The 15 Best Running Leggings That a Running Coach Recommends

Best Women's Overall

Athleta Ultimate Stash 7/8 Tights

4.8

View On Gap.com

These Athleta leggings are our top overall pick because they’re comfortable, breathable, and supportive. Great for short or long runs, as well as other high-intensity workouts, they’re made with soft, stretchy fabric that moves with you. The recycled polyester and lycra mix quickly wicks away sweat and dries fast, keeping you comfortable while you run.

With two side pockets and a back pocket, there’s plenty of room to stash your phone, snacks, and other items. And we love that this pair comes in regular, petite, and tall inseams in sizes from XXS to 3X.

Thanks to a high-rise, no-slip waistband, the Ultimate Stash 7/8 Tights offer a secure fit and excellent coverage. These leggings come at a higher price point, but we think their quality, durability, and performance are worth it.

Price at time of publication: $109

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XXS-3X, petite, regular, tall | Fabric: Recycled polyester, lycra | Rise: High | Pockets: Two side pockets, back pocket | Care: Machine wash and dry | Colors: Four}

Best Men's Overall

Under Armour Men's HeatGear Leggings

4.8

View On Amazon View On Dick's View On Academy.com

Under Armour’s HeatGear Leggings are our top men’s overall pick 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.

Price at time of publication: $35

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XS-4X | Fabric: Polyester, elastane | Rise: Mid | Pockets: One side pocket | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Colors: 12}

Best Women's Budget

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

4.8

View On Gap.com

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 of your necessities. They’re also available in a wide range of inseam lengths and sizes, from XS to 4XL, so it’s easy to get a custom-like fit. And with more than a dozen colors to choose from, you may want to grab more than one pair.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XXS-4X, regular, tall, petite | Fabric: Polyester, spandex | Rise: High | Pockets: Two side pockets | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Colors: 15}

Best Men's Budget

BALEAF Men’s Leggings with Pockets

View On 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, and it may not be long enough for some wearers.

Price at time of publication: $26

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: S-2X | Fabric: Nylon, spandex, cotton, polyester | Rise: Low | Pockets: Two side pockets | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Colors: 10}

Best High-Rise

Lululemon Fast and Free Tight 25"

View On Lululemon

Known for its ultra-soft premium leggings, Lululemon delivers our top high-rise pick for runners with their Fast and Free High-Rise Tights. They’re made from a stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric that'll keep you dry, even during the sweatiest runs. We like that this lightweight pair has a four-way stretch, allowing you to run without restriction. And the wide, high-rise waistband is supportive and comfortable.

What the Experts Say: “I really like the Fast and Free tights because they’re made from a comfortable, lightweight material and have two side pockets and five waistband pockets—seven pockets total, which is a runner's dream," says Lauren Sheu, RRCA-certified running coach.

The Fast and Free Tights come in sizes 0 to 20 and two inseam lengths, 25 or 28 inches, so you can find the right fit. While this pair is more expensive than others on our list, they come highly recommended by plenty of runners.

Price at time of publication: $128

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: 0-20 | Fabric: Nylon, Lycra elastane, elastane | Rise: High | Pockets: Five waistband pockets, two side pockets | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Colors: 11}

Best With Pockets

Fabletics Trinity Mid Rise Pocket

View On Fabletics.com

If you’re sick of small, shallow pockets, we recommend Fabletics’ Trinity Leggings. Their innovative triple-pocket design offers a total of six side pockets that overlap, so you can keep all your essentials organized in separate slots. Two pockets are large enough to stash your phone, and you don’t have to worry about your cash, keys, or snacks spilling out when you reach for them.

We like that these leggings are made from comfortable, lightweight nylon and elastane. A combination of moisture-wicking fabric and mesh paneling along the thigh area helps you stay cool and free from chafing or irritation. But note that the thin fabric may show sweat.

Although they’re breathable, this pair still has enough compression for a fit that leaves you feeling supported. You can choose from a wide range of sizes and colors for your desired fit and look.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XXS-4X | Fabric: Nylon, elastane | Rise: Mid | Pockets: Six side pockets | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry low | Colors: Eight}

Best for Plus-Size

Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Leggings

View On Bloomingdales View On Girlfriend.com

Designed for high-impact workouts, Girlfriend Collective’s Compressive Pocket Leggings 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 23.75-inch and 28.5-inch inseams. Note that the sizing, especially in the waistband, may run large.

The leggings are made with recycled materials, so you can do your part for the planet by wearing them.

