I've Tested Over 50 Pairs of Running Leggings—These Are the Best

It might seem silly to have pants especially for jogging (shouldn’t any old tights get the job done?). But after you’ve taken on a tough workout in a pair of the best running leggings, you’ll know why specialized gear matters so much.

“Whenever you’re more comfortable, you’re naturally going to do better than if something’s pulling or tugging at you or you’re too cold,” running coach Amie Dworecki tells SELF. A pair of leggings that works well for yoga class might not feel supportive enough for high-impact sprints. Or they might bunch behind your knees with every stride (or annoyingly creep down your waist).

The good news: Though you can definitely splurge on luxe fabrics and special features (compression! extra pockets!), good running leggings don’t have to break the bank. We asked running coaches like Dworecki about the most important things to look for in a pair, then rounded up top options for different budgets, body types, and running styles.

Our top picks

1. Best Overall: Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tight 5-Pocket, $128
2. Best Budget Pick: Gymshark Everyday Seamless Legging, $38
3. Best Splurge: Alo Airlift High-Waist Suit Up Legging, $138
4. Best Compressive: CWX Endurance Generator, $180 $150
5. Best with Pockets: Brooks Spark Tights, $98
6. Most Breathable: Nike Pro Women’s Mid-Rise Crop Mesh-Panel Leggings, $45
7. Best with Reflective Details: Adidas Ultimateadidas Reflective 7/8 Leggings, $90
8. Best Opaque: Spanxshape Booty Boost 7/8 Leggings, $98
9. Best Plus-Size: Peloton Apparel Cadent High Rise Legging, $58

You’ve got miles to run, and we’ve got recommendations that’ll keep you comfy—and confident—every step of the way.

Best Overall: Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tight 5-Pocket

As a fitness writer and certified running coach who’s almost always training for a marathon, I typically have 10 to 20 running leggings in rotation at a time. But when my longtime pair of Fast and Frees started to lose their elasticity last winter—after years of weekly abuse in my washer and dryer—I immediately bought a new pair.

These are the only leggings I’ve ever felt like I need, and they’re the only pair I’ll pull out on race day. The fabric is sleek and super stretchy, with just enough of a hug to stay put on the waist. It’s also surprisingly cool to the touch. Plus, with five(!) pockets, they have more than enough space to hold gels, keys, snacks, and more.

I’m not the only Fast and Free fan: These leggings are consistent favorites among many runners, including Dworecki. “It moves with you, but it’s still lightweight,” she says. 20-time marathon runner Uma Staehler says her five pairs of Fast and Frees are the only leggings she wears regularly: “Honestly, I don’t have any other ones that I really, really like,” she admits.

Best Budget Pick: Gymshark Everyday Seamless Legging

When I first tried these Gymshark leggings, I didn’t think much of them: They don’t have pockets, and they’re pretty thin. But over the past few months, I’ve found myself reaching for them over and over again, thanks to how comfy—and flattering—they are (as long as I go commando).

The virtually seamless design means there’s little chance of chafing, and the wide, ribbed waistband stays in place without pinching. Plus, subtle (but cleverly placed) compression around the glutes gives my backside a nice lift. And all this for only $38? I’m sold.

Best Splurge: Alo Airlift High-Waist Suit Up Legging

These sporty tights have a boxer-style waistband and flattering piping that goes across the glutes and down the legs. Even better: I find the waistband has just the right amount of elasticity to stay perfectly in place on a run without squeezing painfully tight—I never have to worry about these giving me a stomachache if I wear them too long. With a silky fabric and just a smidge of compression, they make my whole lower body feel great.

My only quibble is that, since they only come in a 28-inch inseam length, these are definitely on the long side and can bunch behind the knees if I’m not careful to stretch them out before I start running. Once I do that, I end up with a bit of extra fabric around my ankles. But I find that the trade-off is worth it to feel comfy and cute everywhere else.

Best Compressive: CWX Endurance Generator

When her muscles are feeling achy—or when her energy’s dragging a bit—Dworecki reaches for her pair of CWX tights that give her legs a helpful squeeze. “When you’re sore, sometimes it’s nice to have a compression panel giving you a little extra support,” she says. While more research needs to be done on whether wearing compression leggings can affect your workouts, experts say they may speed up your warm ups and can help you feel more in touch with your body, as SELF has previously reported.

These tights are designed with compressive panels that mimic the kinesiology taping techniques that physical therapists sometimes use to support injured runners. Although Dworecki admits that the extra stiffness doesn’t feel comfy for just lounging around, she says it can come in handy whenever her body’s feeling a little extra beat up.

Best with Pockets: Brooks Spark Tights

Although these Brooks tights might not have the most pockets, they’re really well-designed. In the back of the waistband, there’s a turn-and-lock slot that’s big and secure enough to stash your phone without it bouncing around or dragging the waist down. And on the outside of each thigh, deep pockets are big enough to hold a bunch of gels.

Another detail I love: The fabric inside the side pockets is mesh, so it’s more breathable and keeps me cooler when temps heat up.

