13 Best Recovery Tights Reviewed and Tested
By Ryan Sabin
2
Do you know the feeling when you have a lot of pain in your muscles? You have a soreness and you don’t have more power to do the workout? Running can be very demanding for our muscles, tendons, and many other parts of our body. We need to be aware however that we can help our body a little.
Imagine that you could buy something that will boost your blood circulation, minimize the fatigue of the muscles, and will help you to recover faster. These are called recovery tights. They have been expanding on the market over the past 4 or 5 years, and became a must-have in a runner’s wardrobe. We guess that you’ve tried them before but, if you’re going to buy them for the first time, you will definitely see the difference between loose and tight ones. Let’s make our recovery faster-here we go with our best of the best. Let us show you why they’re so exceptional.
- Women's CompressionZ
-
Our rating - Wicks away sweat quickly
- Price: See Here
- Arc’teryx Stride
-
Our rating - Zippered cuffs
- Price: See Here
- 2XU Men's Core Compression
-
Our rating - Power-Weight-Flex signature fabric
- Price: See Here
13 Best Recovery Tights
Women's CompressionZ
Best for: Running/yoga/fitness
Material: These leggings are made out of 73% Polyester and 27% Spandex
Sun protection: No
Reflectivity: No, but it does come in a variety of bright colors to choose from.
Wicks sweat away and dries quickly
Comfortable, and 4-way stretch material
Decently priced
Could wear anywhere
Money back guarantee
Some consumers said they run small
No reflective markings
Arc’teryx Stride
Best for: Running
Material: 90% Polyester and 10% Spandex
Sun protection: Yes
Reflectivity: Yes, strips around the calf
- Fabric is very soft and flexible adding a touch of warmth or exerted muscles
- Zippered heel allows for you to cinch things down or open it up and let the air flow
- Runner specific pockets for small items such as gels or car keys
- A wide elasticized waist with drawcord gives a personalized fit, and flatlock seams insure against chafing
- Gusseted cuffs zip open to ease dressing with your shoes on; zippers designed to prevent bouncing while you move
- Reflective enhanced logo makes sure you’re seen in dim lighting
- They are a bit long for some
2XU Core Compression
Best for: Running/fitness and recovery
Material: These lightweight tights are made up of 72% Nylon and 28% Elastane
Sun protection: Yes, and they are antibacterial as well.
Reflectivity: On most of the options there is reflective markings. There is one pair where it still has a little reflective markings, but it is a little darker than the rest.
Compression technology proven to improve performance, and helps you recover faster
PWX signature fabric gives extra compression, and max flexibility
Lightweight
Elastic waistband with drawstring
UPF 50% sun protection
Wicks sweat dries quickly
A little more expensive than some of the other tights
Might have too much compression for some
Sub Sports DUAL Compression
Best for: Base layer/recovery
Material: Made from 82% Nylon and 18% Elastine
Sun protection: None
Reflectivity: Yes, decals around waistband and right leg
- High-wicking fabric ensures your skin stays as dry as possible
- Targeted compression makes sure all of the major muscle groups are getting some love
- Snug compression fit improves blood flow and makes sure plenty of oxygen is circulating
- Designed to reduce recovery time and support sore/fatigued muscles
- Some didn't like the the waistband
2XU Hyoptik
Best for: General fitness/recovery
Material: Nylon/Lycra spandex blend
Sun protection: UPF 50
Reflectivity: Yes, both legs
- Designed for greater blood flow and aim to assist with warmup and recovery performance.
- Reflective logos scattered throughout — be seen at night
- Flatlock seams reduce chafing
- High-filament yarns deal with moisture and dry quickly
- UPF 50+ sun protection plus Antibacterial treated material
- Graduated compression specifically supports the hip flexors, quads, hamstrings calves, and gluteus muscles.
