Runners and Coaches Say These Are the 13 Very Best Running Leggings That’ll Go the Distance

Sizes available: 0-20 and in four lengths (23″, 25″, 28″, 31″)

Despite being named as a yoga legging, Lululemon’s Align leggings are comfortable, form-fitting, and flexible, making them ideal for running, says Kate Cherichello, a runner based in New York. Made of a nylon, lycra, and elastane blend, the Align are moisture-wicking, buttery soft leggings, and they move with you during each stride. Plus, it comes with a side pocket, ideal for storing keys or your phone.

Colors and patterns available: 16

Sizes available: XS-XL

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly buy, consider Colofulkoala’s high-waisted leggings. For just $25, you can score these multi-use leggings that are “not too thin and not too thick,” says Cherichello, who has worn the running leggings with pockets for runs, walks, and other fitness activities. One caveat to note is that they’re not as breathable as other options, but the polyester and Spandex blend give the leggings their stretchiness.

Colors and patterns available: 34

Sizes available: XXS-4XL

Wear and tear is a real thing, especially if you’re running daily. For a pair that holds up, runners recommend Fabletics PowerHold leggings, which are constructed out of polyester and elastane. The blend is chafe-resistant and offers stretch and UPF protection. “I love that the material is smooth and flattering, and they stay in place while you run,” says Stephanie Thomas, a certified personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise.

Colors and patterns available: 15

Sizes available: XS-2XL

What’s better than a good pair of leggings? Tailored ones! And Thomas recommends Nike’s Epic Fast leggings. “The waistband has a drawcord you can tighten to allow for an even better fit,” she says. The mesh paneling allows for ventilation and the stretchy polyester blend moves with you. What’s more, it has a few pockets, including a zippered pocket in the back of the legging for storing keys and other small essentials.

Colors and patterns available: 3

Sizes available: XXS-3XL

Athleta’s Elation tight feels just like second skin. The nylon and elastane blend offers a lightweight feel and wicks away moisture to keep you dry even during the most intense runs. The fabric doesn’t pinch the skin, so you can rest assured knowing you’ll be exercising in comfortable leggings. Even more, the leggings keep you protected from the sun’s rays thanks to the UPF 50+ protection. We love that it’s available in three heights—regular, tall, and petite—and nine sizes.

Colors and patterns available: 2

Sizes available: XS-2XL

Fashionable yet high-performing, Gymshark’s Vital leggings are a must-wear for any run. They feature a seamless design (goodbye, cameltoe) and a high-waisted fit. Runners like the compressive nylon and elastane blend, which is engineered to hold you in each time you hit the pavement. The leggings come in various colorways, from bright orange to brown marl.

Colors and patterns available: 11

Sizes available: XS-4XL

Old Navy is a tried-and-true brand, and its athletic wear collection is all the rave, especially its PowerSoft leggings. They’re flattering, compressive, and fit high-waisted, making them the best leggings for the value. “They are nice and fitted with breathable fabric,” says Jen Steele, a certified running coach.

Colors and patterns available: 5

Sizes available: XS-2XL

For warmer weather, Steele recommends the Brooks Method Tights. They have small breathable holes—a design and functional element—for airing things out when temps get toasty. Additional perks? It has four built-in pockets for all of your essentials. “These are flattering, breathable, lightweight tight that is super moisture-wicking,” Steele says.

Colors and patterns available: 8

Sizes available: 2-12

Freezing rain or snow, you don’t have to sacrifice working out just because the weather is bad, and this Oiselle pair of warm leggings will get you through the autumnal and wintry temperatures. It’s made of nylon, polyester, and spandex, which simultaneously repels wind and keeps you warm and dry. “These are my go-to recommendation for athletes that live in cold weather—they are water resistant and lined so good for cold, wet, gross winter weather,” says Steele.

Colors and patterns available: 2

Sizes available: XS-XL

If you’re running at night or in low-light conditions, do it in these leggings from Asics. The thighs and calves are covered in reflective detailing to keep you visible and safe to drivers, other runners, and more. They also sport a bounce-limiting waistband pocket (goodbye, distractions) and thigh pockets for a hands-free experience.

Colors: 1

Sizes available: XS-XL

Under Armour’s Mileage Run leggings will help you take your running outdoors. It’s engineered with a featherweight fabric that doesn’t weigh you down, and the polyester and elastane keep things warm and stretchy. These high-waisted running leggings have strategic perforations to keep you cool when you’re on the move. Who doesn’t love storage? This one comes with a right, drop-in pocket, ideal for keys or a phone.

Colors and patterns available: 4

Sizes available: XS-XL

Sweaty runners, these On leggings are for you. They’re made of a smooth fabric (a recycled polyester/elastane blend) that’s moisture-wicking to keep your legs dry mile after mile. They have a high waist with an adjustable waistband so they won’t budge during your run, and there are secure pockets on the back and side for you to stash all your small valuables

Colors and patterns available: 6

Sizes available: XXS-6XL and three lengths (19.5″, 23.75″, 28.5″)

If you’re trying to be a little more eco-friendly with your workout gear, these Girlfriend Collective leggings will help. They’re made of recycled plastic bottles, and they can be recycled back to the brand when you’ve decided you’ve worn them out. They have an extra high-rise and compressive fabric, so they will stay put whether you’re running or doing another high-impact workout, and there’s a small back pocket for you to tuck in keys or a card. They also come in a wide range of sizes to fit bodies of all types.

Colors and patterns available: 6 essential, 2 limited