Best Running Pants Are Essential – Here Is Why
If you need a little happiness in your life, you may want to include running in your daily routine. It is not just a way of exercising but also releasing endorphins, which are the ultimate feel-good hormones.
I am Theresa Makowski, a lover of all things related to running. As a kid, I was super athletic and quickly became the best runner in high school. Now, running is my lifestyle. I jog every morning, even on vacations and business trips. Thankfully, all my friends are sporty. I regularly take yoga classes with my best friend, and we have traveled to India for yoga a couple of times. The latest addition to my active life is skateboarding. My friend and I recently signed up for a skating class; I am eager to explore this new sport!
There is nothing as important for a good run as the right gear. Trivial as they may seem, pants for running will be a huge part of your experience. Collecting knowledge from all my experiences, here is a list of some of the best running pants for men and women and the pros and cons of each of them to help you pick the best one.
In a Hurry? Look at Our Research Winners
Review of Best Pants for Running in 2019
There is a ton of sport wear manufacturers out there. I am sure if you look hard enough, you will find one that checks all your boxes. In this list of best track pants for running, I review and rate each product based on its:
- Material
- Size
- Style
- Durability
For your better comprehension and perception, I have organized the ranging of the items according to the mentioned criteria from 1 too 100 (100 being the highest mark). I have also placed the products on the list from the best one to the least preferable, according to my experience with these pants. Hopingly, it will be handy while making your final decision on the purchase. Apart from running pants men reviews, I have included a few top picks for women as well.
Top 15 Running Pants
The Best Running Pants - IUGA High Waist Yoga Pants
IUGA has been making some of the best yoga outfits for some time now. The best part about yoga pants is that they are meant to be as flexible as you can bend your body.
Material
Now, given this and the fact that running is not nearly as complicated as yoga, it is easy to understand why the very stretchy and perfectly fitting yoga pants make for some people the best compression pants for running.
Size / Comfort
The high waist means you can run up and down a hilly area or a flight of steps without any need to keep pulling your pants up. Taking into consideration that these are compression pants, you should not choose them for running if it is too cold outside.
Are compression pants good for running? Yes, but only when they are as flexible and elastic as these. They come in two different fits, one that goes all the way down to the ankles, and another is a Capri. IUGA does not have mens Capri running pants at the moment. Be sure to get your exact fit or go for a couple of sizes higher if you are in doubt.
Style / Design
The pants have two pockets on some designs and three on other variants. The pockets are made to be out of your way during your run. They are not see-through, so that is one less thing to worry about.
Durability
These pants will last you relatively long. By no means, a few months will pass before the waistband starts getting rolled up and messy.
- Great light material
- Stylish high waist design
- The proper fit looks amazing
- Comfortable and keeps skin cool
- Waistband tends to get rolled up
Champion Light Weight Mens Running Pants
Champion has been in the business of dressing athletes and sports personalities for almost a century now. Considering the duration and just how many times the trend has changed over the past century, it is correct to assume they know what they are doing. Their logo, a ‘C’ with blue and red stripes in the middle of it, is pretty easy to recognize.
Material
100% cotton, these pants will provide both comfort and warmth to you during your run. They are also loose enough around the waist for other workout movement versatility.
Size
One of the best running pants with pockets, this model is on the list of the most comfortable options you can buy. Champion sells them with a more relaxed fit to allow a variety of different use cases. The fit around the ankle with a rubber grip is comfortable too.
Style
The most affordable sweats on this list by far, you can ship them in a wide range of colors. They create a clean and simple look, with only the Champion iconic logo on the left side pocket.
Design
The sweats will fit both women and men pretty well, as they provide enough room for comfortable wear. The waistband is good and has a drawstring on the inside for a more precise fit. They offer no other form of support except the waist fit. The design is unisex, and it is great.
Durability
These pants are made from the material of high quality. Thus, they will last you a fairly decent amount of time before you start seeing any visible signs of wear. The first to go will probably be the waistbands. You may, however, expect little wear in the first months of use.
- Clean and simple design
- Comfortable fit
- Durable material
- Versatile for all physical exercises
- Waistband requires careful handling during washing
Adidas Best Men’s Running Pants Tiro '17
Next on our list is another product of a global behemoth in sportswear manufacturing – Adidas. They make some of the best running pants you can buy. The Tiro ’17 is another addition to their long list of high-quality Adidas running pants.
