We Found the 18 Best Running Leggings After Testing 77 Pairs on Roads and Trails

Best Women's Overall

lululemon Original Fast and Free High-Rise Crop

$128 at Lululemon

Our Ratings

• Opacity
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Hold
  5/5

These lululemon leggings are our top overall pick for running, thanks to their lightweight feel, sweat-wicking capabilities, and durable fabric. These leggings can be worn in all seasons and will even keep you cool in warmer summer months. We found them very opaque when testing, and they passed the squat test with flying colors, despite their lightweight feel. They are slightly longer than typical crop leggings, providing more coverage, especially in cooler weather.

They have a snug, compressive fit and run true to size. These leggings fit a little tighter around the waist due to their high-rise waistband and built-in drawcord, but this also means they offer superior hold. They stay put and never slide down, no matter how many miles we run in them. And the waistband never stretched out, even after multiple washes.

We love that this pick features seven pockets—two side drop-in pockets and five drop-in waistband pockets that hold small essentials. Our only complaint is that the side drop-in pockets are very deep, making storing a phone or heavier object during runs a bit uncomfortable. When stashing our phone in one of the side drop-in pockets during a run, it slid almost to our knees. The five small waistband pockets are perfect for storing keys, cards, or energy chews and gels.

The leggings are very durable and showed no signs of wear and tear after we washed them multiple times a week over our four-week testing period. They come in six colors and three lengths. While they're pricier than other options, we feel they are worth the investment.

_{Key Specs:
Sizes: Women's 0-20 | Fabric: Nylon, Lycra | Rise: High | Pockets: Two side pockets, Five waistband pockets | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low}

Best Size Range

Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Leggings

$88 at Amazon View on Girlfriend.com

Our Ratings

• Opacity
  5/5
• Fit
  4.2/5
• Value
  4.3/5

Girlfriend Collective’s Compressive Pocket Leggings are designed for high-impact workouts and feature a soft four-way stretch material that swiftly wicks away sweat. We like that the fabric is supportive and sheer-proof, providing good coverage without feeling tight. The leggings also have a wide, elastic waistband and a high-rise fit, so they stay put from warm-ups to cool-downs.

With two deep side pockets and a back pocket, there’s plenty of room to store your phone, keys, cards, and more. This pair comes in a wide range of sizes, from XXS to 6XL, and in two inseam options—23.75 and 28.5 inches. These leggings run large, especially in the waistband, so you may want to size up.

We love that this pair is made with recycled materials, so you can do your part for the planet by wearing them.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: Women's XXS-6XL | Fabric: Recycled plastic bottles (RPET), spandex | Rise: High | Pockets: Two side pockets, one back pocket | Care: Machine wash cold, hang dry}

Best with Pockets

lululemon Swift Speed High-Rise Tight

$69 at Lululemon

Our Ratings

• Opacity
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5
• Value
  4.5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Hold
  4.5/5

If you need to carry your phone, keys, card, or nutrition during your workout, you'll need a good pair of leggings with pockets. We recommend these Swift Speed leggings from lululemon. They feel smooth and tight without being restrictive and are completely opaque, passing our squat test with ease.

These leggings have deep, drop-in pockets on the thighs to hold your phone and other essentials and a zippered pocket on the back of the waistband to secure valuables like keys or a card. They feature reflective detailing for visibility for runs in low-light conditions, and they only have seams on the outside to reduce irritation. We love the drawcord waistband that keeps these leggings from sagging, but we need to tighten it occasionally before runs to ensure optimal hold.

The leggings wash well and are durable. They offer the right amount of compression but still allow for easy movement. Like other lululemon leggings on our list, they're pricier, but we think they're worth the investment for runners with many essentials to carry during runs.

_{Key Specs:
Sizes: Women's 0-14 | Fabric: Nylon, Lycra | Rise: High | Pockets: Two side pockets, one back waistband zippered pocket | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry}

Best Men's Overall

Under Armour Men's HeatGear Leggings

$30 at Amazon $30 at Zappos $35 at Dick's

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5

Under Armour’s HeatGear Leggings are our top men’s overall pick for running because they feature the ideal blend of comfort and performance. We recommend them for runners who want lightweight leggings or an extra layer under shorts or pants when temperatures dip.

The thin fabric, a blend of polyester and elastane, wicks sweat away and dries quickly. With a snug, compressive fit, these leggings offer plenty of support without feeling too bulky or constricting. They also feature strategically placed mesh panels for extra ventilation right where it’s needed. 

