← All Gear 👟 Shoes 🥢 Poles 🎽 Running Pack ⌚ Watch 🧦 Socks 🧥 Jacket 👖 Trousers 🎒 Misc

Trousers & Tights for The Wall

From shorts to full tights, what do Wall runners wear on their legs? The community has a clear preference — and chafe prevention is the top concern.

What to Wear on Your Legs

🏆 Community Consensus: Tights or Compression Most Wall runners wear some form of tights, leggings or compression shorts rather than loose running shorts. Over 70 miles, inner thigh chafing is a real problem with loose shorts — especially later in the race when you're moving more slowly and your gait changes. Fitted tights or leggings prevent thigh rub entirely.
TightsMost popular choice
Chafe#1 reason to avoid shorts
WaterproofOptional — carry in vest
Change at HexhamFresh legs for the second half
💡 Anti-Chafe Is More Important Than the Trousers Whatever you wear on your legs, apply anti-chafe cream generously before the race — inner thighs, waistband, anywhere that rubs. Reapply at Hexham. A community tip: Squirrel's Nut Butter and Body Glide are specifically mentioned as going-in-for-the-long-haul anti-chafe products. Vaseline works but can degrade some synthetic fabrics over time.

Community Legwear Picks

⭐ Most Popular — Full Tights
Salomon

Salomon Cross Running Tights

Salomon's trail running tights are popular among Wall runners. Good compression, multiple pockets (useful for gels and snacks), and designed for long trail running efforts. Comfortable for 20+ hours of movement. The fitted cut eliminates thigh chafe completely.

~£70–£100
Buy on Amazon →
⭐ Most Popular — Compression
Runderwear

Runderwear Anti-Chafe Running Tights

Runderwear are specifically designed for long-distance running comfort. Seamless construction in the critical areas, excellent anti-chafe properties, and a comfortable waistband that doesn't dig in over 20 hours. Very popular in the UK ultra community and mentioned across Wall discussions.

~£40–£65
Buy on Amazon →
HOKA

HOKA Glide Tights

HOKA's running tights designed for ultra distances. Very comfortable, good fit and low-profile waistband. Popular with Wall runners who use HOKA shoes — and a sensible choice for anyone prioritising comfort over style on a very long event.

~£80–£110
Buy on Amazon →
Inov-8

Inov-8 TrailFly Tight

Inov-8's trail running tights. Lightweight, supportive and designed specifically for mountain/trail running. Good ventilation for the warmer sections early in the race, compression to support muscles over the long haul. A popular choice among more experienced ultra runners.

~£70–£90
Buy on Amazon → Buy at Harrier
Decathlon

Decathlon Evadict Trail Running Tights

Decathlon's trail running tights offer good quality at a fraction of the price of premium brands. Mentioned by Wall community members who wanted to keep kit costs down without sacrificing comfort. Check the specific model for pocket placement — useful for gels on the move.

~£25–£45
Buy on Amazon →
OMM

OMM Nitro Waterproof Running Trousers

For a waterproof legwear option: OMM make ultralight waterproof running trousers that can be carried in your vest and pulled on if conditions turn very bad. Not mandatory kit but useful insurance for the night section in Northumberland. Under 100g and packs to nothing.

~£80–£120
Buy on Amazon →

Shorts vs Tights — The Verdict

Why Tights / Leggings Win
  • Eliminate inner thigh chafe — the biggest leg issue at The Wall
  • Support muscles over the long hours
  • Warmer for the night section (temps drop significantly after dark)
  • Prevent sunburn on long exposed sections in good weather
  • Many have pockets along the legs — great for gels on the move
When Shorts Work
  • If you run hot and it's warm weather — tights can overheat you
  • Liner shorts (with inner brief) can work if you apply anti-chafe
  • Two-in-one shorts provide some compression without full tights
  • Some runners wear shorts over compression tights — best of both
🌙 Think About the Night Section Even in summer, northern England gets cold at night — especially in the exposed sections around Hadrian's Wall and the Northumberland hills (miles 35–55). If you start in shorts and it's warm, pack tights in your Hexham drop bag to put on before the overnight section. Multiple Wall runners specifically mention this.