Material
Machine washable and durable, these pants will be a delight if they suit your style. The breathable material will make it a breeze wearing them all year. You can go for a run and still carry your keys in the zippered side pockets. They are excellent for both men and women; be sure to look out for the next Adidas running pants sale.
Size
They are light, simple, and stylish with a nice and comfortable fit. The waistband is just right and does not fit on too tight, and yet it is still snug enough to stay on the right when you are on the run.
Style
Mostly worn as soccer training pants, they are a perfect fit for a nice run and a round of intense aerobic exercise as well. If you are out for a track, these can be worn excellently on top of your other gear. They are very good running pants for cold weather. These pants can be worn purely for how stylish they look.
Durability
These pants are machine washable, which means that they will most likely be fine for a few washes from the purchase. However, they prove to be relatively great pants with time.
- Light and durable
- Stylish
- Great fabric
- Finding the right fit for tall guys is a hit or miss
ProGo Good Winter Running Pants
If you are like me and can`t stop running every day, you may want to check these out in winter.
Material
They are heavy in the sort of way that makes them warm and yet light enough to wear them out for a run. The thickness of the used fabric puts them high up in my winter running pants review list. The fleece ensures your body is warm and not uncomfortably hot in summer either.
Size
If you are into a more relaxed fit, order a size higher and use the drawstring to fasten them around your waist. The strings hang on the outside of the pants. If you do not like them that way, it’s better not to get this model.
Style
Apart from very affordable prices, the ProGo outdid themselves and decided to spoil us with the choice of different colors and patterns. You can get plain white or black, or a bunch of other solid colors in a clean-looking fit. You can get the camo running pants too if you want, as there are two types to choose from.
Durability
You can machine wash these without any worries, but you should be careful when using bleach. They tend to fade very quickly if you do. The insides are lined with cotton, which tends to have some cotton balls after repeated use.
- Machine washable
- Durable
- Comfortable fit
- Cotton balls roll off from the inside with time
EAST HONG Women's Yoga Leggings
The best part about traveling with running pants is that you can pack up a lot of items in so little space. Soft, simple, and elegant; you will be comfortable and relaxed on your run. The East Hong women’s yoga leggings have pockets on either side that can fit a fairly large phone in them.
Material
They are made of polyester and lycra in a unique proportion. The material used ensures elasticity without being see-through.
Size
Wearing these pants, you will have some room to run peacefully. They are also great for working out or can be worn as a part of your casual attire. This is largely due to the great fits they offer in different sizes.
Style
Unlike previous options on this list, with these pants, you will get a variety of designs to choose from – they offer up to five different choices. These are like compression running pants men tend to wear.
Durability
These pants are not see-through, which means they are made of thick layered material. The advantage of this is that they can be machine washed. However, you cannot use the dryer for these pants as they will be damaged.
- Not see-through
- Elegant design
- Lightweight
- Cannot be used in dryers
Addidas Mens Running Pants Soccer Tiro '19
Just a rung higher in the Adidas ladder are the Tiro ’19 training pants. They are made of proprietary climate cool material that promises to keep you fresh and relaxed during your workout. Like the Tiro ’17, they are pretty stylish and offer a great range of color options to choose from. They are arguably the best men running pants.
Material
As stated, the climate cool material is meant to get sweat away from your skin and into the air as fast as possible. It keeps you not only feeling cool, but also provides the feeling that you are just at the beginning of your workout.
Size
These pants are made to have the right comfortable fit for all sizes. The long history Adidas has in making sports gear means they have the sizes right down to a science.
Style
My advice – go for a black finish on black material. When the logo starts to wear off after a couple of washes, you can keep wearing them without having a washed-out logo on. They are meant to be training pants, mostly used for soccer practice, but they make great running pants women and men can use. Similarly, you can wear them as you would any other casual outfit.
You have to remember the kind of amazing sports gear you have. These pants are of great quality for your money as they start at very affordable prices.
Durability
As a result of the great fabric, the model will last for long. You can machine wash these pants as much as you want without any damage. The only sign of wear you will notice is that the logo will start chipping off after some time.