- Sizing runs a bit small
Skins A200
Best for: Running/recovery
Material: Nylon/Spandex
Sun protection: Company is based in Australia, so yes the sun is considered. UPF 50+
Reflectivity: Yes
- Engineered gradient compression contours these tights to your leg muscles
- Sizing system is based on a unique Body Mass Index (BMI)/anthropometrical algorithm, due to this enjoy the full benefit of gradient compression
- SKINS are meant to reduce muscle vibration, minimizing strain muscles are subject to during activity.
- Improved circulation increases oxygen delivery to the muscles
- Athletic cut waistband with firm elastic grip
- Reflectivity built into the design of the tights,
- Don't stay in place while running, for some body types
Under Armour ColdGear Compression
Best for: running and other sport activities
Material: Polyester and elastane
Sun protection: No
Reflectivity: No
Anti odor technology prevents the growth of bacteria
The material dries very quickly
Big choice of colors
Great for colder seasons
Some users expected better durability
Zensah Recovery Compression Tights.
Best for: Running/recovery
Material: Fabric breakdown is 85% Polyamide / 15% Elastane.
Sun protection: No
Reflectivity: No
Keeps legs warm as it ensures there is flow of oxygen throughout the lower body part.
The tights are made of a texture that wicks out moisture while making you comfortable even when sweating.
The tights helps to decrease the abdomen area from being damaged since it circulates oxygen and blood.
Helps to balance out leg muscles to prevent more damage on the area that needs recovery.
Lacks the reflective ability which posses as a challenge during night runs or walks.
SKINS Men's DNAmic Compression Long Tights
These skin tights will help to recover from mild swelling and soreness. The compression is snug but there’s no restriction of movement. You can really feel the boost of the blood circulation and many users noticed the faster recovery of muscles even after first usage. These tights were great when it comes to regulating the moisture. There’s also a big support for key muscles group.
Best for: running, lifting
Material: nylon and elastane fiber
Sun protection: 50+ UV protection
Reflectivity: no
They provide very firm compression and boost the endurance performance
Users can choose from the wide range of colors
They retain their original shape
Some users had problem with finding the best size
Zensah XT Compression Tights
Best for: Running/recovery of muscles.
Material: Fabric breakdown is 65% Nylon / 35% Elastane
Sun protection: No
Reflectivity: Yes
- The draw string that helps in adjusting the general fit and also with the reflective ability to help keep safe during low light areas or at night.
- The fabric used in this tights help tap out moisture to promote and ever dry environment that keeps you feeling comfortable all through the workout process.
- The tights are light weight and have the ability to be odorless as it also stretches enough to keep you comfortable.
This tights might be short for tall people make sure you get the right feet.
CEP
Best for: Running/recovery
Material: Fabric breakdown is 75% Polyamid, 25% Elastan
Sun protection: No
Reflectivity: No
Very durable
Help to recover your muscles fast even after demanding running session
They’re a little bit pricey
Nike Zonal Strength
Best for: running
Material: Polyster
Sun protection: no
Reflectivity: yes
Thanks to Nike’s fabric, you stay cool during workout
Users claim that they don’t expect any soreness after workout with these tights
The price is relatively high
Compression Z
Best for: Running
Material: Nylon
Sun protection: no
Reflectivity: no
They provide tight fit without restrictions
Odor resistant material
Some had problems with choosing the right size
So there you have some of our top reviewed and tested recovery tights. How competitive you are will likely play a big role in what is right for you. Top of the line Skins make sense for a hard line triathlete looking to up their training regime, but less sense for a weekend jogger simply wanting their legs to perk up a bit quicker post run. In the second case a midrange pair of Brooks are probably a better fit. If your curiosity isn’t satisfied read on for a few FAQ on recovery tights.
The criteria used in selecting best recovery tights.
Let’s bring your attention to some of the factors we used to pick our best tights. As always we want to make sure we show you the best of the best. So, we went through some evaluation process, like the comfort of the pants, what it is made out of, and how breathable they are. We also took into consideration the price and quality of the recovery tights to make sure you are getting the most out of your money. In this case let’s say you are a runner in the process of recovering, we want you to feel like you did the right thing picking the tights that are right for you. So the next time you go shopping for recovery tights, you will know what to look for.
