SOAR Running’s goal with its X-Run collection of Run Tights was to sew them with almost no seams. In other words, make them with the least stitching possible. Unlike some running tights, SOAR’s material is woven, not knitted, providing a tighter compression feel and better durability over their lifetime. And these laser-cut, ultra-light tights are laser-focused on performance too.
I put them to the test for over two months across fall and winter and soon into spring. Specifically, I reserved them for faster-paced and colder-weather running, given their design and intended usage. But I have grown to love them enough that I use them for all sorts of running, no matter the season.
In short: Aside from their construction, the Run Tights offer great warmth, compression, and stretch for anyone who wants to optimize their running performance in winter — or year-round. They might run a little small, but their laser-cut details and lightweight focus on performance. I highly recommend them.
- Materials: Laser-cut 71% polyester, 29% elastane blend French-milled fabric, reflective trim, silicone grips
- Sizes: XS-2XL
- Pockets: 1 (zippered)
- Inseam: 27" (size M)
- Verified Weight: 3.8 oz. (size M)
Pros
- Comfortable compression
- Ultralight
- Breathable but warm (tested in temps from freezing to mildly cold and temperate)
- Functional pocket
Cons
- Very snug, fit may require sizing up
SOAR Running’s Run Tights Review
Construction and Fabric
This winter was our first introduction to the SOAR Running brand, though they began creeping onto our radar last fall. Apparel from the brand includes everything from lightweight tops, jackets, light insulating layers, hats, and ultralight, high-performance bottoms — like the Run Tights.
SOAR’s Run Tights ($152) are tailored for movement, specifically for high-tempo workouts — this is where the compression and stretch come in. Unique details like custom silicone grippers, not just at the ankles/hem but on the calves, thighs, and waist, are awesome. They really did keep these tights perfectly in place.
There are almost no seams on these tights, and the grippers mid-calf and mid-thigh weren’t noticeable or uncomfortable. The tights overall are a light, paper-thin, and soft bottom layer.
Another one of my favorite things about these running tights is the rear pocket, across and just below the mid-rise waistband in the rear. Compared to pockets on other running tights — like one designed to drop in a phone or small mesh key pockets — this large, secured zippered pocket is quite roomy. I’ve tested it with items like a car key, thin wallet, lip balm, snack bars and gels, and even a phone (fits phone sizes iPhone 10 and smaller).
The tights are pretty high on the compression scale, so even with multiple items, I found the contents didn’t bounce around. That’s a huge plus for me! The pocket on these tights is like my car’s glovebox — so far, it can hold a lot and keep it all safe and secure too.
Performance in Cold
SOAR is a minority making winter running tights that are performance-oriented and this thin. They completely differ from my other go-to winter tights, the Polartec Title Nine Crash Tights. In fact, the brand explicitly markets them for “mildly cool to cold runs.”
I tested the claim on runs with outside air temps from 20-40 degrees Fahrenheit, not factoring in wind chill. And I also used these on one neighborhood run (heavily snowing) and one cross-country ski jaunt in temps lower than usual (around 0-15F). Those are the only two times I noticed the wind and cold starting to cut through. I layered up with some insulated puffy pants soon after.
I highly recommend these tights for general cold-weather fall and winter running, down to temps around 20F.
One Con
I loved these tights while running. And love their design, stretch, and simplicity as well. That being said, I loved them … once I was able to get them on. These tights run small. Yes, I’m aware that tights are just that — tight, but they shouldn’t be difficult to pull on, specifically in the thighs and hips. SOAR Running does offer a bit of a disclaimer here, describing the tights as a “skin-tight fit.”
Our advice: follow the brand’s sizing chart, not your usual size. Likely, you’ll want to order at least one size up.
I am happy with the size I tested (M) and the fit once wearing them, but I think a heads-up is important for any potential consumer. Another note: the jacket and top layers we tried from SOAR fit great and are more true to size.
Conclusion
Apart from the need to size up, the SOAR Run Tights tights are a great design and performed exceedingly well in my testing. I’ve worn them for fast-paced city runs, moderate and steep trail runs, and snowy winter runs. And the compression and comfort of these Run Tights have yet to fail me.
If you prefer tights over shorts and like medium to high compression, the Run Tights are really worth it. You also get something ultralight and still with a functional pocket. And on top of all that, they ended up being great for running in the cold — something not all razor-thin running tights are usually capable of.
