Best Running Pants
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Running is all about agility and for that you need flexibility in your legs. You can’t run properly if you are not able to comfortably move with the pants you are wearing.
Whether you are a pro or a casual runner, having an outfit that is for outdoor physical activities can make a tremendous difference in your running experience.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Running Pants
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
BEST OVERALL ![]() | BEST OVERALL |
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BEST AFFORDABLE ![]() | BEST AFFORDABLE |
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BEST WOMEN'S RUNNING PANTS ![]() | BEST WOMEN'S RUNNING PANTS |
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BEST MEN'S RUNNING PANTS ![]() | BEST MEN'S RUNNING PANTS |
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BEST FOR COLD WEATHER ![]() | BEST FOR COLD WEATHER |
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Best Rated Running Pants Reviewed
Every pants are unique and suitable for different seasons. Below we compile a list of running pants worth considering.
This list will hopefully give you an idea about some great pants that will not only have functionality but also elegance.

- Quick dry fabric
- Soft and comfortable feel
- Lightweight and Breathable
- Reasonable price
- Excellent customer service
- Pockets are not zipped
- Not waterproof or windproof
- No ankle zip
- Quick dry fabric
- Soft and comfortable feel
- Lightweight and Breathable
- Reasonable price
- Excellent customer service
- Pockets are not zipped
- Not waterproof or windproof
- No ankle zip

- Quick dry fabric
- Soft and stretchable
- Has a comfortable feel
- Lightweight and Breathable
- Side pockets
- Contains ankle zip
- Not waterproof or windproof
- No zipper in pockets
- No inner pockets
- Quick dry fabric
- Soft and stretchable
- Has a comfortable feel
- Lightweight and Breathable
- Side pockets
- Contains ankle zip
- Not waterproof or windproof
- No zipper in pockets
- No inner pockets

- Elastic closure and adjustable waist cords
- Soft and stretchable
- Quite comfortable
- Affordable price
- No zipper in pockets
- No inner pocket
- Lacks durability
- Elastic closure and adjustable waist cords
- Soft and stretchable
- Quite comfortable
- Affordable price
- No zipper in pockets
- No inner pocket
- Lacks durability

- Waist can be adjusted
- Soft and quite comfortable
- Elegant color option
- No zipper in pockets
- No inner pocket
- Waist can be adjusted
- Soft and quite comfortable
- Elegant color option
- No zipper in pockets
- No inner pocket

- Zipped pockets on sides
- Weather protection
- Reflective logo
- Sizes run small
- Loose ankles
- Zipped pockets on sides
- Weather protection
- Reflective logo
- Sizes run small
- Loose ankles

- Comfortable material
- Sweat-wicking technology
- Breathable
- Adjustable inner cords at waist
- Affordable but the fabric has a cheap look
- Comfortable material
- Sweat-wicking technology
- Breathable
- Adjustable inner cords at waist
- Affordable but the fabric has a cheap look
- Stretchable and flexible
- Breathable
- Elastic ankle cuffs
- Not as warm as advertised
- Sizes run small
- Stretchable and flexible
- Breathable
- Elastic ankle cuffs
- Not as warm as advertised
- Sizes run small

- Quick-dry fabric
- High on breathability index
- Very comfortable
- Lightweight material
- Material can be machine washed
- Pockets don’t have zippers
- No weather-protection
- Not many color options
- Quick-dry fabric
- High on breathability index
- Very comfortable
- Lightweight material
- Material can be machine washed
- Pockets don’t have zippers
- No weather-protection
- Not many color options

- Breathable fabric material & design
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Mesh inserts at lower back
- Zipped pockets
- No weather-protection
- Not very stretchable
- Breathable fabric material & design
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Mesh inserts at lower back
- Zipped pockets
- No weather-protection
- Not very stretchable
Key Features to Look For
You need to wear your running apparel for improved performance. These specialized pants come in different styles and are flexible enough for outdoor physical activities. To understand more about running pants we list some differentiating features below
- Style – Running pants come in varying lengths such as full-length pants vs. shorts/Capri length pants. Pants also vary how they fit. For example, it can be a slim-fit or loose style. The style of cuff can also vary from loose/open vs. elastic closure.
- Fabric Material – It is important that you purchase pants that are flexible or stretchable. The best option is to choose synthetic material such as Polyester, Spandex, Lycra, or Nylon. Always avoid 100% pure cotton pants as it will absorb moisture and sweat.
- Ankle Zips – This feature comes in handy specially if you are running for a race. You can wear such a pant before any race during a warm-up session and quickly take it off when your race starts.
- Reflective Logos/Patches – It is common to have a reflective material on your running attire. It is often useful when running in the dim light such as the early morning, during the night or during rain/fog.
- Weather Protection – Sometimes certain companies reinforce running pants with a special design and material. These pants can be worn even on a rainy or a windy day.
- Pockets – These pants often come with a deep pocket. Some pants are more advanced, and the pockets have zippers. Zip-sealed pocket pants are perfect for activities that require a lot of movement. Some brands even include internal pockets for storing your keys etc.
- Lightweight Feature – When you are exercising, it is always preferable to wear clothes that are lightweight. Breathability is another feature that is essential for an athletic pant particularly in summers. Lightweight pants with mesh linings are very breathable. Such pants are perfect for your workouts when you generate a lot of body heat.
- Waist Style – For ease of adjusting these pants, have inner or outer drawstrings that can you can use to get a tighter fit.
- Mesh Lining – Pants that are breathable become immensely important when exercising for long hours. Keeping this in mind, since many brands have also designed for mesh linings or mesh inserts at the back of the pant.
Final Thoughts
When you buy pants for running you have ample choices available. Using the above list as a guide you can search for products that have a positive review from most of the customers. In the end, we want to reiterate three important things that you should always keep in your mind.
Firstly, always avoid 100% cotton as it will not offer you breathability. Secondly, you should always consult the sizing chart before buying because the size tag may not give an accurate size. Lastly, always follow the washing instructions carefully to prevent shrinkage.