The 10 Best Men’s Running Pants to Usher in Cold Weather

These pants and tights keep you warm without overheating when it’s below freezing.

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There comes a point every year when bare-legged running is no longer feasible. For some, that’s a sign to head indoors and find the treadmill. For others, it’s time for a wardrobe adjustment: putting on some pants. The best running pants and tights make cold-weather running not just tolerable, but enjoyable. That means you can bypass the treadmill and get outside, even when frosty temperatures, icy winds, snow, and rain are in the forecast.

After nearly seven years living in Southern California, I’ve returned to a colder climate (northern Michigan) and have been getting reacquainted with wintertime running—and that means my tights and running pants have come back into regular rotation. I’ve been amazed at what a difference they make. With my trusty merino tights, for example, I can run comfortably even in single-digit temperatures. No matter which kind of bottoms you prefer, the picks in this guide will help you achieve that same state of wintertime running bliss.

I selected the pants and tights below based on my own experience with wintertime running, online reviews, and input from RW staff. My background: I’ve covered running shoes and apparel for almost a decade, writing for Runner’s World, InsideHook, Men’s Journal, and other outlets. Apart from my stint in California, I have run outdoors (in both pants and tights) through many snowy, cold winters in the Midwest and Northeast.

In addition to using my own gear knowledge and experience, I also incorporated feedback from RW Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate and Running Reviews Editor Amanda Furrer and pants-and-tights testing notes from RW staffers. RW staff tested several picks in this guide, including the Best Overall and Best Value options, and two of the picks—Best for Wind Protection and Best Merino Tights—are based on my own firsthand testing.

A clear favorite among RW testers, Brooks’s Momentum Thermal Tights will take the sting out of cold weather and help you maintain your motivation to run on the frostiest of winter mornings. They’re made from a stretchy blend of polyester and spandex, and the fabric has a brushed interior for a fleece-like feel against your legs. Three pockets—a zippered rear waistband pocket and two elastic drop-in pockets on the thighs—keep a lockdown hold on your phone, keys, and gels, and the internal drawcord waistband ensures a slip-free fit.

Testers wore these tights in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and they felt “super toasty” even when the wind picked up. Testers also appreciated the wide, flat waistband, which felt comfortable on the run.

The latest version also has a new feature: zippers at the ankles. This was a critique from previous testers who felt the tights tricky to get on and off over large feet. The zippered ankles are a major game change, making the Brookers Momentum Thermal reign supreme.

New Balance’s RC Pocket Tights are an outstanding value. They fall on the lower end of the running tights pricing spectrum, but their premium fit and feature set make them an especially good buy.

In RW testing, the tights stood out for their exceptionally stretchy fabric and body-hugging fit: They feel great and stay in place while running (the drawstring offers extra insurance, but it’s really not necessary). Better yet, they have a surprisingly large amount of storage. A zippered pocket at the back can tote a phone, while two drop-in thigh pockets and dual drop-in rear pockets at the back provide plenty of real estate for gels or other small essentials.

One drawback: The fit at the ankles is a bit tight, so getting these tights around larger calves can require some finessing. Overall, though, they’re a reliable choice for temperatures down to around 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Want more reflectivity? The New Balance Reflective RC Heat Tight 28" has hard-to-miss reflective strips and patterns on the legs to optimize visibility on your runs.

The Fast and Free Tight went through a massive design update to emphasize comfort along with functionality. The waistband flexes more to prevent uncomfortable constriction. “It’s comfortable and doesn’t dig in at all,” said Dengate, who tested the tights.

The new exterior drawcord demonstrates lululemon’s eye for detail; it provides a smooth band fit instead of a bunched cord tucked under.

The material, lululemon’s nylon/elastane Nulux, feels silky to the touch and provides warmth in mild to cold temperatures. The tights are also customizable. If you want less leg, bartacks on the seamless cuffs guide you on where to trim.

“The ankle opening is neat. There are three bartacks along the stitched and welded seams, leading me to believe that I could shorten these up if I really wanted to.” Dengate referenced Ciele’s FSTTight, which also has trimmable leg openings. “The main body material obviously won’t fray because it’s not reinforced in any manner at the ankle.

