Active runners are always looking for the best running accessories to enhance their workouts and get those miles in. The focus tends to be on running shoes, since the pain and discomfort that can arise from a worn-down pair of shoes can debilitate your workouts and keep you from doing what you love. But while shoes may be the obvious place to start, the best men's running tights should also be considered, as a quality set of running tights will ultimately work to increase performance and decrease recovery time for the best results possible.
Running tights are designed to benefit you and your workouts by supporting and stabilizing your muscles, adding compression and warmth to improve blood flow and reduce soreness, and adding coverage and protection during any season. Finding the best men's running tights can be challenging, but the ACTIVE Reviews Team searched for the best products to make your decision easier. Whether you're indoors on a treadmill or hitting the open road, these men's running tights are great companions.
Why Trust Us?
The ACTIVE Reviews Team is made up of fitness experts that include athletes, coaches, and certified trainers who bring years of knowledge and experience to each review. More importantly, each member of our team is a fitness enthusiast. Fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
The Best Men's Running Tights - Our Top Picks
- Overall Best Men's Running Tights: Lululemon Vital Drive Training Tight 28"
- Best Men's Running Tights for Cold Weather: Salomon Cross Run Tights
- Best Compression Men's Running Tights: Copper Compression Base Layer Copper-infused Compression Tights
- Most Comfortable Men's Running Tights: Adidas Own the Run Tights
- Best Budget Men's Running Tights: Born Tough Side Pockets Compression Pants
- Best Men's Running Tights with Pockets: Under Armour Rush SmartForm Leggings
- Best Men's Running Half Tights: Lululemon License to Train Half Tight 9"
What to Consider When Shopping for Men's Running Tights
Coverage
Running tights come in various lengths, most notably in full-length or half-length. The half-length tights may not feel as restrictive for some people since they cut off above the knee, and these are great for warmer months or if you find yourself enjoying an indoor jog on a folding treadmill. Full-length men's running tights, on the other hand, are designed for compression and protection and are flexible despite covering your entire leg.
The running tights you choose should reflect the temperature or respective climate of where your workouts take place. For those planning on running in colder weather, full tights are best to keep you warm and comfortable. For those seeking to train in warmer weather, half tights are a great option. However, since many running tights consist of cooling and sweat-wicking material, you can still wear full tights in warmer weather depending on your level of comfort and intended goals. For example, it may feel better to warm up for high-intensity interval workouts in warmer weather with full tights to get the blood flowing and really prime your muscles.
Comfort
Fit: It is important that your running tights aren't so restrictive as to prevent optimal movement. They are designed to be tight with a snug fit, however too tight can cut off circulation and cause discomfort. The right fit will be comfortable when running and offer compression to keep your muscles warm and improve blood flow, preventing any cramps or stiffness.
Companies will have a size guide based on your waist, hips, and inseam to determine which size is best for you. Contacting the company can also narrow down any concerns you may have about purchasing the right size running tights.
Material: The material of your running tights matters because you want them to be comfortable on your skin as well as durable for long-term use. Material like nylon and polyester, in tandem with elastane, is most common in men's running tights. What you want most is a durable pair of running tights to withstand repeated abuse from exercise that still allows you to break them in so you are comfortable.
Aesthetic
While comfort and fit are important factors with running tights, you also want a pair that is aesthetically pleasing. This doesn't necessarily mean flashy colors or interesting designs, but the overall look should be something you see yourself being excited to wear.
Pockets
Some running tights will have the added feature of pockets to allow for important items like your phone, wallet, or keys to fit while on your run. Many men wear shorts over their running tights, so if you plan to do so with shorts that have pockets, this feature may not matter to you as much.
Warranty
Warranty is something to consider for gear like running tights, as many people want to break them in and be able to use them for a long time. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, it's important to return them and get a new pair, especially if they were prematurely damaged. However, taking note of a company's warranty is important, for they differ depending on how long it's been since the date of purchase and why you are requesting a return in the first place. Looking at the brand's website for their warranty rules will ensure you are up to date on all return policies.
Price
With many options for men's running tights, it is important to know your budget and what you are willing to spend. Running tights have a large range when it comes to price, so weighing out your options is a must. More expensive products may come from well-known name brands, but those may also be better-quality running tights overall. It comes down to what you are willing to spend, how often you will use your tights, and if you feel the investment warrants paying a little more upfront.
Overall Best Men's Running Tights - Lululemon Vital Drive Training Tight 28"
SPECS
- Length: 28"
- Fabric: 59% nylon, 41% elastane
- Fit: Tight
- Waist: 21-41"
- Machine wash: Cold with like colors and no bleach
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Key features: Abrasion resistant, sweat wicking, drop-in pocket with hidden phone sleeve
Lululemon Vital Drive Training Tight 28" is designed for training and engineered to support those high-intensity workouts. This is done through interior gripping that covers all major muscle groups for stabilization and support. Abrasion-resistant fabric ensures no damage is done to the material and that these will withstand repeated abuse from heavy exercise and intense workouts. Sweat-wicking and quick-drying material keeps you dry and free of discomfort as you push yourself to the limit. A four-way stretch and added Lycra fiber allows for stretch and shape retention so they do not lose their form over time.
