Let's call it like it is: My running tights are horrendous.
Like, really awful.
Clearly, I have needed an intervention. Someone to tell me that, no, I should not head out to race looking like this:
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| Finishing the Winter Marathon Relay . . . wearing droopy drawers. |
Ignore, if you will, that I overdressed for the race and ended up having to tie my jacket around my waist. It's a bad look, I know. Instead, please focus in on the tights. Those tired, old, horribly stretched-out, ill-fitting tights. Baggy where they are supposed to be huggy.
They are a scary sight.
But, honestly? I had no idea how lousy they looked until I saw this photo. Thanks, Suzy!
Um, I'm an grown woman, people. I should know how to put together a running outfit. I should know that wearing stretched-out Target tights (circa 2004) is probably not the best idea I've ever had. I should know that if I have to hike them up mere minutes after putting them on, they are going to need much hiking over the course of a 90 minute race. Yes, I should know all this. And yet! There I was on Sunday, sportin' the tights. The lousy tights.
So . . . what? Well, the what here is that I need to throw those bad boys out. But, in order to do so, I need a replacement pair. And that, my friends, is where you come in.
What is your favorite pair of running tights? I don't need anything too fancy (read: I'm not about to spend $100 on running tights -- I save the big splurge for my running shoes), I just need tights that fit, will keep me somewhat warm on cold days, and will look sharp. Or, at least, a little sharper than I looked on Sunday.
That last one shouldn't be too hard to accomplish . . .
Lay it on me: Tell me your favorite pair. Please! Share some links. Whatever! Just help a happy runner out, won't you?
The Running Fashion Police will be forever grateful.
Thank you, thank you!
~ Felice
38 comments:
I'm no help because I git too into looks ;-)
I loooove YMX by Yellowman.
No help here - I got mine at Walmart and wear them under a skirt to cover my fat thighs :)
I love my Old Navy Compression capris. I believe they make full length tights too. They fit me better than the big name brands that cost 3x as much. Not to mention they're cheap! (Plus, the last pair I got was on the clearance rack and it rang up for under $4. Score!)
LOL, just call them your lucky tights! I have a pair of running pants with a hole in the crotch that I only wear when I run solo.........
LOL! Hey, they don't look too bad, if that makes you feel any better. I have started buying running tights at Marshall's (no specific brand). I also like the RoadRunner brand (the nearest running store to me). My rule is nothing above $35...I've managed to get a few really good ones for less than $35.
Recently bought a pair of Reebok Compression Capris, on sale, at Dick's Sporting Goods. So far, I'm very happy with the fit and thickness. Best ever were a pair of Galyan's running tights ~ fairly thick, long lasting, cheap but alas Galyan's no longer exists.
I have Saucony ignite tights that I bought through running warehouse. I be they're on clearance during this time of year!
I have a pair of Under Armor winter running tights and I love them! I think they were about $40 at the store in the fall so you might be able to find an even better deal now that we're (hopefully) headed into spring!
I have one pair of 100+ dollar tights I got on clearance at REI, and the rest are 12 dollar BCGs. So check out REI (but stick to clearance).
My husband got me some at REI two years ago and I'm happy with them. I don't know the price range however.
Honestly, I got mine at Target for I think like, $25. They are awesome. Simple and cheap.
Another vote for Under Armour tights! They have good compression and hold up really well (in my experience) at a nice mid-range pricepoint (~$50 or so). I own 2 pairs (a capri length and a full length).
In comparison, I also have a pair of Nike Pro Combat tights that I received as a gift and I don't like them nearly as much. They don't offer as much compression/support (this is noticeable on my long runs) and are just not as great as the UA tights. Not bad necessarily, but would not be my #1 choice.
Maybe not my favorite pair of tights, but I buy the Danskin capris from Walmart (less than $10) and they're fine for me. There are no pockets or any fancy reflective stripes, but they work!
I have a pair from Old Navy that I grabbed for $15, love them.
Forgive me for laughing at this post. But the tone was hi-larious.
Anyway :: in my prime running days {slacker now} I LOVED my nike tights. And if you stalk their website enough you can find a killer deal near the end of the winter season! =D
Not too sure how I found your blog but I love it!!! Thanks for the Valentine Day crafty heart. I'm making one for next year!!!
