Best men’s winter running tights and leggings for 2026

The best winter running tights are a handy weapon for men to have in their arsenal when fighting the cold. Winter temperatures may be milder than usual these days, but when there is an unmistakable chill in the air, you have to think 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 running leggings for women. 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 in 2025

1. 2XU Ignition Shield Compression Tights

Price	$119.99 / £95
Sizing	2XS-2XL
Features	Zipped rear pocket,reflective detailing, waterproof membrane

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 I 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.

2. Alpkit Koulin Trail Tights

Price	$54.99 / £39.99
Weight	237g / 11.5oz (medium)
Sizing	XS-2XL
Features	Zipped rear pocket, side leg pockets

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.

3. Montane Slipstream Trail Tights

Price	$100 / £80
Weight	214g / 7.5oz (medium)
Sizing	XS-2XL
Features	Zipped rear pocket, side leg pockets

At $100 / £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 / 7.5oz 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.

4. Trimtex Element Tights

Price	€85 (US pricing N/A)
Sizing	S-3XL
Features	Zipped rear pocket, calf zips, reflective knee strip

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 flatlock 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.

Also consider…

5. Inov8 Active Tights Mens

Price	£60/$70
Sizing	XS-XL
Features	70% recycled materials, zip phone pocket, additional pockets, brushed material.

These men’s running tights from Inov8 are an update on their Race Elite Tight that previously won best in test here at 220. Inov8 have added a higher waist for comfort and is made from brushed elastane for a soft touch.

The Active Tight provides two pockets for storing a phone or nutrition, while a rear zip pocket is handy for securing valuables. Small reflective detailing completes the ensemble.

6. Asics Core Winter Tight

Price	£49/$100
Sizing	XS-2XL
Features	Side drop pockets, brushed jersey, 50% recycled materials

Asics’ Core Winter men’s run tight is made with brushed jersey fabric to add an injection of warmth and comfort into cold winter runs. Two handy side thigh pouches make it easy to access a phone while running, while a drawstring at the waist secures everything in place. Reviews praise the warm and soft material, that has ample stretch for full range of movement while running.

7. Kiprun Men’s Run 100 Leggings

Price	£14.99 (Europe only)
Sizing	UK 30-43″ / EU S-2XL
Features	Side zip pocket, front key pouch, drawstring waist, reflective details

These incredibly affordable run tights from Decathlon form part of the brands value Kiprun range. Like the options above, the materials is made with brushed fabric to boost the soft and comfortable feel against the skin. The tights have two pockets: a small, key-sized front pouch and a zip back/side pocket to slot a phone vertically. A drawstring waist brings everything together as you run.

8. On Running Winter Performance Tights

Price	£110
Sizing	XS-2XL
Features	Two side thigh pockets and one rear zip pocket, adjustable waistband, brushed material

Sitting at the higher end of premium, these run tights from On Running scream quality. The brushed inner fabric and form-fitting design should help to hug and support the legs while running. Meanwhile, two side thigh pockets should be able to house a smartphone easily and the rear zip pocket keep keys secure. The adjustable waistband and high-stretch material should allow for a comfortable and uninhibited run experience.

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 winter running tights

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.

If you plan to wear them in warm up before interval sessions and races, buy a pair with ankle zips.

Windproofing and water-resistance should be high on your shopping list if you run outside in really bad weather.

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.

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.

Now find something to keep your top half warm in our guide to the best running jackets.

Recent updates

• 02 December 2025: We sorted through the products and removed any no longer available, then added four more popular men’s running tight options under the ‘Also Consider’ banned for your consideration.