The Best Running Leggings For Women

Whether you like them in muted shades or prefer to brighten up the world with multicolored patterns, your leggings have an important role to play in heat regulation when running. The right tights can do a great job of cooling you down when you’re sweating hard or keeping you warm on chilly early morning runs—not to mention protecting you from wind, rain and harmful UV rays.

You’ll need leggings that both suit the conditions and fit you well, but finding the right pair of leggings that don’t fall down or ride up, chafe or make you too hot is easier said than done. Check the fit before you commit. Try different brands, styles and types of leggings to find the perfect fit for your body shape.

Stylewise, three-quarter-length cropped tights (or capris) will keep you cooler, while full-length thicker leggings will ensure you’re toasty on a winter’s day. Opt for compression tights for (possibly) faster muscle recovery and fewer aches after running.

If you’re building out your running wardrobe, you may like to browse our picks of the best running bras, women’s running jackets, women’s running tops and women’s running shorts.

How We Test Running Leggings

I have been testing and reviewing running leggings for Coach since 2018. I evaluate each pair for comfort, support and breathability, paying close attention to the waistband and pockets (or lack of). Other Coach writers have also contributed their testing experiences so you’ll see initials after each block of text to denote who tested it. I have included some leggings that we haven’t tested but that I think are worth considering—in the specifications for each pair of leggings you’ll see whether it’s been tested by us or not.

The Quick List

Here are my top picks for the best running leggings in various categories. Click on the links for more in-depth analysis on each one.

The Best Running Leggings For Women

Best Overall

These high-waisted full-length tights are among the best I’ve tried, combining a flattering fit with staying power thanks to the wide, contoured waistband and drawstring that mean there’s no need to readjust them mid-run. The lightweight, quick-drying Nulux fabric feels barely there but still offers good coverage. Drop-in gel pockets are on the back and sides of the waist, and there are two snug leg pockets ideal for a phone or keys. They come in three leg lengths: 23in, 25in and 28in, plus a 19in capri length for summer and a fleece version for winter. You can choose from a range of colors and sizes (the website lists US sizes; 0-24 translates to 4-28 in UK sizes). 

Tough enough to withstand the washing machine, the Fast and Free last for years and offer the perfect combination of comfort and a sleek look. They’re usually my top choice to run in because I know they won’t let me down—I’ve run more miles in these than all my other running leggings put together. 

I’m not alone in loving these leggings, Coach writer Jane McGuire tested every style of Lululemon leggings and concluded that these were the best Lululemon leggings for runners.—Camilla Artault

Best Value

Comfortable high-waisted leggings that stay up and have pockets and yet don’t cost the earth are surprisingly rare, but this Sundried pair ticks all the boxes. They’re soft and supportive, with a wide waistband and lots of pockets: two roomy ones on the legs and a secure zip pocket at the back of the waist. I often reach for these leggings in milder weather, because the fabric is not too thick and perforated panels on the sides help keep me cool, too.—CA

Best Leggings With Pockets

As I’ve come to expect from Swiss running specialist On, these tights are of high quality. Less predictably, they’re made with recycled polyester—an extra bonus. The fabric is sleek and supportive, and does its sweat-wicking thing. There’s a pocket on the right thigh (bad luck lefties) that will take a phone or some gels and a zip pocket at the back of the waist for smaller valuables. 

The seams are smooth and flat, and there are small reflective details. I found the high-rise waistband excellent: It’s supportive and shaping without being too constricting, and there’s a looped internal drawstring for extra security. I didn’t need to use it, though, because these leggings didn’t budge an inch. The panel design means there are extra seams behind the knees, which I found slightly annoying, but they didn’t bother me while running.—CA

Best For Cold Weather

I was completely won over by these leggings, and they’ve been my go-to pair for the coldest days so far this winter. The cozy, fleecy lining makes them pleasant to slip on and gives extra warmth. Weatherproof panels on the front of the thigh provide additional protection against wind and rain. There are no seams in annoying places, and I didn’t experience any bunching or rubbing. Zips on the lower legs allow you to change without taking your shoes off, but the lower legs are stretchy enough that you can get the leggings on and off easily without undoing the zips. 

The waistband is high and has an extra band of elastic around the top, plus a drawstring so there’s no chance of it slipping down. There are no side drop-in pockets but the large zip pocket at the back of the waist was able to store my phone and some gels comfortably with no bouncing. 

