The best men’s running tights 2024

Ease of movement, looks and performance are all watchwords when it comes to picking out the best men's running tights. Whether you choose to wear them over or under shorts is your call, but think about them as a massively important piece of kit when it comes to allowing your muscles to work at their most effective temperatures. They can also make for a great addition to your gym clothing collection, so that's something to bear in mind too.

Warm muscles are important when it comes to performance, but not hot. Overheat or catch a chill, and your run pace will drop – it’s a surprisingly complex sporting balance that the perfect pair of running tights can create. You’ll never think of them again as just a piece of clothing. Truly, they are made with fast times and running efficiency in mind.

The best men's running tights at a glance:

• The best men's running tights overall: Nike Running Division Men's Dri-FIT ADV Running Tights - View at Nike
• The best-looking men's running leggings: Under Armour Men's HeatGear® Printed Leggings - View at Under Armour
• The best budget men's running tights: MP Men's Training Baselayer Leggings - View at Myprotein

Today’s performance clothing is a far cry from the heavy sweatpants of yesteryear. The best kit no longer hangs heavy because it has soaked up sweat or the rain, and, of course, it has to have the ability to carry your phone or, at the very least, keys. Compression also plays an important role and a pair of men's running tights and can help with your running. The way they hold your muscles in place as you move means you can recover more quickly and, therefore feel better when you next run; simple!

The best men's running tights 2024:

Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.

FAQs

How to wear running tights

You can wear your running tights in a range of different ways, depending on the weather, the purpose, or just your preferences. You can wear them just on their own, with a top of your choice. This is a favoured option for the warmer months when the last thing you want to do is layer up.

Many runners and fitness enthusiasts opt to layer shorts over their running tights. This is one of the more popular styling techniques, adding something extra to the attire and helping some people feel more comfortable (after all, running tights don't always leave that much to the imagination) .

Using a pair of running tights as a base layer is also very common, especially during the colder months. You can wear them underneath a pair of joggers or even another base layer.

Are tights good for running?

Activewear leggings or tights are a brilliant option for runners in quite a few ways. They can be worn in winter as a base layer for those who don’t want to let the colder conditions stop them from hitting the road. On the other hand, running tights are designed to facilitate activity in the spring and summer when the sun starts shining and things start getting warmer. These tights are often designed with moisture-wicking technology, making them far more breathable and comfortable when you start feeling the burn.

Are running tights and base layers the same?

You’ll find that running tights and the best base layers cross over with each other all the time. A base layer is an item of clothing worn underneath your layers to either keep you warm or increase breathability and performance. These are some of the exact same benefits you get from running tights; it’s just that running tights are specifically designed for running. You can find base-layer tights, shorts, tops, and quarter zips to create the perfect running ensemble.

Jack Barrell is a Tech and Fitness Writer for What’s the Best. He is invested in all things entertainment and keeps well up to date with the latest sports and exercise trends too. On his off days Jack can usually be found doing one of two things; lifting heavy weights – or watching his favourite Star Wars for the thousandth time.