Shoes MAYORAL 41.328 Marino 35The best women's running leggings 2024, tested by experts

We're big fans of these classic run tights from Canadian activewear gurus Lululemon. After months of rigorous testing and multiple washes they didn't bobble and remained soft against the skin. We also rate the drop-in pockets that are big enough for your essentials, plus the high-waistband that makes them comfortable over any distance. They are at the pricier end of the technical kit spectrum, but if you look after them (tumble dryer fans, take note), they will last you for miles to come.

Casually shine with your look in the Backer2 sneaker Sweaty Betty are the ideal length for shorter runners. They also come with easy-access side pockets big enough for an iPhone, the sweat-wicking fabric is super light, they feel gloriously soft to the touch even after multiple washes, and they come in a number of jazzy designs, as well as plain black. But best of all, the clever stitching sculpts your glutes and thighs in all the right places, so you'll look super fly while you focus on your running form.

New to running and not ready to invest in technical kit? These M&S leggings are a sound choice. Made from lightweight fabric and coming with a roomy back pocket and a drawcord for adjusting the fit around your waist, our panel rated them highly. Best of all, they scored top marks in our sweat-wicking tests, keeping our runners cool and dry as they clocked up the miles. A few testers found them a little tight around the hips and ankles, and others said they required adjusting while running. Still, if you’re looking for cost-effective kit that packs style and substance, these are hard to beat.

Classic black leggings are a staple in any runner’s wardrobe and we think it would be hard to find better than these 7/8s from Nike. According to our panel, they’re comfortable, non-restrictive and effective at wicking away sweat – everything you want from a pair of running pants. They also have three pockets for stashing your phone, card and keys. On test, no unwanted chafing or digging in was reported, the waistband stayed firmly in place, and they proved surprisingly easy to slip off after a sweaty run. If that wasn’t enough, at least 50% of the fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles, so they’re one of the more sustainable choices out there too.

These specialist trail running tights provide comfort over longer distances. Our keen testers loved the soft material, which is ultra-lightweight, flexible and breathable but still robust enough to withstand snags on branches. They also rated the array of clever design features, including mesh panelling around the knees and ankle zips for ventilation. There’s plenty of pockets for your tech and mid-run snacks, plus reflective detailing to keep you visible when running at night. With low compression and a loose fit, we’d recommend sizing down to eliminate the need for constant readjusting.

Looking for streamlined kit to give your running the edge? The highest scoring leggings in our testing process from new UK brand Pocket Sport are a must-have if you like to ramp up the intensity on a run. The sweat-wicking tights fitted our testers perfectly, with no gathering, gaping or slipping, and everybody rated the grippy high-waist. They felt breathable to wear thanks to mesh ankle detailing and dried quickly. These tights are real all-rounders with both substance and style – and yes, they include a pocket.

Lululemon’s Wunder Train Everlux leggings claim to be breathable, supportive and fast drying, and they delivered according to our testers. Our panel was impressed with how comfortable and flattering they are and enjoyed the ‘buttery smooth’ feel of the fabric against their skin – so you don’t have to worry about any uncomfortable chafing.

In the lab, they scored top for their sweat wicking capabilities, and the four-way stretch offers total flexibility when on the move. The waistband boasts a handy drawstring and there’s a hidden pocket with space for your card and keys, earning them extra brownie points.

Canadian company Acr’Teryx knows its stuff when it comes to cold weather gear, and these thick, high compression leggings are proof. They kept our testers toasty when tackling the coldest trail runs and hikes. The fabric also claims to be water repellent, and they performed well in our sweat-wicking tests.

Our panel found the deep side pockets were ideal for storing phones, keys and a snack to keep you going on longer runs. They were a struggle to get off once we’d worked up a sweat, but that’s to be expected with compression leggings.

Fashion and fitness come hand in hand with these leggings from New Balance. Not only do they look good, the NB DRYx fabric feels great against the skin, providing full, high-waisted coverage that doesn’t budge an inch. Like the shorts version, they feature two side pockets for your phone or gels, plus an internal pocket on the waistband.

Our testers recommended this stylish pair for a range of activities, including running, yoga, weight training and, importantly, lounging. They loved the soft finish, with one tester claiming they were so comfortable, ‘I forgot I was wearing them’.

We’re big fans of bamboo activewear here at RW — did you know it’s naturally breathable, sweat-wicking and even has antimicrobial properties? However, the material tends to lend itself more to yoga flows and low-impact work, but these leggings completely challenge that notion. They don’t feel as stretchy as other running leggings, but once pulled into place they look great and stay put, all while offering plenty of flex as you move. Deep, roomy pockets on each thigh house your phone, keys or gels and while there’s no drawcord, the high waistband is wide and compressive, snapping to the skin without feeling restrictive for a comfortable fit. Speaking of comfort — these have to be the softest running leggings out there, with a soft, brushed cotton feel on the outside and downy smoothness on the inside. Heaven.

If pockets are your priority, look no further than Nike’s Go Leggings. Featuring two angled, seamless side pockets for easy access, three drop-in pockets on the back of the waist and a zip pocket on the thigh, they’re ready to hold just about everything from a key to your phone, lip balm and more.

Their sleek, mid-weight InfinaLock fabric feels compressive and supportive in all the right places, too – although they can take a bit of getting on. Sizing is pretty inclusive, ranging from XS to Plus Size, and they come in three different colours – although the black is definitely the most sweat-safe.

These high-waisted leggings combine comfort, utility, and style – as well as black, there are two cool blue colourways to choose from. Some panel members were a little apprehensive about sweat patches showing through on the lighter shade, but the leggings’ sweat-wicking abilities meant their fears were unfounded.

They’re also designed with Polygiene StayFresh fabric, helping to control odours and keeping them fresher for longer – so you don’t have to worry about those extra sweaty runs.

Sometimes you just need a classic, staple pair of running leggings in your wardrobe and this pair from The North Face are just that. A wide, high-rise waistband helps them stay firmly in place whether you're running or hiking, with a discreet, mesh pocket in the waistband large enough to hold a smartphone. The fabric is stretchy yet firm and wicks away moisture brilliantly. Our tester – a diehard shorts wearer – couldn’t believe how breathable they felt on the run. Reflective detailing on the thigh and calf adds a nice touch, too.

If you’re on the hunt for high-performance leggings, look to this nifty pair from Under Armour. Not only did they do a stellar job of wicking away sweat on test, the breathable, fast-drying fabric kept our runners cool and comfortable, even during the sweatiest of sessions. They were a doddle to pull off with clammy hands, too. We liked the no-slip waistband, which didn’t budge as we pounded the pavement, and appreciated the flatlock seams to reduce the risk of chafing. Downsides? Our testers did experience some bunching around the ankles, and they missed having a back pocket for safely storing valuables. There is a drop-in side pocket big enough for a smartphone, though.

The good people at Asics know their stuff when it comes to running, so it should come as no surprise that they make an excellent pair of running leggings. Sculpting and compressive, you can get a perfect fit thanks to the drawcord and once that’s tied up, they do not budge. These also deliver on the storage front, with a narrow pocket on the right thigh (we could fit an iPhone 13 Mini or a gel, key and cards, but not a larger phone), storage loops at the back (use individually or together to form a tunnel) and a generous pocket in the back of the waistband that will fit most smartphones.

They’re lightweight and very breathable, which is enhanced by laser-cut perforations at the back of the knees (which also help prevent bunching), and there are reflective details on the front and back.