Product Reviews: Women's Running Tights

From Sarah Wilson, 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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Thermopolis Tight™ (Womens) Asics -- Women's Thermopolis Light Tight
Features:
• 92% polyester / 8% Lycra sueded jersey knit
• Off-set ankle zippers with locking pull
• Reflective tape at bottom leg zippers
• Anatomical waist and stretch ASICS® drawcord
• ASICS® Flat Seam Stitching
Review: These soft, midweight tights are perfect for runs on mild winter days or moderately cool fall or spring days. The Thermopolis fabrics utilize wicking and breathability properties to remove moisture from the skin, along with thermal properties to trap in the body's heat. The luxurious feeling jersey knit, anatomical waist, stretch drawcord, and flat seam stitching create an extremely comfortable fit for a woman's body. The off-set ankle zippers with locking pull allow for easy on and off access.
Price: $60 8% OFF @ ParagonSports.com
Women's - PZW151 - Pearl Izumi - Infinity Tight Pearl Izumi -- Women's Infinity Tight
Features:
• Warm ThermaFleece front panels
• UltraSensor® back panels
• Secure zip pocket on back
• Small "on the go" envelope pocket on right rear
• 8" ankle zipper with reflective piping
Review: Perfect for cold weather runs, the Infinity tight utilizes ThermaFleece front panels for enhanced warmth and UltaSensor back panels to release moisture and help regulate temperature. The back zip pocket is perfect for securely carrying your keys, ID, or energy gels, while the additional small envelope pocket provides easy access while on your run. The ankle zippers allow you to easily pull the tights on and off. The reflective piping increases visibility on those early morning or evening runs.
Price: $74.99 Shop.com - Buy Now!
Skins -- She Long Tight
Features:
• BioAcceleration Technology(tm)
• Moisture management wicking Smart Fabric
• Antibacterial and antimicrobial treatments
• SPF 50+ sun protection
Review: Skin's She tights are a great choice if you're looking for a compression tight that will help enhance your training or racing performance and optimize your body's recovery. The BioAcceleration Technology(tm) embedded within the tight is designed to help reduce lactic acid build-up through enhanced circulation, enable focused muscle power, and dramatically reduce muscle vibration. The moisture management wicking fabric keeps you dry and helps to optimize your body temperature. In addition to being great for outerwear, these tights are an excellent innerwear option when you're looking to layer for runs on those bitter cold days -- or for other outdoor activities.
Price: $99.99 TriSports - Buy Now!
Salomon Women's XA Raid Tight (Spring 2007) Salomon -- Women's XA Raid Tight
Features:
• Smart Skin(tm) technology
• Lycra® Power and actiLITE(tm) fabrics
• Flatlock seams
• Zippered back pocket
• Ankle Zips
Review: The XA Raid Tight is another excellent choice for an extremely comfortable, light weight compression tight. The Smart Skin(tm) technology offers an optimal combination of different technical fabrics/knitting in different zones of the tight to provide comfort, flexibility, and enhanced support to your leg muscles in all the right places. The fabrics also provide great moisture control, wicking away sweat and drying quickly when you do get wet in those rainy or snowy day runs. Gripper strips at the ankles help to ensure the tights stay firmly in place.
Price: $75 Moose Jaw - Buy Now!
Sugoi MidZero Tight  - Women's Sugoi -- Women's Midzero Zap Knicker
Features:
• Support mesh panel behind the knee
• Inside key/card pocket at the waist
• Secure zip back pocket
• 3M Scotchlite reflective material
Review: These are an excellent, versatile ¾ length tight -- perfect for training or racing in cooler weather. The Midzero stretch wicking fabric is fleeced on the inside for warmth and comfort. The support mesh panels behind the knees provide for greater breathability. The below the knee front slant positions comfortably without grip. The inside waist pocket and back zip pockets are perfect for carrying the necessities. The ample 3M Scotchlite material provides for high reflectivity on those early morning or evening runs.
Price: $54 10% OFF @ BackCountry.com - Buy Now!
Women's - BRL915 - Brooks - Vapor-Dry Capri Brooks -- Vapor Dry 2 Capri
Features:
• Soft, highly technical fabric moves moisture away from the skin for dry comfort
• Invisible zip pocket at center of back near waist
• Stretch mesh details
• Elasticized waist with Brooks drawcord
Review: These sporty capris are perfect for a casual mild weather day run -- or for a workout at the gym. The Vapor Dry fabric offers fast moisture transfer and form fitting comfort. The stretch mesh inserts increase breathability behind your knees. The invisible back zip pocket is perfect for carrying your keys, ID, or energy gel.
Price: $60 Shop.com - Buy Now!
Craft -- Women's Courier Wind Tight
Features:
• S3 wind block front panel
• Waist draw cord
• Reflective piping
• Inside key pocket
• Venting under knees
• Ankle zips
Review: While these mid weight wind tights are a great option for cool weather running and racing, their super comfortable design also make them an excellent choice for an all-around outdoor training tight (e.g. hiking, snow shoeing etc.). The Courier's three-layer design ventilates, retains body heat, and provides protection from the elements, while also diverting body moisture to the outside. The vented, articulated knees provide freedom of movement and the ankle zippers allow easy on and off access. The reflective piping helps to increase your visibility.
Price: $79.99 Craft USA - Buy Now!

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