Best winter running tights for men in 2024

The best winter running tights are a handy weapon for men to have in their arsenal when fighting the cold. Temperatures may have stayed mild for longer than usual this year, but there’s an unmistakable chill in the air now, so it’s time to start thinking about how you can wrap up and stay warm while running during the off season.

Below, we share what our testing has revealed to be the best running tights for men. We also explain what to look for in when buying this valuable part of your winter running wardrobe.

We have a separate guide to the best runnning leggings for women. Elsewhere, we’ve also reviewed the best running base layers. If your extremities suffer in the cold, check out our round-up of the best running gloves and best running hats.

Best men’s running tights

Inov-8 Race Elite Tights

• £65 / $75

Pay a bit more than the Alpkit and BAM and extra features come into play, as evidenced in the abrasion-resistant panels on the calves of the Race Elite Tights from Cumbria’s run specialists Inov-8. Other smart features include the soft gripper tape inside the waist to assist the drawstring waist with keeping things in place. Even the drawcords have a classy finish at the tips.

The material is a winner as well, offering UPF 50+ sun protection from UVA and UVB rays, and a healthy dose of elastane (10-25% depending on the location) for flexibility on the move. Internal flatlock seams keep things comfortable inside, while both warmth and breathability were evident. Weight comes in at 241g for a men’s medium, the heaviest here but the upshot is the durability.

The tiny zipper head on the zipped rear pocket was tricky to use. The kangaroo-esque rear pocket is spacious but it sags a touch when loaded. These are small beefs, however, for these are an expertly-crafted pair of tights whose durability should last multiple seasons. 

BAM Huckaby Bamboo Leggings

• £39 / $58

The 68% bamboo and 28% organic cotton construction of the Huckaby Bamboo Leggings give these the soft and cosy feel of high-quality pyjamas. However breathability and sweat wicking is impressive and they also dry relatively quickly.

There’s a handy zipper rear pocket for cards and a phone, but the zipper head felt too small and lacked a loop for easy use with gloves or sweaty fingers.

The 4% inclusion of elastane gives them a bit of stretch, but they’re noticeable looser than the Montane here. An adjustable waistband is also absent, meaning you’ll have to hope the elasticated band fits you.

They’re especially comfortable around the crotch area and caused no rubbing here, while internal comfort is aided by the flatlock seams.

Refreshingly, I expected them to cost more than the £39 pricetag.

Alpkit Koulin Trail Tights

• £39.99 / $54.99

The rear pocket of the Alpkit Koulin Trail Tights has a secure zipper, with a decently sized zipper head and loop for easy use when on the move or wearing gloves.

The pocket is big enough for stashing a phone and the elasticated, if somewhat chunky, waistband helps to keep the leggings in place around the waist.

The stash pockets on each leg are handy for gels, a headband or gloves, and there are reflective details. The ankle zips help with post-run removal and the internal flatlock seams are comfy.

At 237g, the Koulin are slightly weightier and thicker than others and I’d probably look at wearing leaner leggings for higher intensity sets and winter races. Yet that thickness helps on winter days.

The design also suggests longevity, the mesh panels located on the rear of the knees aids both ventilation and flexibility, and the addition of 15% Lycra gives decent stretch. Points are scored for the remaining nylon fabric being 85% recycled.

Montane Slipstream Trail Tights

• £80 / $100

At £80, the Slipstream Trail Tights from Brit brand Montane are pricey. For that extra splurge, you get smooth regenerated nylon yarns, reflective details and a lightweight 214g design. 

Not all of the features are a success, however. The rear pockets are a little too small for storing anything safely in them and I didn’t trust anything pricier than a Haribo fun-size packet in their wide, open design. The rear zipped pocket is secure and sizeable, however. The waist band with draw cord kept the waist in place even with the pockets full.

The zippers on the legs don’t extend very far up the legs, meaning it’s a slight struggle getting the Slipstreams over some running shoes (basically anything I tried with a maximal sole). 

