The Best Running Leggings
The best running leggings for most runners are the Lululemon Fast and Free: they have multiple pockets, a drawcord waist and reflective details in a lightweight, quick-drying fabric. If you need a phone pocket in a wider size range, the Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Legging goes to 6XL. For cold-weather runs, the Beyond Yoga Pacer has a fleece-backed interior.
What matters on a run is different from what matters in a studio: a waistband that stays put, pockets that do not bounce, fabric that dries quickly, and no seams that rub. We sorted our legging data for running use and then checked each against those needs.
We have not tested these. The list comes from brand specs and what owners and reviewers keep saying. Prices are list prices and change often, so check the current price before you buy.
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. Brands can’t pay for placement, and it never changes our picks. How we make money.
Our picks at a glance
Our picks, in detail
Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tight 25" (7-pocket)
- Women
- Sizes 2-14
- Rise: High
- Inseam options: 25″
- Pockets: Multi
- Fabric feel: Smooth
The Fast and Free is the most run-specific legging in our data. It has multiple pockets (the name says seven, the page gives no count), a drawcord waist and reflective details, in lightweight Nulux (84% nylon, 16% Lycra) that is quick-drying. Compression is medium, which suits long runs and walks.
The page showed a 4.8 rating from 19 reviews with true-to-size fit. That is a small sample, so treat it as early feedback.
The trade-offs: sizes only run 2 to 14, only black was listed, and it is about $128 at full price. Owners tend to say Nulux is fine in black and thinner in lighter colors.
Skip it if you need sizes above 14 or just want a soft lounge legging. Lululemon gives 30 days for unworn, unwashed items with tags. Read the Fast and Free review.
Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Legging
- Women
- Sizes XXS-6XL
- Rise: Ultra
- Inseam options: 23.75″, 28″, 31″
- Pockets: Side
- Fabric feel: Compressive
- Plus sizes · Petite · Tall
Girlfriend Collective's pocket legging has two deep side pockets the brand sizes for most phones, so you can run without an armband. It has an ultra-high rise and a compressive fabric (79% recycled water bottles, 21% spandex, per the brand), in sizes XXS to 6XL and 23.75, 28 and 31 inch inseams.
The brand also states squat-proof and sheer-proof coverage, which are manufacturer claims, and these are useful on a run when you bend over to tie a shoe.
There is a real caution here: a recent review said compression felt weaker and the legging slid on a run. Treat fit as important and consider sizing down, as the brand suggests for more compression.
It lists at about $118, and the page marks it final sale. Skip it if you want a soft, light feel. See the full review.
Fabletics Define PowerHold High-Waisted Legging
- Women
- Sizes OSFM, XXS-XXL-1X, 2X-4X
- Rise: Ultra
- Inseam options: 7/8, Regular, Tall
- Pockets: None
- Fabric feel: Compressive
- Plus sizes · Petite · Tall
Fabletics' PowerHold is a compressive, ultra-high-rise legging (88% polyester, 12% elastane) with a power-mesh lined waistband and four-way stretch. The product copy says the waistband stays put through squats, which is also what you want in a run. It adds UPF protection, and sizes go from XXS to 4X, with 7/8, Regular and Tall lengths.
It has no pockets, so you will need a belt or a pocket top. The membership model adds complexity: the non-member price is about $84.95, and the page showed a much lower VIP price under a limited-time offer.
Fabletics does not state the non-member return window on its membership page, so check before you order.
Skip it if you want pockets or to avoid memberships. Read the PowerHold review.
Beyond Yoga Pacer Fleece-Backed Pocket Legging
- Women
- Sizes XXS-XL
- Rise: High
- Inseam options: Capri 25, Midi 28, Full 30
- Pockets: Side
- Fabric feel: Fleece
- Petite
For winter runs and walks, the Pacer adds a warm, brushed interior (77% recycled polyester, 23% spandex) to side pockets, a drawcord and a reflective hem detail. Reviewers generally report good coverage because the fabric is thicker. It comes in Capri 25, Midi 28 and Full 30 inch lengths.
Compression is lighter than the other picks, so it is better for steady runs and walks than hard efforts.
The trade-offs: it will be too warm for hot weather, it lists at about $118, and the sizes in our data stop at XL. The page showed it out of stock when we checked.
Beyond Yoga lists always-free US shipping and returns, with a 30-day window. Skip it if you want a lightweight summer legging. Read the Pacer review.
Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Legging
- Women
- Sizes XXS-6XL
- Rise: High
- Inseam options: 23.75″, 28″, 31″
- Pockets: None
- Fabric feel: Compressive
- Plus sizes · Petite · Tall
If you carry your phone in an armband or belt, Girlfriend Collective's regular Compressive High-Rise is a cleaner choice at about $108. It has smoothing, supportive compression in sizes XXS to 6XL and three inseams (23.75, 28 and 31 inches).
The brand says the fabric is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified recycled fabric, which is a brand claim. It suits running, HIIT and lifting.
The trade-offs: no pockets, and some recent reviews criticize fit and fabric consistency, so check the latest reviews before buying. The page makes no squat-proof claim, though reviewers generally report good coverage.
Returns are 30 days from ship date, with a $7 shipping and restocking fee on refunds. Skip it if you want pockets or a soft, loose feel. See the high-rise review.
