The best women's running leggings 2023, tested by experts

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From capri to full length, winter to lightweight, we put the best women's running leggings to the test Men Printed Shorts

Whether you're brand new to the running, a seasoned athlete or training for your first big race, irrespective of your experience, all runners have one thing in common: we need comfortable kit.

But investing in specialist running gear is about more than just feeling good – the right pair of leggings can impact your performance, while the wrong pair can turn a joyful run into a total washout, and could even sabotage your race-day plans.

When it comes to finding the best women's running leggings (also known as tights) though, the options can seem endless. Should you opt for capris, or full-length? Will you ever find a pair that won't ride up or down when you move? And what about those all-important pockets for storing your essentials?

From technical tights designed for petite runners, to effective plus-sized leggings, keep scrolling for the best running leggings for women to shop now.

The leggings you see here are hand-picked by our editors. Using our expert knowledge of performance running apparel, and our experience of testing thousands of pieces of kit, we ran the rule over these on the road, in the gym and on the trails.

Below you'll also find a number of 'Expert Tested' leggings. Our expert testers at the Runner’s World Lab put over 50 pairs of leggings through their paces to find the styles you can rely on mile after mile. Those which scored the highest marks received our Runner’s World Expert Tested seal of approval and have been included below. This is how they did the testing:

Over 100 RW staff and readers rigorously tested the leggings, wearing each pair for at least three different types of workout. They then filled out a detailed questionnaire, sharing their thoughts on everything from the overall performance of the leggings to their comfort, design, versatility and value for money.

While our panellists pounded their local pavements, parks and trails, our lab team took each pair of leggings for a spin through the washing machine to check for any shrinkage. They also assessed their sweat wicking claims by noting how well the fabric absorbed moisture and timing how long it took to dry.

From cropped tights to high-rise waistbands, keep scrolling for the best running leggings for women to shop now.

Tired of turning up your legging bottoms and battling with baggy knees? Shorter runners will be pleased to hear that the days of bunched up tights are over, and brands have finally started to cater to smaller people. We've hand-picked our favourite leggings for petite runners, available to shop now.

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 UK activewear brand 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 (check out the blue animal print too). 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 an impressive 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.

These premium leggings from Swiss brand On are designed to hug your legs as you move in order to boost your running performance. The pockets are tucked away in the back to add to the streamlined feel, plus cleverly-placed stitching around the knees aids speedy forward movement, and are designed to keep you nice and toasty when it's chilly outside.

At 3/4 length, these leggings from adidas are not quite capris but they do come below the knee, so they're ideal for shorter-legged runners who are fed up of constantly adjusting overly long tights. They also come with an internal drawcord so they won't budge when you're on the move, and we're impressed with the sweat-guard pocket on the waistband which will keep your bits and pieces safe and dry no matter how hard you train.

Proof that you don't need to spend a fortune on technical kit to have a great run, these cropped legging from Decathlon faired well in the testing process for shorter sessions and gym workouts. They come with handy zipped pockets on the sides and back, well-placed mesh ventilation to help you stay cool and they're available in two different leg lengths to suit runners of all heights.

If you prefer to wear leggings all year round and you're after a pair of warm-weather running tights to keep your legs covered without overheating, capris are a great compromise. To help you find your ideal pair, we've rounded up some of the best capri-length leggings on the market.

These cropped leggings from The North Face come with all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a premium pair of capris, including sweat-wicking and stretchy fabric, a wide high-rise waistband with an internal drawcord for comfort and reflective detailing for running after dark. But the brand has gone the extra mile and put mesh panelling in directly behind the knees, making these a great option for running in the warmer months.

These funky capris from performance kit pros Ron Hill are ideal for summer running. They're designed to be comfy, with a wide waistband for support around your middle and a soft, comfortable fabric that wicks sweat away. They also come with a zipped pocket on the waistband for your essentials. But best of all, the bold floral-inspired print along the waistband and thighs is seriously jazzy and at half the length of standard leggings, they'll keep you cool on all your summer runs. Or if you prefer a neutral fabric, the brand's Tech Revive Stretch Capris are also on point.