Below is some of the metrics we used in finding the best recovery tights.
Comfort
It would be crazy not to have this one on our list. With recovery in mind the most important thing to focus on would be comfort, you do not want to feel pain or worsen your condition at any expense. Worry not, that is why we are here to makes sure we come to your aid to assist you in making the quickest come back in history, well at least we would like that. The body and muscles should feel at home with nothing to bother them but making improvements. Comfort comes in as the major concern, without this we can assure you that any tights you buy will be of no good.
Performance and recovery ability.
Well this is what we all need to think when picking recovery tights, will they perform like we want? Will it be helpful for my post-run recovery? The answer we all want to put there is yes. So how about when shopping you put this in perspective. Make sure you look for good compression tights that help speed your recovery process. Your recovery should be your number one priority at this juncture. Normally we give you a list of the 10 best tights to pick from, but we also advise you to read a lot of reviews, and do research of what your condition requires and get the best. We want you to be on your feet as fast as you can, and to go about your daily and normal running routine in no time. Look for the best of the best out there. This generally covers a broader perspective as it revolves around the features of the tight that will make your recovery noticeable within a small period of time. Never go for tights because of their color or because they are trendy you can consider them but only after making sure the selected tights can help in your recovery process. At Runner Click we always got our runners covered and you are no exception.
Size/Fit.
When it comes to size this is up for no debate as getting the wrong size can hinder you from achieving your best results in recovering. When buying clothes of any kind how it fits you will always be a number one priority, which comes to no surprise since no one can buy something that doesn’t fit. Coming up with the best fitting recovery tights is a step closer to your recovery, if it’s too tight it is subjective to wear and tear which also means less flexibility and we cannot afford that can we? Make sure the tights shouldn’t be too tight on your ankle, if so consider the size wrong. Most tights have size charts at the back of their packages to help you know which size is likely to fit you best.
Durability/quality
Quality comes as a no-brainer, we all want something that can stand the test of time. Going shopping at a store can sometimes be a bit of a hassle. Going in the fitting rooms and trying on five pairs of pants can get frustrating. The first time you go to the store to get tights, why don’t you make sure you get the best quality that can withstand the test of time. In most cases we prefer getting more than one pair of tights because using the same pair every day however good the quality is, can result to wear and tear. Make sure you do not fall a prey of trends and style, sometimes it is more than just the appearance. Sometimes to get a quality product you are going to have to spend more money than you would like, but know that is not always the case. Sometimes you can find a perfect pair at a great price.
Breathability.
This comes to light because we want you to be comfortable and have no irritation with your tights on. It is one step closer to recovery as well. When looking for something breathable it’s important to look at the material it is made out of. In most cases avoid picking cotton which poses as a threat to breathability. Any material that wicks out excess moisture to keep you dry during your workouts is the best. Try to pick one that has this quality as it leads to you concentrating more on getting healed rather than being comfortable as that one will be taken care of with the tights.
Reflectivity.
This one is also a crucial factor to put in mind when looking for recovery tights as they assist in areas of low light. When you run in places where there is traffic or places where there is less to no lights, the best thing to do would be to put on reflective tights, so you are able to be spotted by people, especially drivers. Getting tights that have reflective material in them helps people spot you faster to help keep you safe. We want you to be free to run wherever, and whenever you please so we decided to take this into consideration as well.
Other important factors to consider when choosing the best recovery tights.
Sometimes we focus on the major factors and forget that there are some minor factors to consider. Which can also be as equally important as the rest when making a purchase. Getting the right tights can pause as a headache in some of us, we cannot blame you, we also have it rough when picking out which is which, and ask ourselves why this and not that? Well the answer is always one with us we give our best to our clients and we, make sure to give them all the guidelines they require to ensure they pick the best. Not only that, we also come with the best 10 in our list that we consider effective having done enough research and tests to ensure it comes as no surprise to us. All we mean is we have you at heart when coming up with this metrics. We have listed a few below for you to check out and consider when making a purchase.
