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Whether you’re warming up, cooling down, or going for an easy run, these workout pants have you covered.

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Running Shoes - Gear

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Author's Note: Updated October 21,2022—All products in this piece were checked to ensure that they were still in stock. Four pants were removed, and six new pants were added to include some customer favorite leggings and pants. These pants were not tested, but received thousands of glowing customer reviews.

Though we agree with the age old adage ' all you need to run is a pair of shoes' there are some benefits to investing in additional proper running gear. As we enter into the colder months, one of the most important will be a good pair of running pants. These will help to keep you warm, comfortable, and chafe free while you pile on the miles in chilly temps. While we suggest getting fit for running shoes if you are a beginner runner, pants are a bit easier to purchase online. To help you out, we gathered up our favorites from joggers, to leggings, to trackpants that will hold up mile after mile, and keep you wanting to come back for more. Look below for some tips on choosing a pant, and in depth reviews of our favorite models.

Best Running Pants

How to Choose a Running Pant

When looking for a running pant, you want something that will keep you warm, dry, and free of any hotspots from chafing or rubbing. One of the most important things to consider is the material. You will want a technical material designed to wick moisture and sweat away from the body—this helps to keep you dry, and also keeps you warmer in the winter.

Also consider the fit of your pant. If you opt for something looser fit like a jogger, you will either want a snug elastic waist or a drawstring to keep them from falling or moving down. In a tight where you have a snugger fit, you don't necessarily need a drawstring, but you will want a thick waistband that sits above the hips.

How We Selected

Almost all of these joggers were vetted by our team of testers, who evaluated their warmth and range of motion while running and cross-training, and tested their comfort factor by putting in some postrun R&R. We also researched the market and evaluated top-reviewed pairs online based on their performance, fabric quality, durability, and value. In the interest of thoroughness, we sifted through thousands of reviews to find any potential pros and cons we might have missed in our testing. Ultimately, we settled on these ten stand-out pants.

Looking for some more great gear? Check out our favorite running shirts, socks, and jackets.

1
Best Sweatpant

Champion Men's Everyday Cotton Jogger Sweatpants

On Sale
Men's Everyday Cotton Jogger Sweatpants

While these may not be great for a long run, they are a comfy option for a short run or jog. These cotton sweatpants have a slim fit so they won't have extra fabric bunching and rubbing as you run. and they have a drawstring which helps to keep them up.

They also come in 11 different color options including neutrals and fun colors, and the fabric is on the thinner side, so you won't find yourself overheating.

Key Specs

SizesS-XXL
Colors11
Materialscotton
2
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Lululemon Women's Swift Speed High-Rise Crop 23

Women's Swift Speed High-Rise Crop 23

For days when it's somewhere between shorts and pants weather, opt for a cropped pant like this one. It has no inseam, which prevents chafing and discomfort on the inner leg, and both a high waistband as well as a drawstring to keep them in place.

The fabric is four way stretch, which means that it moves with your body and will feel like a second skin. Plus, Lulu sizing goes by number which helps you to get a better fit.

Key Specs

Sizes0-20
Colors7
MaterialsHealth - Injuries
Health & Injuries
3
Best for Serious Runners

Lululemon Men's Fast and Free Cold Weather Running Pant

Men's Fast and Free Cold Weather Running Pant

Though these pants may have more of a relaxed fit, they are more than capable of handling your fastest, longest runs. They are made from a brushed, moisture-wicking fabric, which means that they feel soft and warm on the inside while also keeping sweat away from the body.

They have zippered vents which allow for adjustable heat control. and a shockcord cinch at the waist which tightens the pants on the hips without having a long cord hanging down.

Key Specs

SizesXS-XXL
Colors2
MaterialsHealth - Injuries
4
Run-Worthy Athleisure Pant

Vuori Men's Sunday Performance Jogger

Men's Sunday Performance Jogger

Vuori describes its Sunday Performance Jogger as “a fresh take on athleisure,” which, according to our tester Tyler, undersells the pant’s performance. “I took these on a chilly taper run and found the thin polyester/elastane blend moved surprisingly well; it wasn’t so silky thin that it bounced around my knees, but it wasn’t thick enough to suffocate my legs.” The drawcord waistband cinches securely and comfortably, the smart taper keeps the pant out of your stride, and the wide, stretchy cuffs hold tight to your ankles.

The jogger has a mock fly and trim hip pockets, and a wide, patterned drawcord that our tester said gave him a “premium look.” The double-back zip pockets were appreciated, even though they’re not tight enough to hold anything but cards and cash when running, but the odd thigh pocket is a bit “confounding.” “Nothing fit comfortably in there,” said Tyler. “[However] that’s a small gripe for a jogger that gets most everything else just right.”

