The chillier months are almost here, and unless you want chapped legs a pair of run tights are a must. Here we find the best running leggings for women to wear for training…
When the temperatures start to drop, it’s time to rethink your run kit. While you’ll still see the odd hardy soul running around in shorts and a vest, for keeping your legs warm and ensuring your running is still comfortable, you can’t beat a pair of full-length run tights.
What to look for in run tights?
Ideally, your women’s run tights will be constructed from fabrics that feel soft and comfortable against the skin, while offering warmth, sweat wicking and microbial properties to avoid it holding onto sweat or ending up stinky by mid-season.
Next, look for extra features but don’t pay for them if you don’t need them. Some runners like a zipped pocket for keys/card/gels etc, while reflective details or colourways that aren’t just black are always welcome for all kit, especially as many winter runs are likely to be in low light.
Best women’s run tights for 2023
Salomon Women’s Agile Long Tight Running Pants
With a brushed interior, these were hands-down the snugliest tights on test, but still managed to feel light and breathable. Our mediums were a good, close fit (for a UK12 tester) and other features included an adjustable waist elastic, zippy rear pocket and ankle zips, all of which added brownie points.
There were also a couple of reflective stripes (we tested the plain blue version) for low-light safety. While running they were comfy (if a little warm in late summer testing!).
Verdict: Warm and practical leggings for winter training.
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On Tights Long
On Running describe these as insulating tights for cold conditions, but we didn’t notice the fabric being much warmer than a regular pair. Yet we did like the feel of them, and the concertina-effect above the knees is designed for warmth, but also aided movement.
Waist elastic and ankle zips feature, and there are three decent-sized tuck pockets in the waistband, yet sadly without zips. The internal central crotch seam is a bit of a shame as well!
Verdict: Stylish design but expensive, sizes come up large.
On Tights Long
Famara Long Leggings Flamenco
- Buy now from Famara ($110)
Launched in 2016 by an artist keen to bring her designs to sportswear, Famara are named after the surf village in Lanza. We loved the vibrant design and our capri-length pair (full-length also available for $120) were very soft and comfortable, with a wide and high waistband.
The sizing is generous and stretchy – a size small fit our size 12 tester with plenty of room. There are no pockets, though, and they wouldn’t be toasty enough when winter truly bites.
Verdict: Nice capris, but not for cold runs. Our new yoga staples!
Element Karbon
Billed as ‘squat-proof leggings’ we immediately loved the comfortable feel of these camo/flower leggings from this new women’s brand. With a similar high, wide waist to the Famaras, these felt similarly smooth on the skin, but with a slightly thicker fabric and the addition of a waist elastic and a well-sized zippy pocket on the rear (hurray!).
They felt good to run in and other prints are available, plus matching crop tops and shorts for summer.
Verdict: Quality & value tights with snazzy features.
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Montane Dart Thermo
These leggings claim to be warm but light, and they didn’t disappoint with their performance. The Apex Thermo Eco fabric was fitted, so felt really cosy against the skin, but was stretchy enough to ensure they weren’t restrictive when running.
The tights wicked moisture away from the skin well which, combined with the close fit, kept us warm on cool autumn mornings.
There’s no drawstring, but the soft elastic waistband grips well as they barely moved during testing. Our size small were a good fit for a size UK10 tester, if possibly on the generous side, so there’s no need to size up if you are between sizes.
Unfortunately, there isn’t any reflective detailing or pockets, so no way to carry a key etc. Despite that, they’re a good price and would be a fine addition to your cold-weather running kit.
Verdict: Warm and comfortable but missing some features.
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Cep Cold Weather
Billed as cold-weather tights, these will definitely cope with the harshest winter runs. For a start, they’re made with a wind-resistant, water-repellent and snow-proof material to withstand the elements.
As a result, the material is a bit firmer on the front of the thigh and, although it’s stretchy, we didn’t find them quite as snug as the Hoka tights, especially around the hips. They feel a little stiffer when running, but the lining does make them feel smooth against the skin and they still performed well.
If you like a high waistband these were by far the highest and, thanks to a good drawstring, they were really secure when running. We found them true to size, with a small fitting a size 10, and we really liked the ‘smart reflective’ detailing as well as the handy zip pocket, which could fit a phone on the back.
Verdict: Pricier but built to get you through harsh winter runs.
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Hoka Performance
- Buy now from Hoka (£44.99)
We instantly loved the colour and feel of these blue tights and would happily wear them all day. Although they don’t have a weather-repellent material on the thigh, they are comparable to the CEP tights on thickness and warmth.
The plush, recycled material is stretchy and soft on the skin, but fitted in all the right places. We tested them in October when the temperature was still around 10°C and they kept us warm without overheating and managed to wick sweat away well.
The waistband is high enough to make them secure when running and they have a reflective logo for visibility. If you like storage, there are three pockets, including a back and side-zip pocket, and a side drop-in pocket, so plenty of space for you to carry all your essentials, including a phone.
They felt true to size with a snug fit, but the stretchy material didn’t restrict movement.
Verdict: Warm, comfortable, great storage; impressive.
Top image credit: Getty Images