The Best Men’s Cold Weather Running Tights 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 men. Check it out, grab a pair, and forge ahead through those rough winter months.
Determining the Best Running Tights for Cold Weather
Here are the criteria we used for putting together our list of the best cold weather running tights:
Cold-Weather Design: While a general pair of compression tights would fare better than other fabrics in the cold, we’re looking for tights specifically designed to combat the elements. Not just thicker fabric but technology designed to keep you going in cold weather.
Extended Comfort: We also want tights that don’t sacrifice comfort for warmth. These two should work hand in hand. An uncomfortable pair of warm running tights isn’t a working solution for your cold weather pursuits.
Protective Functionality: Choosing a pair of running tights that won’t let you down matters just that much more in the cold. We need a waistband that stays up to avoid cold exposure, full mobility to perform our best, and breathability so that we don’t overheat.
Note: Featured products are independently selected and reviewed by Compression Athlete. If you purchase through our links, we may earn commission.
1. WOLACO Sprint X Tights
The WOLACO Sprint X Tights pair a sleek and lightweight speed-optimizing design with winter running features like a soft brushed interior to trap in body heat and a double-layered Windshield Tarzan Modesty Layer.
Shop at WOLACO: WOLACO Sprint X Tights
WOLACO’s Sprint X Tights sport 4-way stretch for a luxe squat-proof fabric and an elastic drawcord waistband for a snug fit. These tights have two signature sweat-proof compression pockets for secure storage and an anchored t-shirt loop.
2. WOLACO Fulton X Tights
The WOLACO Fulton X Tights feature a cold weather performance design with heat-trapping fabric, a warm brushed interior, and frontal double-layered Windshield technology.
These tights sport a moderate compression fit with comfortable 4-way stretch.
Shop at WOLACO: WOLACO Fulton X Tights
WOLACO’s Fulton X Tights sport a stay-put ergonomic fit with premium moisture-wicking, anti-pilling fabric. These tights have a comfortable elastic waistband, reflective stripes for low light visibility and two sweat-proof compression pockets.
3. Lululemon Surge Warm Tights
The Lululemon Surge Warm Tights are designed for cold weather running with brushed Luxtreme fabric to keep you warm. These tights have a form-fitting design that can be worn on their own or layered under shorts.
Shop at Lululemon: Lululemon Surge Warm Tights
Lululemon’s Surge Warm Tights have side drop-in pockets, discreet waistband pockets, and a back zippered pocket. These tights also have a continuous drawcord and reflective detailing to increase visibility.
4. Lululemon Keep The Heat Thermal Tights
The Lululemon Keep The Heat Thermal Tights combine varying textures into a seamless knit fabric for a breathable fit with thermal comfort.
Shop at Lululemon: Lululemon Keep The Heat Thermal Tights
Lululemon’s Keep The Heat Thermal Tights utilize a wool-blend fabric that regulates body temperature, wicks sweat, and dries quickly.
5. Saucony Runshield Tights
The Saucony Runshield Tights feature a weather-ready performance design with a 2.5 layer waterproof membrane overlay on signature Solstice brushed back fleece to keep you dry and warm in cold conditions.
Shop at Saucony: Saucony Runshield Tights
Saucony’s Runshield Tights utilize zips at the hem for easy on/offs and an internal drawcord for a secure fit. These tights sport a zipper hip pocket, zipper back drop-in pocket, and reflective details on the logo and trim.
6. Saucony Solstice Tights
The Saucony Solstice Tights are a high-performance option with a warm brushed inside for a cozy fit. These tights have versatile style and function, making them great for warming-up, running, and post-run recovery.
Shop at Saucony: Saucony Solstice Tights
Saucony’s Solstice Tights utilize a plush polyester and spandex fabric blend, side hip pockets, and a back zippered pocket. These tights have a classic mid-rise waistband with an internal drawcord.
7. Adidas Conquer The Elements COLD.RDY Leggings
The Adidas Conquer The Elements COLD.RDY Leggings pair a soft and warm brushed fabric on the upper leg with a lightweight and breathable lower leg construction to maximize cold weather performance.
Shop at Adidas: Adidas COLD.RDY Leggings
Adidas’ Conquer The Elements COLD.RDY Leggings sport a stay-put elastic drawcord waistband and 360-degree reflectivity in low light conditions. These tights have ankle zips for an adjustable fit and side pockets for secure storage.
