10 Best Nike Running Tights Compared & Tested
Joe Jarvis
When researching the best Nike running tights, we looked at the way that runners reviewed the products and the information that could be found online. This gave us a pretty good idea of what our readers are looking for. We’re passionate about running, and sharing these products is a great way to share that with other athletes.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 15 hrs of research
Great quality
Huge value for the price
Made of durable breathable material
Waterproof zip pocket
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Men's Power Essential Run -
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Women's DRI-FIT Pro Hyperwarm -
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Women's Pro Cool Training -
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Men's Pro 3/4 Tights -
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NIKE Women's Epic Lux -
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NIKE Pro Digital Tights -
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Pro Core Compression -
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Nike Women's Pro Warm 8 Bit Tights -
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Nike Men’s Tech Running Tights -
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Women's Legend 2.0
- Criteria Used for Evaluation
- Other Factors to Consider
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
10 Best Nike Running Tights
1. Men's Power Essential Run
Great quality
Huge value for the price
Made of durable breathable material
Waterproof zip pocket
Not for below freezing for most people
Not tons of compression
Here is Nike’s best running tight for all around fit, comfort, and function. Not overly warm, and not oppressively tight, but still a great extra layer, and good squeeze to keep your muscles lovingly hugged.
Read moreFit/ Comfort
Most comfortable in cool but not too cold weather. For those of us who run especially hot though, they would be fine into freezing temperatures. The zippered bottom legs help to get these on easy, even before your morning coffee. For comfort, this is the top Nike running tight for men.
Performance/ design
Designed to vent extra heat, these won’t cause too much heat retention. You can use them for those crisp mornings, and not want to peel them off halfway through the run as the sun comes up. They still have the great Nike Dri-fit fabric that wicks moisture away to stop you from getting too wet, a perfect fabric in both comfort and function.
Cost and Value
The price is low to mid-range because even though these are an awesome tight, they aren’t throwing technology at you every which way. They do what you would expect a tight to do, and they do it without all the fancy bells and whistles. It has the best option for the price, hands down.
2. Women's DRI-FIT Pro Hyperwarm
Anti-chafe design
Very warm
Very affordable
Ergonomic flat-seam design
Only for cold weather
Perfect for the winter time, these will keep you warm and dry while running, while being surprisingly breathable. Flat seams also mean no chaffing!
Read moreComfort
Very comfortable for the wintertime. These tights are form fitting but still enough stretch to let you move around. The seams are designed, so they don’t rub. And the elastic waist with drawstring ensures a snug fit.
Performance
Ergonomic flat-seam design means it doesn’t rub or chafe on the seams. Extra side and front panels further cushion and support the knees. The Dri-Fit technology wicks moisture and evaporates it quickly to keep you dry.
Cost and Value
These are a more affordable tight which go right up against other brands. They won’t break the bank, but still, give you the quality Nike product you expect.
3. Women's Pro Cool Training
Keeps you cool and dry
Keeps blood flowing and muscles in place
Quality durable material
Perfect stretch to increase performance
Almost see-through when stretched
Just because you like to wear tights doesn’t mean you run in cold weather! These ones keep you cool in hot weather, but still offer that squeeze that your muscles love.
Read moreComfort
Silky and thin, these running tights have a ventilated panel in the back of the calf to keep the heat moving out. They stretch with your body and can be worn as the perfect base layer with shorts over them.
Design
The dry-fit material wicks moisture away from the skin, and the ventilated panels make sure no heat is held in. Your muscles won’t be vibrating or oscillating in these tights, which cuts down on the risk of injury. The blood will stay flowing with just enough squeeze without restricting movement.
Cost and Value
With the middle of the road price and customer satisfaction, this is a great value, which makes them the best option for a Nike women’s running tight.
4. Men's Pro 3/4 Tights
Moisture wicking
Targeted compression
Made of a tough durable material
Some sizing issues reported
The Nike Men's Pro 3/4 Tights provide runners with a durable, comfortable, and reliable fit that feels as good at the start as they do at the end. They are made to fit and support the legs and will help you get the most out of your runs, no matter where you may go.
Read moreComfort
When it comes to running tights it can be difficult to find a good fit that is comfortable and supportive. Thankfully, the Men's Pro 3/4 Tights offer superior comfort while being stylish and easy to wear day after day for all of your runs and workouts.
Performance
With superhot support and compression technology, these tights help fight muscle fatigue and keep your legs tons and supported throughout your runs. You will find you can run longer and feel better afterwards thanks to these high quality running tights.
Cost and Value
The Men's Pro 3/4 Tights range in price depending on the color, size, and style you choose but you can find something within your price range quite easily. Comfort, performance, and durability: they are all there and this is a great investment to make for your running gear.