Best Lightweight Leggings

These sleek, matt tights are seriously lightweight thanks to a pared-back laser-cut design that does away with any heavier elements such as hems. The medium compression hold combines with silicon grippers at the waist, thighs, calves and ankles to ensure the leggings stay put during your run. The thin, durable fabric is suited to a wide range of conditions, and because they’re made with a woven rather than knitted fabric, the leggings retain their shape better—they won’t end up with baggy knees or a saggy crotch. The waistband is only slightly thicker than the rest of the fabric but impressively supportive and I found it stayed in place despite the lack of a drawstring. There’s a large zip pocket on the back of the waist that should hold even the largest phone.—CA

Most Versatile

I’ve tested every style of Sweaty Betty leggings available, and the Power Leggings are my pick of the bunch for runners. They are comfortable and sweat-wicking while running, while still squat-proof enough to wear when strength training or to a HIIT class. They’re made from Sweaty Betty’s “power” material, which has a decent amount of give, while still being supportive. The waistband is high enough to leave you feeling supported, and has a continuous drawcord, meaning it won’t unravel in the washing machine. 

There’s a drop-in pocket on the left leg, big enough for most smartphones, and a zipped pocket on the back for your keys. The only downside is that the leg pocket is on the left leg, which makes it a little less intuitive for right-handed runners—I’d like a pocket on each leg.

I’m 5ft 2in (157cm) tall, and tested these leggings in a ⅞ leg length, which sat just above my ankle bone. There’s also a full-length option for taller runners. I loved the look and feel of the Power Leggings, and appreciated the huge variety of colors and prints to choose from.—Jane McGuire

Best Maternity Leggings

The fabric of these maternity leggings is excellent: Soft and sleek yet supportive, it’s similar to fabric from top brands like Lululemon. These leggings are like a second skin, with a comfortable feel and a great fit. They are also totally opaque when stretched and have two drop-in thigh pockets that will fit a phone or your keys.

The over-bump panel provides enough support that I could leave my belly band at home and run comfortably at six months pregnant. You can also fold the panel down if you prefer to wear it below the bump. I felt the panel could have come up even higher for complete coverage, and to avoid a line across the middle of the bump.

I have lived in these leggings during my second pregnancy and wonder how I survived without them for my first. I’ve used them daily for activities including running and yoga, as well as Pilates and cardio workouts from The Bump Plan, and they’ve stayed up and been comfortable, breathable and not too hot. The challenge is finding a day when I’m not using them to wash them.—CA

Best Nike Running Leggings

It was a challenge to wriggle into these compression leggings but, once on, they were comfortable and supportive. The sleek, mid-weight fabric is pleasant against the skin and wicks sweat effectively. I appreciated the nifty features, including the well-placed pockets (two drop-in thigh pockets, one zip pocket and three drop-in pockets at the back of the waist). The drawstring has a flattened rubber toggle for easy adjusting—no more struggling to untie knots, or lumps in the waistband. The waistband is firmly supportive and well-shaped so it doesn’t budge. If mid-rise isn’t your thing, you’re in luck because the leggings are available in a high-waisted edition too. There’s also a 7/8 length, cropped length and plus sizes. They’re certainly an investment, but these Nike leggings are comfortable and practical for running.

More Great Running Leggings

I liked these leggings immediately—the gray-green color is a pleasant change from endless black leggings, and they’re well-designed. The waistband is excellent: I found it supportive, comfortable, flattering and thanks to the drawstring tie it didn’t budge at all. The fabric is midweight, with good breathability and the usual sweat-wicking and fast-drying capabilities.

There are many flat seams on these leggings, and while I didn’t experience any discomfort or rubbing, it meant they didn’t feel as stretchy as others. The quick-drying fabric has a brushed, fleecy feel inside that makes the leggings feel cozy but not too hot. Panels of tougher, thinner fabric on the shins are designed to be protective—from scratchy brambles I assume—and I found they helped keep me cooler too.

There are lots of pockets, including two mesh ones at the back of the waist that are ideal for gels. Two larger pockets are high on the hip rather than on the thigh. When I ran with my phone in one of these, it felt like it jutted out a little, though it didn’t bounce at all.—CA

These are just about as good as running leggings get: comfortable, high-waisted, and they don’t fall down when you run. And let's not forget the pockets—two large ones run along the outside of the thigh, perfect for storing your phone, keys or gels. These leggings come in more than 45 different colours and prints from eye-catching patterns to pastels and earthy hues, so there’s sure to be a style for everyone. 

