These Women’s Running Tights Are Designed to Handle Cold Weather: Top Picks for 2024
Running tights to keep you warm and keep you going in the winter months.
There’s no denying that running gets tougher both physically and mentally in the colder months.
Whether you’re forging out early into a brisk morning or dealing with quickly disappearing daylight in the evening, winter always throws a few extra obstacles our way.
But whatever the weather conditions may be, you’re much more likely to get out there and enjoy your run if you’ve got the right gear.
And a great pair of warm running tights makes a huge difference in the winter.
So, we’ve put together our list of the best cold weather running tights for women.
Check it out, grab a pair, and forge ahead through those rough winter months.
Our top picks feature cold combating technology to keep you warm without overheating or limiting mobility.
While it’s true that most any pair of compression tights would fare better than other fabrics in cold weather, certain designs can actually boost your performance in chilly conditions.
Look for these two key features from your compression tights when running in cold weather.
1. A warm yet breathable design.
Warmth and breathability need to work hand in hand when you’re running in the cold.
Sure, thick and heavy fabrics keep you warm, but they also slow you down and cause you to overheat in surprisingly short order.
You’re going to want to pair warm thermal fabrics and brushed fleece interiors with breathable design features that allow all that body heat you’re generating to escape.
2. Features that are protective and functional.
Choosing a pair of running tights that won’t let you down matters just that much more in cold weather.
Water repellant exteriors come in very handy against the wet and the wind.
Also, look for helpful features like a stay-put waistband to avoid cold exposure, secure pocket storage for your essentials, and reflective details for safety in low light conditions.
Note: Featured products are independently selected and reviewed by Compression Athlete. If you purchase through our links, we may earn commission.
1. Bandit Brushed Stamina Cold Weather Tights
The Bandit Brushed Stamina Cold Weather Tights feature signature Stamina performance fabric with a brushed interior for warmth.
These tights sport reflective branding for visibility, forgo a front rise seam for an extra smooth fit, and are available in 4 stylish color options.
Shop at Bandit: Bandit Brushed Stamina Cold Weather Tights
Bandit’s Brushed Stamina Cold Weather Tights utilize a high-rise design with a drawstring waistband for a comfortable and secure fit.
These tights have a 5 pocket design with 2 thigh pockets, 2 waistband pockets, and a zipper back stash pocket.
Why We Like It: Where the peak of Performance, Warmth, and Style meet, you’ll find these tights and you’ll LOVE them.
2. Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Fleece Tights
The Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Fleece Tights add soft brushed interior for warmth and forego the inner thigh seam for smooth strides.
These tights have a full-length design that sits at the ankle, four-way stretch for a full range of motion, and reflective details.
Shop at Lululemon: Lululemon Fast and Free Fleece Tights (25”)
Shop at Lululemon: Lululemon Fast and Free Fleece Tights (28”)
Lululemon’s Fast and Free High-Rise Fleece Tights utilize a snug waistband with a continuous drawcord to eliminate constant adjustments.
These tights have two side drop-in pockets and three drop-in pockets on the waistband for smaller items.
Why We Like It: An ultra-luxe feel with a high-performance design built to handle cold weather. Only problem might be that you don’t want to take them off post-run.
3. 2XU Ignition Shield Compression Tights
The 2XU Ignition Shield Compression Tights feature advanced waterproof stretch panels to withstand rain and flexible thermal fabric to protect against chilly conditions.
These tights utilize graduated compression to improve blood flow and overall performance and recovery.
Shop at 2XU: 2XU Ignition Shield Compression Tights
2XU’s Ignition Shield Compression Tights feature a soft brushed interior for warmth, flatlock seams to reduce chafing, and reflective logos for visibility in low-light conditions.
These tights have a drawstring waistband and a rear zip pocket for secure storage.
Why We Like It: 2XU consistently makes some of the highest quality compression gear you’ll come across. No exception here—these tights bring the perfect mix of warmth and performance for chilly conditions.