Most Breathable: Nike Pro Women’s Mid-Rise Crop Mesh-Panel Leggings

If high-waisted, full-length leggings feel like too much fabric for warmer runs, opt for a cooler, cropped cut instead. This capri-length Nike pair also has cool mesh on the backs of the calves and a wide elastic waistband that hits just below your belly button. Meanwhile, lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric keeps you from getting waterlogged, even when the sweat starts dripping.

Best with Reflective Details: Adidas Ultimateadidas Reflective 7/8 Leggings

Running at dusk or dawn? Look for leggings with reflective details, like this Adidas pair. “Even when you don’t think you’re going to be running in the evenings, you could get lost or something could happen,” Dworecki says. “Even if the weather is just really gray and dark, that reflective detailing is never going to hurt.”

Most leggings only have a small, reflective logo. Other times, it’s pasted onto clothing in big blocks that aren’t exactly flattering. But Ultimateadidas splits the difference, with reflective strips along the front and back of the thighs and ankles. You can easily be seen in the dark from any angle—but still look cute when you’re heading out in daylight.

Best Opaque: Spanxshape Booty Boost 7/8 Leggings

“Booty Boost” is truly an appropriate name for these leggings: The compressive material gives you a lift in the back and some extra support in the front. As someone who’s self-conscious about the cellulite on the back of my thighs, I almost always avoid light-colored tights. But Spanx makes light shades with its “No Reveal Opacity” tech—there’s a darker lining inside, for better coverage.

Although this doesn’t completely block out all panty lines for me, it covers up most of them. Even better? I see next to no cellulite—which leaves me feeling far more confident on my runs.

Best Plus-Size: Peloton Apparel Cadent High Rise Legging

As a plus-size runner, Young says it’s getting harder to find good running leggings in her size. “I wish there were more plus-size options that truly considered plus-size bodies,” she says.

But this pair from Peloton’s apparel line has become her tried-and-true. “These are some of the most enduring pairs of leggings I have come across,” she says. She finds the soft material to be super comfortable, but notes that it still does a great job of wicking away sweat. “And they come in a lot of fun colors,” she adds. (She also recommends the brand’s sports bras and tank tops, which make a perfect matching set.)

More great options

Haven’t found the right pair yet? Don’t sweat it—even though these leggings didn’t make our top picks, we still recommend them. (Many have similar features, fabrics, and price points to our favorites.)

Athleta Rainier High Rise Legging

Living in Indiana, Dworecki has several pairs of fleece-lined leggings—but the Rainier is her favorite. “The fleece interior is just really soft,” she says. While some pairs feel too heavy to run in comfortably, she finds that Athleta nailed the perfect balance of cozy (but not stifling) with this pair. “They just feel comfortable,” she says.

Nikkia Young, president of the Richmond Road Runners Club and running coach with Game Changers, is also a fan. She says they’re super durable (“they do very well for a long time, and they wash well,” she explains) and appreciates that they’re available in plus sizes.

Beyond Yoga Spacedye The Go Pocket Midi Legging

If you want running leggings that are also opaque enough for yoga class and strength training, plus comfy enough for day-to-day lounging, this Beyond Yoga pair has you covered. They’re made from the brand’s UV protective Spacedye material that’s sweat-wicking, has four-way stretch, and feels majorly soft. It’s just as good for curling up on the couch as it is for going on a run.

This pair in particular has side pockets that are big enough for your phone,and a secure, high-rise waistband that won’t slip down, thanks to an adjustable drawstring.

Sweaty Betty Power 7/8 Workout Leggings

These leggings are made with super stretchy, but supportive—and sweat-wicking—polyamide elastane fabric that’s simply ideal for running. They also have a zippered back pocket to keep your phone safe, plus an extra side pocket for your gels, keys, or anything else you want to carry.

One detail we love? Strategic seams across the thighs and backside make for an especially flattering design. Bonus: They come in tons of colors and fun patterns, for a major dopamine boost.

Vuori Daily Pocket Legging

Vuori has a well-earned reputation for making buttery soft clothing, and these leggings are no exception. A drawstring lets you loosen the waist when you’re just hanging around, or tighten it up to stay in place when you’re picking up the pace. (The only bummer is that it can get in the way if you’re wearing a tighter long top.)

Also helpful: Although there’s no back pocket, two drop-in slots on the outside of the thighs are big enough to stash your phone.

What to look for in running leggings

Not all leggings are good for running. Here’s what experts suggest keeping in mind while you’re shopping for a pair that will hold up for miles.

How we tested running leggings

To find the best running leggings, I asked other runners and coaches for their top recs—and took stock of my own go-tos after trying loads of pairs myself over the years. I quizzed the experts on both the essentials (sweat-wicking fabrics) and nice-to-haves (pockets) in good running leggings, then scoured both new releases and longtime fan favorites to find pairs that fit the bill.

Frequently asked questions about running leggings

Related:

• The Best Sports Bras for Big Boobs That Don’t Pinch, Squeeze, or Chafe
• These Are the Running Hats Coaches and Joggers Swear By
• The Best Long-Distance Running Shoes, Recommended by Experts

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