Discover the best cold weather leggings for running and style.
Running in the winter has its challenges—icy sidewalks, numb fingers and toes, and long, dark mornings.
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But honestly, I enjoy it more than summer runs.
You don’t overheat as easily, and there’s something satisfying about warming yourself up by moving, instead of cranking up the pellet stove.
That said, there’s no way I’d hit the road without the right gear.
Winter wind doesn’t mess around.
I’ve got four pairs of HeyNuts leggings that I swear by, but it got me thinking—what do other runners rely on to stay warm?
I reached out to several of my fitness peers who are also members of the Annapolis Striders.
What I learned from these runners was they were more interested in functionality and performance than just a brand name.
While cost is a consideration, durability, fit, material, thickness, and compression are essential factors in choosing the best leggings for cold weather runs.
New Balance Windblocker Impact Tight
The impact tight from New Balance has quite a following. The brand has a high-quality score for all of its offerings, from shoes to apparel. The New Balance Fresh Foam are my go-to shoes, so of course I had to try these tights.
As soon as you pick them up, you can feel these are a premium product. The material is super soft, and will love pulling these on!
They are made with their top-of-the-line fabric, NB DRYx, for great durability and moisture-wicking.
Aside from all the technical talk, the fit and feel is amazing! You’ll also love the large side pockets.
HeyNuts Essential Leggings
I was happy to hear that several runners in the group wore my fav leggings, HeyNuts. The reasons why they chose this brand also echoed my thoughts as well….” great fit”, “durable”, “warm but not too hot”, and “keep their shape after multiple washings”.
Baleaf Thermal Tights
These leggings from Baleaf are great for blocking the winds, fleece-lined for warmth and comfort, and pockets for your keys or cards.
These are also water-resistant, for those tough weather training days and available in several colors.
Under Armor Base Leggings 4.0
Another suggestion I received was for these base leggings from Under Armor. Besides being designed to be worn as a base layer for extreme cold, they can also be worn by themselves.
Expect the fit to be “very snug“, I was told. The durability is “exceptional“, the material feels great to the touch, and “very warm“.
If you like the Under Armor brand and prefer a more traditional running tight, be sure to check out these high-waisted leggings with pockets.
Nike Dri-Fit Team One Leggings
I saw several runners wearing this style during my last group run. They feature a great design and the Nike logo is emblazed on the left front hip area.
These are mid-rise leggings made with soft fabric using Dri-Fit technology, which means great performance and sweat-wicking ability.
What to Look For
When it comes to selecting cold weather leggings for running, material, design, and performance, and the key factors you should focus on.
Material
Top-quality fabrics return to their original shape after multiple stretching. This is accomplished using the proper blend of materials as well as the quality of the material itself.
A good blend for performance running leggings typically includes:
- 70-80% Polyester or Nylon: These materials provide durability, moisture-wicking, and breathability.
- 15-20% Spandex or Elastane: This ensures flexibility and shape retention.
For colder weather, adding around 10% Wool or Merino Wool can provide extra warmth without losing performance qualities.
This combination gives you a balance of support, stretch, and comfort, while also maintaining the legging’s shape after repeated use.
Design
Here are key design factors to consider:
Thermal Insulation
Look for materials like fleece lining or thermal fabrics that trap heat without adding bulk.
Moisture-Wicking Fabric
Ensure the leggings have moisture-wicking properties to keep sweat off your skin and prevent chilling.
Wind Resistance
Some leggings feature windproof panels in high-exposure areas, like the front of the legs, to block cold wind.
Compression Fit
Compression leggings support muscles and improve circulation, helping to retain warmth during the run.
High Waistband
A high waistband offers extra coverage and keeps cold air from entering, providing a more secure fit during movement.
Zippered Ankles or Adjustable Cuffs
These features help seal in warmth at the ankles and make it easier to pull the leggings on over your shoes.
Reflective Elements
Winter runs often happen in low light, so reflective details enhance visibility and safety.
Pockets
Zippered or secure pockets allow you to carry essentials like keys or energy gels without exposure to the cold.
Performance
Performance features are crucial. One of the most important is moisture management.
Running in cold temperatures causes sweat, and without proper moisture-wicking fabrics, you can get cold quickly as sweat cools on your skin.
Look for leggings made with materials like polyester or nylon blends that pull sweat away from your body, keeping you dry and comfortable throughout your run.
Another key performance aspect is flexibility and fit.
Your leggings should move with you, not restrict you. A good percentage of spandex or elastane (15-20%) provides the stretch needed for free movement while also retaining its shape, preventing sagging.
The compression fit can improve muscle support and blood flow. This helps in maintaining warmth and reducing fatigue over longer distances.
Finally, consider the durability of the fabric—leggings that can stand up to tough weather conditions and frequent washing will perform well over time.
Claudia Faucher is a full-time fitness training expert and lifestyle blogger. She is also been a certified Les Mills BodyPump instructor for the past 5 years and a fitness instructor for over 20 years. Claudia is a personal trainer and creates fitness training programs for seniors and people of all ages. She likes to use her skills and experiences to help others on their fitness journeys.