5 Best Cold Weather Running Tights-Warm & Cozy

As winter nears, the weather turns cold and running can become quite difficult. What is an athlete to do?

It’s not a good idea to run with bare or unprotected legs during the cold months, which is why regular runners and athletes need to invest in cold weather running tights.

Below we breakdown the five best cold weather running tights that are certain to keep you warm, cozy, and dry.

We also share what to look for when purchasing a pair and which are better in certain temps.

What Are Running Tights?

Running tights are a specific form of legging designed for runners. There are a few different types, including cold and compression.

Compression tights keep the muscles close to the body and prevent unnecessary movement while keeping the blood moving.

These are frequently used by runners who desire to improve their circulation, and they are even used in the medical field.

Forbes provides a brief overview of some of their benefits, including restrained muscles and the aforementioned circulation.

Cold tights are specific leggings designed to insulate and keep the legs warm. These can be lined with fleece, made out of special materials, or thicker than average.

Why Are Running Tights Important?

Running tights, especially cold running tights, help regulate body temperature by allowing cold out and keeping the heat locked in.

They can also compress the legs to improve circulation, although this isn’t their main function.

Many athletes wear cold-weather tights to stave off illness or potentially deadly conditions like hypothermia.

According to the Mayo Clinic, hypothermia is a dangerous condition when the body loses heat much faster than it can generate it.

This causes numerous deaths each year, especially because people aren’t always the best about protecting themselves from the cold.

For runners, it poses a unique danger since individuals can struggle to recognize when they are getting dangerously cold – after all, they are still burning energy and will feel warm or hot from the activity.

Therefore, it’s important to be safe by wearing the proper equipment and take the right steps to protect the body.

How Cold Can It Be?

This is an important question for athletes and one that heavily influences exercise decisions and what to buy.

In general, individuals should avoid running outdoors in temperatures below twenty degrees Fahrenheit as the situation can become dangerous quickly.

In particular, there is once more risk for hypothermia.

Is someone chooses to run anyways, they should not only rely on cold weather tights. Instead, the tights should be a base layer over which another pair of pants should be laid.

While this will affect running times, it will keep the individual warm enough to exercise properly and prevent the hazardous loss of heat.

1. Baleaf Thermal Fleece Athletic Running and Cycling Tights

The interior is fleece for extra protection, which should keep the legs warm.

2. Yogipace Water Resistant Fleece Lined Thermal Tights

The Yogipace running tights are specifically fleece-lined to improve heat retention and provide extra comfort and warmth.

The manufacturer made this model for days between 30 and 50 degrees, meaning they shouldn’t be used in snowy environments but are still good for late fall and early December – depending on location.

These running tights come in men’s and women’s models and are water-resistant but not waterproof. They have an elastic waistband that can be adjusted with a drawstring for improved fit and comfort.

There is a pocket in the back with a zipper for easy storage that is large enough to fit a phone or wallet. There are also additional side pockets.

The average pair should last for at least 2-3 years. They do come in petite and plus sizes.

Care instructions are included and the fit is soft and comfortable.

These cold-weather tights are ideal for individuals who live in warmer climates but still experience cooler days.

The THERMA-STAR running tight is a soft and warm option to wear out on your cold running days.

These performance men's running tights were designed to provide maximum support and push you through the extra mile, even if its extra cold outside.

THERMA-STAR Technology helps keep you warm in moderately cold temperatures ranging from 35-55 degrees Fahrenheit, which is solid for fall and some winter temperatures. It will also act well as a base layer under other articles of clothing.

These tights also feature a waistband with an adjustable drawcord for a better fit and a water-resistant pocket on the back ensures your belongings stay dry through any conditions.

4. Nike Men's Baselayer Therma Tight

The Nike Therma Baselayer can be a staple article of clothing for any runner in the winter, as it provides a comfortable warm layer that almost feels like a second skin.

These tights feature Nike’s Pro Warm fabric that provides a locked-in feel for any athlete. This is complemented by moisture-wicking technology to keep you dry regardless of what the elements throw at you.

The body-hugging fit is secure and offers lasting support for probably a year or two. You will probably get through two or three winter seasons with these baselayer tights.

To finish off the feature, there is an elastic waistband that stretches while you move for a comfortable fit as well as a ribbed back yoke to improve breathable comfort as you work up a sweat.

5. Under Armour Cold Gear Leggings

The Under Armour Cold Gear tights rounds out our list and are leggings designed for men, women, and children and are made from a material designed to wick away moisture and sweat.

They are not waterproof but work well at keeping the legs dry in regular weather conditions. Although they will probably keep you warmer in the rain than having no tights at all.

The waistband is made in elastic and the pants primarily come in straight sizes with a few plus-size options available.

They do not have pockets but work well in conditions as low as 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Under Armour is one of the few manufacturers to include anti-odor technology that it claims targets bad-smelling bacteria that create scents and mold.

A typical pair of these leggings cost between $40 and $60 but are projected to last through at least a year of regular use.

They also come with some additional features, including extra protection for even colder environments.

As an added note, wearing cold weather running tights isn’t the only precaution an individual should take when choosing to exercise in the fall and winter.

We provide additional useful cold weather tips, such as wearing bright clothing, warm gloves, avoiding exercise on snowy or icy sidewalks and terrain, and monitoring traction here.

Remember, nobody wants hypothermia.