Price at time of publication: $88

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

Best Moisture-Wicking

Sweaty Betty Power Pocket Workout 7/8 Leggings

View On Amazon View On Sweatybetty.com

If you’re worried about sweat showing through on long runs, we recommend these breathable, moisture-wicking leggings from Sweaty Betty. They're made with a polyamide and elastane blend that pulls the sweat away from your body and dries very quickly. An internal drawstring at the waist is easy to cinch for a customized fit. Plus, the leggings won’t slip or slide around while you’re running, and both pockets will securely hold on-the-run essentials, including a large phone.

With a sleek design and a soft feel, these versatile leggings are also great for casual wear, so there’s no need to change after you work out. They come in a wide range of bright colors and patterns, so you’re bound to find a pair that suits your needs and style.

Price at time of publication: $100

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XXS-XXL | Fabric: Polyamide, elastane | Rise: High | Pockets: Side pocket and back zip pocket | Care: Machine wash low spin | Colors: 22}

Best Lightweight

Outdoor Voices Zoom 7/8 Leggings

View On Outdoorvoices.com

Lightweight and soft, we recommend these Outdoor Voices leggings for running in warm or cool weather, as well as for lounging around. They feature just the right amount of compression, so you feel supported but not restricted. An infinity drawstring ensures that the high-rise waistband stays up while you’re running, even on rough trails.

Made from a blend of nylon and lycra, the Zoom leggings are breathable, fast-drying, and moisture-wicking. We love that they have UPF 50 sun protection, so you can feel confident while exercising outdoors. And while the leggings have a barely there feel, you don’t have to worry about them being see-through.

They also feature deep side pockets that are large enough to hold your phone without pulling the leggings down. However, they’re more expensive than other options on our list, and they only come in a few colors.

Price at time of publication: $98

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XXS-XXL | Fabric: Nylon, lycra | Rise: High | Pockets: Two side pockets | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Colors: Four}

Best Capris

Nike One Mid-Rise Capri Leggings

View On Kohls.com View On Nike.com

For that in-between weather when it’s too cold for shorts and too hot for full-length leggings, we recommend these capris from Nike. They’re made with a stretchy blend of polyester and spandex that quickly wicks sweat away from your skin. Although it feels lightweight, the fabric is not see-through and keeps you covered. And we like that it’s made from recycled polyester fibers.

The versatile leggings come with two hidden pockets in the waistband that are perfect for securely stashing almost anything, while the back pocket is big enough to hold your phone. The seamless sides prevent chafing and irritation during runs, while the mid-rise waistband is contoured with a V-shape on the back for a smooth silhouette.

Price at time of publication: $48

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XXS-XXL | Fabric: Polyester, spandex | Rise: Mid | Pockets: Two waistband pockets, one back pocket | Care: Machine wash, hang dry | Colors: One}

Best for Hot Weather

Adidas Own the Run 3/4 Tights

View On Amazon View On Dick's View On Adidas.com

For runs in hot temperatures, we recommend Adidas’ Own the Run Tights. At 3/4 length, they’re not quite capris, but they do come below the knee. Made with polyester and elastane fabric that effectively wicks away sweat, they’ll keep you dry and comfortable when the weather heats up.

The leggings also have a sweat-guard back pocket that’ll protect your phone and other necessities from getting wet, no matter how intensely you’re running.

A high-rise, supportive waistband with an internal drawstring prevents the leggings from sliding down or creeping up. We also love that this pair has reflective elements for anyone who likes to run outdoors at night. Plus, they’re made with recycled materials. But, the range of sizes and colors is limited.

Price at time of publication: $55

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XS-XL | Fabric: Polyester, elastane | Rise: High | Pockets: One back pocket | Care: Machine wash, hang dry | Colors: Two}

Best for Cold Weather

Under Armour Women's ColdGear Authentic Leggings

5

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Dick's

We recommend Under Armour’s ColdGear Authentics Leggings for runners who enjoy exercising outdoors 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, we like that this pair isn’t bulky and feels like a thin, second skin. With a wide elastic waistband, they also 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, even under pants when walking the dog (if it's icy out, make sure to don a pair of 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.

Price at time of publication: $50

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XS-XXL | Fabric: Polyester, elastane | Rise: Mid | Pockets: None | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Colors: Eight}

Best for Long Distance

Brooks Method 7/8 Tights

View On Amazon View On Dick's View On Brooksrunning.com

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 that are large enough to hold a phone. Although they come in sizes XS to XXL, they’re only available in one inseam length, so they may not work for petite or tall runners.

Price at time of publication: $44

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

Best for Trail Running

Janji 7/8 Groundwork 2.0 Tights

View On REI

For trail running, we recommend these Janji 7/8 Groundwork Tights 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. For optimal comfort, wear with a pair of the best underwear for working out.

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. 

To carry all your essentials, these leggings have two deep side pockets, two slits in the waistband, and an external back pocket. 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.

Price at time of publication: $94

^{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 | Colors: Six}