Cyclist
Best cycling leg warmers reviewed 2024
Leg warmers are a great option for between-season riding, where full blown winter kit is too warm but summer kit just won’t do the trick. They offer extra warmth, a bit of wind protection and, depending on the model, sometimes rain protection as well.
There are many different types of leg warmers to choose from, so we’ve collated our tried-and-tested favourites to help keep you cosy in the colder months.
Cyclist’s pick of the best leg warmers
- Altura DWR unisex leg warmers
- GripGrab Classic thermal leg warmers
- Van Rysel Cold weather leg warmers
- Rapha Thermal leg warmers
- Castelli Nano Flex 3G leg warmers
- Madison DTE Isoler Thermal leg warmers
- Le Col leg warmers
- Endura Pro SL leg warmers
- Shutt Velo Super Roubaix leg warmers
What are leg warmers?
Leg warmers are essentially zip-off trousers for cyclists. They are sleeves of fabric designed to be easily pulled on or taken off your leg when paired with cycling shorts. Leg warmers allow riders a choice of attire in middling or changeable conditions, so that you can remove a layer if you warm up during a ride or can be carried with you in case of dropping temperatures.
Different leg warmers focus on different elements, with some favouring out-and-out warmth while others may include water-proofing treatments to protect from the rain. The best way to choose the right pair for you is to work out which features most affect you and select accordingly.
How we test and why you should take our word for it
As a UK-based team, we get our fair share of changeable weather and spend most of the autumn and winter months riding out in the cold and the wet. As such, we know the key features as well as the things to avoid when it comes to choosing the best leg warmers.
Led by our tech editor, Sam Challis, our team has individually tested all of the products listed in this guide to give you an honest and accurate representation of their strengths and weaknesses.
Best cycling leg warmers 2024
Altura DWR unisex leg warmers
RRP £40 | View offer
Pros: High upper, No tight spots, Smooth seams, Water-resistant, Hi-vis decals
Cons: None
Sizes available: S/M, L/XL
The Altura DWR leg warmers use a minimal seam construction and soft fabric, making for a highly comfortable sleeve. The warmers have a DWR water-resistant treatment and have large hi-vis patterns printed on the outer panels.
The stand-out features are at the upper leg, where the grippers sit as part of the fabric, preventing any pinching, which continues high up the front of the leg to help hold them in place.
GripGrab Classic thermal leg warmers
RRP £47.95 | View offer
Pros: Secure gripper, Very stretchy, Soft against skin
Cons: No water-resistance
Sizes available: S, M, L
The GripGrab classic leg warmers are highly stretchy, with a well-elasticated upper band and secure gripper. The fabric is soft against the skin and uses diagonal stitching behind the knee to prevent irritation.
The GripGrab warmers are good for cold days, though offer no water-resistance, so are best for chilly but dry riding.
Van Rysel Cold weather leg warmers
£19.99 | View offer
RRP: £19.99
Pros: Comfortable against skin, Wide, high-stretch upper gripper, Seamless construction
Cons: Limited water resistance
Sizes available: XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL
The Van Rysel Cold Weather leg warmers are an excellent set of budget warmers that are highly stretchy for a secure but relaxed fit. The material is relatively thin, which Van Rysel says helps them dry faster if they get wet, and has claimed water-repellent properties.
They aren’t hugely effective in the rain but are great for mild-cool conditions and would be best for those after smooth comfortable leg warmers that sit nicely against the skin.
Rapha Thermal leg warmers
£55 | View offer
RRP: £55
Pros: Wide upper gripper, Warmth, Comfortable seams
Cons: No water resistance
Sizes available: S, M, L
The Rapha Thermal leg warmers feature wide upper bands, with printed grippers, and use a brushed fleece lining on high stretch fabric. The seams are off-centre, to help reduce irritation or chafing, and sit comfortably against skin.
The Rapha Thermals provide high levels of warmth, ideal for particularly cold rides, but have no DWR treatment so are not water-resistant.
- Buy now from Rapha (£55)
Castelli Nano Flex 3G leg warmers
RRP £79 | View offer
Pros: Water-resistant, Zips, Warmth, Soft fabric
Cons: Top gripper is quite tight
Sizes available: S, M, L, XL
The Castelli Nano Flex leg warmers offer excellent water-resistance and insulation, great for rainy winter rides. The zips allow them to be quickly taken off or put on, and there are reflective decals on the lower leg.
