Running tights are a must-have for every runner’s wardrobe. They provide warmth and comfort in colder conditions, and their lightweight, form-fitting design makes them more aerodynamic, potentially boosting your performance.

The best all-around choice for speed and racing is the Nike AeroSwift, featuring advanced Dri-FIT ADV technology for maximum cooling. If you are training in sub-freezing conditions, the Tracksmith NDO Tights offer the superior wind-blocking and thermal protection required for winter. For those prioritizing muscle recovery and high-compression, the SOAR Half Tights provide the best technical “second-skin” fit available this year.

Best Men’s Running Tights Picks

Overview

The Nike AeroSwift 1/2-Length Racing Tights are engineered as the pinnacle of Nike’s competitive apparel, specifically designed for high-intensity racing and speed. Built with Dri-FIT ADV technology, these tights combine moisture-wicking fabric with a unique ribbed texture that promotes airflow, ensuring you stay cool and dry even at maximum effort. The focus here is on “distraction-free” performance, utilizing a streamlined, lightweight design that allows for a completely natural range of motion during your stride.

Practicality is integrated into the high-performance frame through a ventilated Flyvent waistband and a built-in brief liner for secure support. Unlike many minimal racing kits, these tights offer surprisingly ample storage, including a sweat-resistant zippered back pocket large enough for most phones and additional waistband pockets for keys or cards. Small but thoughtful details, such as non-reflective Swoosh logos to prevent glare in race photography, emphasize that these are built for the starting line. Overall, they are a premium, technical choice for runners who want elite-level compression and cooling without sacrificing the ability to carry race-day essentials.

Overview

The HOKA Novafly Run Legging is a high-performance tight designed to balance muscle support with everyday versatility. Constructed from a specialized knitted “InterLock” material, these leggings provide a moderate level of compression to stabilize muscles while actively wicking away sweat to keep you dry. The mid-high waistband is a key comfort feature, engineered with an internal drawstring to ensure the tights stay securely in place without sliding down during high-impact movement.

Storage is a major focus of this design, making it more practical for long-distance training than a standard racing tight. It features a secure, zippered “Powermesh” pocket for valuables, supplemented by additional side and back pockets for easy access to gels or accessories. To enhance safety, the leggings include reflective details for low-light visibility and are built with a high percentage of recycled polyester, appealing to eco-conscious runners. Overall, the Novafly is a reliable, “do-it-all” tight that excels in cool-weather training where support and storage are top priorities.

Overview

The SOAR Half Tights (indicated by the specialized French-woven fabric and technical specs) are elite-level training tights designed for “zero bulk” and high-performance utility. Unlike standard leggings, these are built using a premium French-woven stretch fabric that offers targeted compression, meaning they support your muscles firmly during intense efforts without feeling heavy or restrictive. The design emphasizes a “seamless” feel, utilizing bonded crotch panels and taped seams to eliminate the friction and chafing often caused by traditional stitching.

The fit is exceptionally secure, engineered to stay perfectly in place even at high speeds. This is achieved through a combination of an integrated waistband and laser-cut hems lined with silicone grippers, which prevent the fabric from riding up the thigh. For storage, it features a single, bonded rear zippered pocket designed to hold a phone or nutrition “without bounce,” maintaining the garment’s streamlined silhouette.

Because of their breathable, technical construction, these tights are highly versatile, rated for everything from easy recovery runs to competitive racing in temperatures ranging from cool to warm. They are the ideal choice for a runner who wants a “second-skin” feel with professional-grade compression and a focus on minimizing weight and irritation.

Overview

The Under Armour HeatGear Ankle Leggings are specialized compression tights designed specifically for high-intensity training in hot weather. The core of this garment is the HeatGear fabric, which is engineered to be exceptionally lightweight while providing full coverage and a “second-skin” compression feel. Unlike traditional leggings that might trap heat, these feature strategic mesh panels to boost ventilation in high-heat zones, working alongside a fast-drying, sweat-wicking system to keep you cool and dry.

The design prioritizes durability and movement, using an ergonomic seam layout that keeps stitching away from high-abrasion areas to prevent chafing during repetitive motions. A wide, exposed elastic waistband ensures the leggings stay securely in place, whether worn as a standalone piece or as a base layer under shorts or a uniform. For utility, it includes a “Strength Pocket” on the right side, providing a stable, drop-in space for a phone or keys. Overall, these are a rugged, breathable essential for athletes who need muscle support and cooling during summer workouts or gym sessions.

Overview

The Tracksmith NDO (No Days Off) 2025 Collection is a premium, specialized lineup engineered for the most extreme winter running conditions. Known for its “classic meets technical” aesthetic, this year’s collection emphasizes total-body protection through high-performance materials like Merino wool blends and PrimaLoft Gold insulation. The standout addition for 2025 is the NDO Bib, a one-piece design that borrows from cycling gear to eliminate drafts and simplify layering, providing seamless core warmth that transitions into full-length tights.

The core of the collection remains the NDO Tights, which have been redeveloped with a double-sided fabric designed to offer superior wind-blocking and heat retention compared to previous versions. For maximum warmth, the Harbor Jacket serves as the heavy-duty outer shell, packed with high-loft insulation that stays warm even when damp, while still allowing moisture to escape during intense efforts. Accessories like the Harbor Cap and 2-in-1 Mittens round out the system, offering convertible protection that can be adjusted as your body temperature rises.

While the collection is praised for its “excuse-proof” warmth and signature reflective safety sashes, it is a high-end investment designed specifically for sub-freezing temperatures. Fit is also a key consideration this year; the new materials are less stretchy than traditional training gear, leading many runners to recommend sizing up—especially in the tights—to maintain full mobility. Ultimately, it is a luxury “winter shield” for the dedicated runner who refuses to let snow, ice, or wind move their workout indoors.

Overview

The Brooks Run Visible Thermal Tights are a specialized solution for runners who refuse to let winter darkness or cold temperatures cut their mileage short. The defining feature of this model is the 3M™ Scotchlite™ Carbon Black reflectivity, strategically placed in “critical motion zones” like the knees and ankles. This specific placement helps drivers recognize the human form in motion from a distance, making these some of the safest tights on the market for early-morning or late-night road runs.

Beyond safety, these tights prioritize thermal regulation. They are constructed from a soft, brushed thermal fabric that traps body heat to fight off the chill while remaining breathable enough to prevent overheating. The design incorporates a light compression fit that supports the muscles without restricting your natural range of motion, while minimal seams are utilized throughout to significantly reduce the risk of chafing over long distances.

Functionality is rounded out with a dual-pocket system: a secure, zippered pocket on the left for valuables like keys or cards, and a convenient drop-in pocket on the right for quick access to a phone or nutrition. While they aren’t as heavy-duty as the Tracksmith NDO line for sub-zero blizzards, they are the ideal high-visibility “workhorse” for the standard winter runner who needs a reliable blend of warmth, comfort, and maximum safety on the pavement.