Since our weather temps are usually cold, I've found that Icebreaker long underwear (or Lole) work really well under midweight Saucony or Sugoi tights. On top, usually I layer with long underwear, coolmax race shirt (or 2) and top off with a Sugoi winter windproof jacket or currently I'm loving my Pearl Izumi jacket!
This winter I'm wearing either Icebreaker or Smartwool socks and my feet don't get cold.
Well, now that I sound like a walking errrr, running advertisement for brandname sports clothing this is what works for me and the fashion police will not be banging on your door!
I love my Under Armour. They were about $50 and they last for a really long time :)
Mine are from Target too. However, TJ Maxx and Marshalls has a TON of running tights. Check them out there too.
Under armour all the way.
I went to Dick's and tried on Nike and the likes, but I wasn't about to spend that much on tights. I'm too tight to do that. So..I went to Target and found some and they have been with me since. I did happen upon some Reeboks tights at their outlet. On sale no doubt. Since you had those since 2004, and they held up good for the most part, why not go back where you got those?
Kenley -- I could definitely go back to Target and get some and I may end up doing that. Since they are the one and only pair of running tights I've ever owned, I might be missing something great. So, I figured I'd check out what you all wear! Looks like a lot of people love the UnderArmour -- might seek out a sale!
I have road runners sporst ones that are really nice but the target one's now are nice as well and now they are on clearance! score! Good luck!
I really like the gFast leggings from Gap. Nothing reflective aside from the small emblem that is covered by whatever shirt you wear, but there's a small, zippered key pocket, they've held up well after about 4 months of frequent use, and they're inexpensive. Although they're marked at nearly $60, they are often on promotion for $35.
I love my Under Armour! I am on my second winter(Chicago) with them and they keep put and keep me warm. :)
I'm no help.. I love Lululemon running tights. But, a friend of mine just bought a pair from Old Navy.. maybe you might like those?
I bought some at Target last year for $20 and they rock! I also have another pair I bought at TJ Maxx for $10 on clearance. No need to spend tons of money. I would just try them on before buying!
I have some from Target and my more spendy ones are RoadRunner Sports, but even those aren't crazy expensive. Good luck finding some you like!
Haha. I have never worn running tights (living in FL has its perks!) but your photo gave me a giggle. :) My friend recently bought a pair at Sports Authority and loves them!
I have some inexpensive ones by Tek that I bought at Kohl's. NIce and snug and are holding up well to lots of wear. When it's really cold out I love my Lululemon under wonders.
I have some inexpensive ones by Tek that I bought at Kohl's. NIce and snug and are holding up well to lots of wear. When it's really cold out I love my Lululemon under wonders.
Do you have access to Lululemon? They are a splurge but THE BEST and worth every penny.
I love CW-X tights. When I got the Stabilyx Insulator, it was on sale on Amazon at the time.
They are worth the price. I was running in them in -10/15 wind chill last year, and my legs felt great. I even picked up a pair of the non-insulator's for fall/spring.
Also, CW-X designs the tights to target specific areas to aid in preventing injury. My shin splints didn't start coming back until late spring, right before a marathon. I can't tell you if it was the tights or just the cold weather, but it'll take a lot more than price to get me to switch from this brand.
i'm not very picky. and i live in a warmer climate so i don't really have to worry about tight's ability to keep me warm. but i wear under armour.
I actually have target ones too! You might just need a new pair since as you said they are from 2004.
I have a pair of Under armour spandex and they were 50 dollars I believe and they are great of the really cold weather (below 30F). I also have a pair of spandex from JCPenney. My mom just happen to find them and I know they were cheap (because she usually only buys things on sale) so you may want to just check there? This was a couple of years ago but I bet they still sell some.
My mom used to wear black thick tights. now i does not so much like this. I love hold ups
I have a pair of running tights that I got a the Nike Outlet Mall for about $40 (they were originally $50 but were 20% off). Totally worth it and I wish I would have bought more pairs!
I got some REI ones on clearance for $12. My first pair and I love them. The What did you decide on?
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