The warmers have a comfortable fit, with minimal seams. The upper gripper is double sided, to keep your bib shorts in place, however it is a little snug and occasionally rolls.
Madison DTE Isoler Thermal leg warmers
£24.99 | View offer
RRP: £24.99
Pros: Water-resistant, Secure gripper, Soft
Cons: Very long
Sizes available: XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL
The Madison DTE Isoler leg warmers are mildly water-resistant, with a DWR coating, and use a fleece-lined fabric with flatlock seams. The upper gripper is wide and secure and the overall fit is quite stretchy.
It’s worth noting that these warmers are quite long so would best suit taller riders or those with long legs.
Le Col leg warmers
£60 | View offer
RRP: £60
Pros: Soft fabric, High stretch, Reflective tabs, Good size range
Cons: No water-resistance, Upper band has tendency to roll
Sizes available: XS, S, M, L, XL
The Le Col leg warmers feature Italian Roubaix brushed fleece, which is soft against the skin and also highly stretchy. The warmers have reflective tabs at the calf for visibility and an embroidered logo.
The Le Col warmers don’t have any water-resistant treatment, so are better for cool, dry rides.
- Buy now from Le Col (£60)
Endura Pro SL leg warmers
RRP £54.99 | View offer
Pros: Great water-resistance, Bold hi-vis decals, Secure gripper
Cons: Stiff material
Sizes available: S/M, L/XL
The Endura Pro SL II leg warmers are highly water-resistant, with effective DWR treatment which the brand says is PFC-free. The upper band is stretchy but secure, and there are excellent hi-vis decals on the lower leg.
Likely due to the water-proofing elements, the fabric is quite stiff so creases in some places and the cut is quite long so not ideal for riders with shorter legs.
Shutt Velo Super Roubaix leg warmers
£39 | View offer
RRP: £39
Pros: Soft, Minimal seams, Eco credentials
Cons: No water-resistance
Sizes available: XS, S/M, L/XL, XXL
The Shutt Velo Super Roubaix leg warmers use Thermal Green fabric, which the brand says is Bluesign certified and incorporates recycled nylon into the fabric. The material is soft against the skin and has sweat-wicking properties.
The Super Roubaix leg warmers don’t have any water-resistant qualities.
- Buy now from Shutt Velo (£39)
FAQ
Are leg warmers good for cycling?
The benefit of leg warmers is to be able to adapt your cycling attire, mid-ride, to changing weather conditions or to offer a mid-way point between your summer and winter kit in cooler but not outright cold months. As such, leg warmers are a great addition to your wardrobe for autumn and spring, and even milder winter conditions.
Do leg warmers go on top of or underneath cycling shorts?
Leg warmers are designed to sit underneath your cycling shorts, with the inner gripper sitting directly against your skin. Some leg warmers will also have an outer gripper that holds the shorts in place over the top.
The real question is whether you wear your socks over or under your leg warmers – we say under but it’s essentially just a fashion choice.
What temperatures should you use cycling leg warmers in?
Most brands will specify a recommended temperature range for their leg warmers on their website. Generally speaking, leg warmers are designed for around 5 to 15°C, though this will vary depending on the model.
What are useful features for leg warmers?
- Double grippers – while inner grippers are very common to hold leg warmers in place, having an external gripper will also help hold your bib shorts in place over the top of the warmer which will keep the heat in better and be less faff.
- Wind resistance – autumn/winter months are typically windier as well as cooler so having warmers with wind protection will help keep you warmer for longer.
- Water resistance – while no leg warmer is going to keep you completely dry – save for making them out of bin bags – a good DWR treatment will help keep the majority of the water off your skin for a decent amount of time, especially helpful if you’re starting and stopping where the water has more chance to chill you.
- Dexterity – wind- or water-resistant treatments can affect arm warmer dexterity and end up feeling somewhat stiff. It’s worth working out which features are a priority as it’s difficult to achieve all of the above.
Got those sorted? Now you need arm warmers.
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