Say hello to the best women's running leggings for all your running ventures, whether you’re hitting the sidewalk for a light lunchtime jog, or taking an off-grid weekend trip for a challenging trail run.
No two runners are the same; your Achilles heel might be someone else's strong suit. That’s why the running world is full of differing opinions on the best running gear, running shoes, and everything in between.
So with a bit of clarity, we’re here to help you shut out the noise and choose the best running leggings for you.
Contents:
What is the difference between running tights and leggings?
Can I wear normal leggings to run in?
What is the difference between yoga leggings and running leggings?
What leggings do runners wear?
Features are everything when it comes to running leggings, and that’s why most runners will have a favorite pair of leggings that they continuously reach for. While some favour lightweight materials and comfortable waistbands, others crave technical features like pockets or reflective details so that they can run safely in the dark.
Whatever it is you look for in a pair of leggings, we have you covered. Find your perfect ‘fit with this guide to the best running leggings for every running scenario. But first of all, what should you be looking for when buying running leggings?
What To Look For When Buying Running Leggings
There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re on the hunt for a new pair of women's running leggings. What you wear is important, because when you feel good in your clothes, chances are you’ll run a lot better too.
Key Features
Material: choose sweat-wicking fabrics like nylon for comfort and improved performance. Thinner, second-skin feeling materials are popular as they allow for ease of movement and stretch.
Compression: compression leggings promote blood flow, increasing oxygen to your muscles which can help your running performance. They also help with shock absorbance to reduce the impact running has on your muscles and joints.
Waistband/rise: high-waisted leggings lend for a more comfortable fit while running as they are less prone to falling down. Avoid overly compressive waistbands as they can feel too snug around the waist as you run.
Season: opt for lightweight breathable options in summer like our Running Leggings, and thicker or fleece-lined leggings for colder weather.
Fit: running leggings should have a snug fit, without restricting circulation. If your leggings are too tight, small, or big you might run into problems like your leggings falling down or feeling uncomfortable. Find your perfect fit with our Find Your Fit Leggings Size Guide.
Seams: generally seamless leggings are found to be the most comfortable as they have no stitching to irritate the skin. However this is completely preferential and you may prefer the fit and feel of seamed leggings, which often have the benefit of having pockets.
Leggings that suit your style
When it comes to style, we all have our preferences, and if running is an activity you regularly do, you’ll likely see your running wardrobe as an extension of your personal style too. If you wear a lot of bright colors, maybe you want your leggings to be vibrant and full of personality! But being aesthetically pleasing doesn't mean that your running leggings sacrifice functionality. A lil’ boost of confidence after that final glance in the mirror before you take off on your run may motivate you to run faster and further.
Leggings that don't fall down
Secondly, you’ll want your leggings to be appropriate for running (so bye-bye loungewear). Running is a high-impact activity that requires the utmost comfort from its gear, meaning you need waistbands that won’t distract you by falling down constantly and fabrics that are sweat-wicking and breathable to prevent overheating. Lightweight for summer runs and thick enough for your winter runs.
Why do my leggings fall down? Leggings tend to fall down as you run if you're wearing the wrong size leggings or if the waistband doesn't sit correctly on your body. If the waistband is too big, your leggings will fit too loosely around the waist and will have a tendency to fall down. Alternatively, if your leggings are too small, they may fall down because the waistband doesn't have enough material to sit on your waist as designed. Poor-quality leggings not designed for running will fall down as they won't feature supportive waistbands that are made to stay put as you move.
Leggings with pockets
Just as important, safety and functionality are something you should look for when buying womens running leggings. You’ll want your running clothes to improve your running performance, and there are extra points to claim if they can make the house-to-running trail transition a lot easier too. We’re talking leggings with pockets, ladies! Somewhere you can keep your small essentials and have peace of mind that they’re secure so you can focus on your running.
Leggings With Reflective Detailing
Finally, you want to look for reflective details on your leggings to help you stay visible to cars on the road, as the reflective spots will light up as their headlights shine on you. Stay seen as you run with reflective running leggings that increase visibility when running and can help you feel safer when running in the dark.
Our Best Running Leggings For Women
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Best Running Leggings With Pockets
Pockets might just be the creme-de-la-creme of any piece of running gear. Whatever the garment, we all know pockets come in handy, and that’s especially true for running leggings. Our Pocket Leggings feature not one, but two full iPhone-sized zip pockets to the side for slotting your phone, keys, or any small essentials so you can run hands-free without compromising on the tunes. Ideal for running, you’ll also love the comfy wide waistband, lightweight feel, and sculpted high-waisted fit to keep you secure as you run.