4. Under Armour Launch Elite Cold Weather Tights
The Under Armour Launch Elite Cold Weather Tights pair a super soft and stretchy performance knit fabric with a warm brushed interior that stays up great while you run.
These tights have sweat-wicking material and 4-way stretch for improved mobility.
Shop at Under Armour: UA Launch Elite Cold Weather Tights
Under Armour’s Launch Elite Cold Weather Tights utilize a high-rise elastic waistband with an internal drawcord and bold reflective detailing for visibility.
These tights sport a secure back zipper pocket and two side drop-in pockets.
Why We Like It: You can count on these to keep you warm, keep comfortably in place as you run, and keep you visible in low light conditions from any angle.
5. New Balance Athletics Reflective Warming Leggings
The New Balance Athletics Reflective Warming Leggings feature a brushed performance fabric with NB HEAT technology to keep you warm and wick away moisture.
Shop at New Balance: NB Athletics Reflective Warming Leggings
New Balance’s Athletics Reflective Warming Leggings sport a reflective all-over print design that catches light for improved visibility and a secure waistband design.
Why We Like It: The NB HEAT tech is a proven and popular choice among runners for staying warm and dry, and these tights also sport one of the more stylish reflective designs we’ve come across.
6. Baleaf Laureate Thermal Zipper Pocket Leggings
The Baleaf Laureate Thermal Zipper Pocket Tights feature a windproof performance exterior with a warm and soft thermal interior.
These tights have a high-rise design and a wide waistband for superior coverage.
Shop at Baleaf: Baleaf Laureate Thermal Zipper Pocket Tights
Baleaf’s Laureate Thermal Zipper Pocket Tights feature 4-way stretch for a full range of motion and flatlock seams to ensure smooth strides.
These tights have a back zipper pocket for storage and are available in several stylish color options.
Why We Like It: The windproof exterior paired with a thermal interior goes the extra mile to keep you warm and moving comfortably.
7. Rabbit Defroster Speed Tights
The Rabbit Defroster Speed Tights pair a durable water-repellent top layer with a soft and fleecy interior to keep you warm and keep you going through any cold and wet weather.
Shop at rabbit: Rabbit Defroster Speed Tights
Rabbit’s Defroster Speed Tights utilize a 5-pocket design with two side stash pockets, a secure zipper back pocket, and two small internal pockets.
These tights have a mid-rise waist with an internal drawstring and reflective inseams for improved visibility.
Why We Like It: A comfortable fitted design that you can count on to stay put, stay dry, and keep you warm when you’re facing cold and wet conditions.
8. Saucony Hurricane Tights
The Saucony Hurricane Tights feature a brushed Solstice knit fabric that pairs a high-rise, high-performance design with a warm and plush feel.
Shop at Saucony: Saucony Hurricane Tights
Saucony’s Hurricane Tights utilize reflective logos, two side hip pockets, and a center back zippered pocket to provide secure storage for your essentials.
Why We Like It: A classic high-quality warmth meets performance design from a trusted running brand with everything you need and nothing you don’t.
Compression garments help athletes perform better in cold weather.
It’s really one of the most effective tools an athlete can utilize in cold weather.
The unique fabric blend of compression gear fortifies against chilly weather better than lighter fabrics like cotton blends and its snug fit is unaffected by gusting winds.
Also, while it might seem counterintuitive at first, breathability is an important element in your cold weather gear.
If you’re wearing layers that trap in your body heat, you’ll end up overheating and drenched in sweat as you’re running, even in frigid temperatures.
The sweat-wicking capabilities of compression help you strike the perfect balance you need for endurance and warmth.
Compression fabric moves sweat away from the body to allow for proper temperature regulation, while still protecting you from the cold.
For more on picking out a great pair of compression tights, check out our Comprehensive Guide to Compression Tights. We cover all of the most common questions surrounding the wear, fit, and use.
Looking to extend your baselayer coverage to combat the cold weather? Be sure to check out our picks for the Best Cold Weather Compression Shirts.
