Best Women’s Cold Weather Running Tights of 2023
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 a thicker fabric but technology designed to keep you warm during cold weather activity.
Extended Comfort: We’re looking for 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. Under Armour Empowered Tights
The Under Armour Empowered Tights utilize dual-layer ColdGear fabric that pairs a fast-drying exterior and a brushed interior for extra warmth. These tights feature a ventilated panel for breathability and a wide and flat waistband.
Shop at Under Armour: UA Empowered Tights
Under Armour’s Empowered Tights have sweat-wicking material with 4-way stretch for a full range of motion. These tights have reflective details for low-light conditions, a side drop-in pocket, and a built-in back waistband pocket.
2. Under Armour OutRun the Cold Tights
The Under Armour OutRun the Cold Tights feature dual-layer fabric that pairs a fast-drying exterior with an extra warm brushed interior. These tights utilize 4-way stretch material that wicks sweat and dries quickly.
Shop at Under Armour: UA OutRun the Cold Tights
Shop at Under Armour: UA OutRun the Cold Tights (Reflective)
Under Armour’s OutRun the Cold Tights features non-bulky warmth in a high-rise design that stays put. These tights have an external drawcord waistband, reflective detail for visibility, and a secure side zip pocket.
3. 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 High-Rise 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.
4. Lululemon Base Pace Running Tights
The Lululemon Base Pace Fleece Tights feature a cozy Nulux fabric that’s brushed on the inside for warmth. These tights wick sweat, dry quickly, and eliminate the inseam for smooth movements.
Shop at Lululemon: Lululemon Base Pace High-Rise Fleece Tights
Lululemon’s Base Pace Fleece Tights have a high-rise fit and full-length design intended to sit at your ankle. These tights are designed for running and feature four-way stretch, a continuous drawcord, and a back pocket for storage.
5. Adidas Own the Run Winter Running Tights
The Adidas Own the Run Winter Running Tights feature a warm and stretchy performance fabric with moisture-absorbing AEROREADY technology. These tights utilize reflective details for improved visibility and a secure zip pocket.
Shop at Adidas: Adidas Own the Run Winter Running Tights
Adidas’ Own the Run Winter Running Tights feature a wide and supportive waistband with an adjustable drawcord for a locked-in fit.
6. Adidas Aeroknit Winter Running Leggings
Adidas Aeroknit Winter Running Leggings keep you warm in chilly conditions with sweat-wicking performance knit fabric that blends polyester, wool, and elastane for comfortable stretch.
Shop at Adidas: Adidas Aeroknit Winter Running Leggings
Adidas’s Aeroknit Winter Running Leggings feature a classic snug fit, reflective logo, and a high-rise elastic waistband with adjustable drawcord.
7. Nike Therma-FIT One Leggings
The Nike Therma-FIT One Leggings are an extra warm and versatile option great for both workouts and everyday wear. The soft and stretchy Therma-FIT technology manages your body’s natural heat for warmth and wicks sweat to keep you dry.
Shop at Nike: Nike Therma-FIT One Leggings
Nike’s Therma-FIT One Leggings have a full-length design with non-sheer fabric for confident coverage. These leggings have seamless sides and a contoured v-shaped waistband with 2 hidden pockets.
8. Saucony Boulder Wind Tights
The Saucony Boulder Wind Tights feature signature Solstice fabric for a warm and fleecy inside that’s paired with a wind and water-resistant softshell fabric panel across the front upper legs.
Shop at Saucony: Saucony Boulder Wind Tights
Saucony’s Boulder Wind Tights have an encased elastic waistband with an interior drawcord, an outside hip pocket for convenient storage, and reflective logos and hem taping for visibility in low light conditions.
9. Saucony Solstice Tights
The Saucony Solstice Tights are a high-performance option with a brushed inside 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 utilize a recycled polyester and spandex fabric blend that features reflective logos and ankle stripes for increased visibility. These tights have a classic mid-rise waistband with an internal drawcord.
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. The fabric is a comfortable fleece knit that’s soft, snug, flexible.
Shop at New Balance: NB Impact Run Heat Tights
Shop at New Balance: NB Impact Run Heat Tights (Reflective)
New Balance’s Impact Run Heat Tights have a back slide pocket and side hip pockets, as well as a drawstring waistband. These tights provide a full range of motion in a form-fitting design.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. Asics Thermopolis Tights
The Asics Thermopolis Tights bring warmth on cold weather training days with a brushed mid-weight fabric that helps retain your body’s heat. These tights have a wide contoured waistband and are finished with a branded interior.
Shop at Asics: Asics Thermopolis Tights
Asics’s Thermopolis Tights feature a comfortable polyester and spandex fabric blend in a classic and versatile fit. These tights have stylish seams that run along the legs and side hip pockets for storage.
15. Brooks Momentum Thermal Running Tights
The Brooks Momentum Thermal Running Tights have an updated DriLayer Threshold fabric for extra warmth on chilly days. These tights have a semi-compressive fit that’s supportive, stretchy, and can be worn on their own or layered.
Shop at Brooks Running: Brooks Momentum Thermal Running Tights
Brooks’ Momentum Thermal Running Tights feature two pockets on the legs and one at the back for multiple storage options. Additionally, these tights are Bluesign certified, which ensures they were created with the highest environmental standards.
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 their 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 allowing 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.