Key Specs

SizesS-XXL
Colors6
Materials spandex, polyester
Health & Injuries
5
Most Breathable

Sweaty Betty Women's Gary Yoga Pants

On Sale
 Women's Gary Yoga Pants

Sweaty Betty is a UK-based brand that makes smartly designed activewear for women. Like most of the brand’s offerings we’ve tried, these yoga pants sit at the center of a Venn diagram marked “supremely comfortable” and “stylish,” while also being among the most versatile and practical clothing items you can buy. The wide, flattering waistband sits high on your waist but feels more relaxed than constrictive. The soft polyester-elastane material moves with your skin, so you can run, travel, do yoga, or just lounge. They have a relaxed fit that’s not too loose or baggy, two well-placed hand pockets, and high-quality seams. Check them out in nine colors.

Key Specs

SizesXXS-XXL
Colors2
Materialspolyester
6
Weather Repeller

Janji Men's Transit Pants

Men's Transit Pants

Testers liked the Transit Pants’s high waistband and elastic ankles, describing the bottoms as having a “streamlined” look. The pants are great for wind-blocking, and have a tapered fit so they won’t hinder your stride. Lightweight, fast-drying, and breathable, the double-weave interior won’t cling to your skin.

“I love the aesthetic as a jogger pant with the high hem, elastic ankle band,” said our tester, Trevor. “These pants are not only functional, but definitely make me feel stylish in an ‘athleisure’ sense, plus the full-size pockets and stitching detail mean that they are far more than a sweat pant and can be used easily for casual wear and outings.”

Key Specs

SizesS-XL
Colors6
Materialsspandex, polyester
Health & Injuries
7
Warmest Jogging Bottoms

Tracksmith Run Commute Pants

 Run Commute Pants

These smart-looking tailored pants are woven with stretchy, water-resistant merino wool so you can run to work without skirting puddles and stride out before hard workouts and races. The wool is thermoregulated and provides breathability, so you’ll stay warm and won’t overheat.

The bottoms have tapered legs, a snap-tab closure, and a faux fly. Stash your keys or card—these pants are great if you’re running to catch public transit—in the back zipper pocket, and keep your hands warm in the side pockets if you get to your bus stop early.

Buy Men’s Buy Women’s

Key Specs

SizesXS-L
Colors2
Materials Spandex, polyester, nylon, merino wool
8
Best Layering Piece

Lululemon Women's Adapted State High-Rise Jogger

Women's Adapted State High-Rise Jogger

These women's joggers are a great option if you want a close fit without committing to something as tight as leggings. They have a high waist so you won't have to worry about them slipping down, and there are zippers at the cuffs which makes them a great warmup piece as well.

The fabric is a lightweight, four way-stretch material, so it won't weigh you down, and it is moisture wicking to help keep you dry even when sweating.

Key Specs

Sizes0-20
Colors5
MaterialsHealth - Injuries
Health & Injuries
9
Best Men's Tights

Under Armour Men's HeatGear Leggings

Men's HeatGear Leggings

These tights fit, feel, and move like a second skin. The thick waist band prevents them from falling down, and they are ergonomically designed to keep seams off high abrasion areas. They are moisture wicking, and have mesh panelling to prevent you from overheating—and they come in 17 different color options.

Key Specs

SizesXS-4X
Colors17
Materialspolyester, elastane
10
Best Winter Tights

BALEAF Women's Fleece Lined Water Resistant Legging

On Sale
Women's Fleece Lined Water Resistant Legging

Winter running can leave you feeling chilled to the bone, but these leggings help to keep the heat in, and prevent that numb, dead-leg feeling. The leggings are both fleece lined and water resistant which helps to keep you warm, and prevent wetness from snow or rain from coming in. The high waist prevents any slipping down, and they have both pockets on the sides, and a zippered pocket in the back.

Key Specs

SizesXS-3X
Colors9
Materialspolyester, spandex
Headshot of Gabrielle Hondorp

Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track. 

Headshot of Amanda Furrer
Amanda Furrer
Test Editor

Amanda is a test editor at Runner’s World who has run the Boston Marathon every year since 2013; she's a former professional baker with a master’s in gastronomy and she carb-loads on snickerdoodles. 

Headshot of John Tyler Allen
John Tyler Allen
Freelance Writer

John Tyler Allen has been researching, testing, and reviewing running gear for Runner’s World since 2018. His broader writing features in-depth reporting on eccentric characters and compelling narratives. His work has appeared in The Atlantic, New York magazine’s Bedford + Bowery, We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back, and other publications. Once a collegiate sprinter, he’s still discovering the nuances of running for more than 60 seconds. Connect: johntylerallen.com

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