If you feel the need for speed, thanks to super-breathable mesh panels and a compressive fit, these classic capri leggings from Under Armour are a great choice for track sessions. They also come with a built-in storage pocket in the waistband that's big enough for your phone, plus laser perforations at strategic points around the leg to help you keep your cool as you speed around the track.

If you're on the fence about spending this much on cropped leggings, the fact that our tester has owned these Brooks capris for years and years and they're still going strong should convince you to invest. They come with a wide, supportive waistband, well-placed pockets big enough for all your bits and pieces and flat-lock seams to minimise the chance of chafing. And if this matrix print is not your thing, they come in classic black, too.

If you're looking for seasonal run kit that will last you for years and retain its shape after multiple washes, these cropped leggings from Sweaty Betty are a great contender for your staple running wardrobe. They're soft and lightweight and come with a high waistband and adjustable drawcord to keep things comfortable on the move. There's also a small, hidden pocket in the waistband big enough for your keys and credit card, but you'll still need a belt or armband for your phone, so pop this skinny run belt in your shopping cart too.

If you prefer a streamlined feel without hip pockets or chunky waistbands to distract you, these mid-rise capri leggings from New Balance are a simple, affordable option for runners of all abilities. They come with a drawcord waistband for a personalised fit and a small, hidden inner pocket big enough for your keys. There's also a reflective logo on the bottom of the leggings to help you stay seen in low light.

High-waisted leggings are a blessing for runners who prefer a bit more support around the middle when they move. If you favour a thicker waistband, we've rounded up some of the best high-waisted running leggings that don't ride down on the market.

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.

This high-rise pair from Lululemon comes with just the right amount of stomach support without feeling restrictive, and our testers praised the smooth fabric and comfortable fit. They also have hip and back pockets big enough for your smartphone and keys, plus a continuous drawcord inside the waistband to keep everything firmly in place as you move. They look jet black, but little reflective details on the lower leg will help you stay visible in low light. They also maintained their shape and softness after multiple washes.

You might be surprised to see this popular shapewear brand in our round-up but, trust us, these leggings will make you feel streamlined and ready to race. Although they’re not specifically designed for running, our panel was seriously impressed with the compressive fit and high waistband, which never needed hoicking up mid-session. Plus, there’s a small but handy back pocket for storing valuables. Scoring highly for moisture wicking in the lab, these leggings will do a good job of keeping you cool and dry, and the luxe design means they’re stylish enough to wear off the track, too. They were a bit too tight and compressive for some, but that’s down to personal preference.

If you suffer from dry, itchy skin or conditions such as eczema, sweating during your run can exacerbate things and make your skin feel seriously uncomfortable. To counteract this, these high-waisted legging from Under Armour have been embedded with 'tiny, moisturising microspheres' in the fabric, that's designed to activate when wet to keep your skin moisturised as you move. They also come with spacious hip and back pockets for your essentials and sit comfortably just below the belly button.

Designed for the great outdoors, these fuss-free leggings from Montane feature large hidden pockets for stashing away your essentials safely on a trail run. Soft, stretchy fabric makes them as comfortable as they are robust, but some testers said they required more compression to feel adequately supported. They fitted true to size, impressing taller runners with their length, and came a close second in our sweat-wicking lab test. And they're also available in classic black.

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.

Runners come in all shapes and sizes and everyone has the right to feel stylish and comfortable while they workout! Thankfully most major running brands have caught on to this fact, and now you can buy leggings in a wider range of sizes. Keep scrolling for our pick of the best plus-size running tights available to shop now.

If you're looking for flattering, comfortable and supportive plus-size running leggings, your hunt is now over. This fab pair from Nike's plus size collection is available in UK sizes 22-32, comes with a high-rise waistband for extra support and is made from 50% recycled polyester fibres. We particularly like the reflective shadow logo on the leg that catches the light as you run, plus the length will accommodate shorter runners. It also comes with a zipped pocket on the back to keep your valuables safe, and the fabric is reassuringly soft to the touch.