5. NIKE Women's Epic Lux
Advanced design for heat and airflow
Quality durable material
Anti-drift design
Perfectly designed to improve performance without limiting your stride
More expensive
Limited availability
Another great option from a known and loved brand, the NIKE Women's Epic Lux tights offer everything you want and need – support, comfort, and durability. These are running tights you can wear every day for your runs and workout sessions and everyday activities.
Read moreComfort
These tights are light yet durable and are made of soft compression material for optimal comfort. They fit well and are made to last and hold up to the wear and tear of your most intense runs. The moisture wicking properties keep you cool and comfortable even in the hottest weather.
Performance
With compression at work, the NIKE Women's Epic Lux tights support your muscles and improve blood flow and overall performance. If you are looking for running gear that complements your routine and enhances your results then these tights are a great place to start.
Cost and Value
Pricing can vary for these tights depending on the color and style you choose and larger sizes also tend to cost more as a whole. These running tights are still a great choice for new runs and experienced runners alike so get yours today and see what they can do for you!
6. NIKE Pro Digital Tights
Comes in beautiful stylish design
Breathable to improve on comfort
Good compression
Some sizing issues reported
Limited color choices
If you are looking for a good option for a unisex running tight that is designed for runners specifically, then you should consider the NIKE Pro Digital Tights. These moisture wicking and cooling pants will keep you dry and comfortable on your runs and will help you get the most out of ever running session!
Read moreComfort
These tights are form-fitting and offer good compression and support for even your longest runs. The material is soft yet very stretchy for a comfortable and stable fit that stays in place and allows for a full range of movement during your runs and workouts.
Performance
With the breathable and moisture wicking design the NIKE Pro Digital Tights will help you get the most out of your runs and workouts. You will love how they feel and will experience less muscle fatigue and faster recovery thanks to the compression support of these tights.
Cost and Value
These tights are very affordably priced and are perfect for beginners looking for their first pair of running tights or for experienced runners who need a back up pair of running tights. Whatever your skill levels may be, you will enjoy the value the NIKE Pro Digital Tights offer!
7. Pro Core Compression
Great compression
Unsurpassed comfort for this style
Great style and color variation
Highly breathable
A bit pricey
Base layer only
More for the compression than for warmth, the Pro Core Compression tights increase blood flow, getting much-needed oxygen to the muscles to prevent injury and repair muscles.
Read moreComfort
The tight fit on these feels great with the thin fabric that still wicks moisture to keep you dry. The thin stretchy fabric gives you a full range of motion, so go ahead and do those karate kick or can-can dancing - whatever you’re into.
Performance
Perfect base layer that won’t let your muscles vibrate and that is what prevents injury. The compression also keeps the blood flowing which gets oxygen where it’s needed. Too tight for knots to form in the muscles, but not restrictive, so you can move freely.
Cost and Value
There is a pretty large range of prices on these depending on size and style. The fabric and functionality can’t be matched, but some people might not like paying so much for something so thin. But if you can get your mind past how thin they are, you will the design and the strong fabric is worth the cost.
8. Nike Women's Pro Warm 8 Bit Tights
Breathable material
Zipper on bottom legs
Strong polyester material to improve on the quality
Beautiful stylish design
Slightly costly
From the name, would you believe that these help you stay warm? It’s true. If you need a warm tight, go to the Nike Stay Warm running tight.
Read moreComfort
A lovingly warm embrace, these Nike tights make your legs feel cozy on those brutal winter days. The bottom legs zipper for easy on and off, so you can steer your energy towards the workout instead of towards putting on your workout clothes.
Performance
These keep you warm, and that is the most important part of the design. While keeping you warm with the mostly polyester fabric, they also hug nicely to your skin, and the wick that sweat away to make it dry quicker. Wet tights mean cold runs, and these do the job to prevent that.
Cost and Value
These are pretty typically priced for a cold weather tight. With that extra fabric and nice stretch, they are worth the slightly higher price than some of the thinner options.
9. Nike Men’s Tech Running Tights
Can be worn in almost any weather
Tons of absorption
Fairly priced
Breathability
Somewhat loose at ankles
The Dri-Fit tech tight is a versatile tight option which absorbs tons of moisture and can be used indoors or outdoors. Yes, it will give you some extra warmth, but no, it won’t overheat you either.
Read moreComfort
Everyone loves the fit and comfort of the Nike Dri-Fit tech tights. They keep you so dry because they are able to absorb so much moisture while transferring to the outer layers to evaporate quicker.
Performance
Here you have tons of movement while still giving you compression in targeted zones to keep your muscles happy and healthy. They can keep you warm, or take that extra sweat and wick it away.
Cost and Value
Maybe these seem basic, but don’t confuse that for low quality. These will feel like new for a long time, and for the price, you will quickly realize the value.
