The best women's running leggings, tested by experts

Lululemon’s Swift Speed tights are made from the brand’s Luxtreme fabric, which is more supportive and compressive than the Nulux material used in the Fast and Free leggings. For this reason, we recommend them to runners looking for a more supportive and functional tight, as we’ve found the waistband in particular provides a sturdier fit than the Fast and Free tights.

Our testers were 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.

The four-way stretch offers total flexibility on the move, too. Plus, when it comes to pockets, the Swift Speed tights score highly, with a side drop-in pocket on either leg and a back zippered pocket, 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 and 360° stretch-mesh waistband 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’.

Also available in navy, plumb brown and turquoise.

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.

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.

One for runners on a budget, H&M has joined the plus-size crusade and now stock activewear in a range of sizes up to 4XL. And if you're looking for technical running kit, don't be put off by the fact it's a high street clothing brand. These ankle-length tights are surprisingly good quality, the fast-drying fabric feels super soft and the wide waist panel and drop-in pocket all scored highly in the testing lab.

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.

These 7/8 technical leggings from 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 a large drop in stash pocket on the waistband for stashing your phone 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.