The right running leggings can seriously enhance your workout, helping you run comfortably and easily so you can focus on your breath, your gait and – of course – those pretty views. We at mybest can help you choose between fabrics, pocket options, cropped or full-lengths, as well as which waistbands don't fall down!
Top sports brands like Puma, Adidas and Reebok offer comfortable, colourful, close-fitting yet breathable options for cold weather and summer alike, all of which feature on our list. Feast your eyes on our top ten pairs of women's running leggings, where you’ll find affordable activewear that will transform your run from chore to cheer! *High kick*
Quick List - Top Running Leggings for Women
Reebok
Reflective, Breathable Leggings Made from Recycled, Sweat-Wicking Fabric
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The type of running leggings that suit you will naturally be influenced by the way you like your body to feel as you run. Choosing the right kind of pants or leggings for you will require you to ask a few key questions about comfort and practicality. Take a look at our buying guide our top tips!
Give yourself a moment to consider the length of your optimum running leggings. Ankle-length leggings keep your limbs nicely protected, they look stylish, and of course, they're much warmer. This will appeal if you like to be covered, or are charging off for an early-morning sprint or trail run in cooler weather. Shorter women can look for 7/8 leggings, which limit ankle bunching.
In contrast, cropped running leggings allow your pins to breathe; great for running during the summer months. If you're someone who likes to feel a little air on your skin, cropped, 3/4 or mid-length leggings may suit your tastes. As an aside, your hair removal habits may also influence your choice of legging length!
The type of waist you choose is influenced by nothing but your own comfort and style preferences: would you rather a low-cut legging that lets the breeze caress your stomach that you find flattering, or a high-waisted pair that synch you in tightly and sculpt that silhouette?
On the downside, low cut leggings do have a tendency to fall down as you hit your stride, and high-waisted pants can sometimes be pretty tight around the stomach and sides.
It’s a decision that'll change from one woman to the next, but one worth contemplating carefully to get the most from your leggings and run free!
Normally it's our skin colour, hair and favourite shades that influence the colour of the sportswear we buy, but in fact there are certain advantages to particular shades which go deeper than aesthetics.
Black, dark green and navy running leggings are a good call if you want to hide sweat, while grey better reflects the sun's rays but is best avoided for the opposite reason.
Lastly, brightly coloured women's running leggings not only help you to be seen, but also get you excited for those difficult runs when you're low on enthusiasm!
Other common fabrics are polyester and polyamide. But what's the difference? Polyamide fabrics absorb water more quickly, and dry more slowly. In contrast, polyester is hydrophobic, meaning it's resistant to water, so fabrics containing a percentage of it are more likely to be moisture-wicking.
Another perk you may look for in a pair of running leggings is a pocket. Some leggings have a secret slot on the rear waistband or a pocket at the side, where you can comfortably slide your house key or smartphone without it interfering with the contours of your body or the smoothness of your run.
Leggings with zip pockets are also worth considering. They're usually designed to be small and discreet and will keep your belongings 100% safe when you're on the move.
Running pants with pockets don’t cost much more than regular leggings, so unless you run on a home or gym treadmill they're worth a look. To zip or not to zip; that's up to you!
If you sometimes run early in the mornings or as the sun is going down, look out for running leggings with reflective strips or sections. While they won't make a staggering difference, they may help you feel safer on evening jogs and can catch the attention of people crossing your path.
Do be aware that small reflective strips alone may not be enough to make you clearly visible to drivers and cyclists – a high-visibility jacket or a flashing light at your wrist will improve your safety further.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sweaty Betty Power Mesh Gym Leggings | ![]() | Fabulous Figure Huggers with Pocket and Mesh Detail | |
2 | Reebok One Series Women's Running Tights | ![]() | Reflective, Breathable Leggings Made from Recycled, Sweat-Wicking Fabric | |
3 | Adidas Own the Run 3/4 Running Tights | ![]() | Compressing Cropped Leggings Using 'Climacool' Technology | |
4 | Iuga Running & Yoga Pants with Pocket | ![]() | Comfy Leggings Combining Performance With Style | |
5 | Ronhill Momentum Sculpt Cropped Running Tights | ![]() | Breathable, Sweat-Wicking Tights Which Act Like a Second Skin | |
6 | Reebok Studio Lux Bold High-Rise Training Tights | ![]() | Flattering Leggings, Optimised for Cardio | |
7 | Deep Twist Women's Running & Yoga Pants | ![]() | High Quality, Full-Length Leggings With Two Waistline Options | |
8 | Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity Running Leggings | ![]() | Sleek, Chic, Bum-Sculpting Leggings With a Secret Pocket | |
9 | IceUnicorn Women's Fitness Sports and Yoga Leggings | ![]() | Elasticated and Flexible With Great Colour Options | |
10 | Puma Ignite Running Tights | ![]() | Sweat Absorbent With a Reflective Logo and Hidden Pocket |
Sweaty Betty's sportswear range is high-end and highly-sought-after, for the simple reason that the brand use quality materials and clever technology to get your body kitted out and comfy for any kind of workout.