10. Women's Legend 2.0
Not too tight
Various options in design and size
Breathable fabric
No problems with length and waist fitting
Cotton blend
Lose shape quicker
These are a cotton blend, which is why they are on the bottom of the list. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t for runners. Even though it’s not the best moisture-wicking fabric, it can still work as a great tight for short runs or less strenuous activity.
Read moreComfort
Don’t expect the same form fit as the polyester-spandex blends, but do expect some great comfort and stretch. They come up a little higher on the stomach for a great fit that doesn’t slide down.
Performance
No bells and whistles, but still great performance for those active wearers. They will move with your body and are perfect for someone who doesn’t like too tight of a fit.
Cost and Value
The price does vary, but only because there are so many options for different sizing. Mid-range for the typical sizes, and more expensive for specific styles which offer longer legs for a better fit.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Fit
When we talk about fit, we’re talking about the areas of the body that the running tights cover. Some runners can’t stand tights that ride up as they take a stride, while others prefer that their tights cut off mid-calf. Climate can dictate how much coverage you need during certain times of the year, but comfort will really determine the rest. Opaqueness is an issue for certain brands, and no one wants to realize that their undies are showing miles from their house. Whether your modest or just cold, we’ve found Nike running tights that can impress even the pickiest buyers.
Weather Resistance
The weather where you’ll be running can have a huge impact on the type of running tights that you need. Nike offers both insulated and lighter tights that can accommodate sub-zero days and the summer heat. The climate will also have an impact on the types of fabric that you choose. Cotton is breathable but may not offer much in the way of protection against the cold. Most running tights are a mixture of cotton and synthetic materials. Synthetics like Lycra, spandex, and polyester have moisture wicking properties that can keep your skin dry. This prevents irritation from sweat and friction and prevents bacterial growth. These materials are also extremely durable and hold their elasticity for years.
Advanced Features
There are some basic features that buyers need to look for when shopping for Nike tights for running. Make sure the tights have layouts that are multi-paneled, this is because they will provide you with maximum freedom when working out or when running. Some tights will be designed to offer support to specific parts of the legs especially the muscles. This means less tension experienced on the muscles during a training session. The other thing to look for is the rubber grips that are elastic and stop the tights from sliding down/ around or riding up. The men’s tights might also have zipped pockets for storage purposes (but limited to very small things like car key). Pockets should be unobtrusive; that’s why the pocket location should be strategically on the hip or the waist. In case you don’t get tight with a pocket you can just use a waist pack.
Compression
When do you go for your run? Morning, evening, daytime, or at night? Visibility is determined by the amount of light present in the running environment. Since the majority of the people who have an active lifestyle are the working class that means there running schedules either fall very early in the morning or very late in the evening or at night. Depending on what time of day you get out running will depend on how important visibility is to you. This means you will need to have running pants that are very visible even in the dark especially if you are run close to roads that have frequent traffic. Make sure you run on the footpaths and not on the main road. The visibility of your pant will help in keeping you safe, better be colorful and safe than be all black and in danger. You can also have other reflective sporting gears just to be double safe.
Value
A very tricky metric but still very important. Sticking to one’s budget can be tricky especially if you are looking for comfort. But then when you start talking about price, this is one place where many people have it all wrong. Many tend to opt for a cheaper option of tights only to realize it doesn’t have all those nice features you wanted your tights to have, or they start wearing out faster than you had anticipated, hence sending you back to the stores to get a new pair. That’s why athletes are always advised to go for the best quality as it’s a long-term investment, instead of going for quantity. This means that you will not only enjoy your running but also have a healthy lifestyle by getting the best tights.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Breathability 
Comfort Fit 
Style 
Effectiveness 
You can generally determine a quality fit in your pants by looking at the design of the inseams. Some lower-quality pants don't have any extra material in the crotch section, which means it's more likely to pull and fray as you run over time.
It is always a good idea to have sveeral pairs of running tights so you are not always rushing to get laundry done so you can go for a run. But it is also a good idea to have some other tights on hand as back up and emergency pairs. These can be less expensive pants that can be kept on hand in case they are needed or used in situations where do you not want to use your more expensive running tights.
The way you run, where you run, and the terrain and environment you run in can impact what tights may be best for you. Think about these factors and be sure to keep them in mind as you are looking around for your running tights.
Other Factors to Consider
Color
Colors in running tights go beyond looking stylish and all fashionable in your running gear. The most popular color in running tights is black, though this preferred color is not suitable for all lighting conditions. Runners who do their work out sessions at dusk or at dawn or in environments that have low lighting conditions will need much brighter colors. Though a popular choice, black does not suit all light conditions. Brighter coloring options you can pick neon or grey colors. But then when you look at the running tights for the female athletes they have a wide collection of colors to choose from. Another safety measure for late night runners is to make sure your running pants have reflective stripes.
