Our reviews are 100% organic. We do not accept payment for reviews or bundle with advertising budgets. In most cases, the brand is providing the product to our reviewers free of charge. Finding the right running tights can be tough. We’ve tested a few models, some which offer comfort, fit, protection or a little of each, to help make selecting the right ones just a bit easier.
FP Movement’s Level Up Leggings ($128)
The Level Up Leggings are compressive tights, providing full coverage from a woman’s stomach to her ankle, in a smooth, sleek fabric with a flattering fit. For females who prefer fitted leggings that rise high near the belly button and extend past the ankles, these easily moved with the body when out on the trails. The full-coverage fit meant we weren’t stopping to hike up the waist band or having to pull the leg fabric up for a mid-run adjustment. Made from 76% polyamide and 29% elastane, the fabric is smooth, breathable and dries quickly after sweaty runs.
A pocket in the rear back panel can fit a few gels and the smooth contour stitching allows the fabric to stay in place on the move. We tested these leggings on warmer winter runs and they offered a generous amount of coverage while also keeping us confident on the trails. Find them in sizes XS – XL in four color options at freepeople.com.
Woolx Piper Pocket Leggings ($169)
These Merino wool leggings are perfect for frosty morning runs or as a base layer for colder afternoons on the trail. With the properties of wool that include warmth without a bulky feel, moisture-wicking and temperature regulating, Woolx’s Piper Pocket Leggings offer full coverage in a soft, breathable fabric. Our testers found these leggings deliver a more relaxed fit, while still providing ample support during longer runs. With a high-rise waistband, they kept our midsection warm, especially when worn with a longer shirt and light jacket. Because of wool’s breathability, the Piper Pocket Leggings were warm when it was cool, and kept us cool when it got to be warm.
Merino wool dries quickly, so this model transitions easily from a run to morning errands or getting the kids off to school without carrying around damp sweat from early miles. The style comes with or without two side pockets which are deep enough to hold a packet of chews or a couple of gels.
Made from 85% Australian Merino wool, 12% nylon and 3% Spandex, the Piper Pocket Leggings are machine washable and available sizes XS – 3XL in two colors at woolx.com.
Rabbit Speed Tights ($115)
Known for their soft yet breathable fabrics, Rabbit also designs their running-specific clothing with functional details that keep runners on the trail over long miles.
Their Speed Tights are a high-waisted compression design with three pockets, including two side stash pockets that can fit a phone and one secured zip pocket across the back waistline for smaller items. We’ve tested these on cold winter runs as well as during spring morning miles, and we keep coming back to them throughout the year because of their versatility. They’re called “speed” tights for a reason, as they offer a light, fast feel on the trail while continuing to keep legs warm. Made from Rabbit’s quick-dry Pacerknit fabric (76% recycled polyester, 24% Spandex), they are fitted with a 7/8-length style and laser-cut hems for a faster turnover.
The Speed Tights are available in two colors in sizes XS – XL. If you’re between sizes, we recommend sizing up. Find them at runinrabbit.com.
Tracksmith NDO Tights ($225)
These highly durable tights are meant for tough conditions — cold temperatures, high wind gusts or just a rainy spring morning — and they’re built to protect your legs.
Known for their attention to detail and premium materials, Tracksmith added windblocking overlays on the upper of each leg, along with reflective piping to increase visibility. We tested the NDO Tights while running in rainy winter weather as well as frosty spring mornings, and Tracksmith’s Fusion double-knit fabric with a combo of Merino wool, nylon and Spandex kept our tester’s legs warm and dry.
Zippered ankle seams allow for easier removal, and secure zip pockets can accommodate a few gels or car keys (it didn’t fit our larger phone). A yoke pocket in the back can hold additional nutrition or a soft flask, as it spans the back of the waistband. This was the only model we tested that didn’t include a wide waistband for full coverage, however the NDO Tights do have a drawstring for a more custom fit. Made with 43% Merino wool, 44% nylon and 13% Spandex, the NDO Tights are available in sizes XS – XL (we recommend sizing up if you’re between sizes) at tracksmith.com.