71 Sneakers altaThe best women's running leggings 2024, tested by experts

Fashion and fitness come hand in hand with these two-toned leggings from New Balance. Not only do they look good, the NB DRYx fabric feels great against the skin, providing full coverage and moisture absorption.

Our testers recommended this stylish pair for a range of activities, including running, yoga, weight training and, importantly, lounging. They loved the soft finish, with one tester claiming they were so comfortable, ‘I forgot I was wearing them’. We recommend checking you’ve definitely got them on before leaving the house...

At 3/4 length, these leggings from adidas are not quite capris but they do come below the knee, so they're ideal for shorter-legged runners who are fed up of constantly adjusting overly long tights. They also come with an internal drawcord so they won't budge when you're on the move, and we're impressed with the sweat-guard pocket on the waistband, which will keep your bits and pieces safe and dry no matter how hard you train.

They're also available in full length.

Tracksmith’s Allston Tight is something of a workhorse legging, built for those harder training sessions where you want coverage but don’t want to overheat. The premium fabric is made from a blend of nylon and elastane which successfully treads the line between offering compression and stretch, while feeling breathable and moisture-wicking. They’re cool to the touch with a silky handfeel, and cut with a high rise waistband, sitting comfortably and snugly on the waist.

If you feel the need for speed, thanks to super-breathable mesh panels and a compressive fit, these classic capri leggings from Under Armour are a great choice for track sessions. They also come with a built-in storage pocket in the waistband that's big enough for your phone, plus laser perforations at strategic points around the leg to help you keep your cool as you speed around the track.

If you're looking for seasonal run kit that will last you for years and retain its shape after multiple washes, these cropped leggings from Sweaty Betty are a great contender for your staple running wardrobe. They're soft and lightweight and come with a high waistband to keep things comfortable on the move. There's also a side pocket and a zip back pocket for your valuables. As a bonus, they look great, too.

If you prefer a streamlined feel without hip pockets or chunky waistbands to distract you, these mid-rise capri leggings from New Balance are a simple, affordable option for runners of all abilities. They come with a drawcord waistband for a personalised fit and a small, hidden inner pocket big enough for your keys. There's also a reflective logo on the bottom of the leggings to help you stay seen in low light.

Looking for streamlined kit to give your running the edge? The highest scoring leggings in our testing process from new UK brand Pocket Sport are a must-have if you like to ramp up the intensity on a run. The sweat-wicking tights fitted our testers perfectly, with no gathering, gaping or slipping, and everybody rated the grippy high-waist. They felt breathable to wear thanks to mesh ankle detailing and dried quickly. These tights are real all-rounders with both substance and style – and yes, they include a pocket.

Lululemon’s Wunder Train Everlux leggings claim to be breathable, supportive and fast drying, and they delivered according to our testers. Our panel was impressed with how comfortable and flattering they are and enjoyed the ‘buttery smooth’ feel of the fabric against their skin – so you don’t have to worry about any uncomfortable chafing.

In the lab, they scored top for their sweat wicking capabilities, and the four-way stretch offers total flexibility when on the move. The waistband boasts a handy drawstring and there’s a hidden pocket with space for your card and keys, earning them extra brownie points.

Canadian company Acr’Teryx knows its stuff when it comes to cold weather gear, and these thick, high compression leggings are proof. They kept our testers toasty when tackling the coldest trail runs and hikes. The fabric also claims to be water repellent, and they performed well in our sweat-wicking tests.

Our panel found the deep side pockets were ideal for storing phones, keys and a snack to keep you going on longer runs. They were a struggle to get off once we’d worked up a sweat, but that’s to be expected with compression leggings.

These high-waisted leggings combine comfort, utility, and style – as well as black, there are two cool blue colourways to choose from. Some panel members were a little apprehensive about sweat patches showing through on the lighter shade, but the leggings’ sweat-wicking abilities meant their fears were unfounded.

They’re also designed with Polygiene StayFresh fabric, helping to control odours and keeping them fresher for longer – so you don’t have to worry about those extra sweaty runs.

If you’re on the hunt for high-performance leggings, look to this nifty pair from Under Armour. Not only did they do a stellar job of wicking away sweat on test, the breathable, fast-drying fabric kept our runners cool and comfortable, even during the sweatiest of sessions. They were a doddle to pull off with clammy hands, too. We liked the no-slip waistband, which didn’t budge as we pounded the pavement, and appreciated the flatlock seams to reduce the risk of chafing. Downsides? Our testers did experience some bunching around the ankles, and they missed having a back pocket for safely storing valuables. There is a drop-in side pocket big enough for a smartphone, though.

These high-waisted running leggings from Pour Moi are surprisingly technical for the price, and come with sweat-wicking fabric, flattering paneling, ample pockets for all your bits and pieces and mesh sections to keep you cool. Best of all we love the cute floral sections at the hips, and the leopard print and orchid Womens Shoes Champion Philly Low Cut.

If you prefer looser fitting bottoms to skintight leggings, you can't go wrong with these classic Trackster pants from veteran running brand Ronhill. They might look heavier than your average run kit, but the fabric is actually quite light and comes with a water-repellent coating to keep you dry when training in wet weather, plus there are two front zip pockets to hold your essentials as you run.

If you're new to running and not yet ready to invest in technical kit, or you simply need some bog standard leggings for easy mile runs, at £12.99 these simple tights from Kalenji are an absolute bargain. They're made from breathable fabric, with an adjustable drawcord waistband and a small zipped pocket on the back.