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

There’s no feeling quite like preparing for a run: Adrenaline is kicking in, your heart is pumping, and you’re overcome by euphoria. All is good until you find yourself in sweat-drenched, sagging running apparel. Just like a supportive sports bra and a comfortable pair of running shoes, running leggings are a worthy investment, and having a good pair (by good, we mean moisture-wicking, compressive-yet-stretchy, and breathable leggings) can prevent your workout from turning sour.

But, as with most fitness products, not all running leggings are made the same. Some claim to be sweat-wicking, only to leave you drenched after the first mile. Others tout promises of four-way stretch, just to make you feel like you can’t move faster than a slow jog. That is why we tapped three *actual* runners for their recommendations on the best leggings for running. Here are 13 pairs that will have you ready to hit the pavement.

Best running leggings, at a glance:

• Best overall: Lululemon, Align High Rise, $128
• Best budget: Colorfulkoala, High Waisted Leggings, $25
• Best durable: Fablethics, Define PowerHold High-Waisted Legging, $70
• Best adjustable: Nike, Epic Fast Running Leggings, $65
• Best comfort: Athleta, Ultra High Rise Elation Tight, $67
• Best seamless: Gymshark, Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings, $54
• Best value: Old Navy, High-Waisted PowerSoft 7/8 Leggings, $45
• Best for warmer weather: Brooks, Method 7/8 Tight, $45
• Best for colder weather: Oiselle, Bad Weather Flyout Tights, $148
• Best for night running: Asics, Lite-Show Tight, $85
• Best for outdoor runs: Under Armour, UA Fly Fast 3.0 Printed Ankle Tights, $65
• Best moisture-wicking: On, Performance Tights, $120
• Best sustainable: Girlfriend Collective, Compressive High-Rise Legging, $78

What to look for in your running leggings

When looking for leggings, runners say that the best pairs are breathable, made of moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester and nylon, and have a little bit of stretch. Whether you’re training for your fifth marathon or are a running novice, prefer black leggings or wearing some color and patterns, there is a pair out there that’ll meet every budget, running need, and style preference.

The best running leggings to rack up your miles

Best overall

Lululemon, Align High-Rise Pant — $128.00

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

Pros:

• Buttery soft
• Has pockets
• Moisture-wicking
• Versatile
• Wide range of colors. sizes, and lengths

Cons: 

• Expensive

Best Budget

Colorfulkoala, High-Waisted Leggings — $25.00

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

Pros: 

• Affordable
• Stretchy
• Has pockets
• Wide range of colors available

Cons: 

• Not as breathable as other options

Best durable

Fabletics, Powerhold High-Waist Leggings — $70.00

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

Pros:

• Extremely durable
• Long-lasting
• Compressive
• Wide range of colors and sizes available

Cons: 

• Runs small—consider sizing up

Best adjustable

Nike, Epic Fast Mid-Rise Pocket Running Leggings — $65.00

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

Pros: 

• Adjustable drawcord
• Pockets
• Breathable
• Made of recycled fibers

Cons: 

• Limited colors available

Best comfort

Athleta, Ultra High Rise Elation Tight — $89.00

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

Pros: 

• Moisture-wicking
• UPF 50
• Versatile
• Available in a wide range of sizes and lengths

Cons: 

• Pricey

Best seamless

Gymshark, Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings — $54.00

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

Pros: 

• Seamless
• Breathable
• Moisture-wickinig

Cons: 

• May slide down

Best value

Old Navy, High-Waisted PowerSoft 7/8 Leggings — $45.00

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

Pros: 

• Affordable
• Compressive
• Wide range of colors, sizes, and lengths

Cons: 

• Front seam might be uncomfortable for some

Best for warmer weather

Brooks, Method 7/8 Tight — $45.00

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

Pros:

• Quick-drying
• Lots of pockets
• Compressive
• Breathable

Cons:

• Requires machine wash before wear

Best for colder weather

Oiselle, Bad Weather Flyout Tights — $148.00

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

Pros:

• Windproof
• Water-resistant
• Zippered side pockets
• Compressive

Cons:

• Limited colors
• Pricey

Best for night running

Asics, Lite-Show Tight — $85.00

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

Pros: 

• Reflective detailing on the thighs and calves
• Pockets
• Breathable

Cons: 

• Limited sizes and colors

Best for outdoor runs

Under Armour, UA Fly Fast 3.0 Printed Ankle Tights — $65.00

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

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Quick-drying
• Pockets
• Wide range of lengths

Cons: 

• Limited sizing

Best moisture-wicking

On, Performance Tights — $120.00

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

Pros: 

• Moisture-wicking
• Adjustable waistband
• Pockets

Cons: 

• Limited sizing

Best sustainable

Girlfriend Collective, Compressive High-Rise Legging — $78.00

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

Pros: 

• Made with recycled materials
• Stretchy, compressive fabric
• Sweat-wicking
• Wide range of sizes and lengths

Cons: 

• No pockets