We like that this pair’s seams are designed to help prevent irritation and that the wide elastic waistband helps them stay in place. Plus, the leggings come with a side drop-in pocket that’s perfect for holding your phone.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: Men's XS-4X | Fabric: Polyester, elastane | Rise: Mid | Pockets: One side pocket | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low}

Best Women's Budget

Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft 7/8-Length Leggings

View on Gap.com

Our Ratings

• Opacity
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Hold
  4/5

If you're looking for high-waisted leggings that are budget-friendly and comfortable for running, we recommend this pair from Old Navy. They’re made from a breathable, lightweight fabric that feels soft against the skin and offers support—although some runners may prefer more compression. We like that this pair is moisture-wicking and has flat-lock seams to keep you dry, comfortable, and chafe-free.

The PowerSoft leggings feature two deep side pockets to hold all your necessities. They’re also available in a wide range of inseam lengths and sizes, from 00-30, so it’s easy to get a custom-like fit. And with more than a dozen of colors to choose from, you may want to grab more than one pair.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: Women's 00-30; regular, tall, and petite | Fabric: Polyester, spandex | Rise: High | Pockets: Two side pockets | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low}

Best Men's Budget

BALEAF Men’s Leggings with Pockets

$28 at Amazon

We recommend these budget-friendly BALEAF leggings for runners who want to build up their cold-weather running wardrobe without spending a fortune. They’re durable and come with a range of features you’d expect to find in more expensive pairs.

The leggings are designed with quick-drying, breathable material that stretches with you while you’re running. The smooth fabric and flatlock seams help prevent chafing. Whether you want to wear this pair alone or as a base layer, the elastic waistband holds them securely in place.

We like that they have two side pockets that are big enough to hold your phone and other items without weighing you down. But there’s only one inseam option, which may not be long enough for some wearers.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: Men's S-2X | Fabric: Nylon, spandex, cotton, polyester | Rise: Low | Pockets: Two side pockets | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low}

Best Lightweight

lululemon Base Pace High-Rise Tight

$98 at Lululemon $98 at Net-a-Porter

Our Ratings

• Opacity
  4/5
• Fit
  5/5
• Value
  4/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Hold
  5/5

If you're looking for lightweight leggings with light compression, we recommend these Base Pace leggings. The compression feels light and comfortable, but the leggings still stay put during runs. And the material is thinner compared to other options on our list, which makes it breathable and will keep you cool during outdoor runs in hot weather. We also appreciate the seamless ankle design that prevents chafing.

Since these leggings are thinner than other options, they're also not as opaque. The lighter-colored leggings we tested showed tags and outlines of undergarments in bright light. But if you plan on wearing these leggings on runs instead of squatting at the gym, their opacity won't matter as much. The lighter colors may also show sweat marks.

We found the fit and length perfect, and they stayed put with no sagging or waistband rolling during runs. The leggings have a drawstring in the waistband that helps keep them in place and a hidden back pocket for valuables. They held up in the wash and didn't show signs of wear and tear after our four-week testing period, but their thin material makes us question their long-term durability.

_{Key Specs:
Sizes: Women's 0-20 | Fabric: Nylon, Lycra | Rise: High | Pockets: One back pocket | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry}

Best for Hot Weather

lululemon High-Rise Drawcord Waist Crop

$59 at Lululemon

Our Ratings

• Opacity
  4.5/5
• Fit
  5/5
• Value
  4.5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Hold
  4.5/5

We recommend these leggings from lululemon to keep you cool when you exercise in warm weather or a hot gym. Their four-way stretch fabric provides enough supportive compression without restricting movement during runs, yoga, or Spin class. We found them to be very lightweight and breathable. And thanks to their sweat-wicking properties, they feel cool to the touch even after hot workouts.

These leggings are comfortable and don't restrict our movement at all. They feel thinner than other lululemon leggings on our list, which is good for hot exercise but makes them less opaque compared to other options. They fit true to size and don't bunch, sag, or roll down at the waist.

We like the seam-free front that helps prevent chafing, and we like that the pair features three drop-in pockets that make it easy to carry everything you need. The drawcord waist helps keep the pants secure. We like that this pair dries quickly and showed no signs of wear and tear after our initial testing period.

_{Key Specs:
Sizes: Women's 0-20 | Fabric: Nylon, Lycra | Rise: High | Pockets: Two side pockets, one back pocket | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry}

Best for Cold Weather

Under Armour ColdGear Authentics Leggings

$50 at Amazon $55 at Zappos $50 at Dick's

Our Ratings

• Opacity
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5
• Value
  4.8/5
• Durability
  5/5

We recommend Under Armour’s ColdGear Authentics Leggings for people who enjoy exercising outdoors or walking in cold weather. The polyester and elastane fabric has two layers to help wick away sweat, so you'll stay dry and chafe-free. And a soft, brushed interior will keep you warm and comfortable in chilly conditions.