You will find a tight fit with these running tights, as they will conform to the shape of your body for a snug feel. However, since these are designed for training, you still get the benefit of versatility and convenience for all movements. Other notable features are drop-in pockets with a hidden phone sleeve so you can work out with your device for easy access without it impeding any movements. Quality material and the specifics of muscle comfort and stabilization during high-intensity training puts these tights at the top of the list of men's running tights as an overall choice for athletes.
PROS
- Designed for training
- Snug fit with versatility
- Abrasion-resistant and sweat-wicking fabric
- Drop-in pockets for easy carry
CONS
- Not as much compression as other options
- No color or design options
BUY: Lululemon Vital Drive Training Tight 28"
Best Men's Running Tights for Cold Weather - Salomon Cross Run Tights
SPECS
- Length: 28"
- Fabric: 79% polyester, 21% elastane
- Fit: Slim
- Waist: 29.1-44.1"
- Machine wash: Cold with no bleach or fabric softener
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Key features: Four-way stretch fabric, reflective inserts, two side pockets
If you are someone who runs outside in the colder months, Salomon Cross Run tights have everything you need to stay warm and limber no matter the temperature. Offering high breathability, a slim fit, and the right amount of warmth, you are set up exactly how you want for colder temps or those high-intensity interval session warm-ups. Four-way stretch fabric allows for light muscle support and the AdvancedSkin fabric keeps you dry, warm, and protected.
Included features to make note of are the two strategic stretch pockets to keep your keys, smartphone, and gels in easy access without impeding your workout. You could always put hand warmers in them as well for that extra level of warmth in cold weather. An adjustable flat-waist construction allows you to find the right waist size for comfort. Made from mostly polyester, these tights are great for cold months since polyester is a warm, water-resistant material.
PROS
- Great for cold weather
- Breathable with a slim fit
- 4-way stretch for light support
- 2 side pockets for easy storage
CONS
- Could have more muscle support
- Higher price point
Best Compression Men's Running Tights - Copper Compression Base Layer Copper-Infused Compression Tights
SPECS
- Length: 24.5-26.5"
- Fabric: Nylon
- Fit: Snug
- Waist: 30-40"
- Machine wash: Warm
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Key features: Copper infused, targeted compression
Compression tights allow for better blood flow, faster recovery, and warmer muscles, and Copper Compression Base Layer Copper-Infused Compression Tights are great for those seeking such benefits. By supporting joint stability, relieving pain, and priming muscles for better performance, this copper-infused fabric does more than the average running tights. It also won't cause unwanted rubbing or chafing; the moisture-wicking and breathable fabric keeps these men's running tights fresh and dry while regulating the temperature for maximum comfort. Along with the highest possible infusion of copper into the fabric, you can be sure these tights will withstand any abuse from everyday wear and tear.
A low-profile, slim design makes sure you are comfortable while also giving you room to move and breathe. The protective copper never wears away because the copper is infused into the nylon and so the antimicrobial properties that typically prevent build-up of odor-causing bacteria stay intact to keep your tights as fresh as possible. Even with all of the compression, the four-way stretch construction conforms around your body and moves with you, allowing for optimal movement and no restrictive exercises.
PROS
- 4-way stretch fabric moves with you
- Targeted compression for many benefits
- Moisture wicking and breathable
- Copper infused for odor and support
CONS
- Sizing might be off
- Bunching can occur
BUY: Copper Compression Base Layer Copper-Infused Compression Tights
Most Comfortable Men's Running Tights - Adidas Own the Run Tights
SPECS
- Length: 32"
- Fabric: 72% recycled polyester, 28% elastane
- Fit: Tight with mid rise
- Waist: 21.5-47"
- Machine wash: Cold with mild detergent only, no bleach or fabric softeners
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Key features: Drawcord on elastic waist, made from mostly recycled materials
Working out in comfort is an absolute must, and with Adidas Own the Run Tights, you can do just that. An extremely comfortable and versatile pair of men's running tights, these are great for warm-ups to get you primed and ready to go, or under a pair of shorts for added warmth, compression, and support. Adidas' moisture-absorbing AEROREADY technology and breathable fabric keeps you dry and comfortable during your workouts. Supportive with a snug fit, ankle zips make these easy to change in and out of to avoid overstretching the fabric.
A drawcord on the elastic waist allows you to find the best level of tightness to avoid discomfort while still feeling supported, and a small side pocket gives you the chance for easy storage and access of personal belongings. One unique feature of these men's running tights are they are made of 60 percent recycled content.
