6 best men’s winter running tights: Keep warm on colder jogs

Best: For trail running

Rating: 9/10

Adidas’ Terrex trail running and mountaineering range has quickly become a go-to for all-terrain exploring. Its agravic trail running tights do exactly as they say on the tin, and are the ideal accompaniment for a few hours spent weaving your way around narrow footpaths (or even going off-piste).

The tights are made from a stretchy and breathable blend of polyester and elastane, but it’s the nylon front blocks that make these truly stand out. Not only does the hard-wearing fabric keep your thighs warm from any gusts of wind, but they offer added protection from any brambles or overhanging foliage that might be blocking your path. Their only downfall is the single zipped rear security pocket, but if it’s truly Arctic, you’ll most likely pair your tights with a running jacket anyway.

Best: For premium feel

Rating: 8/10

Swiss brand On Running has quickly become the premium brand to buy if you’re in the market for functional-yet-fashionable running kit. When it comes to construction and design its tights are no different to the rest of its range, leaving you with a high-end finish that is fitted without being restrictive, and they are at home in any setting.

Although one of the thinner pairs we tested, they provided a surprising amount of warmth on all but sub-zero days, and here, their compatibility with On’s hybrid or waterproof shorts enabled additional layering if required. The tights are completed with three rear waist pockets – the middle one being big enough for a smartphone. We found the lack of a zipped pocket the only real snag.

Best: For wet runs

Rating: 8/10

Winter not only brings with it cold weather, but the rain as well. It can therefore be handy to have a pair of running tights that can handle cooler temperatures and the odd shower. These thermal tights from Montane withstood some light rain during testing and are ideal if you get caught in an unforecasted downpour.

It’s worth pointing out that they’re water resistant rather than fully waterproof, but if you’re going out in torrential rain during the winter months, you’re a lot more hardy than us. A zipped rear security pocket is flanked by two small drop pockets, and, like the Adidas terrex offering (£70, Adidas.co.uk), they feature additional protection against wind on the thighs.

Best: For sub-zero conditions

Rating: 9/10

Running in the depths of winter need not be for the hardiest around. The reflective impact run heat tight can leave your training sessions as enjoyable as a summer one – even if the temperature is below freezing. The tights feature NB heat technology (essentially a micro-fleece lining) that not only kept us warm but comfortable too, thanks to great moisture-wicking abilities. Two drop pockets (one zipped) and a small key compartment make these a great addition to any winter running wardrobe. The tights even include a reflective print from the ankle to the mid-shin to help you stay seen after dark.

Best: For reflectivity

Rating: 7/10

Proviz is renowned for its reflective capabilities, so it’s no surprise that its leggings were the most eye-catching running tights that we tested after dark. Although a subtle black in the daytime, come nightfall, reflective detailing on both calves and a logo on the hip made us turn heads for all the right reasons. Their only downside was breathability, which was slightly lacking on longer or higher intensity runs. But for a relaxed commute or evening run the multi-purpose leggings were spot on and helped keep the chill at bay while keeping us seen.

Best: For milder sessions

Rating: 8/10

We generally find that running shorts are fine for all sessions where the temperature is in double digits. That was until we tried the bajada ankle tights from Columbia. The lightweight trail-running-focused tights were great on those autumnal days when it looks colder outside than it actually is, and you find that you’ve overdressed for what are actually quite mild conditions.

Extremely breathable and with a cut that sits above the ankle, they soon became the tights we gravitated towards in the running kit drawer. It’s worth noting that they came up small, so it might be worth ordering a size larger than you usually do.