Alo Yoga High-Waist Airlift Legging
- Women
- Sizes XXS-XL
- Rise: High
- Inseam options: full (28-28.5)
- Pockets: None
- Fabric feel: Compressive
Alo's Airlift is a studio legging that some runners like for its firm, glove-like hold. The fabric is 82% polyester and 18% elastane, with a double-layered waistband and a full length of 28 to 28.5 inches. Owners say it holds its shape well and looks opaque in most shades.
On paper it is a compression pick, not a run-specific one. It is a studio-style legging with no pockets, reflective details or drawcord.
It is the priciest here at about $134, the shine and squeeze are not for everyone, and sizes stop at XL. The black colorway showed an out-of-stock notice when we checked.
Skip it if you want pockets, a lower price or plus sizes. Alo gives 30 days for unworn items. Read the Airlift review.
How to choose running leggings
Start with the waistband. On a run, a waistband that rolls or slips is the number one irritation. Look for a wide, layered waistband (Fabletics' power-mesh lined band, Alo's double layer) or a drawcord (Fast and Free, Pacer).
Decide where your phone goes. Options in our data include deep side pockets (Girlfriend Collective), a multi-pocket design (Fast and Free) or an armband. A small waistband pocket holds a key, not a phone.
Choose fabric for the weather. Lightweight, quick-drying fabric (Nulux) suits warm runs. A fleece-backed interior (Beyond Yoga Pacer) suits cold ones. Compressive knits suit people who want a firm feel at any temperature.
Look for visibility. Reflective details matter for dawn and dusk runs. In our data, the Fast and Free and the Pacer list them.
Check the length. Shorter lengths (25 inches or 7/8) are the natural choice for warm weather and full lengths for cold. Girlfriend Collective, Fabletics and Beyond Yoga offer multiple lengths.
Mind the seams and the fit. Rubbing is a common cause of chafing on long runs, so try a pair on a short run before a long one. Alo's Airbrush has flat-locked seams, but it is a studio-style legging that we left off this list.
Think about compression. Medium compression (rated 3 of 5 for the Fast and Free) is a common middle ground for long runs. Higher compression (4 of 5 for the Girlfriend Collective and Fabletics options) holds more but can feel snug over distance. Lighter compression (2 of 5 for the Pacer) is easier on a recovery jog.
Plan for returns. Running fit is hard to judge from a photo, so the return policy matters. Lululemon and Alo allow 30 days, Beyond Yoga lists free US returns, and Girlfriend Collective charges a $7 fee on refunds.
How we picked
We have not tested any of these leggings. We started with every legging whose data lists running use, then ranked on the waistband, pockets, reflective details, fabric, weather range and what owners commonly report about fit and slipping. We weighed price and size range too. Ratings are editorial estimates, not lab results.
Our data has fewer run-specific leggings than studio leggings, which is why this list stops at six. We chose not to pad it. Read the full process on our methodology page, and see our best leggings for a broader list.
Here is a quick comparison of three picks.
| Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tight 25" (7-pocket) | Girlfriend Collective Compressive Pocket Legging | Beyond Yoga Pacer Fleece-Backed Pocket Legging | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $128 seen $89 | $118 | $118 |
| For | Women | Women | Women |
| Sizes | 2-14 | XXS-6XL | XXS-XL |
| Fabric | 84% nylon, 16% Lycra elastane (Nulux) | 79% recycled water bottles (RPET), 21% spandex | 77% recycled polyester, 23% spandex |
| Rise | High | Ultra | High |
| Inseam options | 25″ | 23.75″, 28″, 31″ | Capri 25, Midi 28, Full 30 |
| Pockets | Multi | Side | Side |
| Fabric feel | Smooth | Compressive | Fleece |
| Compression | 3/5 | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Squat-proof claim | Silent | Yes | Silent |
| Flared | No | No | No |
| Fleece-lined | No | No | No |
| Comfort (our rating) | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Performance (our rating) | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Durability (our rating) | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Value (our rating) | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Returns | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Check price | Check price | Check price |
Want leggings that match your size and budget? Take the quiz.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for in running leggings?
Look for a waistband that stays put, quick-drying fabric, a pocket that suits what you carry, and reflective details for low light. Compression helps some runners feel supported, but too tight can feel restrictive. Choose a length that suits the weather, and check the return policy before you buy.
Can I run in yoga leggings?
Yes, many people do, especially on shorter runs. The Alo Airlift is a studio legging that some runners like. But yoga leggings often lack pockets, drawcords and reflective details, and softer fabrics may slide or chafe on longer runs. Test a pair on a short run first.
Do running leggings need pockets?
Not strictly, but they are useful. A phone-sized side pocket (Girlfriend Collective) lets you leave an armband at home, and multi-pocket designs (Fast and Free) give more room. If you prefer a belt or armband, a pocketless compressive legging works fine.
Are fleece-lined leggings good for running?
For cold weather, yes. The Beyond Yoga Pacer has a brushed interior and good reported coverage, with side pockets. It will be too warm in mild weather, which is the main limit, so plan on a lighter pair for milder days.
How do I stop leggings from sliding during a run?
Choose a high rise with a wide waistband or drawcord, and a fit that is snug without being tight. If a legging slides, the size may be too large. Girlfriend Collective suggests sizing down for more compression, and one reviewer said its pocket legging slid on a run, so fit matters.