8. Adidas Conquer The Elements AEROREADY Warm Leggings
The Adidas Conquer The Elements AEROREADY Warm Leggings feature a warm and comfortable performance fleece fabric with moisture-wicking AEROREADY to keep you dry and 360-degree reflectivity in low light conditions.
Shop at Adidas: Adidas AEROREADY Warm Leggings
Adidas’ Conquer The Elements AEROREADY Warm Leggings have convenient ankle zips for ventilation adjustment, a stay-put elastic waistband with a drawcord, and a center back zip pocket for secure storage.
9. 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.
10. Under Armour Qualifier Elite Cold Tights
The Under Armour Qualifier Elite Cold Tights feature dual-layer fabric that pairs an extra warm brushed interior with a slick and quick-drying exterior. These tights utilize an expandable water-resistant center-back waistband pocket for secure no-bounce phone storage.
Shop at Under Armour: UA Qualifier Elite Cold Tights
Under Armour’s Qualifier Elite Cold Tights sport water-resistant woven overlays on the front for added protection and an encased elastic waistband with an internal drawcord. These tights have 4-way stretch, a side drop-in pocket, and ankle zips for easy on/offs.
11. Nike Lunar Ray Winterized Running Tights
The Nike Lunar Ray Winterized Running Tights pairs a warm soft knit and water-repellent finish upper half with a stretchy knit fabric lower half and back body that’s lightweight and breathable.
Shop at Nike: Nike Lunar Ray Winterized Running Tights
Nike’s Lunar Ray Winterized Running Tights utilize a comfortable brief liner, an elastic drawcord waistband, and zippered cuffs for easy on/offs. These tights have side pockets, a zippered back pocket with a waterproof pouch, and reflective elements.
12. Nike Pro Warm Tights
The Nike Pro Warm Tights feature soft French terry for smooth warmth with Dri-FIT technology that wicks sweat and dries quickly to keep you dry and comfortable. These tights sport a soft and stretchy waistband and work great as a layering option.
Shop at Nike: Nike Pro Warm Tights
Nike’s Pro Warm Tights have mesh panels behind the knee and lower back for ventilation where it’s needed, flat seaming that lays comfortably against your skin, and side pockets for convenient small item storage.
13. New Balance Impact Run Heat Tights
The New Balance Impact Run Heat Tights are constructed using NB HEAT fabric technology that wicks sweat and keeps you toasty. These tights sport a comfortable polyknit fabric with a warm brushed interior.
Shop at New Balance: NB Impact Run Heat Tights
Shop at New Balance: NB Impact Run Heat Tights (Luminous)
New Balance’s Impact Run Heat Tights feature a mid-rise design that fits snug to your body while still providing a full range of motion and flexibility. These tights have easy-access drop-in pockets and reflective hits at bio motion points on your legs.
14. On Performance Winter Tights
The On Performance Winter Tights feature a warm brushed fabric to lock in heat and moisture-wicking technology to keep you dry and comfortable. These tights utilize a smart engineered in-motion design that’s shaped around your body’s natural movement.
Shop at Dick’s Sporting Goods: On Performance Winter Tights
On’s Performance Winter Tights utilize reflective elements for improved visibility in low light conditions and an adjustable waistband for a secure and custom fit. These tights have a zippered back pocket and a large side pocket for streamlined storage.
15. Baleaf Laureate Thermal Water-Resistant Tights
The Baleaf Laureate Thermal Water-Resistant Tights feature a water-resistant performance outside with a soft brushed fleece lining for an extra warm and cozy feel. These tights have a high-rise design for superior coverage and a stay-put waistband with an inner drawstring.
Shop at Baleaf: Baleaf Laureate Thermal Water-Resistant Tights
Baleaf’s Laureate Thermal Water-Resistant Tights feature flatlock seams for a no-chafe fit and ankle zippers for easy on/offs. These tights have a 3-pocket design and reflective elements to increase visibility.
16. Asics Winter Run Tights
The Asics Winter Run Tights feature 2 types of advanced soft thermal knit fabric to retain warmth and repel wind in key areas. These tights utilize a softshell 3-layer fabric in front for wind resistance.
Shop at Asics: Asics Winter Run Tights
Asics’ Winter Run Tights sport quick-drying fabric, ankle zippers for easy on/offs, and reflective details to improve visibility in low-light conditions. These tights have a sweat-resistant side leg pocket and a large mesh pocket in the back.
Benefits of Compression in Cold Weather
Compression is one of the best 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 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.