Features
Many of the tights being offered in stores for sale tend to be long and reach just the ankle of the foot. However, there are shorter versions of the ¾ tights or the short like tights. The long tights tend to have elastic hooks that are strapped to one’s foot arch hence hindering any form of riding up of the pants. Ideal for runners who run in terrains that are rough. They are also preferred by runners who want maximum coverage but still want to enjoy the compression feel offered by running tights. They also offer protection from any form of harsh weather running condition. The shorter tights are suitable for warmer running climatic conditions.
Use
When running or doing any form of workout, athletes tend to make sure they can achieve being lightweight as much as possible. Carrying close to nothing in their pockets. You won’t find an athlete with a backpack full of gears when going for a run. That’s why when picking out your tights, make sure they have pockets that can only store the most important but basic things that you relay need during the workout. Also, they should store the items without distracting you or be poking your skin. Most pockets in tights can only store small things like cards, energy chews or car keys. Though some can store even mobile phones. To make sure your valuables don’t run the risk of dropping make sure the pockets have zippers for enhanced safety.
Bottom Line
Running compression tights form a large part of important sporting apparel. They are designed and purposed to be used by the serious athletes in sporting activities. The pants over the years have been used by people who have specific health conditions or issues. The tights not only increase the performance of an athlete but they also delay any form of fatigue during training. They contribute to more blood circulation in the body, fasten the recovery time and finally, they reduce the total amount of lactate burned in a workout session. Most athletes who have used the tights say that there is also reduced the risk of getting any leg injury when you wear the tights, others have noted that the compression feel reduces vibrations and shock.
Frequently Asked Questions
First, don’t try pulling the elasticized string out. Instead, make sure that the drawstrings are trimmed instead of pulling it out. The other tip to avoid such a scenario is to make sure you get a waist width that is suitable for you and of the right size.
Many runners are faced with this dilemma. In case you are not sure about the level of tightness offered by your running tights then you definitely need to get a new pair that will offer you the needed compression feel. Your running sessions must be comfortable and that’s why it’s important you get the tights that will offer you, your preferred compression feel. Remember comfortability is the main aspect of looking for any clothing apparel. Also, another challenge with the tightness of the pants can be when they are extra tight or they just do not lay right on the body. Literally, the seams that are on the pants are always designed so that they can be aligned with the runner’s body muscles: hence offer support to the leg muscles like the hamstrings. That’s why the tights must align carefully with the muscles so that the seams do not interfere with your running experience and interrupt your session because each time you will be adjusting your running tights.
Most of the running tights are designed with mini pockets that are located along the waistband. The pockets are ideal for keeping keys since they are very small and are located on the waistband. The other option you can get is having the zipped pocket just below the hip bone. The pockets are very useful for runners who are not fond of the waist packs. But the only challenge with the pockets is that the type and number of things of things are limited by storage size and space. Runners who don’t have the running gears that offer small additional storage options should look for tights that have pockets. Do not worry the things you store in the pockets will not be heavy enough to pull your tights down during a running session.
Honestly speaking that a little too much layering of clothes. It’s recommended that you pick one, either have on your tights or just pick a running tight. No need to wear both of them. In case you are body conscious then it is better you go for much looser running pants that are tapered.
These running pants/ tights are more or similar to the swimsuits. When a tight is very cheap then it means that its lifespan will be shorter and the tights will soon be saggy, have a see-through disadvantage and in worse cases even both. Do not be afraid to make a good investment in a running tight, go for something that is not only comfortable but also very durable in the long run. The thicker a tight is the more expensive it will be (not to mention the additional features that tights have), so be prepared to part with around $40 to $80 on a reliable pair.
Running tights make up a great part in the wardrobe of any active athlete, especially the type of athletes who love doing their workout sessions outdoors. These sporting apparel offer the athletes with needed warmth when running in a cold season and cooling effect when running in a very hot environment. Apart from that they also offer good protection to the legs and allow the natural movement of the body especially the legs when running. There are running tights that are considered to be very high performing, the extra features in these tights give them the capabilities of enhancing blood circulation and offering both joint and muscle support during any sporting activity.
Sources
- , The 8 Best Men's Running Pants , Consumer Website,
- , What Are the Best Workout Leggings?, Lifestyle Website,
- , 11 best running tights, Consumer Website,
- , Five of the best winter running tights, Sporting Website,
- , Winter Running Apparel Review: GORE and Sporthill Windproof Running Pants and Tights, Sporting Website,
- , Running Pants for Men - Reviews, Sporting Website,
- , Best Running Pants Reviewed, Sporting Website,
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