Best running tights 2024 and gym leggings for compression and recovery

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

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 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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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