Fabletics works on a “VIP” subscription model that charges members $59.95/£54.99 a month, which can be used against any outfit worth up to £80. There is the option to skip the payment each month, and your option to buy for this price will also be skipped. Members benefit from lower prices on items, too. While these leggings do tick all the boxes, for non-members the price is on the higher end of the scale.—Lois Mackenzie

Asics running apparel is very rarely a miss, and these running tights are no different. After weeks of testing, they have quickly become a frequent feature on my favorite leggings rotation. They’re thicker and more supportive than standard running tights, which makes for a comfortable running experience, especially in colder weather. The high waist is another major positive and the adjustable drawcord in the waist keeps them in place. 

But the storage is the real selling point of these tights. There are two subtle thigh pockets that blend in with the design. This doesn’t mean they sacrifice size, though—both are large enough for a phone, gels and anything else you’ll need. There’s also a medium-sized pocket at the back inside the waistline for your keys or other small essentials.—LM

This is a simple pair of comfy, stretchy leggings for daily use in cooler weather. The unusual side-stripe design is flattering and slimming, and I liked the use of contrasting fabrics and stitching. The side stripe along the leg is ribbed and more breathable than the main fabric, which has a soft brushed interior for extra warmth and coziness. They’re not the warmest—I wouldn’t choose them in a blizzard—but are fine for cool weather runs. 

A single drop-in pocket on the right thigh provides somewhere for your phone or keys. The high, wide waistband is comfortable and stayed up for me, despite the lack of drawstring. For longer runs I’d choose leggings with more storage, but these are useful for shorter runs and treadmill sessions. Be aware that in the black-and-white colorway, the white panel is see-through.—CA

These leggings from Australian brand Lorna Jane are practical as well as good-looking. The fabric feels soft and stretchy; there’s something cozy and comforting about it—slipping into these leggings is like a hug for your legs. The four-way stretch fabric also offers good freedom of movement, and there’s a comfy-but-sturdy waistband. There’s no drawstring on the waistband but this wasn’t an issue for me, there was no slipping down while I was running.

These are quite warm leggings; I found they worked best for easy runs in cooler temperatures, but they won’t offer much protection from wind and rain. I liked the “ankle biter” length, which hit just above my ankle socks—I’m 5ft 3in (160cm)—but could be a little short for winter on a taller person.

Useful side pockets on each thigh fit my phone and keys, and the pockets seams are flatteringly placed. The leggings washed well, but the soft fabric catches easily on rough surfaces; I wouldn’t wear these for trail-running for fear of snagging them on something.—CA

These leggings are part of Fabletics’ PowerHold range, a flattering material designed with maximum compression to support you during your activity. The thick material is perfect for runs on colder days and the high waistband does not budge, no matter what distance you’re running. Unlike other Fabletics leggings, these don’t have any thigh pockets, but there’s a small key pouch on the inside of the waist. Take your pick from the 30-plus colors and prints available.

Fabletics uses a “VIP” subscription model where members pay $59.95/£54.99 a month, a cost that can be offset against any combination of items worth up to £80. There is the option to skip the payment each month, but if you skip it, you won’t benefit from the members’ discount for that month.—LM

These sleek mid-rise leggings look the part and are more affordable than Nike’s Luxe version. The compressive fabric is thin yet opaque, and wicks sweat well. A mesh panel behind the knees helps keep you cool and avoids any uncomfortable bunching. The fit is on the snug side, so you may want to consider sizing up. A zip pocket at the back keeps your keys safe and there’s a deep phone pocket on the hip. It also features a drawstring waist for extra security.

I was pleasantly surprised by these running leggings from the high-street giant H&M. The waist is high, comfortable and secure, with a hidden drawstring to keep it in place. I was also delighted by the variety of pockets: three drop-in ones at the back of the waist and two deep thigh pockets including one with a zip—now there’s an idea! No more patting your pocket mid-run to check your valuables are still there. There’s even a small loop on one side of the waist seam, so you can attach something small and light to it.

Made of a polyester-spandex blend, the leggings are stretchy, comfortable and breathable, and kept me the right temperature on outdoor and treadmill runs. While there are leggings out there that feel more luxurious and sculpt your anatomy in more flattering ways, these leggings get a lot of things right and at this price they’re excellent value.—CA

If it’s compression you’re after, 2XU has you covered. The Aussie brand specializes in engineered compression tights that promote maximum blood flow to the muscles, potentially aiding recovery and improving energy efficiency. These mid-rise tights feature the aggressively named “Muscle Containment Stamping” – a form of muscle mapping, in which varying levels of compression are delivered by panels covering different muscles. Flatlock seams and a bonded wide waistband help avoid any chafing. There are no pockets, though.