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Training for a marathon, or a specific running race this year? We've collated some of the best race day clothes, see you on the finish line!
Best Lightweight Running Leggings
After that second-skin feel to your running leggings? With effortless stretch that supports you in all the right places whilst feeling weightless on the body as you run, our Training Leggings are your best choice for lightweight running leggings. The high waist stays put, and the soft brushed fabric is easy to slip into and take off after a sweaty run. The collection is full of color pop pieces, from orange to coastal blue, or navies and blacks for when you want something a little more low-key.
Best High Waisted Running Leggings
We can say with full certainty that there’s nothing more satisfying than having a pair of high-waisted leggings that don’t budge when you run. Because during your runs - whether it's one mile, or six, your full focus should be on your form, your breath, and your surroundings.
Our Running Leggings sit above the belly button to give you that extra support around your middle and feature an internal drawcord to adjust the waistband to your perfect fit. The streamlined design makes for smooth strides, and body-contouring seams create a sleek look. Oh, and did we mention that they feature a back pocket for your phone, sweat-wicking technology, and reflective logos...
Best Winter Running Leggings
When it comes to Winter running, you’re going to want something a little thicker to keep your legs warm. And, whilst Adapt Seamless Leggings aren't running leggings by default, they do deserve a place in the lineup...
A winner for cold-weather runs, our Adapt Seamless Leggings have been sewn from a slightly thicker fabric than some of the other leggings on our roster, making them the best choice for providing a little more insulation to your legs without compromising on stretch or breathability. The sweat-wicking technology keeps moisture out, and the elongated ribbed waistband fits snugly for a supportive run.
As for your upper half? Stay warm and feel prepared for the colder training sessions with our roundup of the best running clothes to wear on your cold-weather runs.
Best Patterned Running Leggings
A stylish bold print on a pair of running leggings is always welcome (in our humble opinion), and the Adapt Safari Seamless Leggings certainly deliver.
When you have an array of plain running tops and jackets in your activewear wardrobe, it can be fun to add a little flair to your outfit to make your SLRs (slow long runs) that little more enjoyable. More than a pop of color, these leggings are vibrant and stand out amongst the crowd, with a wild animal print that will keep you seen as you run.
They are a thicker pair of leggings, perfect for the hybrid gym-goer who lifts to improve their running performance. They feature a high-waisted rise to fit you snugly and comfortably as you run and are made from a sweat-wicking fabric that’ll keep you cool and dry for miles.
Best Hybrid Running Leggings
For those of you who want your running leggings to do it all, our Elevate Leggings are the perfect match for your active lifestyle.
From park runs to weekend coffee runs, Elevate has you covered - featuring our buttery-soft RLSE™️ fabric to elevate movement with support and stretch, meaning you can run, walk, and jog, with full freedom of movement. Breathable and functional, with a no-fuss design, second-skin feel, and comfy high-waisted fit so that you can ramp up the intensity of your runs with no slips halfway through. The Elevate Leggings are also designed without a front seam for zero distractions as you run.
Like the look of socks over leggings? Here's how to style crew socks with leggings and more chunky sock styling tips.
Running Leggings FAQ’s
Running leggings are all about comfort, stretch, and softness, whereas running tights are built to give your muscles some extra support and help them recover. Running leggings are thicker whilst running tights are stretchier and more lightweight. This is because leggings are typically meant to be worn on their own, while tights are usually layered under a pair of shorts.
Running leggings are purposefully designed with features to enhance your running performance; such as sweat-wicking fabrics, a stay-put waistband, and a seamless fit. If you pick leggings that aren't made for running, you might end up with some annoying seams rubbing in the wrong spots. For example, some leggings are designed for weightlifting and some women's leggings are more for stylish athleisure outfits.
Yoga leggings are usually crafted from softer, stretchier fabric compared to running leggings. They don't require the same seams or structure as those designed for high-impact workouts and aren't as focused on sweat-wicking. Running leggings also often benefit from compression, and a tighter fit to stay put as you run, which isn’t always necessary for low-impact movements like yoga.
Yoga and running complement each other, discover the best stretches every runner should be doing to avoid injury and improve their running performance!
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Love your running leggings and looking for more ways to style them? Why not swap your ankle socks for a pair of crew socks and wear them over your running leggings for a cozy athleisure look? Pair with baggy tees, tank tops, or a hoodie for a comfy ‘fit, perfect for every day.
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