The RW Takeaway: Made for those who want to feel snug and held in, plus have a pocket for carrying a heavy phone without worry of saggy pants.
- Snug, high waist keeps the pants in place for all activities
- Zipper pocket placed on the rear of the waistbands fits an iPhone XS or similar and stays in place
- Compression is tight, length of pants not for everyone
- Lighter colored pair shows sweat
Price: $148
Inseam: 27 inches
Colors: Night Diver, Frosted Mulberry, Black
The key for a good legging in my mind (aside from fit) is pocket size and functionality. The compression and high waist of the Zoned In Tight keeps it in place and allows you to stash heavier items in the zipper pocket on the rear waistband without feeling like you need to hike up your waistband midrun. As a bonus, the compression makes you feel supported whether you’re on your daily run or winding down with a yoga routine, making any move possible while gripping to you like a second skin.
Pros
- Compression with full range of motion
- Bounce-free pocket
Cons
- Waistband may ride too high and tight for some
All About the Grip
These tights held me as I ran, but I wouldn’t be comfortable lounging in them after, or even if I had a long drive to a trail. Our photographer Lakota Gambill, however, had a different experience when she tested the Zoned In.
“These are by far the most comfortable running/yoga tights I have ever tried. The inner grip makes me feel supported and there isn’t a need to continuously pull up my pants like most yoga pants I’ve tried,” said Gambill. “The tights are...well, tight—but not in the way that hugs and shows off every groove in your leg. They are all about the grip and fit without making you feel like a sausage.”
As a surprise (and unintentional) test, Gambill also fell on gravel and scraped her knee (ouch!), but the fabric didn’t rip or even have any signs of wear. “The fabric is breathable, stretchable, and durable, even for those who are extremely clumsy—consider it the Nokia of all running tights,” she said. If only it had built-in knee pads.
More Color Options, Please
I was eager to pull these pants on for a run when the temps finally dropped below 90 because I hate running in shorts, but high 60s to low 70s still proved too warm for wearing this lavender tight. The proof: You could actually see my sweat.
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Though the color is lovely, and the perforated pattern gave it flair, this tight showed sweat after four warmer-than-I-thought miles. Once the temperature drops to 50 and below, I think the Zoned In would suffice for both warmth and ventilation so I won’t overheat on my run. And hopefully not flaunt as much sweat.
These Pant Won’t Budge
The snug, compressive fit was welcomed on my runs when I didn't want the tight to slip or hinder my stride. However, the thick/high waistband combined with the compression made it uncomfortable to sit—even for short periods of time.
I tested wearing them for a day of errands and lounging because when I pay this much for pants, I want them to serve dual purpose—and I loved the color enough to swap these out for my go-to black legging. However, the high waist and compression made them too restrictive for watching Riverdale from the couch. I will be sticking to working out in these, but I would not wear them for travel—I’d stash them in my bag to use when I get there.
