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Leggings are fast becoming the attire of choice for runners. There’s a reason for this. Not only are leggings miles more comfortable than shorts (or jogging bottoms), but they minimise drag and, most importantly, keep your legs warm.
That last bit is an essential attribute for as any seasoned runner knows, cold muscles are more susceptible to pulls and strains. It's for this reason why I always ensure to sheath my pins in pair of leggings prior to a run.
In this article I have reviewed 8 excellent pairs of running leggings that will offer superior comfort, support and protection from the elements. But first:
What to look for in a pair of leggings
Material
When it comes to purchasing a pair of all-weather leggings, you’re best to select ones made from Polyester and Elastane. Other fabrics, such as spandex or elasticated cotton, don’t tend to offer the same level of comfort and neither are they as effective at wicking away surface moisture.
Also, if you’re after a pair of year-round leggings it is advisable to avoid products with fleece linings as they get too hot. Unless you’re particularly sensitive to cold weather thin Polyester leggings will keep you warm through the winter months but won’t cause you to boil in the summer.
Pockets
Most all leggings come with a pocket of some description. Depending whether you’re a minimalist runner or not depends on how many pockets you’ll need. When I go for my obligatory morning jog I take nothing other than a set of house keys – so a small back pocket more than suffices. But nowadays you see runners loaded-up like pack horses and in every conceivable crevice they’ve crammed phones, snacks, liquid energy bars – everything but the kitchen sink!
If like me you enjoy jogging unencumbered a small back pocket will be enough. However, if prior to a run you pack your pockets as if you were going on a 3-day excursion, then you might require a pair of leggings equipped with side and back pockets.
Reflective panels
Reflective panelling is a must. When out running, even during the day, you most make yourself as visible as possible. The best ways to light yourself up like a Christmas tree include wearing the most garish colour leggings – Mr Motivator garish! – flashing light strips (which are becoming increasingly popular) and/or purchasing pair of leggings with reflective Tron-like strips down the legs.
1: PUMA Men's Ignite Long Tight Leggings (£17.99)
Description
Sweat absorbent fabric keeps you dry
Run 24 hours a day thanks to the light reflective logo
Flatlock stitching decreases fabric resistance
Curved hemline at ankle for a non-restrictive fit
Water resistant, invisible back zip pocket for your valuables
Flat elastic waistband has an internal drawcord for a personalised fit
With the sleek, monochromatic lines and tight but comfortable fit, Puma’s Ignites make for the perfect pair of all-purpose leggings. They feature dryCELL moisture-wicking technology and flatlock stitching which will reduce chaffing. The mesh inserts facilitate ventilation where it’s most needed. And the reflective elements will make you more visible even in low-light conditions.
Well rated: nearly 5 stars with over 60 reviews.
2: PUMA Men's Liga Baselayer Long Tight Pants (£30.99)
Description
Sweat absorbent fabric keeps you dry
Run 24 hours a day thanks to the light reflective logo
Flatlock stitching decreases fabric resistance
Curved hemline at ankle for a non-restrictive fit
Water resistant, invisible back zip pocket for your valuables
Flat elastic waistband has an internal drawcord for a personalised fit
The Liga baselayer by Puma boast superior performance. The synthetic material has been specially designed to mould seamlessly to your anatomy. This should both improve comfort while reducing chaffing. These leggings are fabricated from high-quality elasticated synthetics to improve longevity. In addition, the Drycell technology wicks moisture away from skin which makes for more pleasant running experience.
Exceptionally well rated: nearly 5 stars with over 1400 reviews!
3: Under Armour Men's Legging (£30.00)
Description
Lightweight HeatGear fabric
Stretch-mesh gusset and inseam panels deliver strategic ventilation
Updated ergonomic design keeps seams off high abrasion areas and increases durability
Under Armour’s compression leggings are designed with the runner in mind. The ergonomic design ensures that seams do not intersect at abrasive-prone areas. This significantly reduce skin irritations, sores and chaffing. Furthermore, the super lightweight ‘HeatGear’ fabric facilitates moisture dispersal which will keep you feeling fry and airy during your run.
Crazy customer feedback: nearly 5 stars with over 2000 reviews!