- Very affordable
- Durable
- Timeless design
- Comfortable fit
- Ironed on logo fades with multiple washes
Champion Men's Powerblend Retro Fleece Jogger Pant
Champion is back on our list yet again. They do have a great lineup of sweats to choose from. I know, the name says these pants are for men, but believe me, ladies, in more ways than one they are for us too.
Material
The pants are made out of cotton and polyester in an even split. This is the perfect choice of the most durable materials. The combination of these two is what makes the warm fit, so snug and yet remains comfortable for the right size.
Size
The large range available means plus size women can have their pick in this line. The side pockets are not zipped, so you cannot go running with your phone in them. Be sure of your size and fit before you order this model. You don’t want them too tight because of how thick they are. If you are not okay with snug clothing, it gets more uncomfortable in case they are too tight. I wouldn’t want you to run around awkwardly, so if you are in doubt, get a size larger.
Style
In classic Champion style, they boast a clean look with only a logo on the left side pocket. There are two different finishes for the inside; you can have it smooth or a little rugged for a warmer fit. The warmth you get makes them one of the best running pants for cold weather.
Durability
You can wash and dry these pants with no worry of wear and tear as they are made of cotton and polyester. The waistband is the only weak link as it becomes loose and rolled up after several months.
- Best cold weather running pants
- Comfortable fit
- Good-quality material and detailing
- The waistband needs careful handling during washing
Champion Women's Fleece Open Bottom Running Pants
Champion would be the clear victor if it were a brand contest. The reason is the brand makes really good stuff. The Champion women fleece open bottom pants are the next best running pants womens closets should all contain. They are very breathable and relaxed.
Material
The item under review is made of the perfect blend of cotton and polyester for a nice and comfortable fit. You can use them for a run in winter since they are among the best winter running pants.
Size
The only downside is that the sizing is a little inconsistent for different color options, and it can be a little frustrating. That aside, most cold weather running pants womens reviews agree the model is excellent for running and will not pill over time. They are machine washable and will not melt in your dryer.
Style
These are undoubtedly great pants for running. What’s more, they are quite comfortable and versatile as well, so you can take a stroll about the neighborhood during the summer too.
Durability
The biggest drawback of these pants is that they shrink after a couple of washes. This is not great in terms of durability. It is a gradual demise, though it will likely happen after multiple washes. You should wash them in delicate mode. Avoid using dryers to delay that issue as much as possible.
- Comfortable, relaxed fit
- Great material
- Minimalist design
- Inconsistent sizes between colors
- Shrink after the first wash
Champion Best Womens Running Pants
These pants are great for running, long flights, long lazy weekends indoors, and a bunch of other things. Champion has done a great job with the distinctly new stylish design of this model. The same clean look with only a logo on the side pocket. This time the drawstring for fastening the waist is on the outside.
Material
The cotton used for these pants is comfortably warm, thus making them good running pants for winter. If you shop around, you will find the model in many cold-weather running pants womens reviews as one of the most recommended options.
Size
The fits are nice and may suit your liking. Although there are no compressor variants of these specific pants at the moment. As these pants are specifically made for women, I have found my exact fit in the lineup; no need to order a size up like in the men’s section. Thankfully, someone has already thought about my butt fitting.
Style
You get a limited range of colors to pick from, however. Two pockets on either side allow you some degree of freedom without the necessity to carry a bag. However, the lack of proper zippers means you cannot bear valuable or important stuff like keys or cash in them while on the run.
Durability
The best running pants women can get are the ones with a soft finish, and this is just the case. The only downside is that you will notice pilling very quickly, sometimes after the first use.
- Comfortable and stylish
- Warm material
- Very affordable
- Pill after few uses
Iuga High Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets
IUGA makes great pants; you know that by now. They all have insane pockets. There is more to consider while being in doubt about whether to purchase this particular model.
Material
A feature that makes the pants stand out is their being squat-proof, which means they will not misbehave or cause you to discomfort squatting. This characteristic is great for women’s running pants for warm weather.
Size
A bonus feature is a nicely concealed waist pocket to carry the stuff you really should not lose during your run. The only drawback is the sizes tend to be a little off the mark. For this reason, be sure about your size and order higher for a better fit.