PROS
- Breathable and supportive
- Made from 60% recycled materials
- Moisture absorbing technology
- Good compression
CONS
- Sizing may be off
- Length may be too long
BUY: Adidas Own the Run Tights
Best Budget Men's Running Tights - Born Tough Side Pockets Compression Pants
SPECS
- Length: 21-24"
- Fabric: 92% polyester, 8% spandex
- Fit: True size
- Waist: 30-38"
- Machine wash: Regular with like clothes
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Key features: Signature elastane blend, two gravity pockets
Workout apparel can get expensive, but if you are looking for the best budget men's running tights, look no further than Born Tough Side Pockets Compression Pants. Made from their signature elastane blend designed specifically for compression, these running tights work to increase blood flow to maximize performance and decrease overall recovery time. Less time being sore means more time doing what you love. These tights will fit true to size, and the added compression offers just the right snug fit for comfort and the benefits of a quality compressive pair of running tights.
One added feature along with their impressive compression blend are the two gravity pockets that are designed to keep your personal items out secure while you exercise. A reflective logo and design are on both legs to allow for extra visibility when working out at night or in dimly lit areas.
PROS
- Several color options
- Budget friendly
- 2 gravity pockets
- Comfortable fit
CONS
- Not as much breathability as other tights
- Length may be too short for taller users
BUY: Born Tough Side Pockets Compression Pants
Best Men's Running Tights with Pockets - Under Armour Rush SmartForm Leggings
SPECS
- Length: 27.75"
- Fabric: 82% polyester, 18% elastane
- Fit: Ultra-tight, second-skin fit
- Waist: 28-50"
- Machine wash: Cold with like colors
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL
- Key features: Anti-odor technology, SmartForm pattern technology
These men's running tights use Under Armour's UA RUSH infrared technology that's designed to reflect your body's energy, helping reduce recovery time and allowing you to work harder. Plus, the SmartForm pattern technology moves with the shape of your body for comfort and a custom fit. The Drop-in Strength Pocket allows for easy storage on the right side to hold your phone or other personal belongings for the duration of your workout without any impediment to your performance.
The material wicks away sweat for quick-drying relief and strategic mesh panels offer additional breathability. Their anti-odor technology also prevents microbes that cause odors from forming, helping to always keep these running tights fresh. An updated design provides great support and comfort as you embark on any workout, no matter the duration or intensity. While many running tights have some sort of pocket or storing capabilities, easy storage along with trademarked technology make these men's running tights sought after options.
PROS
- Infrared technology for faster recovery
- Great pocket capability for easy storage
- Sweat-wicking material with anti-odor technology
- Comfortable and supportive
CONS
- Reviewers say they run large
- Not many color options
BUY: Under Armour Rush SmartForm Leggings
Best Men's Running Half Tights - Lululemon License to Train Half Tight 9"
SPECS
- Length: 9"
- Fabric: 69% nylon, 31% lycra elastane
- Fit: Tight
- Waist: 28-41"
- Machine wash: Cold
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Key features: Slick and low friction support, silicone grippers on inner waistband
Lululemon License to Train Half Tight 9" are the ideal pair of men's running tights for those seeking a shorter length. Designed for training, these half tights are versatile and provide locked-in support. Luxtreme fabric provides slick and low-friction support that is breathable, cool to the touch, and sweat-wicking. A four-way stretch with added Lycra fiber offers superior shape retention.
These half tights from Lululemon feature bonded construction for flat and smooth seams so your tights can withstand abuse without you feeling any discomfort from the design or stitching. To help keep these tights in place, silicone grippers are along the inner waistband to reinforce a tight fit without any discomfort to your waist. They also have an interior pocket for smaller belongings for easy storage during your workouts.
PROS
- Slick and low-friction support
- Interior pocket
- Fabric is cool to the touch
- Versatile and designed for all training
CONS
- Not best for cold weather
- No color options
BUY: Lululemon License to Train Half Tight 9"
FAQs About Men's Running Tights
Why do men wear tights while running?
There are a few reasons why men wear tights while running. Running tights offer support during high-intensity workouts by stabilizing muscles. Along with this comes compression, which gives a snug, protected feel and allows the muscles to stay warm for improved blood flow. Better blood flow keeps your muscles primed for reduced soreness and stiffness to keep you moving as efficiently as possible.
Running tights add an extra layer of coverage and protection from outside elements, as well, and work great for all months of the year. Ultimately, running tights work to increase performance and decrease recovery time so you see the results you want most while bouncing back faster.
What's the difference between running tights and leggings?
Most people use these terms interchangeably but there are some slight differences. Typically, leggings are thicker and are used more for comfort and warmth while exercising. Running tights have more features that are designed to enhance your exercise experience while also improving athletic performance and overall recovery. Athletes wearing leggings are likely to wear them as stand-alone garments, whereas athletes wearing running tights will most likely put shorts over them.
Why do men wear shorts over tights?
Men typically wear shorts over tights in efforts to cover up. Running tights tend to be well-fitting and will contour to the shape of your body, causing many men to feel self-conscious. Shorts allow men to feel less exposed and to feel more comfortable when wearing tights.
Wearing shorts also allows the convenience of an extra layer in colder months, as well as giving you pockets for things like your phone, keys, or wallet. While some running tights do have the feature of pockets, wearing shorts allows you this convenience if your tights do not.