13 Running Leggings That Will Make You Feel Eager To Log Miles
Kristine Thomason is the health and fitness director at mindbodygreen.
Maybe you're like many people in the population who took up running this last year, or perhaps you've been an avid runner forever—either way, you've probably discovered that the right gear makes all the difference in your workout.
That's especially true when it comes to running leggings.
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In addition to being a health and fitness editor, I'm also an avid runner—over the years, I've ran countless miles and tested out (what feels like) just as many pairs of leggings.
Which means, luckily for you, I've done some of the legwork (pun intended) to help you find a prime pair of running leggings to carry you through every jog, sprint, and stride.
Under Armour UA Armour Fly Fast Tights
Breeze through miles with the help of these sleek leggings. They feature Under Armour's ultra-lightweight HeatGear® fabric, which locks onto your body while still keeping you cool. As a bonus, these tights have strategic mesh panels for extra breathability where you sweat the most.
UA Armour Fly Fast Tights, Under Armour ($45.99)
Athleta Ultimate Stash Pocket Capri
Breathable, durable, and ready for your outdoor run. These capri leggings are made with recycled nylon, a high-performance material that's great for supporting your workouts and the environment. Plus, they feature small pockets to stash your phone and keys with ease.
Ultimate Stash Pocket Printed Capri, Athleta ($29.97)
Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tight
These silky-smooth leggings feel incredible against your skin, plus they offer the perfect amount of high rise and compression. In my experience, the buttery Nulux fabric is thin enough to withstand the sweatiest runs—even in the heat of summer.
Fast and Free High-Rise Tight, Lululemon ($128)
Aerie Offline Goals High Waisted Leggings
For a budget-friendly option that will support all your fitness activities, these Aerie leggings will do the trick. As one reviewer writes: "They fit just as expected and have a great high waist that actually stays. They stay on well when working out and even running."
Offline Goals High Waisted Leggings, aerie.com ($38.46)
Bandier x All Access Center Stage Legging
These leggings are just as functional as they are lovely. They feature a silky soft, quick-drying fabrication that molds seamlessly to your body. They're also designed for all-day wear—so add these to that athleisure wardrobe you've been working on.
Center Stage Legging, Bandier ($98)
Nike One Lux Mid-Rise Tights
These Nike leggings are made from a 50% recycled polyester, technical, sweat-wicking fabric—which means you will not only feel good during your run, but also about your impact on the planet.
One Lux Mid-Rise Tights, Nike ($90)
Brooks Method 7/8 Tight
Brooks' motto is "run happy," and that's exactly what you'll do while wearing these supportive leggings. The smooth, supportive, and chafe-resistant fabric will keep you comfortable as you stride through your long run.
Greenlight Tights, Brooks ($57.20)
New Balance Accelerate Tight
These tights feature technical materials like NB DRY fabric, which actually pulls moisture away from your skin, for optimal dryness through even your toughest training run. Bonus points: they're made with 77% recycled polyester.
Accelerate Tight, New Balance ($55)
On Running Pants
A hybrid of joggers and leggings, these running pants are prime for cooler days. The front panels block wind while mesh inserts in the knee boost breathability, to keep you from getting too warm. Plus, the four-way stretch fabric means you won't feel even a little restricted during your running excursion.
On Running Pants, Backcountry ($170)
2XU Light Speed Mid-Rise Compression Tight
2XU is the ultimate compression tight brand, and this pair is no exception—I particularly love wearing these on a speed work day. They're designed to support major muscles in your legs and core, for an even better running workout.
Light Speed Mid-Rise Compression Tight, 2XU ($130)
Vuori Stride Leggings
Designed with runners in mind, these leggings are ready to move with you through every mile. I'm personally pretty obsessed with all of Vuori's ridiculously comfy fabrics, and this pair's performance four-way stretch material is no exception.
Stride Leggings, vuori.com ($50)
Saucony Bullet Crop Leggings
These classic leggings from Saucony are reliable for all of your running needs. With an antimicrobial fabrication, you're sure to stay stink-free even post-run. Plus, they also feature a convenient, sweat-proof pocket in the back to store your essentials.
Bullet Crop Leggings, Saucony ($55)
Sweaty Betty Power Workout Leggings
These durable leggings will last you for many, many runs to come. They feature just the right amount of high rise and compression to help you feel secure through every mile. Also worth mentioning: they have pockets!
Power Workout Leggings, Sweaty Betty ($100)
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Kristine Thomason is the health and fitness director at mindbodygreen. Kristine is a New York University graduate with a degree in journalism and psychology, and also a NASM-certified personal trainer. She has spent her editorial career focused on health and well-being, and formerly worked for Women’s Health and Health. Her byline has also appeared in Men’s Health, Greatist, Refinery29, HGTV, and more. In her current role she oversees, edits, and writes for the health, food, and movement sections of mindbodygreen.