Style
You can get the product in up to four different cuts, including boot cut pants. I do not know why anyone needs pants like these in bootcut, but you can get it. You can get a fit in any style to suit your preference. The simple and elegant design of IUGA pants with pockets is aimed at maximizing your workout freedom.
Durability
The material is see-through, which means that the product can stretch pretty thin. The negative effect of these pants is that they can easily rip if you push them too far. That, coupled with the fact the sizes may be off right out of the box, means durability may be very low if you pick the wrong size.
- Stylish
- Comfortable material
- Large pockets
- Affordable price
- Sizes may be off
- Tend to be see-through
The Gym People High Waist Yoga Pants
The Gym People is a brand that makes stuff for, you have guessed it, gym people. They have a fantastic line of stuff to choose from if you want to get into fitness without the hype of following Project Rock, etc.
Material
The pants are made of nylon and polyester in a perfect blend to get the feeling of cotton while the last is absent. The only downside of this brilliant material is that it tends to be a bit see-through when you stretch it too much. I have not had a problem with this issue since I have only used them for running.
Size
Be careful during purchase. The company has a somewhat archaic size chart, and you have to remember that the sizes displayed are half the actual size. If you order a 20, that is in effect a 40; you get it.
Style
Over the years, one thing has become important to me when choosing running pants – the best womens running pants should allow you to run free and not feel insecure. Get a design that will make you confident and comfortable before anything else.
Durability
You will have a hard time beating the elastic stretch on these pants, ladies. I have seen some people fit bottles in their pockets, and I am amazed. The pants stretch pretty well and do not lose that elasticity at all. It is easy to see why these are the best running pants women tall or short can get.
- Breathable pants
- Stylish and simple design
- Great pockets
- See-through when stretched
Baleaf Women's Active Yoga Lounge Sweat Pants
Ribbed waistband and elastic ankle, the Baleaf sweats are some of the most comfortable ones you can buy on Amazon or anywhere for that matter.
Material
The yoga sweat pants offer a different blend of fabric material from cotton to polyester and spandex. These all come together for the creation of dreamy soft sweatpants perfect for jogging both in cold and warm weather. It is almost as if the season does not matter if you are in these pants.
Size
They have great pockets, and the drawstring around the waist fits in the middle slot in-between the rubber that grips firmly and gently onto your waist. I couldn’t leave these out of my running pants women review. They are specifically for women, owning a special finish to accommodate the female physique better.
Style
These are the running tights that you can buy and still look casual. Supposedly, you do not want the hustle of a costume change for physical activity, so in this case, you will appreciate this feature. Baleaf makes good running pants for women and men alike.
Durability
They are great running pants. However, the material tends to drop in quality pretty quickly over time. Go easy on washing, be sure to use a gentle fabric softener, and stay away from bleach.
- Stylish
- Comfortable
- Affordable
- Sizes are often too big
Under Armor Cotton Running Pants for Mens
Under Armor is the next big brand on this list. They make Steph Curry’s shoes and a bunch of great sports gear too. It is a perfect choice for both men and women who wear pants under running tights.
Material
The general rule, however, is to get only compressor pants for running if the weather is hot or warm. However, these pants still have a solid spot among the great running pants mens closets should have. You will stay warm longer as the material used does not absorb the moisture on the outside through to the inside that fast. It is no surprise that this pair makes it to every mens winter running pants review.
Style
You can get these pants in compression, fitting, or loose fit depending on your taste. The best finish is subjective, so be sure to suit your taste. The brand offers a variety of different colors for this model too.
Size
Under Armor uses a double ribbed waist to ensure maximum support while giving the least discomfort. If you are going to run on a trail or somewhere with some vegetation getting in the way, the thick cotton will keep you securely covered.
Durability
Be careful when washing the pants as the logo tends to come off after some time. I would advise you to pick the darker colors so that when it eventually comes off, the general look won`t be so bad. Another downside is that after a few washes and wears, the pants will drop fleece all over your house.
- Durable
- Perfect for cold weather
- Great price for the quality
- Drop fleece balls all over
- The logo tends to come off after several washes
Occffy High Waist Good Running Pants for Women
Occffy is a luxury brand that describes itself as one that makes designs for flattering the body. These pants do exactly that.
Material
Machine washable and with a promise to last you a while before you will need a new pair, it is easy to understand why these pants are among the running pants women to review. The other stand-out factor is that they are not see-through.
