Product Review: On Running Pants

The fast moving brand On has a suite of apparel to complement its impressive shoe range. Chris Hovenden slips into the On Running Pants.

On the run with On…

You might have noticed a few social media posts from On’s sponsored athletes with them donning the Swiss company’s apparel, as well as its shoes. Multiple ITU world champion Javier Gomez is one such athlete, and recent pictures have shown him training hard in the Running Pants.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhSCSPFghBG/?taken-by=jgomeznoya

First, the On Running Pants are not running tights. Rather than being close fitting and figure hugging leggings, they have a more relaxed fit which reminds me more of what I always considered to be ‘jogging pants’.

The advantage of the more relaxed fit is that you can, and I have been, wear them as casual trousers to relax and hang out in as well as using them for hard run sessions.

Having said that, as running slacks go they are full of tech and innovative.

The top section of the On Running Pants is similar to the upper of the On Running Weather Jacket (which was reviewed HERE).

In an attempt to keep the wind and rain from your thighs, whilst at the same time seeking to offer adequate ventilation, the exterior fabric on the front upper leg panels are treated with DWR (durable water repellent) and there’s an opening below the knees allowing airflow to the mesh material that sits underneath/in contact with your legs.

The rear of the upper legs has the same ventilation system, although the outer on the back of your legs is soft/comfortable stretch material rather than designed to repel the elements.

Below the knee is the same soft and stretchy material as on the rear of the upper legs and there are zips by your ankles to help getting the trousers on as well as offering a more relaxed look.

The On Running Pants have a zipped and an open pocket to stow your valuables, with the zip being waterproof and a note on meteorology inside the pocket.

I found the On Running Pants comfortable, you don’t feel restricted (in fact, the cut of the knees felt very good when running), the ventilation system worked well (other than on unseasonably hot days), and the panels did a good job of repelling the elements– if running in the rain your legs will still get wet.

The waist band is wide and comfortable, however on reflection I think I could have gone down a size. I am 187cm tall and weigh roughly 72/73kg and wore the medium size, but found the Running Pants a little big around the waist and had a little bit of bunching.

On first sight I had my suspicions as to how durable the Running Pants would be. However, I have been impressed, they have held up well even following several off-road runs across woodland.

The Running Pants look really good; as above I have been wearing them to relax as well as when training. £135 is undoubtedly a lot of money for running trousers, especially for those that do not claim to offer any compression benefits, however this is a high-end and versatile offering from On Running.

The Verdict

The On Running Pants look good when running and when relaxing, but they are a little pricey.