One of the benefits of being a writer about running is that occasionally I receive samples of running clothing to try. Early in the summer, I was asked to test a pair of Opedix® running tights. I selected the coolest tights they carry, recognizing that it would probably be too hot to test them in the summer in Texas.

With summer temperatures ranging from 85ºF to 105ºF and high humidity, I don't find running tights very comfortable. Even shorts get wet with sweat very quickly under those conditions! So I decided to wait before putting them to a real test.

Today was the first day of fall and, as if it knew, the temperature dropped to around 65ºF. So I finally got to test them. In a word, I was impressed.

When I put the running tights on, I was concerned that they might bunch behind the knee, but this worry proved to be unfounded. They are made of two different thicknesses of material: a light synthetic that stays cool but includes some spandex, and a heavier supportive material. You can read the details of these on their website – I'm just giving my non-technical impression as a runner.

They have an ITB support that runs from the side of the hip down the outside of the thigh to about half way down. At that point, the support forms a band around the leg just above and around the knee, leaving room for the patella (kneecap) and the back of the knee. The remaining areas are covered with the thinner material, except for a supportive band on the lower leg.

Clearly, some careful anatomical design work has gone into the making of the Opedix® running tights!

So how do they feel when you're running? I was surprised at how much support they gave to my ITB, hamstrings and calf muscles. Those areas generally hurt for me at the beginning of every run, but today they felt strong and pain-free.

As the run progressed, my legs started to feel comfortably warm and strong. I found I was running easily and enjoying it even more than usual. After the run, I unzipped the lower legs, rolled them up to the knee, stretched and did a weight workout.

I have worn running tights before, mostly for warmth, but had not previously experienced the support and comfort that the Opedix® tights give. Can I recommend them? Definitely yes! (And I don't get commission from them.)

They come in various weights, so I would suggest that you buy the type that is most appropriate for the climate and time of year where you are running. With my new Opedix® running tights, I'm really looking forward to my winter runs this year!

Running Tights by Opedix
Posted by Alan Jenkin on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 Under: running

The R1 was a bit too tight, and I was hesitant to go to the next size. The calf zipper is in back, and somewhat cumbersome to zip, and it wouldn't stay zipped. The CW-X tights I bought at the same time definitely were more comfortable, and I think it wasn't just size, but fit, fabric and et cetera. I know that compression tights definitely make me feel better when running.