The Best Women’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 women. 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. Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Fleece Tights
The Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Fleece Tights feature a water-repellent tech fleece fabric that’s brushed on the inside for warmth. These tights have a full-length design that sits at the ankle and four-way stretch for a full range of motion.
Shop at Lululemon: Lululemon Fast and Free Fleece Tights
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 five drop-in pockets on the waistband for smaller items.
2. Lululemon Swift Speed Brushed Luxtreme Tights
The Lululemon Swift Speed Brushed Luxtreme Tights feature breathable and sweat-wicking Luxtreme fabric that’s brushed on the inside for a soft and warm feel. These tights have a high-rise design and full length that sits at the ankle.
Shop at Lululemon: Lululemon Swift Speed Tights
Lululemon’s Swift Speed Brushed Luxtreme Tights utilize comfortable four-way stretch, a no-inseam design for smooth strides, and an easy cinch continuous drawcord. These tights sport reflective details, side drop-in pockets, and a back zippered pocket.
3. WOLACO Fulton Leggings
The WOLACO Fulton Leggings feature a cold weather performance design in a comfortable moderate compression fit. These leggings have two sweat-proof compression pockets with breathable mesh backing and a secure elastic security band.
Shop at Wolaco: WOLACO Fulton Leggings
WOLACO’s Fulton Leggings sport a stay-put ergonomic fit with premium moisture-wicking, anti-pilling fabric. These leggings have a comfortable elastic waistband, reflective stripes for low light visibility, and are available in several stylish colors.
4. Adidas Ultimate Running Winter Leggings
The Adidas Ultimate Running Winter Leggings pair insulating COLD.RDY technology to keep you warm with a slick and breathable cool-touch fabric to regulate body temperature in cold weather.
Shop at Adidas: Adidas Ultimate Running Winter Leggings
Adidas’ Ultimate Running Winter Leggings sport a supportive high-rise stretch waistband that stays put and a no-inseam design to prevent chafing. These leggings have ankle zips for easy on/offs, reflective details, secure side pockets, and a center-back waist zip pocket.
5. Nike Therma-FIT One Leggings
The Nike Therma-FIT One Leggings feature a soft and stretchy fabric with heat-regulating Therma-FIT technology for a warm and cozy fit. These leggings sport a high-rise waistband and a performance 7/8 length.
Shop at Nike: Nike Therma-FIT One Leggings
Nike’s Therma-FIT One Leggings utilize seamless sides, a slight V contour on the back waistband, and a non-sheer fabric for confident coverage. These leggings have 2 hidden pockets in the waistband (1 big enough to hold a phone).
6. Under Armour Qualifier Cold Tights
The Under Armour Qualifier 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 Cold Tights
Under Armour’s Qualifier Cold Tights sport water-resistant woven overlays on the front for added protection and a high-rise waistband with an internal drawcord for a secure fit. These tights have 4-way stretch, a side drop-in pocket, and reflective hits.
7. 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 a high-rise design, zips at the hem for easy on/offs, and an internal infinity drawcord. These tights sport secure thigh pockets and reflective details on the logo and trim.
8. Saucony Solstice Tights
The Saucony Solstice Tights are a high-performance option with brushed Solstice knit fabric for a warm and 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 have a high-rise design with reflective logos, secure side pockets, and a back zippered pocket.
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. New Balance Impact Run Heat Tights
The New Balance Impact Run Heat Tights are constructed using NB HEAT fabric technology to wick sweat and keep 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, a drawcord waist, and reflective hits at bio motion points on your legs.
11. 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
Shop at Dick’s Sporting Goods: On Performance Winter Tights (Lumos)
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.
12. Baleaf Laureate Thermal Zipper Pocket Leggings
The Baleaf Laureate Thermal Leggings feature a water-resistant performance outside with soft brushed fleece lining for an extra warm and cozy feel. These leggings have a non-see-through design and a gusseted crotch to eliminate camel toe.
Shop at Baleaf: Baleaf Laureate Thermal Leggings
Baleaf’s Laureate Thermal Leggings feature flattering body-contouring flatlock seams to eliminate chafing and maximize comfort. These leggings have a wide waistband for superior coverage and a zipper back pocket for secure storage.
13. 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.
