Best Running Leggings for Women In 2026 | The Best Tights for Every Type of Run

When it comes to running leggings for women, where do you even start?! The sheer amount of running leggings on the market now can be overwhelming, especially when you start wondering if it’s worth the price. Lucky for you, I’ve put in over 33,000 miles of running over the years and thus have tried a lot of things!

Beyond that, there are a lot of other things to consider, from fabric to fit and from length to color, and more. Regardless of whether you’re training for a 5k or marathon or just enjoy running for a multitude of other reasons, gear matters.

We want to ensure your running tights prevent chafing, support you, breathe, and why not look great in the process?!

I’ve tried a ton of leggings in my many years of running and still regularly experiment. Hopefully the list I’ve curated will help you find the right pair of leggings for you!

Best Running Leggings for Women of 2026

• Best High-Rise Legging – Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tights
• Best Winter Leggings –  Baleaf Fleece Lined Leggings
• Best Leggings for All Sizes – Athleta Interval Stash
• Best Compression Leggings – CW-X Stabilyx Joint Support Compression Tight
• Best Budget Leggings – Under Armour Women’s HeatGear High No-Slip Waistband Ankle Leggings
• Best Versatile Running Leggings – Brooks Luxe Tights
• Best Running Tights with Reflective Details – Janji 7/8 Trail Tights
• Best Running Leggings for Shaping – Fabletics Women’s Define High-Waisted Legging
• Best Lightweight Leggings – ON Running Performance Tights
• Best Seriously Cold Weather Leggings – Crash 2.0 PolarTec Tights from Title Nine 

10 Best Running Leggings for Women

Keep reading for a list of some of my favorite leggings based on the criteria shared above. This list isn’t all-inclusive; there are simply too many brands and leggings on the market today. But I have tested a great deal of them over my 27,000+ miles of running.

I hope at least one of these tights will meet your running needs.

Best High-Rise Legging – Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tights ($128)

Check out my complete list of Best Lululemon Running Leggings

Best Petite Runner Legging –  Baleaf Fleece Lined Leggings ($27+)

For both our shorter-legged runners and those on a budget, Baleaf is a good choice! This is the perfect pair of leggings for when the temperature drops and the wind picks up. Bonus points because these are fleece-lined but do not feel super heavy.

They are breathable and comfortable, with a soft fleece lining, a high waistband, and pockets on both thighs that can hold a smartphone. These are a great choice for fall and spring runs.

Best Leggings for All Sizes – Athleta Interval Stash ($109)

Athleta always seems to have gear that just feels really great to pull on. But I’m also a big fan of their size ranges, which means anyone can find a good fit for their workout. They are really durable and great for HIIT workouts, as well as running.

I freaking love these running shorts with a phone pocket, so why not snag them in full length for cooler days?

Best Compression Leggings – CW-X Stabilyx Joint Support Compression Tight ($125)

I’ve used CW tights for over a decade. They are often my go-to during marathon training when the miles pile up and I’m feeling sore legs, but they are also truly valuable for dealing with IT Band issues or providing a little knee support.

The targeted compression and supportive paneling aim to stabilize key muscle groups and joints, making these a great option for those tackling high mileage. They are durable and fit snugly, though some may find them hard to pull on or wish they had more pockets.

Not a traditional running legging for women, but one that I’m glad to have available. They are a thicker fabric and last for ages.

Best Budget Leggings – Under Armour Women’s HeatGear High No-Slip Waistband Ankle Leggings ($35+)

I have used UA gear for years. It’s easy to find on Amazon or at Dick’s Sporting Goods, and it lasts. You may not get quite the same fashion or flattering fit, but it’s quality gear.

The lightweight fabric is excellent for warm-weather runs, and the leggings stay in place without bunching or sliding down, while providing a comfortable fit and quick-drying material.

Best Versatile Running Leggings – Brooks Luxe Tights ($95)

If you’re looking for a pair of leggings that you can wear to run a marathon, to a yoga class, or to run errands in, we’ve found them for you!

