Best running tights 2024 and gym leggings for compression and recovery

The best running tights and leggings for exercising can insulate your legs and oxygenate your muscles for better results

best running tights: Pictured here, three athletes running up some steps, two of them wearing compression tights
(Image credit: ASICS)

You might be surprised to learn that the best running tights have other functions than just putting your well-sculpted glutes on display. Some of them provide compression and increase blood flow in the muscles, keep your legs warm and protect you from the wind. Some of them can even be worn in the gym as workout leggings.

Whatever the weather, it is advised to be extra careful when exercising outside. In the cold, wearing the best base layer and running tights can improve your comfort levels significantly and prevent injuries by keeping your muscles warmer and oxygenated during your runs and workouts. And, you know, they will also put your well-sculpted bottoms on display.

If you aren't comfortable wearing only running tights and base layers, consider combining them with the best running shorts and running tops. These will cover the skin-tight base and provide an extra layer of protection against the elements. Or use the best compression shorts when the weather is a bit warmer. 

Best running tights to buy right now

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Inov8 Race Elite running tights on white backgroundT3 Best Buy badge


(Image credit: Inov8)

1. Inov8 Race Elite running tights

Best running tights overall

Specifications

Best for: everything, really

Reasons to buy

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Very comfortable
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Great quality

Reasons to avoid

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No side pockets

No need to put sun cream on your legs when you train in the Inov8 Race Elite running tights thanks to its UPF 50+ protection. The high-back waist is lined with a gripper tape so the tights won't roll off you, even if you are busy climbing mountains in your Terraultra G 260.

The Inov8 Race Elite delivers outstanding freedom of movement as well as being supportive and comfortable. It also sports a rear pocket for keys/phone and thanks to the ankle zips it's super easy to peel the tights off you once you finished the training.

Asics Women's Lite Show Tight on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Asics)

2. Asics Women's Lite Show Tight

Best running tights for women

Specifications

Best for: HIIT training, mild weather runs

Reasons to buy

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Moisture-wicking fabric
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Highly breathable

Reasons to avoid

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'Media pocket' is a tad bit small to house larger phones

Asics' Women's Lite Show Tights are all about visibility. Asics recommends these leggings for colder workouts but the Lite Show Tights have a mesh panel at a back for extra ventilation so these tights can be worn indoors too.

As well as housing the mesh panels, on the back of the tights you'll also find a 'media pocket' to put your phone in, although not a big one as the pocket is only moderate-sized. To help cooling down and to increase comfort levels, the Lite Show Tights are made of moisture (a.k.a. sweat)-wicking material and have a rear-leg zip opening to increase air flow around the calves when needed.

For the best price, it's worth checking our Asics discount codes

Under Armour Rush graphic compression leggings on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Under Armour)

3. Under Armour Rush Graphic Compression Leggings

Best running tights for gym workouts

Specifications

Best for: when you're on the treadmill

Reasons to buy

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Great for gym sessions

Reasons to avoid

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Some gimmicky features

According to Under Armour, the Rush Graphic Compression Leggings' mineral-infused fabric absorbs work by absorbing and reflecting the body's own energy to improve endurance and strength. Whether this is actually the case or not, we don't know, but these are certainly some comfortable compression leggings for exercise.

Made out of performance fabric Celliant, the UA Rush is tough and lightweight, with all the performance benefits of UA Compression. The bonded seams eliminate irritation and chafing, and the mesh panels improve breathability. Mainly recommended for your gym sessions, the UA Rush will serve you well in your runs too. 

Adidas Alphaskin Parley 3/4 tights on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Asics)

4. Asics Leg Balance Tight 2

Best running tights to reduce chafing

Specifications

Best for: everyday running sessions

Reasons to buy

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Reduced chafing
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Moisture-wicking

Reasons to avoid

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Not a lot of extra features

Thanks to the updated Core and Leg Balance technologies, the Balance Tight 2 will not only help you go farther without chafing, but it also has added calf support. There is even an internal drop-in pocket for keys and other small items. The fabric used is quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and also sports mesh compression panelling. Be safe and be seen on your runs with the reflective detailing around the calves.

Adidas Alphaskin Parley 3/4 tights on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Adidas)

5. Adidas Alphaskin Parley 3/4 Tights

Best running tights for sustainability

Specifications

Best for: runs on sunny days

Reasons to buy

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Uses plastic collected in the oceans
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UV protection

Reasons to avoid

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Looks is not for everyone

This not only means that some of the yarn features Parley Ocean Plastic which is made from recycled waste intercepted from beaches and coastal communities before it reaches the ocean, but also that the tights were designed to "imitate the fluidity of water" as Adidas puts it.

These compression tights wrap around your legs, oxygenating the muscles and keeping them warm. The Adidas Alphaskin Parley 3/4 tights use fabric that's lightweight and sweat-wicking and even has UV protection. Rest assured that you won't bump into someone wearing the same tights; the dying technique used makes no two pieces exactly the same.

Nike Power Tech running tights on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Nike)

6. Nike Power Tech Running Tights

Best cheap running tights

Specifications

Material: Body: Dri-FIT 85% polyester/15% elastane; Mesh at interior waistband: Dri-FIT 81% polyester/19% elastane; Mesh panels: Dri-FIT 80% polyester/20% elastane.

Reasons to buy

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Dri-FIT technology
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Sweat-vented internal pocket

Reasons to avoid

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Kinda basic

The Nike Power Tech running tights are exactly what you'd expect from the sports equipment giant, delivering spot-on running experience and loaded with tech.

The Dri-Fit technology wicks sweat away from your body to help keep you dry and comfortable. The ankle zip makes the tights easy to take on and off, lets you customise ventilation and is lined with fabric for smooth comfort. It even has a zip pocket on the back-right of the hip that has a vapour barrier to guard items from sweat. No need to worry about your phone getting all sweaty in your pocket.

FAQ

What are the best running tights and best compression tights?

The best compression tights are, without a doubt, the Inov8 Race Elite running tights, which support you in all the right places and are super comfortable. If you are planning on spending a fair amount of time outside during winter and don't mind spending a little extra cash on a pair of compression tights, choose the Gore Wear R7 Windstopper running tights.

These tights are windproof, and water repellent and have three pockets to store all your keys/gels/lucky charms. Should you want to spend more time in the gym than outside, choose the Under Armour Rush graphic compression leggings. They were engineered for strength and HIIT training and are made of Celliant performance fabric.

Why should you wear compression tights?

For one, the best running tights provide a wider range of movement, compared to jeans, obviously. You wouldn't want to feel restrained during running or exercising, and thanks to the stretch fabric used in most compression tights, you may even improve your stride and running cadence.

Running compression tights can also reduce muscle soreness since they keep your muscles warm and tight. This can potentially reduce injuries, too, although that said, you should still do your warm-up set in the gym and/or stretch before your runs to minimise the risk of injury, regardless of whether you are wearing running tights or not.

Wearing compression garments can also help you get through high-performance training and races easier, reducing what's called a 'perceived load'. Wearing running tights might make you feel more energised during and less exhausted after your sessions. They also promote blood flow and therefore increase the amount of oxygen your muscles get during workouts, further reducing muscle fatigue. Wearing compression tights can also improve strength recovery.

Matt Kollat
Section Editor | Active

Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.