Size
Unlike other brands where the sizes are off by a huge margin, these are pleasantly accurate. They are contoured to fit the female physique but only in a mild way. Nevertheless, you have to ensure you get the right fit for different body shapes and every size.
Style
You can look good and work out well at the same time. The pants have a stylish look while maintaining functionality like any other pair of yoga pants. They have nice side pockets carefully designed to stay out of your way as you work out.
Durability
The great thing is that pants do not shrink in the washer. Do not put them in the dryer, however; the high temperature will damage the elasticity with repeated use. It is a consideration about running pants womens minds jumps to after the initial idea of buying them.
- Machine washable
- Non-see-through
- Comfortable fit and material
- Cannot be put in a dryer
Nike Men's Base Layer Training Tights
If you are buying any sportswear or are a sports fan, you will come across Nike a whole lot. They make some of the best quality sportswear on the planet. So, when it comes to buying their stuff, you just do it, right? Not quite. You still have to take it through its paces and see if it matches your needs.
Material
This particular pair of Nike running pants is especially light and excellent for a run somewhere warm. You won`t feel that your legs are freezing. The waistband has a soft interior that will not cause a rash, itch, or any discomfort if worn under a pair of shorts. These are possibly the perfect Nike compression running pants.
Size
If one picks the right size, these pants will make an excellent fit for most people. For this reason, they are one of the best men’s running pants. Unfortunately, they are not the best running pants for women because there is no design adopted for women yet. Nike does have a variety of drawstring control top running pants in their collections, though.
Style
The Nike running pants mens collection is quite impressive and is used by a lot of sports franchises worldwide. You can order the variant with kneepads if you know your run or track activities involve falls.
Durability
The amazing feature which contributes to the durability of this item is that the pants wear and tear very slowly over time after subsequent washes. It is also the reason why one of the best running pants mens collections display this model in any online store, so be sure to check it out.
- Lightweight
- Stylish
- Durable with proper care
- Very affordable
- Can melt in the dryer
Frequently Asked Questions About Running Pants
Now that we are done reviewing some of the top pics for running pants, it’s time to answer common questions you may have about the topic at hand.
What Do Compression Running Pants Do?
These are designed to increase muscle blood flow for better muscle activity and better performance. Running while wearing these pants ensures that you can endure long distances, which allows you to extend your daily exercise. It is important to know that compression pants come in different types, each serving a different purpose. Some focus on muscle support while running, and others prioritize recovery afterward. Although the effect of these pants may be more psychological than physical, I always recommend owning a pair.
How Tight Should Man Running Pants Be?
As tight as you are comfortable running in. There is no specific requirement unless you are a pro athlete. In this case, you should ask your trainer. Compression running man pants, which are often used by professional athletes, fit snugly around the body and still improve performance. This is a clear indication that comfort should be the only priority when choosing the fit of running pants.
Can I Wear Yoga Pants for Running?
Yes, you totally can. Yoga pants will be great for running, just as good any mens Addidas running pants. As long as you get the right fit, running in these pants should not be a problem. Ill-fitting pants tend to hamper your movement and might have you feeling too self-conscious. You want your run to be as relaxed as possible to allow you to get that endorphin rush without a hitch.
What Are the Best Running Pants?
The best running pants are those that are comfortable, easy to clean and durable. There are plenty of brands that qualify to be the best, which means that the choice you make should ultimately be based on your personal preference. However, I highly recommend the Iuga high-waist running pants, which come first in my review.
Final Take
When you are about to decide which running pants to buy, the decision usually boils down to a few basic things. How well do they fit? Do they look good on me? Where else can I wear them? How fast will they wear? Where and when will I be running? How will I do the laundry? These are some questions you should answer before deciding the kind of running pants you will buy.
This was not just a mens running pants review; it was a complete all-inclusive look at some of the best pants you can get for affordable prices. From well-known brands that have been on the market for years to the lesser-known ones that are just as reliable, there is no limit to variety when it comes to buying running pants.
Which are your best Nike running pants on this list? Would you like me to do a Sport Chek running pants review? Should I include a comprehensive hind running pants review? Please comment down below with your suggestions. I look forward to answering all your questions about running pants.
