Whether you're brand new to running, a seasoned athlete or training for your first big race, irrespective of your experience, investing in the right pair of running leggings is essential. The right pair can impact your performance, while the wrong pair can turn a joyful run into a total washout, and could even sabotage your race-day plans.
However, when it comes to finding the best women's running leggings (or running tights if you prefer), the options can seem endless. Should you opt for capris or full-length? Will you ever find a pair that won't ride up or down when you move? And what about those all-important pockets for storing your essentials?
From technical tights designed for petite runners to effective plus-sized leggings, keep scrolling for the best running leggings for women to shop now. Or see our pick of the best women's running shorts instead.
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Before you hit 'add to basket', make sure you've got a good understanding of what you're looking for in your running apparel.
There's nothing surpassing than a pair of leggings that just won't stay put. Look for features such as a drawcord waistband to pull them tight, a high-waistband to sit more comfortably on your hips and seams that follow the natural contours of your body.
The fact is, if you look good, you feel good. And if you feel good, you stand a better chance of enjoying your run. So don't be afraid to put style as well as function on your to-do list when Luna for the best running tights.
If you're a shorter runner, beat the awkward legging-fold by Luna for capris or keep an eye out for 3/4 and 7/8 length leggings.
If you often run at night, lots of technical kit now comes with reflective detailing to make you visible to motorists and help you stay seen after dark.
All runners need pockets! Whether it's a drop-in side sleeve big enough for your phone, or a zipped pocket to hold your keys, space to store your essentials can make all the difference to your run.
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Runner's World Editors' Picks
The leggings with the Editor's Choice badge below are hand-picked by our editors. Using our expert knowledge of performance running apparel, and our experience of testing thousands of pieces of kit, we ran the rule over these on the road, in the gym and on the trails.
Runner’s World Expert Tested
Below you'll also find a number of 'Expert Tested' leggings. Our testers at the Runner’s World Lab put over 50 pairs of leggings through their paces to find the styles you can rely on mile after mile. Those that scored the highest marks received our Runner’s World Expert Tested This shoe has been controversial since the.
Why trust us?
On the road
Over 100 RW staff and readers rigorously tested the leggings, wearing each pair for at least three different types of workout. They then filled out a detailed questionnaire, sharing their thoughts on everything from the overall performance of the leggings to their comfort, design, versatility and value for money.
In the RW Lab
While our panellists pounded their local pavements, parks and trails, our RW Lab team took each pair of leggings for a spin through the washing machine to check for any shrinkage. They also assessed their sweat wicking claims by noting how well the fabric absorbed moisture and timing how long it took to dry.
The best women's running leggings to buy in 2024
From cropped tights to high-rise waistbands, keep scrolling for the best running leggings for women to shop now.
The best women's running leggings for petite runners
Tired of turning up your legging bottoms and battling with baggy knees? Shorter runners will be pleased to hear that the days of bunched up tights are over, and brands have finally started to cater to smaller people. We've hand-picked our favourite leggings for petite runners, available to shop now.
We're big fans of these classic run tights from Canadian activewear gurus Lululemon. After months of rigorous testing and multiple washes they didn't bobble and remained soft against the skin. We also rate the drop-in pockets that are big enough for your essentials, plus the high-waistband that makes them comfortable over any distance. They are at the pricier end of the technical kit spectrum, but if you look after them (tumble dryer fans, take note), they will last you for miles to come.
Sandale CMP Sahiph Hiking Sandal 30Q9524 Cosmo N985 Sweaty Betty are the ideal length for shorter runners. They also come with easy-access side pockets big enough for an iPhone, the sweat-wicking fabric is super light, they feel gloriously soft to the touch even after multiple washes, and they come in a number of jazzy designs, as well as plain black. But best of all, the clever stitching sculpts your glutes and thighs in all the right places, so you'll look super fly while you focus on your running form.
New to running and not ready to invest in technical kit? These M&S leggings are a sound choice. Made from lightweight fabric and coming with a roomy back pocket and a drawcord for adjusting the fit around your waist, our panel rated them highly. Best of all, they scored top marks in our sweat-wicking tests, keeping our runners cool and dry as they clocked up the miles. A few testers found them a little tight around the hips and ankles, and others said they required adjusting while running. Still, if you’re looking for cost-effective kit that packs style and substance, these are hard to beat.
Classic black leggings are a staple in any runner’s wardrobe and we think it would be hard to find better than these 7/8s from Nike. According to our panel, they’re comfortable, non-restrictive and effective at wicking away sweat – everything you want from a pair of running pants. They also have three pockets for stashing your phone, card and keys. On test, no unwanted chafing or digging in was reported, the waistband stayed firmly in place, and they proved surprisingly easy to slip off after a sweaty run. If that wasn’t enough, at least 50% of the fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles, so they’re one of the more sustainable choices out there too.
These specialist trail running tights provide comfort over longer distances. Our keen testers loved the soft material, which is ultra-lightweight, flexible and breathable but still robust enough to withstand snags on branches. They also rated the array of clever design features, including mesh panelling around the knees and ankle zips for ventilation. There’s plenty of pockets for your tech and mid-run snacks, plus reflective detailing to keep you visible when running at night. With low compression and a loose fit, we’d recommend sizing down to eliminate the need for constant readjusting.
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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...
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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.
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.
The best capri women's running leggings
If you prefer to wear leggings all year round and you're after a pair of warm weather running tights to keep your legs covered without overheating, capris are a great compromise. To help you find your ideal pair, we've rounded up some of the best capri-length leggings on the market.
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.
The best high-waisted women's running leggings
High-waisted leggings are a blessing for runners who prefer a bit more support around the middle when they move. If you favour a thicker waistband, we've rounded up some of the best options that won't ride down.
Best all-round women's high-waisted running leggings
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.
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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.
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Under Armour Women's HeatGear® No-Slip Waistband Full-Length Leggings
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.
The best plus-size women's running leggings
Runners come in all shapes and sizes and INSTAPUMP should feel stylish and comfortable while they work out! Thankfully, most major running brands have caught on to this fact, and now you can buy leggings in a wider range of sizes. Keep scrolling for our pick of the best plus-size running tights available to shop now.
These classic high-waisted leggings from Adidas' plus-size collection feature the brand's iconic three stripes down the sides for extra style points, and they're available in sizes 1XL up to 4XL. The fabric is moisture-absorbing to keep you cool over any distance, and made from 89% recycled materials to take care of the planet. And best of all they come in a 7/8 leg length, so you won't have to keep rolling them up, plus there's a handy back pocket inside the waist for storing your essentials.
The best women's running leggings for under £40
Looking for affordable running kit? From cost-effective leggings to pocket-friendly capris, here's our pick of the best running leggings on a budget.
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.
Yanar has spent 15 years as a health and wellness editor and writer for national titles such as Women’s Health, Men’s Health and Runner’s World. Yanar is a 580-hour yoga therapist, 200-hour yoga teacher and level 3 personal trainer at Yanar Mind & Movement. After years of running races and marathons, she discovered CrossFit and Olympic lifting in her mid-30s and fell in love with training and competing. She now advocates strength training for women to build a stronger body for life and the benefits of nervous system regulation for better physical and mental health. When not training, teaching or writing, she can be found experimenting in the kitchen.