The Fast and Free has some reflective detail, which is ideal if your runs are in low light. It also has just the right amount of storage, including sizable side pockets and a back rear pocket to store your phone.

When you’re running in remote areas, getting too cold isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be dangerous. Bandit’s Superwarm pants will keep you protected from wintry conditions on the trail.

They’re made with a DWR-treated, woven stretch fabric at the front and back for good freedom of movement and weather protection (it’ll repel raindrops and block wind). That textile is paired with a knit synthetic fabric made from hollow yarns that insulate your legs while also venting moisture, so you stay dry and warm. Both fabrics are brushed for a soft texture, and the drawstring waistband helps you dial in a perfect fit.

The rear zippered pocket will house your phone, but you’ll likely need a belt or pack for other stuff—items will likely bounce a bit in the zippered side pockets. Even so, these pants deliver strong warmth and weather resistance, and their trim silhouette makes them less bulky than typical joggers.

Not available in your size (or favorite color)? We also recommend Bandit’s Stamina Tights, which have seven waterproof pockets and an anti-chafing waistband with an external drawstring.

Fans of the Trail Half Tight appreciated that their favorite short came with a long inseam. The Janji M’s Trail Tight provides 28 inches of coverage with nylon/spandex material that’s soft and not too heavy on the legs.

Tester and Editor Theo Kahler, who ran the New York City Marathon in 2:24:12 wearing the Janji Half Tight, appreciated all the storage the cold-weather version had to offer.

“These have as much storage as you could ask for,” he said. “There are two pockets on each side of your legs, plus a big pocket in the back and there's even a small pouch in the front for a key. The Janji tights are great for carrying loads of gels—I can fit eight comfortably—and the side pockets can accommodate a phone easily.”

According to Kahler, the tights were slightly more constrictive than the half tight version, so you may want to size up.

You know those early winter, late spring days when the weather is iffy and it’s cool but not quite cold? The On Performance Tights are the kind of bottoms to reach for when you don’t want to think twice about running out without extra coverage—or worry about overheating.

The Performance Tights are made of On’s quick-drying DryTec fabric, which is composed of polyamide and elastane. Dengate described the fit as not too compressive, and “cozy.” He ran with his phone, discovering the pockets had good stretch and the tights didn’t slip down despite the extra weight.

“On a lot of tights, I have to take the phone out of the case,” he said. “Then I worry I’ll drop it if I grab it for a midrun text or photo. No problem here.”

While the tights protected his legs from windburn and didn’t overheat in mild temps, Dengate recommends not wearing these in the snow.

“I won’t reach for these when temps hit freezing—it’s just too thin,” he said. “They really move with you well, though, and you don’t feel even the slightest tug when you stride out.”

Blustery winds can make even milder temperatures feel brutal, but these Wind Shield Pants (along with a windbreaker jacket) will be an effective shield. I wore them on a recent run along the shore of Lake Michigan, and the pants completely blocked the lake breeze and kept me cozy. I used one of the two zippered thigh pockets to keep my phone secure without jostling, and the wide drawstring waistband delivered a slip-free fit.

The Wind Shield Pants have a subtle fleece interior lining at the legs, and they stretch well, but their slim silhouette makes them difficult to wear over tights or shorts. Yet that’s less of a drawback than you might think: Their wind-blocking power makes these pants warmer than they appear, so you won’t need to layer up so much.

The Bislett is a proudly old-school design: Tracksmith based them on a pair of U.S.-made, stirrup-equipped running pants from the ’80s. The brand updated them with a modern performance fabric that’s truly excellent—it’s super durable, warm, and keeps your legs protected from wind and rain. The stirrups prevent the pants from riding up above your ankles and contribute to an overall snug fit.

They’re not quite tights, but they’re definitely more form-fitting than a typical pair of running pants. Dengate loved their warmth and weather protection, and the premium fabric makes the Bislett a worthy investment. “These are going to outlast any of your other tights,” he said.

Can’t decide between pants and tights? We also recommend the brand’s Session Pants. The Session Pants have a tailored fit that’s equally functional for workouts and comfy for lounging during downtime.

