WOMEN’S RUN TIGHTS

Unless y you’re a fan of chilly legs the colour of corned beef, warm run tights are a must comeme come wintewinterr. winter. Helen Webst Webster ter puts pututs four women’s women’ss pairs too to the test…

A quartet of female-specific thigh-warmers, ranging in price from £50-£75, are put through their paces on many a chilly trot

ZOOT KEEP IT TIGHT £50.00 www.zootsports.com

Born in Kona and based in San Diego, it’s no surprise that the marketing around these Zoot tights is decidedly American in tone: ‘Perfect for yoga, running and trips to the store,’ they tell us. Well, we were testing for running on some decidedly frosty winter mornings and with that being the case, these were a little chilly and we came back from our sessions with legs that were a touch red raw... But being fair, these aren’t marketed for chilly running, with moisture management and SPF50 the two key selling features. The Italian fabric had loads of stretch but stayed in place well and was very comfortable, while the wide waisband was a winner too. No pockets or reflective features are included here.

ASICSASI ICS LB CALF CCALF TIGHT £75 £75.00 00 www.asics.comi

These tights might look understated, but stick them in front of a set of car headlamps and they light up brighter than Blackpool illuminations, thanks to that swirly all-over reflective graphic. As well as being a neat safety option, these tights were also the comfiest on test with a wide, flat waistband and drawstring to ensure the perfect fit. Asics tell us these tights have compressive benefits to reduce muscle fatigue and although it’s always tricky to test such claims we did find that although they had enough stretch to make movement easy, the thicker black panels around the calves were more compressive. Yes they’re expensive, but an online search found 25% off the RRP, making them much more reasonable.

GOREGOR RE SUN SUNLIGHTNLIGHT THERMO PANTS TS £74 £74.99 99wwwgoreapparel www.goreapparel.co.ukco uk

Surely the oddest fit we’ve ever come across in a pair of run tights, these are designed to be loose-fitting on the thighs and then tight on the calves. Maybe this appeals to more self-conscious runners, but overall we found the effect a tad unflattering and they did feel a bit like pyjama bottoms. That said though, the fabric was super-soft and the fit was comfortable – although we found the sensation of moving fabric less pleasant than if it were a tight, slightly more compressive fit and despite being billed as ‘thermo’, they were a little draughty. There’s an inner pocket in the waistband with flap to keep small items secure and reflective seams on the back of the calves give a (small) nod to visibility.

PEARL L IZUMI W WFLYWFLY FLY THERMAL TIGHT £4999w£49.99 www.madison.co.uk

The cheapest on test (by a penny!), these thermal numbers are also the snuggliest, with a soft brushed lining keeping us cosy on our chilly early morning sessions. They weren’t the most breathable on test, but that said they didn’t hold too much moisture either, so would still be a decent choice for longer runs. Fit was good, with a wide band sitting comfortably mid-waist and our initial misgivings about the lack of drawstring was unfounded, as they stayed in place admirably. That Barbie-esque pink and reflective silver colourway won’t be for everyone but at least gives some visibility on dark runs. Plus, they’re the only ones on test with a decent zipped pocket on the back that can hold a gel or small phone.