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Go for a run, hit the gym, or just lounge—we recommend these running pants to get you through winter. 100% Cotton Polo Shirt
With those sticky, humid summer days behind you, it's time to get excited about running in the crisp, cool air. Running paces that once felt hard and had you doubting your fall race pace now suddenly feel like a breeze, giving you a newfound sense of confidence. Along with this change of seasons comes a different type of change— a wardrobe change.
Short-sleeved shirts make way for long-sleeved shirts and jackets, and running shorts are traded for pants or tights. It's worth putting in the effort to find the best running pants to meet your needs because having the right ones can turn a cold, miserable run into a calm, comfortable, and enjoyable run.
Like all running apparel, fabric choice matters—a lot! It’s the most crucial factor when deciding on a pair of workout and running pants. Choosing the wrong fabric could turn an enjoyable run or workout into an uncomfortable, swampy nightmare. Men’s running pants are generally made with a wide variety of fabrics. The most common are polyester, nylon, cotton blend, fleece, and spandex. Each material has strengths and weaknesses, and very often, manufacturers blend multiple fabrics to take advantage of a particular fabric’s strengths. For example, spandex or elastane is often blended with polyester to add stretch.
The key here is to ensure the material matches your environment. If you’re running outside in a cold and windy climate, look for a ripstop or durable water repellent (DWR) polyester blend that can repel rain and block the wind. In contrast, if you’re working out inside, where breathability is of the utmost importance, a lightweight polyester or nylon, without ripstop or a DWR coating, is more comfortable. Better yet, a performance cotton blend or fleece offers the highest level of breathability.
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There are two types of long running bottoms: pants and tights. Tights are, just as the name suggests, skintight. On the other hand, running pants come in various cuts, like relaxed or tapered. Understanding how each pant is cut can help you find the perfect fit for your body type and activity.
Standard or relaxed fit are the two baggiest cuts and tend to fit men with large quads and legs best. However, these looser fits are not the best for running because the excess fabric can get in the way during your leg swing. The wide leg opening can also allow cold air to creep in, too. Typically, these style pants are best for indoor gym use and worn over a pair of shorts during pre- and post-run wear.
A more suitable cut for running is athletic or tapered. This is when the pants have some room through the hips and upper quads and taper down through the ankles. Most true running pants feature an athletic or tapered fit.
One of the most overlooked parts of well-fitting workout pants is the inseam length. This measures the inside length from the crotch to the leg cuff. A proper fitting inseam should naturally rest just above the ankle. If your inseam is too long, your pants will bunch around your ankles, which can be annoying during running.
One of my favorite features, and an absolute must for any warm-up running pants, is ankle zips. These long zippers, extending upward from the ankle cuff, allow you to take off the pants without the hassle of removing your shoes. Another feature to look out for, especially if you like to carry items like a phone, is pockets. For a secure, bounce-free experience, you’ll want pants with a rear, waist-height, zippered pocket. Ideally, this should be built into the waistband for added security. Some pants also offer reflective tape along the seams to enhance nighttime visibility.
My testing process started by conducting extensive online research to identify the most highly-rated pants according to customer reviews. After narrowing down the fan favorites, the testing phase commenced. Some pants got more testing time than others due to the testing occurring during the summer. However, I've owned and tested some of these pants for multiple years because running pants updates are less frequent than running shoes.
Throughout the testing period, I assessed each pair based on its fit, functionality, and features. Those pants that excelled across all three criteria were grouped based on their best use case. You can find a thorough review for each category below. Following an exhaustive search to find the best men’s workout and running pants, here are the nine I recommend.
Many tapered joggers can feel somewhat restrictive in the hips and upper legs, but not the lululemon Surge Jogger. It features a fuller fit (compared to most joggers) through the glutes and thighs before tapering just below the knee. No other pants I tested had greater range of motion; credit to the Surge’s stretchy quick-dry recycled nylon and Lycra elastane blend.
As an added bonus, ankle zips allow easy on/off without taking off your shoes. A secure zipperless rear pocket allows for bounce-free smartphone carry, something I found most running pants can’t claim. But perhaps the best part is they come in three different inseam lengths: 27, 30, and 31 inches.
