Running tights or leggings are a must-have for serious runners in cold weather. Inexpensive fashion leggings provide warmth but don’t wick away sweat, while high-quality running tights made from synthetic materials keep legs dry and muscles warm. A combination of both may be a good compromise for budget-conscious runners. It’s also important to consider the difference between leggings and tights.
A runner who is serious about improving her speed or staying in good shape cannot afford to take a break from training due to inconveniences like cold weather. Less bulky and more streamlined than a pair of jogging pants, a good pair of running tights or leggings can make winter much more enjoyable. Depending on her budget, her physiological needs, and the severity of the weather, she can find a number of suitable options.
In some circumstances, an inexpensive pair of fashion leggings may suit your needs. These can be found at most department stores or clothing stores during the cooler months. Fashion leggings provide a warm base layer of clothing, but are usually made of cotton. Unlike true running tights, cotton tights or tights do not wick away sweat or other moisture, so if they do get wet, they will stay moist. Plus, since they’re not designed with strenuous exercise in mind, they can wear out more quickly than more expensive leggings.
If you have extra money to spend or are working in more extreme weather conditions, it may be worth investing in high-quality running tights from a specialty store or website. Made from synthetic materials instead of cotton, running tights wick away moisture. If you are likely to be running in snow or cold rain, you should wear synthetic leggings to keep your legs dry and your muscles warm. Even in dry climates, if you tend to sweat a lot while exercising in cold temperatures, it may be a better and more comfortable option. True running leggings can provide mild compression to aid in muscle recovery and can also be made from materials that reduce odor and bacterial growth.
A serious runner will probably need more than one pair of leggings. A good compromise for a runner on a budget might be to buy one pair of synthetic leggings and one or more pairs of fashion leggings. You can then wear the synthetic pair on wet days and the less expensive pair on dry days.
You should also consider the difference between leggings and tights when making a selection. In some places, the terms are used interchangeably, but in the US, tights, like pantyhose, cover the entire foot, as well as the leg. Leggings, on the other hand, stop at or just above the ankle. Depending on the type of socks you wear, you may prefer one of these styles over the other.
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