Wool Running Tights – Smartwool Active Fleece Wind Tights ($140)
What sets these tights apart is the Merino wool blend, which naturally regulates temperature and wicks moisture, keeping you feeling fresh and dry. It’s pretty much the gold standard when it comes to winter fabric that is lightweight but warm and moisture-wicking.
These also include a durable windproof front panel for 1 CFM rating facing the elements. This one two punch really ensures they help to handle those cool mornings. We certainly seem to have non-stop wind around here and wind breaking really does make a difference!
Plus with the coating, they’re going to keep you dry for some of those snowy winter runs as well.
Details:
- Phone pocket on side
- They have a Non-PFC durable water repellent (DWR) finish that gives even more protection during inclement weather, hello snow storms
- Reflective elements
- They’re slim-fit with a zipper at the ankle, which may not be for everyone.
- XS to XL
#4 Best Cold Windy Running Tight – Craft Women’s Adv Essence Wind Tights ($95)
I’ve said before that running in the wind is one of my least favorite things. I don’t mind the cold, but oh man that wind can really whip off the mountains here!! These tights add in just a little extra to help keep the wind from cutting.
I’ve worn these through a few winters now and will say these aren’t your old school wind pants! These are truly warm pants that have been great for both my runs and the days we head out to do crazy things like cross country skiing.
First things first, these tights are built for performance. On a windy day, the windproof front panels work like a charm. You’ll be protected against the biting wind, but they have great breathability so you won’t feel drenched in sweat.
Details:
- Stretchy but super supportive fabric
- Brushed interior for extra warmth
- Windproof front
- They’re a Swedish brand whose products can fit more long and lean than other brands (XS to XL)
- 2 Colors
#5 Best Mild Weather Tight – Nike Pro Therma Fit ($60)
When the temperature drops and you need a warm tight, but it’s not truly frigid, these are my best running tights.
Many of you will be fine with these all winter because remember our body temperature makes it feel 20 degrees warmer once we start running!
I love my Nike winter tights, they aren’t too heavy and now the updated version has a pocket! The Therma-FIT technology traps heat to provide exceptional warmth while also wicking away moisture. That means you stay dry and cozy whether you’re hitting the gym, going for a run, or running errands on a chilly day.
Details:
- Fleece lining feels soft to pull on
- They’re always long enough for my long legs
- Side pocket for phone and back inner pocket
- Thinner than other cold weather running tights on this list, and some people don’t like that they don’t have much stretch, which can limit range of motion.
- 2 colors
#6 Best Reflective Winter Running Tight – Brooks Run Visible ($130)
Right out of the package, the quality of these cold weather running tights is evident. The material feels durable yet soft, offering that perfect balance of support and comfort. These are a thermal pant, so absolutely going to be a nice warm running tight!
They also have a thinner version for your Fall mornings.
I like that these these have more reflective hits and yet if you’re simply wearing them around you won’t even realize it’s there! Truly winter runs generally mean time in the dark and this is an easy way to keep yourself warm and safe.
Details:
- Mid-rise with a pocket along the leg for phone
- All kinds of reflective piping
- Provides wind blocking and water resistant (most water will roll off you, not waterproof)
- XS to XXL
#7 Best Lululemon Winter Tight – Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Thermal Tight 28″ ($148)
These Lululemon fleece running tights are designed for warmth and will keep you warm during all your runs during the winter months. Winning because they’ve added a phone pocket to the newest version!
They’re high-rise, which let’s be honest isn’t always my favorite. BUTTT so many of you love it because they stay put during those long runs, sprints, or even when you’re stretching post-run. No tugging and adjusting needed.
Pros:
- Water-repellant fabric for running through snowy conditions (great wind blocker)
- Drys quickly and helps wick moisture away
- Hi-Rise tight waistband helps keep them up while running
- Side pocket is a little tight for a phone, but possible
#8 Best Compression Winter Running Tights – CW-X Insulator Thermal Tight ($139)
You know I’m a fan of my compression tights for long runs to help with muscle fatigue and joint support. Why would I want to give that up for winter?!