These classic high-waisted leggings from Adidas' plus-size collection feature the brand's iconic three stripes down the sides for extra style points, and they're available in sizes 1XL up to 4XL. The fabric is moisture-absorbing to keep you cool over any distance, and made from 89% recycled materials to take care of the planet. And best of all they come in a 7/8 leg length, so you won't have to keep rolling them up, plus there's a handy back pocket inside the waist for storing your essentials.

Asos has a great new collection of workout wear in a range of sizes up to UK 30, and best of all, these ones are under £20! They come with a comfortable elasticated waist and flattering panelling so you'll feel fab while you pound the pavements, plus reflective detailing for safe night running. They're also available in a full-length leg.

Whatever the season, if you train after dark it's important to stay visible. In the winter months it's worth investing in high-vis gear, but most technical kit also comes with reflective detailing so that drivers and cyclists can spot you on the move. Keep scrolling for our pick of the best reflective running leggings, available to shop now.

These stylish leggings from veteran US running brand Brooks are lightweight, comfortable and a great way to stay visible after dark. The team has done its research and added reflective and high-vis touches at optimum points around the body so that cyclists and drivers won't miss a trick when they spot you in their high beams.

When it first burst onto the scene, reflective running gear was at the pricier end of the technical kit spectrum. But thankfully most activewear brands have caught on to the night safety concept and you can now buy high-vis kit as standard. These all-over reflective print leggings from Decathlon come with high-vis panels on the calves for optimum visibility plus spacious pockets on the hip and back, and all for under £20.

Looking for affordable running kit? From cost-effective leggings to pocket-friendly capris, keep scrolling for our pick of the best running leggings on a budget.

These high-waisted running leggings from Pour Moi are surprisingly technical for the price, and come with sweat-wicking fabric, flattering paneling, ample pockets for all your bits and pieces and mesh sections to keep you cool. Best of all we love the cute floral sections at the hips, and the leopard print and orchid options are pretty snazzy too.

According to the small print, these stylish leggings from Adidas are designed for 'leg day and cardio', so if you're looking for a pair of stylish tights you can wear to both parkrun and a sweaty HIIT class, they're a great contender. They come with a comfortable wide waistband, a side pocket for your phone and mesh panels to keep you cool however you choose to train.

If you're after a simple but effective pair of tights for all seasons, these crop leggings from Nike are a good find for less than £40, and they're just the right length to still run in the cooler months. They come with a high-rise waistband, mesh details on the back of the leg to keep the temperature down and side slip pockets for your essentials, allowing you to leave your running belt at home.

If you prefer looser fitting bottoms to skintight leggings, you can't go wrong with these classic Trackster pants from veteran running brand Ronhill. They might look heavier than your average run kit, but the fabric is actually quite light and comes with a water-repellent coating to keep you dry when training in wet weather, plus there are two front zip pockets to hold your essentials as you run.

If you're new to running and not yet ready to invest in technical kit, or you simply need some bog standard leggings for easy mile runs, at £12.99 these simple tights from Kalenji are an absolute bargain. They're made from breathable fabric, with an adjustable drawcord waistband and a small zipped pocket on the back.

We've rounded up the best winter women's running leggings, with pockets for your snacks, gloves and iPhone, here.

Yanar was our former Fitness Group Testing Manager. She managed health and fitness product testing across all the magazines, overseeing all testing processes and ensuring our lab and panel tests are conducted to the highest standards. Yanar spent 15 years as a health and wellness content editor and writer for national titles such as Runner’s World, Men’s Health and Women’s Health. Yanar is a Level 3 qualified PT, trained yoga teacher and a registered yoga therapist. She has been into fitness and wellness her whole life. After many years running races and marathons, she now trains and competes in CrossFit and Olympic lifting. She passionately advocates strength training for women to build a stronger mind and body for life.

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