Not all runners opt for running tights, but the skin-tight lycra option can offer many benefits when it comes winter training.
Whether you’re after their warmth or reflectivity, the running tight is a handy companion – and no, they don’t have to be worn without shorts.
Here’s our list of tights that are worth checking out this year, so take a look and figure which best suits your winter needs.
ASICS RUN TIGHT
These stand-out tights from Asics feature ‘muscle support compression panels’ which give added support to areas around the knees, thighs and calves wicks sweat away from your body.
asics.com/gb, £52
GORE RUNNING WEAR FUSION GORE WINDSTOPPER TIGHTS
When the weather starts to turn, reach for these tights from Gore. With Windstopper panels positioned to protect you from the wind and rain, they still retain breathability. There are two front pockets and a rear zipped pocket, along with plenty of reflective detailing to make you visible when light is poor.
goreapparel.co.uk, £130
ICEBREAKER OASIS LEGGINGS
These tights from Icebreaker are great to be worn under shorts when it gets cold. Made from Merino jersey fabric, they regulate your body temperature – keeping you warm when it’s cold but are also breathable when it’s a little warmer. Merino is also naturally odour free, fighting smells effortlessly.
uk.icebreaker.com, £65
FALKE WINDPROOF RUNNING TIGHTS
Falke have developed a premium running range for this autumn and these windproof tights are certainly special. With a windproof and water resistant fabric on the thighs to protect you from the elements, the ultra-soft material gives you a real taste of luxury.
falke.com, £130
SALOMON INTENSITY LONG TIGHT
Ideal for trail running in the autumn, this Salomon tight offers light compression and also has one rear zipped pocket and two gel-sized pockets. Comfort and ease of movement is key with Salomon kit and the mesh areas behind the knee reflect this,
as does the anti-slide print on thighs which is designed for hand placement when running uphill.
salomon.com/uk, £60
INOV-8 AT/C FULL LENGTH TIGHTS
Looking quite simple, the AT/C tight is a bit of kit that will always be first pick. The fit and feel is great, and the rear zipped pocket is handy for essentials.
inov-8.com, £60
SAUCONY REFLEX TIGHTS
If a large amount of your running is done in the dark, being seen is important and reflectivity is crucial – step forward the Reflex Tight from Saucony. This tight has all
the features you’d expect such as moisture management and zipped pocket, but also has a 360-degree reflective wraparound print covering the whole of the calf/ankle area.
saucony.co.uk, £75
TRIBE SPORTS COMPRESSION RUNNING TIGHT
Tribe Sports, well known for being the apparel supplier to parkrun (we’ve all seen the ‘milestone t-shirts’) also has a pretty good range of clothing away from your local 5K. These tights offer a high level of compression/support and are ideal to wear under shorts during the cooler months.
tribesport.com, £69
SUNDRIED ROTECK 2.0 MEN’S TRAINING TIGHTS
Sundried prides itself on making ethical active wear and have a wide range of sports kit. These tights are manufactured in Portugal using local fabrics, and have a soft feel as well as a deep waistband for comfort.
sundried.com, £50