Coach Lisa from the Run To The Finish team swears by these Luxe Tights from Brooks (used to be Spark). As a runner and mom, she looks for pieces that can be versatile, especially if she has to go from a run right into errands and mom-mode.

These are soft and smooth with a flattering fit and pockets that can fit even large phones.

They stay in place without sliding during workouts, and the medium-weight material makes them a great option for cooler-weather runs.

Best Running Tights with Reflective Details – Janji 7/8 Trail Tights ($124)

These tights combine reflective details for low-light visibility with five pockets for carrying your phone and other running essentials. The lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric offers compression, and an adjustable external drawstring helps keep the tights in place.

They’re comfortable and durable, and the five pockets make them an awesome choice for maximum storage.

Janji also should be on your list if you are looking for running tights from a company that cares as much about providing quality products as it does about giving back to the community.

Janji makes excellent products while also promoting global sustainability and clean water initiatives. It also donates 2% of its profits to non-profit organizations working on viable clean-water projects in various countries around the world.

Best Running Leggings for Shaping – Fabletics Women’s Define High-Waisted Legging ($52+)

These are the best running leggings for women who want to accentuate their shape with a flattering style. AND they’re available on Amazon, so you don’t have to mess with the whole subscription thing!

They are made from Fabletics’ most compressive fabric, Powerhold, which lifts your buttocks and gives you all the control you need for a sleeker silhouette.

The four-way stretch fabric is designed to move with you, and it is also squat-proof, so it will not let you down in the gym!

Best Lightweight Leggings – ON Running Performance Tights ($120)

You may notice I’m wearing an On jacket in lots of these photos. That’s because I LOVE the quality of their apparel, and the jacket gets me through all seasons!

I have found sizing to run just slightly large, so I go for a small in all pieces.

Best Seriously Cold Weather Leggings – Crash 2.0 PolarTec Tights from Title Nine

WINNING for so warm and an easy to use phone pocket! As a runner who really hates to be cold, these are my go to when winter is throwing down.

This isn’t a chilly morning pair, but really that legging you want when the temps have really started to drop. They are my go to for getting through really cold runs. I love that the side zippered pocket is big enough for a phone, but not quite as easy to get things in and out as spandex pockets thanks to the zipper.

The bonus of the zipper is you can use these for a ton of winter activities.

These joggers strike a sweet spot between durability, breathability, and all-day comfort. They’re not overly technical-looking, which means I also wear them to run errands around town or even for travel (perfect for flying!), but they’re tough enough for serious missions.

If you’re looking for a pair of joggers that offer genuine trail utility without feeling like overbuilt hiking pants, the Everyday Track Pants are a great option.

Use bonus code RUNTOTHEFINISH is good for free shipping

What We Considered For the Best Running Leggings

There are a few key things to consider when trying on running tights. Let’s look at why fabric and fit matter, so you can make your own decisions when you come upon a pair you like the look of!

Fabric

Your tights, whether they’re capris, ⅞-length, or full length, play a role in temperature regulation in every season. The material should be moisture-wicking to help keep you dry in the hottest and coldest of weather.

Fabric thickness is also important. You will want a thicker, fleece-lined wicking fabric for those cold weather running days, but come summer you’ll need something lightweight with breathability. Tights with mesh panels sewn in can be a great option in the heat.

Fit

Fit encompasses a couple of things, including the rise, the length, and staying power. High-rise leggings have become quite popular, but mid-rise options are still out there. In addition, you don’t want to be fussing with your tights while you’re running, so you need a pair that stays put and doesn’t sag or slide down.

Depending on the season, you may want leggings that stop just below the knee, at mid-calf, ankle, or full-length. Some even come in short, regular, and tall inseams to accommodate varying heights.

You can check out some of my other running bottoms recommendations if you’re looking for something for a specific season, shorts, for a specific feature like pockets, or for the running men in your life.

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