With a hidden zip pocket at the back and stylish geometric design, these leggings combine statement elegance with efficient practicality. Moisture is wicked comfortably away from skin too, thanks to the optimum material composition and mesh inserts, and the high waistband and drawcord will ensure the perfect fit that stays put no matter what.
Do your bit for the planet by choosing these leggings made using a low-emission process from recycled polyester. On top of this, their biggest selling points are the fabulous bright neon pattern with added reflectivity, as well as the novel hooks on the waistband for a towel or similar.
A zip pocket is another benefit, especially as the pocket is almost hidden when zipped closed. And to top it off, moisture-wicking polyester and elastane combine with mesh panels to keep your leggings dry and your legs cool for many a mile.
Stay extra chilled as you run with Adidas's patented 'climacool' technology which wicks away sweat while letting your skin breathe. This is achieved using a mix of recycled polyester and elastane.
A zipped back pocket allows you to keep valuables safe on the move, and their built-in compression can help to reduce muscle vibration for better performance. Boasting 360 degree reflectivity, these snazzy women's running tights also keep you safe on evening or night-time jogs.
Choose these lovely running leggings if you favour a slightly thicker brand of bottoms for your workout. Combining polyester and elastane with an ultra-thick seam, they stretch beautifully while keeping you comfy, protected, and warm.
If you like your legs covered as you exercise, for example if you run in the woods or wilderness, choose a full-length pair, but these smart pants are also available in a cropped version for warmer weather and those who like to get some sun on their skin.
One of the most appealing aspects of these skin-tight running pants by trusted sportswear brand Ronhill is the range of jazzy patterns you can buy them in! They also offer a good compromise between shorts and full-length leggings, as they'll be great for summer but offer protection and coverage.
Zipped pockets at the back and on the side of the leg mean you can run free in the knowledge that your belongings will stay put. A high polyamide content also gives exceptional stretch, wicking away sweat too,
Choose these gorgeously stylish, touchably-textured leggings if you want a figure-hugging pair that are designed with workouts in mind. Using recycled polyester and elastane, their 'Speedwick' technology will wick sweat away from your body to keep you comfortable and dry as you sprint to the finish line.
Whether it's running, yoga or weights, Reebok has designed these leggings with maximum comfort and freedom of movement as its priority, so they'd be ideal for runners who like to switch between workouts.
Next on our list are these supremely smooth and body-hugging leggings by DeepTwist. With a hidden pocket large enough to slide keys and a smartphone, and reaching a good length past your ankle, these quality running tights keep your legs and protected warm while sculpting your bum and thighs.
Made from a mix of polyamide and elastane, these running leggings are available in three colours, and as a mid-waist or high-waist option depending on whether you like your stomach free or covered.
Probably the biggest selling point of this smart, stylish pair of leggings is the streamlined streaks of reflective silver down each calf and the shiny pattern of dots on each thigh.
Other perks are the fact these stretchy running tights have UV protection, and not one but two pockets. Yep – that's a zip pocket at the back and a leg pocket, which means you can easily transport everything on long runs without the risk of them tumbling out. They adjust at the waist with a drawcord, too, so shouldn't fall down.
The reason we love these super-stretchy leggings is the fact that they're full length but keep your ankle free – ideal for sunny springtime runs when there's still a chill in the air or if you prefer to cover up but want to stay cool.
A slimline pocket at the side of each thigh fits a phone, bank card or keys comfortably. The lack of zip could be a pro or a con depending how you look at it! These gorgeous running pants come in a wide range of colours too, so you can add a bright touch to even the greyest of morning jogs.
These leggings made our top ten because not only are they a subtle choice that won't show up sweat, but because they have a water-resistant invisible zip pocket at the back. Plus, they're fashioned from soft polyester with plenty of squat-friendly, supportive elastane for good measure.
A downside to these high-waisted running leggings is that they're made from a sweat-absorbent rather than a sweat-wicking fabric, meaning they can become a little damp over serious distances.
If this article has got you excited to get your body moving, we think you'll love these guides on other cool ways to work out either indoors or out. Whether you have running or other activities in mind, we think these suggestions will help you strengthen your muscles and build your basic fitness levels. Happy reading!
So that's the end of our guide to picking yourself some brilliant running leggings so you can keep your limbs active and your blood pumping, even during lockdown. We hope you've found a pair that suit your needs and that get you all excited to leap off the sofa for a mood-boosting, fresh-air-blasting run.
Author: Annie Hopkins
No. 1: Sweaty Betty|Power Mesh Gym Leggings
No. 2: Reebok|One Series Women's Running Tights
No. 3: Adidas|Own the Run 3/4 Running Tights
No. 4: Iuga|Running & Yoga Pants with Pocket
No. 5: Ronhill|Momentum Sculpt Cropped Running Tights
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