There’s no doubt that these pants earn the name “vital.” Made of durable ripstop fabric, the Under Armour Vital Woven Pants have a wind-resistant exterior with a soft mesh interior lining for increased comfort. Despite the weather-resistant exterior, the pants offer superb breathability when temperatures rise.
The elastic band is simple, but with an internal drawstring, it comfortably gets the job done. Two open side pockets are a nice addition to keep your hands warm when not running—something I wish more hybrid running/casual pants had. The 7-inch cuff zippers allow easy on/off without removing your shoes.
Given the attractive price point and excellent quality, the Vital Woven Pants are a vital addition to any runner's wardrobe.
If you're looking for a versatile running pant that looks dressed up yet gets the workout done, Ten Thousand's Interval Pants are the ones for you. Made with a thick, smooth-faced double-knit blend that’s 63% nylon and 37% spandex, the material looks and feels like high-end activewear.
Wear them for a run, to the gym or grocery store, or even out to happy hour. These pants are suitable for just about any casual occasion. Thanks to a high percentage of spandex blend, I found the Interval Pants offered best-in-class stretch that allowed an unencumbered range of motion, regardless of the activity.
Two zippered side hand pockets are great for carrying items, yet not secure enough to prevent items such as a phone from bouncing during a run. Cuff zips along the bottom allow easy on/off without removing your shoes. Perhaps the best part is they’re offered in both a regular (32-inch) and short (30-inch) inseam.
These no-frills jogger-style pants offer everything you need and nothing you don’t, making them ideal for the runner who likes closer-fitting pants but is hesitant to wear skin-tight bottoms. The double-knit DriLayer fabric breathes exceptionally well, making them great for mildly cold days or indoors at the gym.
However, in harsh, cold, and windy conditions, the thin material doesn’t offer great protection from the elements, as wind cuts right through them. Short ankle zips make them easy to remove without removing your shoes, and two side-zippered pockets can carry small items like keys or cards.
It’s worth noting that they run on the larger side with a long inseam length, so if you’re in between sizes, we’d recommend sizing down.
If it’s cold enough to wear running pants, odds are you’re bound to run in inclement weather at some point. Made of lightweight DWR-treated polyester that’s four-way stretch, these active pants ensure you stay warm and dry in light rain and snow.
The tapered fit is slim through the hips and legs but not in a restrictive way. Two side-zippered hand pockets and an extra side pocket along the outer hip offer secure storage but aren’t the best for running with a phone.
A lack of ankle zips makes these pants means it can be tough to take these off with shoes on. Still, these might just become your daily go-to cold-weather pants, just make sure you choose the all-weather option.
This is a true running pant ideal for crisp-but-not-cold spring and fall runs. The nylon-elastane blend material ranks among the thinnest and most breathable fabrics RW editors have tested. A perforated elastic waistband and laser-cut vents also help keep air circulating through your stride.
Editors liked the nine-tenths length and tapered cut, which give this pair a close fit. The fabric doesn’t stretch quite as easily as other elastane blends, though, so it feels a bit tight when the knee bends. However, this doesn’t ruin an otherwise runner-friendly fit.
The North Face Wander Pants offer a slightly more relaxed fit than most of today’s running pants, making them perfect for men with bigger legs or those who prefer looser-fitting pants. They’re made with a lightweight, stretch-woven fabric with a non-PFC DWR finish to fend off light rain and snow. Thanks to the stretchy fabric, mobility and freedom of movement are outstanding.
For storage, the Wander Pants have two zipper hand pockets and one off-centered rear zip pocket, ideal for a wallet. The placement of the pockets is great for gym or casual wear but not so good for running, as a phone bounced around quite a bit. The relatively wide elastic waistband was one of the thicker ones I tested. However, it had enough holding strength that I didn’t need to cinch the internal drawcord.
Tapered elastic ankle cuffs do a great job of avoiding fabric friction around the lower legs, yet those with less than 32-inch inseam may find them too long.
Durable and woven with four-way stretch poly-spandex fabric, the Transit blurs the line between workout and leisure apparel. These tech pants have back and side zipper pockets, an exterior drawcord to adjust waistband fit, and elastic cuffs.
Moisture-wicking fibers rated at UPF 30+ lend protection on sunny days. The Transit Jogger is tailored enough to go running, then comfortable enough to lounge in when your workout is over.