If you’re someone who takes winter workouts seriously, the CW-X Women’s Endurance Generator Insulator Thermal Compression Tights should be on your radar. They’re an 80% Nylon/ 20% Spandex blend designed with targeted support in mind. The compression zones seem to be strategically placed to reduce muscle fatigue.
- This is my go to brand for extra love on the knee and IT Band muscles
- Good combo of the compression along with some added warmth
- Aanti-odor technology
- No pockets
#9 Best Budget Winter Running Tights – Baleaf Fleece Tights ($39)
I test a lot of gear, so I admit to being a bit suspect when a bunch of you swore to me that Baleaf was a great brand. But I’ve tested out a few pieces and I would say overall that it does fit well.
If you’ve ever wondered can you run in fleece tights? YES! They are a great choice for warmth.
I had a bit of an issue with things feeling like they stretched out and the sizing absolutely runs large, so just take that in to account when ordering. But for the price you’re going to get a great fleece lined legging with a phone pocket to boot! Although they report these run smaller than their normal gear…so thank goodness for easy returns!
Details:
- Drawsting waist
- Zippered ankle – great if you’re wearing with hiking boots
- 5 colors
- XS to XXL
#10 Best Sustainable Winter Running Pants – Janji Aurora Fleece Tights ($118)
The Janji Aurora Fleece Tights are your go-to for staying cozy on those chilly runs. Lined with soft fleece, they provide extra warmth without feeling bulky, and the high-rise waistband ensures a secure fit that moves with you.
These tights have my favorite feature pockets! They are perfect for stashing your phone and even fuel for those longer runs. They also have reflective details to keep you visible on early morning or evening runs.
The Aurora fleece tights have a stretchy drawcord at the top so that you can tie them securely and they will not budge as you run!
Pros:
- Two large zip locking pockets so that you do not lose anything as you run
- Sustainably sourced
- Reflective piping along the leg
- Moisture wicking and quicky drying fabric plus fleece lined to keep you warm
Not sure what you need for winter running gear layers?? I’ve got you covered with my guide on what to wear running at every temperature >>
Do Running Tights Keep You Warm?
Yes, they are absolutely part of helping to keep you warm on those frigid winter runs. They’re designed to wick away moisture which will help regulate body temperature, making them practical for a range of conditions.
How warm they keep you will depend upon the type of legging that you choose. Whether you go with something thin like the Sweaty Betty Power legging or all the way up to the PolarTec.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Make sure the tights offer enough coverage and aren’t see-through, especially when stretching or bending.
- Think about the weather. In colder conditions, you might want to layer up for warmth. In warmer weather, lighter or shorter tights might be more suitable to avoid overheating.
- Consider your own comfort and confidence. If you’re not comfortable wearing just tights, you can always layer shorts over them.
What fabric is best for running in cold weather?
For running in cold weather, you’ll want to opt for fabrics designed for thermal insulation and moisture management. Here’s a rundown of some common fabrics in cold weather running apparel.
- Thermal Polyester: This synthetic material has the moisture-wicking benefits of regular polyester but with an extra layer for insulation. It keeps you dry and warm, making it a go-to for many cold-weather athletes.
- Merino Wool: A favorite among winter runners, merino wool provides excellent temperature regulation. It’s warm but also breathes well, and it has the added benefit of natural odor resistance.
- Fleece: Often used in mid-layer garments, fleece offers good insulation and is effective at trapping heat. However, it may not be the best at wicking moisture, so it’s often blended with other materials for optimum performance.
- Spandex–Polyester Blends: These blends offer a snug fit, trapping heat closer to the body. The polyester wicks away moisture while the spandex allows for flexibility and movement.
- Polartec: A specialized fabric designed for cold-weather activities, Polartec provides high-quality insulation and is often used in high-performance gear.
- Wind-Resistant Fabrics: In very cold and windy conditions, a layer of wind-resistant fabric can be crucial to keep you warm.
A few other winter running guides!
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