Product Reviews: Men's Running Tights

From Kevin Fonger, A MapMyFitness Team Member
As featured in the December 2007 Newsletter

There are a vast variety of running tights to keep you warm and/or enhance your training performance in the cooler months. Not all tights, however, are created equally. Check out some of our favorites to help you feel great on the roads this winter...

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Skins Skins Sport Tights
Features:
- Precision fit by Body Mass Index(BMI) to get the best fit for one's body type
- Gradient Compression which assist in reduction of lactic acid build up and recovery
- Optimization of temperature control, hot and cold
- UV SPF 50
- Muscle wrapping technology
Review:
The Skins compression tights are something that is fairly new to the market. There are many features that differentiate them from the rest. When I read that you can wear these tights in warm weather (80+), I was skeptical. It turns out I did not get hot at all which was a great surprise. Along with fairing great in warm weather, they also perform very well in cold weather. The Skins sport product line has a focus on recovery, in which they did just that. After doing a number of hard workouts, I would typically feel extremely sore days after. Wearing skins during the workouts and after made me feel like I could do it all over again the next day. These are not your typical running tights, they are aimed more at the serious athlete who is trying to maximize his or her workouts.
Price: $99.99 Gear & Training.com - Buy Now!
Salomon Windstopper Tights Salomon Windstopper Tights
Features:
- 1 zipped pocket for keys, mp3 player, ID, and more
- Flatlock seems which reduces irritation points
- Reflective logos for night running
- Windstopper material for those cold windy days
- Water repellent
- Ankle Zips
Review:
These running tights performed great in the cold inclimate weather. These were tested in conditions from 0-70 degrees. These tights perform great in the colder weather, but they may be too hot for those who are in warmer climates. The pocket was very convenient for stashing keys and gels, but could fit an mp3 player if you like running with music. These do run a little on the small side, so keep that in mind when making a purchase.
Price: $120 Gear West - Buy Now!
Asics Thermopolis Asics Thermopolis Lite Run Pant
Features:
- Tapered leg with ankle zip
- Reflective logo and zipper tape
- 2 zipped hand pockets
Review:
These pants are a mix between a running tight and a running pant. They are not as form fitting as a tight, but not as loose as a pant. They have an extremely soft feel and are very comfortable to run in. These pants were used in track workouts and long runs and I could not find anything wrong with this tight. This tight does not have a lot of bells and whistles, but it is a great performer in cold weather conditions and can be used for years and years.
Price: $74.99 Running Unlimited - Buy Now!
Pearl Izumi Pearl Izumi Infinity Tight
Features:
- Secure zip pocket on back
- Ankle Zips with reflective tape
- Integrated support brief
Review:
Pearl Izumi has been a staple in the cycling community for years and in recent years they have made in big splash in the running shoes and clothing community. These tights are great for those looking for a hardcore winter running pant. The infinity tight is one of the warmer tights tested and were tested in temperatures close to 0 degrees. They performed great and this tight is a great addition for those who like to run in cold weather. In addition to the functionality of the tights, they also have an element of fashion to them. Although these tights are one of the best out there for very cold temperatures, they also performed well up to 40 degrees.
Price: $75 Pearl Izumi - Buy Now!
Brooks Running Brooks Thermal Visibility Pant
Features:
- Zipped side hand pockets
- Zipped back pocket for keys, gels, bars, etc.
- Inside pocket for keys or ID
- Zipped cuff with rubber elastic for a bootcut fit when desired
- Reflective logo's for running at night
- Looser fit for those looking for an alternative to tights
Review:
These pants are for those looking for something warm in the colder months with the looser fit. We understand that not everyone wants to look like they are qualifying for the Olympics, and prefer that loose fit. The bootcut fit with elastic rubber sticks around your shoes and keeps the snow, dir t and rocks out. These are truly one of my favorite running pants I have run in since I began running over 20 years ago. These can also be used for those looking for multitasking in other sports with their loose fit.
Price: $88 Brooks Running - Buy Now!
Craft Flex Tight
Features:
- Flex and pearl fleece for those looking for a warmer tight
- Soft Waist Cuff
- Reflective Logos for running at night
- Contrast flat lock seams to reduce irritation
Review:
It was fun to test these tights. These are a mix between a fleece pant and a running tight. These tights fared better in cold weather than warm. With the wind blocker, these tights also performed well in the cold windy conditions. These tights do fit on the smaller side, so if you are deciding between sizes, I suggest choosing the larger size.
Price: $74.99 Craft USA - Buy Now!
Sugoi Sugoi Midzero Zap Knicker
Features:
- Venting with a Support Mesh panel behind the knee
- Below the knee front slant positions comfortably without grip
- Inside key/card pocket at waist
- 1 zip back pocket for keys, gels, mp3, etc.
- 3M Scotchlite reflective material for running at night
Review:
Many times I would be out running in the cold and started to get hot and rolled up the legs on my running tights. The sizing on these tights answered that exact problem. For those who need a cold weather running tight, but tend to get hot, this is your tight. Some may find it difficult to run in a Capri style pant, but if you do not find this to be a distraction, these ¾ length tights are a great performer. With the wind block and warmth of the tight, they did great in the cold dry weather.
Price: $70 Paragon Sports - Buy Now!
Mountain Hardwear Lago Knit Tight
Features:
- Flatlock stitching
- Polartec Power Stretch material
- Targeted ventilation behind knees and crotch
Review:
These tights are one of Mountain Hardwear's new additions to their active performance line. Although Mountain Hardwear has historically made backcountry adventure clothing, they have really done a great job with these tights. While testing these tights, I was impressed by the performance of these tights in temperatures between 10-40 degrees.
Price: $80 BackCountry - Buy Now!

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