My Smartwool Intraknit tights were stuffed in my underwear drawer for years, but now that I live in Michigan, they’ve become an essential part of my running wardrobe. I absolutely love wearing them. The secret sauce here is the merino wool: The fibers have a crinkled shape that traps heat while also venting moisture, keeping me in a Goldilocks state of warm-but-not-sweaty while running.

These tights also have a soft, itch-free texture, and they stretch easily to accommodate movement. I usually layer them under a pair of lightweight pants or shorts, and they’ve kept me totally comfortable while running (and biking) in frigid single-digit temperatures.

While many runners avoid pants with looser fits, sometimes the extra room has advantages, and the Dash Pant shows why. McDonough appreciated the Dash’s roomy design and lightweight fabric, noting it “makes them perfect for layering” over a pair of tights for extra warmth in freezing weather. And when the temperatures rise a bit, you can wear the Dash pants on their own. They feature wind- and water-resistant front panels to protect you from the elements, and the right zippered pocket has an elastic sleeve to secure your phone. Bonus: These pants are comfy enough for post-run lounging, too.

First off, think about the wintertime conditions you’ll face. If you never run in the rain, for example, you won’t need pants or tights that are water- resistant. If temperatures dip well below freezing where you live, look for pants that insulate, as you’ll need the extra warmth. Here are the main components to keep in mind as you shop for running pants and tights.

The fabric is arguably the most important feature in any pair of pants or tights. Most are made from synthetic fabrics like polyester. This material wicks sweat and doesn’t absorb moisture, so it won’t soak like cotton and weigh you down. Tights and pants usually have some elastane (a.k.a. spandex or Lycra) blended in, which helps them stretch. This is essential for a snug fit and good freedom of movement.

Many pants and tights are designed with brushed or fleece interiors; this fluffy texture traps heat and makes them feel soft and warm. If you prefer natural fabrics, look for tights made with merino wool (it’s usually blended with synthetics for better durability). Merino wicks sweat and provides excellent temperature regulation, which makes it a great choice for wintertime running.

Pockets: It Depends On What You Can Run With—and Without

Most pants and tights have at least one or two pockets, and they can provide helpful storage when running. If you want to store heavier items like your phone, look for a zippered pocket located at the rear along the waistband or an elastic sleeve along the thigh—these are the best spots to keep your phone from jostling around as you run. For storing smaller items like gels, look for pants and tights with zippered side pockets or drop-in pockets along the waistband. Of course, pockets aren’t strictly necessary. You can also use a running belt or hydration pack for storage.

How Weatherproofing Protects You Wind, Rain, and Snow

If you run in the rain or battle icy breezes in the winter, look for pants or tights that’ll resist water and wind. Some models, like the Bandit Superwarm Run Pant, feature DWR finishes that cause raindrops to bead up and roll off, rather than soaking into the fabric, so you stay dry. Others, like the Patagonia Wind Shield Pants, have engineered fabric panels that resist airflow and block the wind, keeping you warmer.

What’s the difference between men’s and women’s tights?

Men’s and women’s tights are designed to fit the different contours of male and female bodies. Women’s tights typically have wider waistbands for a snug fit over the waist—female waists tend to be narrower relative to the hips than men’s waists.

Men’s tights are also cut differently, with more room in the crotch, a straighter fit through the thighs, and wider ankles than women’s versions. The exact differences will vary from one model to another, however.

That’s up to you! Wearing shorts or pants over your tights gives you an extra layer of protection from cold and wind, keeping you warmer, but they definitely add bulk to your running outfit. I prefer to wear pants or shorts over my tights, but plenty of guys wear tights alone, and that’s totally fine.

I start to consider pants or tights when temperatures dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, though your personal “time for pants” threshold may be lower or higher and change based on how far you’re running.

When cold weather hits in the fall, I’ll start with a windbreaker or insulated running jacket before bringing pants or tights into the mix—these top layers keep me comfortable even if my legs are more exposed.

Another factor to consider: If you get too hot, you can always remove a jacket, but you can’t take off your pants or tights (unless you have shorts underneath).

Michael is a freelance writer with years of experience covering gear and the outdoors for Runner's World and other publications; when he's not writing, he's usually biking, hiking, and running in the mountains around Los Angeles, where he lives. 

Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.

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