Running leggings earn their place in a kit when they solve practical problems: a waistband that stays put, fabric that handles sweat, pockets that carry essentials, and enough warmth for the conditions. The pairs highlighted here cover different priorities, from phone storage and winter insulation to a softer, lightly compressive fit.
The recommendations draw on staff testing and product research, with attention to comfort, fabric, inseam options, pocket design and waist adjustment. No single pair suits every runner. The useful question is which features matter most on your routes and in your routine.
Best all-around features and easy storage
Lululemon’s Fast & Free is the strongest all-purpose choice in this group. Its Nulux fabric feels smooth and lightweight, with Lycra for stretch and a UPF 40+ rating for added sun protection. Testers describe the material as “buttery soft.” It offers a sleek fit without the squeezing feel some runners dislike, and works for running as well as other workouts.
Storage is unusually generous: five pockets, including two deep thigh pockets sized for a phone. The high waistband uses an infinity drawcord, which stays integrated rather than coming loose in the wash. The fabric also avoids the sheerness that can affect some other leggings from the brand. Several lengths are available, making it easier to match the fit to the season.
For runners who want even more places to sort their gear, Oiselle’s Pockito Tights have seven pockets: two thigh drop-ins, two zippered lower-thigh pockets, two mesh pockets at the waist, and a zippered pocket at the lower back. That layout gives each item a logical home. Gels can go in the waist mesh, while a phone fits in the rear pocket and snacks or a light layer can ride in the thigh pockets.
The high waist has an infinity drawcord with a toggle, which is straightforward to adjust even with gloves on. Fit may take some trial and error: one tester sized up for a comfortable balance of stretch and compression, though the legs felt slightly loose. The extra room didn’t interfere with running, and the tights also proved useful on a hiking trip to Switzerland, where the pockets carried snacks on hilly routes.
FlipBelt’s leggings make storage the central feature, combining deep side pockets with belt-style storage around the waistband. Senior Reviews Editor Pavlína Černá says the pockets can carry keys, gels and even a water bottle. She particularly values the thigh pocket’s balance: a phone stays accessible without pulling one leg down or making her feel uneven. The leggings stay in place during movement, and their thicker thermal fabric adds warmth while remaining breathable. For a runner seeking one dependable pair for winter, that mix of secure storage and insulation stands out.
Comfortable options for everyday miles
Old Navy’s High-Waisted PowerSoft leggings make a case for an affordable, lightly compressive fit. Their ribbed PowerSoft fabric feels smooth, and the stretch allows runners to move freely without a restrictive squeeze. The range includes petite, regular and tall lengths, along with maternity sizing for expectant and postpartum runners. Two roomy thigh pockets provide space for a phone and other essentials, though runners who carry several items may want more storage.
Ododos leggings offer another everyday option, with a range of lengths that includes a 30-inch inseam for taller runners. The two thigh pockets are deep and wide enough for a phone and other small items. Sizing can be inconsistent, so finding the right fit may require an exchange. Contributor Marissa Lemar describes them as her regular choice for mileage-focused runs: they stretch well, stay in place through faster bursts and wick moisture during workouts.
LSKD’s Fusion line is worth a look for runners seeking a warm, secure fit. Deputy Editor Mallory Creveling tested the 7/8-length Fusion Thermal and found its polyester-elastane fabric smooth, snug and nonrestrictive. The phone felt secure in the side pocket, and the high waist stayed in place. That combination is useful for runners who have grown wary of a phone bouncing around in a thigh pocket.
Warmth, simplicity and visibility
Tracksmith’s Turnover Tights target cold-weather runs with an Inverno Blend fabric made from polyamide and elastane in Italy. The material dries quickly and is designed to help regulate temperature, offering warmth without an overheated feel. Runners can choose 7/8 or full length; the full-length version costs $5 more. The waistband sits lower than those on many other pairs in this guide. Two drop-in waist pockets hold gels, while a zippered pocket can carry a phone, keys or cards. They’re a focused option for early winter starts when insulation matters more than a large pocket count.
New Balance’s RC leggings prioritize comfort and a pared-back setup. Černá called them among the most comfortable pairs she tested, saying they don’t feel as if they’re squeezing the wearer’s organs. The smooth, stretchy fabric supports stride-outs, and reflective detailing at the cuffs helps with visibility at dawn and dusk. The tradeoff is storage: there’s only one interior, sideways slit pocket at the waistband, suitable for a key fob or card. That simplicity suits runners who leave their phone at home and rely on a watch.
What to check before choosing running tights
Fabric and construction should match the temperature and effort. Stretch materials such as elastane help leggings move with the body and wick sweat; cotton doesn’t offer the same moisture management. Mesh panels and perforations can improve ventilation in warmer conditions, while a fleece interior adds insulation when it’s cold.
Length descriptions vary, and a label alone won’t guarantee the fit you expect. Leggings may end below the knee, at a 7/8 point or at the ankle, but inseams also depend on the wearer’s height and whether a brand offers petite, regular or tall sizing. Check the product’s inseam measurements against the size chart before buying.
Pocket position matters as much as pocket count. Deep thigh pockets keep a phone close and easy to reach, while a rear mid-back pocket can feel more balanced for runners who notice phone weight affecting their stride. Drop-in pockets may be preferable for yoga or other activities where zippers could press uncomfortably against the body.
Pay close attention to the waistband. A secure fit and suitable compression help prevent slippage, while a drawcord can make adjustment easier. Too much pressure may feel uncomfortable, especially for runners with sensitive stomachs. Trying a different size can help: Old Navy’s PowerSoft leggings, for example, are described as lightly compressive rather than restrictive.
Workout leggings versus everyday leggings
Workout leggings are designed for movement and sweat. Compared with regular fashion leggings, they’re more likely to offer stretch and support for higher-impact exercise, moisture-wicking materials, useful storage and features such as drawcords or reflective details. Those specifics matter on a run, where a waistband that shifts or fabric that stays wet can become a distraction.
The best choice depends on what you carry, how much warmth you need and how your body responds to compression. Start with those needs, then check inseam measurements and pocket placement. The right pair should stay comfortable as the miles add up, without asking you to keep adjusting it.