Unlike some winter running pants and leggings, this pair isn’t bulky and feels like a second skin. With a wide elastic waistband, they don’t sag or ride up, so you can stay focused on your run. These versatile leggings are a great option to wear alone in cold conditions or under another layer in more frigid temperatures.

They're even great to wear under pants when walking the dog in cold weather (if it's icy out, make sure you're also wearing shoes for walking on ice). While they don’t have any pockets, you can always pair them with a running vest, pants, or jacket that does.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: Women's 0-18 | Fabric: Polyester, elastane | Rise: Mid | Pockets: None | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low}

Best for Long Distance

Brooks Method 7/8 Tights

$72 at Amazon $36 at Zappos $88 at Dick's

Distance runners need leggings that are supportive but won’t restrict movement. Designed with motion in mind, the Brooks Method 7/8 Tights offer a comfortable fit with the right amount of stretch and compression for distraction-free miles. An adjustable infinity drawstring gives you even more assurance that the leggings will stay put.

We like that the fabric is breathable, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking and that strategic perforations help with airflow. Distance runners will also appreciate the deep back pocket and two side pockets large enough to hold a phone. Although they come in sizes XS-XXL, they’re only available in one inseam length, so they may not work for very petite or tall runners.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: Women's XS-XXL | Fabric: Polyester, spandex | Rise: Mid | Pockets: Two side pockets, one back pocket | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry}

Best for Trail Running

Janji 7/8 Groundwork 2.0 Tights

$94 at REI

We recommend these Janji 7/8 Groundwork Tights for trail running because they’ll keep you dry and comfortable. This pair provides light, supportive compression that won’t interfere with your stride. And the waistband prevents slippage, so you don’t have to worry about pulling them up in the middle of a run. Wear them with a pair of great trail running shoes for optimal support on the trail.

The nylon and spandex blend is moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and will retain its shape over time. And we like that reflective elements on the front and back help you stay visible to cars and other runners if you’re exercising outdoors in low light. 

These leggings have two deep side pockets, two slits in the waistband, and an external back pocket to carry all your essentials. The dual-entry back pocket can be used to store items or as a pass-through pocket to hold a shirt or lightweight jacket in case conditions change.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XS-XL | Fabric: Nylon, spandex | Rise: Medium | Pockets: Two side pockets, two waistband pockets, back pocket | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low}

Best Compression

Under Armour Motion Leggings

$45 at Amazon $45 at underarmour.com $17 at kohls.com

We recommend these leggings from Under Armour for runners looking to prevent muscle fatigue or to get some post-workout relief for tired legs. This pair offers good compression, and they’re moisture-wicking, so they’ll be reliable from mile 1 to 100.

With a wide, high-rise waistband, these compression leggings stay comfortably in place without digging in. The four-way stretch material moves with you and is odor-resistant to keep you feeling and smelling fresh. We like that these leggings come in a range of sizes and three inseams—short, regular, and tall—so you can find the perfect fit. Note that they may run small.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: Women's 0-18; short, regular, tall | Fabric: Polyester, elastane | Rise: High | Pockets: Side pocket | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry low}

Most Breathable

Outdoor Voices TechSweat Thrive 7/8 Legging

$60 at outdoorvoices.com

Our Ratings

• Opacity
  5/5
• Fit
  4.8/5
• Value
  5/5

These leggings from Outdoor Voices are breathable, with the right amount of compression to support hard workouts. The fabric is designed to be cool to the touch and felt like a second skin from the first time we put them on during testing. The fit is perfect, and there is no need to yank or tug them to get the waistband in the right place. They are opaque where it matters most—in the butt and crotch area—but more sheer in the front and back of the legs for style and superior breathability.

We found the waistband to be very tight but not uncomfortable. It provides support and hold without pinching or being too restrictive, although runners who prefer less compression around the waist may find these too tight. They never sag during runs or need to be readjusted.

The leggings come in four colors and have two side pockets for a phone or other valuables.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: Women's 0-14 | Fabric: Nylon, Lycra, Polyester | Rise: High | Pockets: Two side pockets | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low}

Best Hold

lululemon SenseKnit High-Rise Running Crop

$158 at Lululemon

Our Ratings

• Opacity
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5
• Value
  4.5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Hold
  5/5

These SenseKnit leggings are perfect for running because they provide targeted support and medium compression. We also like that they offer enough hold and support for running but are also comfortable enough to lounge in. The fabric feels very soft, and the inseam-free design further reduces the chance of irritation during exercise.

We like that the high-rise waistband and drawcord keep these leggings in place. The fold-over pockets on the back of the waistband are large enough for a small phone, but we wish the pockets were zippered for more security. The leggings are completely opaque and passed our squat test, even in bright light. We feel secure, no matter what pace we're running, and they never shift or sag.