Between the strategically placed high-heat mesh zones that dump body heat, two side drop-ins perfect for carrying fuel, and one rear zippered pocket, the REI Swiftland Jogger pants were designed for running. Of all the pants I tested, the Swiftland Jogger’s rear zip pocket held a phone more secure than any other.
The light, airy stretch woven nylon and spandex blend with gusseted crotch felt virtually unnoticeable, which was great for comfort and breathability but not exactly warm and toasty in harsh winter conditions. Good-sized ankle zips make getting them on or off without removing your shoes a piece of cake. Don't overlook these if you’re looking for a breathable, lightweight pair of running shorts with ankle zips for fall or mild winter weather.
When the temperature is so cold that you’re the only runner who hasn’t retreated to the treadmill, the lululemon Fast and Free Cold Weather Running Pant will keep you comfortable and toasty. The body is made with a 69% nylon and 31% lycra elastane blend that’s remarkably good at keeping you warm, while the front and back soft-shell panels are water-repellent, windproof, and breathable.
A brushed interior adds a soft, cozy feel. Large side zippers reveal vents to help prevent overheating by dumping excess heat. However, all this cold weather protection comes at a cost— a lack of sufficient pockets. Two small side zipper pockets limit the carrying capacity to only small items. On the upside, large ankle cuff zips offer easy on/off over your shoes.
For top-notch protection from unpredictable, ever-changing mountain weather, look no further than these cold-weather pants. They feature a lightweight soft shell that’s coated with a DWR finish and bonded with Patagonia’s fast-drying Capilene Cool to shield against wind, rain, and snow.
Stretchy breathable panels with HeiQ Pure odor control on the waistband, sides, and lower back legs do an excellent job of shielding excess heat to prevent overheating.
While there are no zippered pockets, I found the two very deep drop-in side pockets allowed easy access and no-bounce storage for larger items such as a phone, gloves, fuel, or a map. Finally, they have my favorite feature for running pants: zippered ankle cuffs for easy removal without taking off your shoes.
Should running pants be tight?
How running pants should fit is mostly a personal preference. However, both tight- and loose-fitting pants each have advantages and disadvantages. Tighter, form-fitting pants tend to feel easier to run in, especially in wet conditions. This is because looser fabric can swoosh around, adding friction and resistance as you move through your gait. That said, some people might find looser-fitting pants more comfortable and more appropriate to wear outside of running.
What should running pants be made of?
Like all workout clothing, running pants should be made with a moisture-wicking fabric. The most popular moisture-wicking fabrics for running pants are polyester and nylon. Most pants will feature a blend of multiple fabrics and often include spandex or elastane to make them stretchy.
Are jogger pants good for running?
Just as the name suggests, jogger pants are made for running. The tapered leg with a tighter fit around the ankles reduces excess fabric from swinging around when you run. However, joggers have recently become more fashionable and trendy among non-runners.
This has led to increased availability of lifestyle joggers that are not ideal for running because they are made from cotton or other non-moisture-wicking fabric. To ensure joggers are designed for running or other fitness-related activities, make sure they are made with a moisture-wicking material like polyester, nylon, or spandex.
Cory Smith is a running coach and journalist specializing in running and fitness-related content and gear reviews. He is the founder of Run Your Personal Best, an online running coaching business that has helped hundreds of runners achieve personal bests in distances ranging from 800 meters to 100 miles. Cory holds a USA Track & Field Level 1 and 2 Endurance Certification and was the former Head Cross Country/Track Coach at Penn State Brandywine. Over his running career, Cory has held three Maryland state records, was a two-time National Championship qualifier while at Villanova University, and holds personal bests of 4:03 in the mile and an 8:05 in the 3K.
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New Print Casual Men T Shirt Cory Smith is a running coach and journalist specializing in running and fitness-related content and gear reviews. He is the founder of Run Your Personal Best, an online running coaching business that has helped hundreds of runners achieve personal bests in distances ranging from 800 meters to 100 miles. Cory holds a USA Track & Field Level 1 and 2 Endurance Certification and was the former Head Cross Country/Track Coach at Penn State Brandywine. Over his running career, Cory has held three Maryland state records, was a two-time National Championship qualifier while at Villanova University, and holds personal bests of 4:03 in the mile and an 8:05 in the 3K.