Internally, the Slipstreams are slick and neatly crafted – flatlock seams are present throughout – and remained chafe-free around the groin. The cut and materials were unrestrictive when on the move – aided by 12% elastane in the main body and a lithe material mix behind the knees. Breathability remained adequate during our autumn test period and there was a welcome warmth when the temperatures plummeted in mid-November.

2XU Ignition Shield Compression Tights

• £95

If you’re a fan of compression gear then these tights from 2XU might be for you. They’ve been designed to reduce muscle movement and damage, as well as boost blood flow to muscles through graduated compression.

As such, the fit is very close, so this tester faced a bit of a battle getting into them and found they pulled downward somewhat when running.

Otherwise, they’re very comfortable, with the soft brushed inner feeling lovely and warm. The upper leg uses a water-resistant membrane to keep the worst of the weather at bay, while elsewhere a lighter fabric is used to aid breathability.

These tights feel thicker than some others on test and we found them best suited to colder conditions, as they can feel too warm if it’s cool rather than cold. Moisture management was decent, while there’s also a zip pocket and reflective detailing.

Trimtex Element Tights

• Buy now from Trimtex

• €85

Trimtex tests and develops its gear in Norway, so you’d think the brand’s kit would be well-suited to the cold. Well, you’d be right. The Element Tights are the most comfortable out of the men’s options in this test, feeling luxuriously soft against the skin. The thick waistband feels great and contains a drawstring.

One thing worth noting is that there’s a flacklock seam on the legs that ran over our knees, though it didn’t cause us any issues. In testing we found the tights plenty warm enough in cold conditions, yet they remained breathable in temperatures approaching double digits, too, and moisture management was impressive.

They fit true to size and hug the skin. There’s also a rear zip pocket and zips on the lower leg, though we’d like more reflective detailing than what’s on offer here. Great value for the money.

Inov-8 Winter Tight

• £109.99

Inov-8 is a reliable brand on the trail and fell running scene. This shows in the Winter Tight 3.0, which has been constructed in a hybrid way.

The front of the tights utilise a windproof and water-resistant softshell, which does a fantastic job of keeping the elements at bay. On the rear you’ll find a softer and more breathable brushed fabric, that helps stop you from overheating and delivers reliable moisture management – it’s needed, too, as that front section can become a little sweaty.

Comfort isn’t quite as sky-high as with Trimtex, but it’s still very good. The fit is true to size, though this 6ft2in tester would have liked a little more length in the legs.

While the tights sit close to the body, they’re a little looser further up, so may be ideal for those looking for more modesty.

A small amount of reflective detailing is welcome, as are the zip and elastic pocket on the rear.

How we tested

Fit is key, we looked for tights which fitted true-to-size and didn’t dig in or fall down. 

We like adjustable waist cord and higher-waisted designs which are less likely to slip (and have the bonus of keeping your stomach warm).

Other key features include a zipped pocket for keys/gels, as well as zips on the ankles to make getting them on and off easier. 

Also we considered the material the tights were made from and how well they protected us from wind and rain.

As always, we took value into account.

What to consider when buying?

As you would when making any purchase, you first need to consider your personal circumstances. Do you tend to run hot? If so, you probably won’t need the warmest tights on the market and can make do with a lighter option.

Do you want pockets, or will you have another means of carrying a phone, key or any nutrition? Are you a fan of compression garments? Do you sweat a lot when running? Will you be wearing shorts over the top? Are you looking for something that protects your modesty?

Will you be running in the dark? If so, you’ll want to opt for a garment that helps boost your visibility to other members of the public.

Answer all of these questions and you’ll have a greater idea of what type of garment will suit you best. Then, take a look at our selection of reviews on the best winter running tights below to see which ones we rate and why.

How should running tights fit?

In order to wick moisture away and insulate effectively, most running tights fit close to the body. However, there are outliers. For example, if the tights have a compressive element to them, then they’ll fit much closer.

On the other hand, you’ll also find some that fit a little looser, such as the Inov-8 tights in this test. That’s handy if you’re planning to wear the running tights on their own and don’t want them to be too revealing.