4: Adidas Men's Running Legging (£29.99)
Description
Kinetic wrapped construction for full freedom of movement
Climacool keeps you cool and dry when running
Anti-odour fabric with Polygiene technology for a fresh feel even during long sessions
Elastic waist and mesh ventilation with UPF 50+ UV protection
The Alphaskin long tights by Adidas provide a seamless fit for a ‘locked-in’ feel. Thus when you pull on a pair of Alphaskins you’ll barely feel like you’re wearing anything at all. In addition, the sweat-wicking fabric will help keep you cool and dry even during a punishing 10k. The ergonomic cut lines ensure that seams and stitching do not intersect near or around abrasion-prone areas. Coupled with the superior wicking fabric sores and chaffing might well be a thing of the past.
Excellent feedback: 4.5 stars with nearly 1000 reviews.
5: Adidas Running Tights (£34.99)
Description
Compression fit moulds to the body for a supportive feels and helps reduce muscle vibration
Alphaskin wraps the body to support dynamic movement and delivers a locked-in feel
Kinetic wrapped construction for full freedom of movement
Climacool keeps you cool and dry when running
Anti-odour fabric with Polygiene technology for a fresh feel even during long sessions
Elastic waist and mesh ventilation
Adidas’s compression leggings have been carefully crafted to offer superior comfort. They purportedly follow closely the contours of your anatomy giving that ‘second-skin’ feel. Another feature of note is the mesh ventilation inserts which have been strategically placed so as to maximise air flow. This, of course, reduces sweat and moisture build-up which in turn reduces chafing and sores. The durable double-knit material from which these leggings have been fabricated will ensure that they last for years to come.
Well rated: 5 stars with over 70 reviews.
6: ASICS Icon Tight (£34.99)
Description
D1 fabrication improves breathability while wicking away sweat
Elastic waistband and drawcord -provides a secure fit
Zip side pocket offers safe storage for small essential items
Stretchy construction improves mobility
360 reflectivity for increased visibility in low-light conditions.
ASICS Icon leggings are ideal for all types of training. Yes they’re perfect for running but they would also double up as a thermal underlayer for cycling. On account of the ‘D1 functional’ fabric they ensure a seamless fit while also offering advanced breathability. Thus, even during a long-distance run, you’ll remain as dry as bone. Other features include elasticated waits and ankle bands, which stops the material from bunching; reflective elements that will increase visibility; and zip side pocket in which you store your essentials.
4 stars with 30 reviews.
7: Brooks Nightlife Running Tight (£59.99)
Description
Soft stretchy material improves mobility
DriLayer HorsePower fabric is both flattering and comfortable
Smooth elasticated waistband offers a secure fit
Flatlock seams reduces the risk of chafing and discomfort
Sweat-proof pockets
Brooks Nightlife running leggings sport a 360-degree retro-reflective element that will ensure you stand out like a sore thumb. The ‘DriLayer’ ‘HorsePower’ fabric offers a smooth, sleek and seamless fit that will provide a supportive feel when you’re out on a run. In addition, the soft fabric affords just enough stretch so that these leggings move with the motion of your body and not, like poorer quality products, against it. Training clothing should never inhibit your natural movement. Also, all seams are flat lock so as to reduce chafing or skin irritation. Brooks’ Nightlife leggings come replete with a hip and a sweat-proof centre back zip pocket.
100% feedback – but only 2 reviews. However, Brooks are synonymous with manufacturing high-quality training gear.
8: Under Armour Men's Qualifier HeatGear Glare Tight Legging (£53.99)
Description
Ultra-tight, second skin compression fit
Tough, lightweight HeatGear fabric, with all the performance benefits of UA Compression
Built-in brief for added support
4-way stretch construction moves better in every direction
Material wicks sweat & dries really fast
Secure, zip centre back pocket
Reflective details deliver greater visibility on low-light runs
Under Armour’s ‘HeatGear’ technology, which they’re mighty proud of, works to retain body warmth while wicking away surface moisture. So, even during a punishing run, your legs will remain warm but without the irritation of moisture accumulation. Another feature of note is the anti-odour material. This helps to keep you feeling fresh so that you can focus on your training. In addition, the 4-way stretch construction ensures that the leggings will move with your body. This also reduces abrasions and skin irritations. Under Armour has not compromised on the quality of material that they use for their garments. Thus, when buying a pair of Qualifiers you can do so with the confidence that they are going last.
To Conclude
Once you’ve purchased a pair of leggings hit the road with the Hungry4Fitness 30-Day Running Challenge!
(As we are very interested in user experience here at Hungry4Fitness, we would be very grateful if you could take a few seconds out of your day to leave a comment. Thanks in advance!)
Blog Author
Adam Priest is a former Royal Marines Commando, personal trainer, lecturer, boxing and Thai boxing enthusiast.
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