Fabric
Most often this is ignored, or simply not considered as an important factor, even though it makes a huge difference. The material in question should be one that snugs to the body, you need a light material that will still tap out moisture from your body to keep you comfortable and not irritated during your workouts. Most of the time we prefer blended materials like spandex, nylon, and polyester which most tights are made of. To allow them to stretch just enough to keep you as comfortable as possible.
Weather
If you are an all season runner you should know that there are differences in tights depending on the season, sometimes you can use the same in all types of weather. But, at times the one you have for summer is so light that cannot withstand the winter season, in this case, you have to look for ones that are warm, comfortable and durable. If you still want to look perfect even in extreme climates, get yourself a pair of warm tights that can serve you when your body needs heat. We would go with cotton in this case, as it is known to give warmth.
Waistband
These come in the feature of a tight, we all need something that can hug our waist at any time without us having to stop and pulling them up. No one wants to stop in the middle of a run to pull our tights up because they are falling down. We would advise you to get elastic waistbands that has a tie which can be adjusted to a comfortable fit. Some fabrics cannot stay in line without a great waistband so this is important to check. We all know sometimes we gain or lose weight, so having this tie can help us adjust to the best fit.
Price
Let’s all face it, sometimes we fall victims of buying stuff because of price. I personally am a victim of that every time, from electronics to clothing’s to almost everything. We all have the notion that expensive is quality let me remove your head from that. We can have an expensive music system that is of low quality. The big brands sometimes mislead us all, have no worry , we would like to shed some light on this. When making a purchase it is great to consider the price but do not trust it with all your money, well that statement might seem funny but, it has a sense in it. Look for more outstanding features before closing the deal with the price. Sometimes tights can be fairly priced but the features are more outstanding than the one that has a huge price tag to it.
Style
If you are a runner you will know that your tights should have a snug fit and never should it have a restrictive one. To support your muscles and help prevent constricting of your muscles at any point of your body. But you should never pick out running tights by looks alone. You could find out later that you cannot even run in them at all because they were made for a fashion statement, not for athletes. Finding a pair of tights that look good, and fulfill their purpose won’t be hard once you have looked over our list of the best recovery tights.
FAQ
Q: Will these tights really help?
We addressed this question somewhat above, but the short answer is maybe. They do seem to help in some cases but in others show little effect. Manufactures such as CEP, Skins, and 2XU all have scientific support cited on their websites. Take a look by clicking on the name of the brand. Conversely, compression tights are not without criticism. Our common sense tells us that while these tights are not a magic cure for anything, they do offer a bit of an edge, and trying never hurt anyone.
Q: Are compression tights just for professional athletes?
Absolutely not. Amateur athletes who want to take care of their bodies should pursue every means of this possible. There is no should when it comes to wearing recovery tights.
Q: How long do compression tights last until they need to be replaced?
This, of course, is product and usage dependent. But generally speaking most are guaranteed for a year, and with moderate use should be expected to last far beyond that. Sweat and dirt can affect their longevity negatively so be sure to wash them after every use.
Q: Can the compression damage my body?
If sized properly, it is almost impossible for compression alone to cause damage to a healthy body. If however, you feel that your tights are causing some type of issue discuss it with a healthcare professional.
Q: How do I wash my compression tights?
Check the tags first often there are instructions there. If not a good rule of thumb is to machine wash cold or warm, tumble dry low heat or let air dry. If you’re paranoid avoid the dryer altogether.
Here are some of the sources we used when doing our research
We never leave stones unturned when making findings about any product we display as best. When doing our research we go out there get reviews, have some tested just to have the first hand information so that when we make a list, we have a feel and touch of what is required by our esteemed clients. We do research from various sites that include: informational content, medical, fitness and health and also runners content to come up with what we know will benefit you to the maximum. Listed below are some of the content we used when coming up with our best recovery tights.
Sources
- , The Sports Edits, Article, Jan 01, 1970
- , Fenwick, Article, Apr 01, 2015
- , American Fitness Couture, Website, Nov 13, 2018
- , Absolute Medical, Website,
Related Posts:
0
26
