My Winter Running Staple: The North Face Winter Warm Pro Tights Review

Winter weather is ever-changing, and some days, you just don’t know what you will get. I have three different weather apps that I constantly check in the winter, hoping that I can make an educated guess on how I should dress for my run. But the weather is fickle, and living in the mountains makes it hard to track. I’ve learned just to be prepared for everything.

The North Face Winter Warm Pro Tights make it easy for me to pick the lower half of my running outfit. I’ll wear these tights for any temperature lower than 25 degrees, in snowstorms, wind, or on downright cold days. If I could only pick one winter running tight, this would be it. It covers all of the bases.

In short: The North Face Winter Warm Pro Tights ($100) are my preferred winter running tight. They are fleece-lined and wick away moisture really fast! They utilize The North Face’s FlashDry technology, which feels like a second skin to pull moisture from the body and repel moisture from the outside — a perfect combo for winter running.

The midrise waistband (with an internal drawcord) is comfortable and never sagged. This tight even boasts three pockets. One is zippered on the back, and there are two lined hand pockets on the outer thighs. The inseam lands just above the ankle at 27.6″ and might not be long enough for taller runners. 

Read our full roundup: The Best Women’s Winter Running Tights.

The North Face Winter Warm Pro Tights Review

When I first slid into the updated The North Face Winter Warm Pro Tights, I knew they had it right. I already liked their previous iteration, but these were far more comfortable.

A fleece layer lined the entire interior of the tight, not just the rearside panel like the previous version. It felt downright luxurious.

The wide waistband was still comfy and didn’t pinch at all. I’m 5’4″, so the inseam length of 27.6″ fit me perfectly. But I could see it being too short for taller runners.

Thumbs Up: The North Face FlashDry Technology

In winter running, few things are as important as keeping you dry. In order to do that, the fabric needs to be able to keep moisture off of you. That includes wicking it from your skin and keeping the elements from getting to you. The North Face FlashDry technology does just that.

With wicking capabilities, my sweat was quickly lifted from me, keeping me dry and, in turn, warmer. During storms, it also shielded me from getting wet. I took these out for a 2-hour run during a typical spring storm. The type of storm with heavy, wet, gigantic snowflakes. I was impressed by these tights, which kept me dry and warm the entire time. As a bonus, they didn’t sag or lose their shape by the end of the run!

Pockets: Five Total

This updated tight hit the nail on the head by adding additional pockets. There are five pockets total including two lined hand pockets. Yes! I ultimately used the hand pockets to stash stuff, as they were large enough (6″ x 3.75″) and a convenient spot to put my phone.

The zippered waistband pocket (6.5″ x 2.5″) on the back is spacious enough to hold a phone, too, but I prefer to use pockets on the hip/thigh zone for easier access. I found that zippered pocket is ideal for storing valuables like keys, cash, or cards. The two side mesh pockets on the waistband (7″ x 3″) are perfect for gels, chews, or trash found on the trail.

Drawstring and Gussets

My short torso appreciates a mid-rise tight. These fit right at my belly button. The wide 3″ waistband is comfortable and doesn’t roll when bending over. They also included an internal drawstring for a more customized fit. I didn’t experience any slippage of the tight when I ran. But, everyone’s body is a little different, and drawstrings help mitigate that potential.

This gusset is thoughtfully designed to maximize mobility. Because of the soft fabric, these running tights already feel delicious next to the skin. But with the added gusset, there is virtually no restriction. I never felt a hint of tension while warming up with leg swings, high knees, or lunges.

Improvements

While this updated version is a step in the right direction, there is some room for improvement. I was disappointed to see the windwall panel was removed. I valued the added protection for my legs. However, without it there is definitely less restriction. And, the fleece interior is now integrated into the entire legging rather than solely the back panels. So, there is a trade-off.

The tight performed well in the wind, thanks to the dense fabric weave, but it isn’t as impassable as an actual windwall panel.

I also noticed that these tights pill quicker than I hoped. After just a few runs, I noticed slight pilling on the inner thighs and on the outside of my ankle, where I slid down a rock on a steep downhill. While they kept me warm, they showed signs of wear and tear quicker than other tights.

The other improvement I was hoping to see (and didn’t) was the addition of reflective markings. There are currently two half-inch-wide rectangles on the exterior of each ankle. That’s it. Winter running means many low-light conditions, and reflective markings can help keep runners safe. It is important not to rely solely on the reflectivity of a running tight to be seen, but it does help when your tights come with additional safety features.

In Conclusion

The North Face Winter Warm Pro Tights are a reliable and versatile option for winter runners. With a fleece-lined interior and innovative FlashDry technology, these tights kept me warm and dry even in challenging winter conditions.

Five pockets, including lined hand pockets, enhanced their practicality for storing essentials during long runs. The mid-rise waistband with an internal drawstring ensures a comfortable and secure fit, catering to various body types.

Despite its many strengths, there are areas for potential improvement. While the updated version offers enhanced comfort and mobility with the integrated fleece lining, dropping the windwall panel may leave some runners wanting more protection against harsh winds. To enhance durability and safety, the fabric’s tendency to pill and the limited reflective markings could be addressed in future iterations.

Overall, The North Face Winter Warm Pro Tights deliver impressive performance and functionality. They can withstand diverse weather conditions, keeping you warm and dry while you run through the winter months. Whether you’re braving snowstorms or facing chilly winds, these tights have your back, ensuring you can focus on your run without worrying about the weather.