The best women's running leggings, tried and tested (2024)

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.

These 7/8 technical leggings from 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.

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.

Proof that you don't need to spend a fortune on technical kit to have a great run, these cropped legging from Decathlon faired well in the testing process for shorter sessions and gym workouts. They come with handy zipped pockets on the sides and back, well-placed mesh ventilation to help you stay cool and they're available in two different leg lengths to suit runners of all heights.

These funky capris from performance kit pros Ron Hill are ideal for summer running. They're designed to be comfy, with a wide waistband for support around your middle and a soft, comfortable fabric that wicks sweat away. They also come with a zipped pocket on the waistband for your essentials. But best of all, the bold floral-inspired print along the waistband and thighs is seriously jazzy and at half the length of standard leggings, they'll keep you cool on all your summer runs. Or if you prefer a neutral fabric, the brand's Tech Revive Stretch Capris are also on point.

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 on the fence about spending this much on cropped leggings, the fact our tester has owned these Brooks capris for years and they're still going strong should convince you to invest. They come with a wide, supportive waistband, well-placed pockets big enough for all your bits and pieces and flat-lock seams to minimise the chance of chafing. And if this matrix print is not your thing, they come in classic black, too.

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.

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 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.

ASOS has a great new collection of workout wear in a range of sizes up to UK 30, and best of all, these ones are under £20! They come with a comfortable elasticated waist and flattering panelling so you'll feel fab while you pound the pavements, plus reflective detailing for safe night running. They're also available in a full-length leg.

Our panel found these Sweaty Betty leggings supportive, flexible and flattering, with one tester saying they were ‘hands down the best running leggings out there’. With handy side and back pockets for your valuables, they’re also super lightweight, so they won’t hold you back on the way to that PB. The reflective panels are a handy feature for those who like to get in their post-work miles or prefer to run at the crack of dawn – they’ll also look good in your obligatory ‘5:04AM’ story. They’re sweat- and squat proof, too.

When it first burst onto the scene, reflective running gear was at the pricier end of the technical kit spectrum. But thankfully most activewear brands have caught on to the night safety concept and you can now buy high-vis kit as standard. These all-over reflective print leggings from Decathlon come with high-vis panels on the calves for optimum visibility plus spacious pockets on the hip and back, and all for under £20.

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 options are pretty snazzy too.

According to the small print, these stylish leggings from Adidas are designed for 'leg day and cardio', so if you're looking for a pair of stylish tights you can wear to both parkrun and a sweaty HIIT class, they're a great contender. They come with a comfortable wide waistband, a side pocket for your phone and mesh panels to keep you cool however you choose to train.

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.