This pair is on the pricier side compared to others on our list and only come in one color, but if you're looking for durable leggings that will maintain compression after many uses, the investment is worth it.

_{Key Specs:
Sizes: Women's 0-14 | Fabric: Nylon, Elastane | Rise: High | Pockets: Two back pockets | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low}

Best Sweat-Wicking

lululemon Base Pace High-Rise Crop

$88 at Lululemon

Our Ratings

• Opacity
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5
• Value
  4.9/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Hold
  5/5

If you sweat a lot during your workouts, you'll want leggings that help wick moisture away, and these Base Pace Cropped leggings from lululemon do the trick. They provide lightweight, breathable coverage with fabric that feels cool to the touch. They're soft, sleek, and very compressive without being restrictive. They have great sweat-wicking abilities and don't pinch or bunch anywhere. They make us feel "held in" and secure throughout our workouts.

We found them durable and resistant to pilling even after many wears and washes. The compression and sweat-wicking ability never changed throughout our testing period. This pair fits true to size and is a little tighter around the waist and looser in the legs.

We like that these have no inseam, preventing irritation, and that they passed our squat test. They only come in one color, but their reasonable price makes them a great value.

_{Key Specs:
Sizes: Women's 0-20 | Fabric: Nylon, Lycra elastane | Rise: High | Pockets: One back pocket | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low}

Best Seamless

Gymshark Seamless Leggings

$48 at gymshark.com

Our Ratings

• Opacity
  4.9/5
• Fit
  4.9/5
• Value
  4.5/5

If irritation and scratchiness from seams are one of your biggest pet peeves in leggings, you'll love Gymshark's seamless Adapt Camo leggings. They're seamless, tagless, and feature a ribbed waistband and ankle cuffs for soft support. They do a great job at wicking sweat and never trap odor. We also like that the thicker fabric and design pattern help mask sweat marks. Although we like the thicker material for colder weather, it's not ideal for hot-weather runs.

These leggings are completely opaque and passed our squat test. However, we sometimes notice some gapping around the waist when squatting. The overall fit is perfect and true to size, and we feel secure and comfortable when wearing these for higher-intensity activities. The leggings occasionally bunch around the knees, but we don't find this very distracting or bothersome.

Although we love the affordability of this pick, they may not be as durable as other options on our list. They generally held up to washes and wear after our four-week testing period, but we did notice some minor thinning of the fabric in the crotch area. We also wish these had pockets to store valuables on the go, but you can easily pair these with a fanny pack for more storage space.

_{Key Specs:
Sizes: Women's XS-XXL | Fabric: Nylon, Polyester, Elastane | Rise: High | Pockets: None | Care: Not listed}

Best Tall

Gymshark GS Power Original Leggings

$45 at gymshark.com

Our Ratings

• Opacity
  4.1/5
• Fit
  4.3/5
• Value
  3.7/5

These GS Power Original Leggings are a good choice for taller exercisers or anyone who likes their leggings to come down to their ankles. One of our editors, who is 5 foot-1, noted that even the extra-small size bunched around her ankles, so these leggings are best for taller wearers. They are supportive enough for workouts but are also comfortable enough for lounging. They have a buttery soft, smooth texture that feels like a second skin.

They offer good compression without being restrictive. While the dark-colored versions of these leggings are completely opaque, the lighter colors may show lines and undergarments, so you may want to pair these with seamless underwear.

We like the flat front design of these leggings that prevents irritation. We also appreciate the quick-drying fabric and that they come in six different colors. The waistband feels comfortable but rolls down on occasion. And, although these come at a budget-friendlier price than many on our list, they're not as durable and may show some fraying in the crotch area over time.

_{Key Specs:
Sizes: Women's XS-XXL | Fabric: Polyester, Elastane | Rise: High | Pockets: None | Care: Not listed}

Best Opaque

Gymshark Flex High-Waisted Leggings

$50 at gymshark.com

Our Ratings

• Opacity
  5/5
• Fit
  4.3/5
• Value
  3.9/5

If you're looking for leggings that will pass the squat test, these Flex leggings from Gymshark are a good choice. They're thick and sturdy, and completely opaque. No underwear colors or lines show through, even in bright light.

Durable and supportive, these leggings are great for activities like running, but they may be too restrictive for everyday wear or yoga. They're some of the most compressive leggings on our list and are best for activities like running and HIIT, as the fabric doesn't offer enough give for stretching or yoga.

We liked the high, seamless waistband that never rolls down and provides a flattering fit. These leggings held up in the wash and showed no wear and tear after our four-week testing period. Even though we wash them regularly, these pants never lose compression or opacity.

_{Key Specs:
Sizes: Women's XXS-XXL | Fabric: Nylon, Polyester, Elastane | Rise: High | Pockets: None | Care: Not listed}