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Best running leggings for women: great ladies running tights

Get the right running leggings and tights to pound the pavements.

Nothing screams new-year-new-you quite like investing in a new workout wardrobe. But with so many options available, how do you figure out the best running leggings for women?

It’s a constant struggle to find ladies running tights stretchy enough to sculpt to any body type, that don’t sag, shrink, become semi-sheer when stretched or slowly slip down over the course of a short jog around the block. Also, we all want running leggings with pockets!

We understand there are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to withstanding the wear and tear that both competitive and non-competitive sports create. But the truth is, no one likes paying big bucks for well known designer offerings, only for them to become unwearable after a few months.


Update:We've added adidas' 7/8 leggings into the mix - a design that forms part of their new Believe This 2.0 range. Ideal for those who prefer shorter workout leggings, this is a design that doesn't slip down, move or end up a little translucent across the bum area mid quad stretch. They're made using lightweight, moisture-absorbing Aeroready fabric - sounds fancy - meaning you can worry less about becoming a sweaty mess (from the waist down at least). Featuring adidas' classic 3 stripe design down the length of the leg, there's a range of matching bras and bralettes if you're looking to co-ordinate your outfit for the gym and complete the monochrome look.



Which is why we’ve taken to trying out some of the best designs on the market from brands big and small. Now it’s your turn to let us know what you think by upvoting your favourites and downvoting those that just aren’t up to the job.


So whether you’re in it for the long-haul (hello marathon runners) or are simply attempting to dip your toe into the more often than not intimidating jogging pool for the first time, these are the running leggings you should consider.



Best running leggings for women

If you're after firm fitting leggings that won't budge during long runs or intense HIT classes, these TCA Relentless 7/8 Legging are well worth considering. Available in two colourways (including this fetching shade called Atlantic Deep), the leggings also have a fairly affordable price tag, coming in at £39. There's also a sneaky side pocket, because let's be honest, a girl can never have too many pockets.

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Founded by Bríd Ryan, a sports addict who has spent most of her life in the swimming pool, on horseback or on the water rowing, the brand aims to offer sports-specific kit for competitive female athletes. Like most compression leggings, the idea is to cut down lactic acid formation in your muscles, combining comfortable and innovative design with vibrant colours. They also look pretty good, just saying.

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3. Adidas Believe This 2.0 3-Stripes 7/8 Leggings

£54.95£54.95£54.95£54.95£54.95
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If you're into co-ordination and workout gear that's pleasing on the eye, these adidas' 7/8 leggings - part of their new Believe This 2.0 range - might just be the design for you. Ideal for those who prefer cropped workout leggings, this is a design that doesn't slip down, tug awkwardly or end up a little translucent across the bum area mid quad stretch. Featuring adidas' classic 3 stripe design down the length of the leg,this spring/summer 2020 training collection offering really does epitomise the brand's iconic design credentials.

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With handy side pockets and a range of vibrant, eye-catching colours, these Pour Moi leggings look the part as well as well as being a handy design for those carrying their phone or a set of house keys.

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5. 2XU Refresh Recovery Compression Tights

From £82.49From £82.49From £82.49From £82.49From £82.49
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A brand trusted by runners up and down the country, 2XU are a top-notch brand offering running tights with an equally impressive price tag. That being said, there’s a reason athletes can’t seem to get enough of them. The brand claim their Refresh Recovery Compression Tights offer “superior gradient compression” which is said to stabilise muscles and promote increased blood flow for faster recovery. All we know is they’re super-comfy and offer some impressive flash sales.

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A combination of compression leggings and bum-sculpting technology, these Zero Gravity leggings are one of the brand’s best selling designs. Their ultra-lightweight design and sweat-wicking fabric makes them practical and the addition of side pockets makes them handy for carrying everything from keys to phones. A brand that has become known for its well made, good looking workout gear, Sweaty Betty leggings are up there with some of the best.

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7. Oysho Sport Line Shapewear Leggings

€35.99€35.99€35.99€35.99€35.99
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Oysho leggings are great for those who wish to complete a workout without the constant need to tug at that waistband that continues to slip down. Available in a range of attractive colours and designs, the Spanish brand launched in 2001 and have since gone from strength to strength.

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When it comes to leggings, we find that often style is just as important as athletic performance. Tikiboo is brand raising the bar in both. If you’re after colour and variety, then thi might just be the brand for you, as the brand offer a range of vibrant leggings that have both a charity connection and others that are purely eye-catching. This rainbow pair are no exception. They’re even equipped with a handy zipped pocket, capable of carrying a large phone.

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9. Nike Fast Women's Running Leggings

£39.95£39.95£39.95£39.95£39.95
Buy now at Nike Buy now at Nike Buy now at Nike Buy now at Nike Buy now at Nike

If you haven’t heard of Nike before, then you’ve probably been hiding under a rock for the past few decades. The world’s best known sportswear brand is honed its design skills and improved garment performance over the years to create these running leggings that stand up to pressure. With a back zip pocket and breathable mesh panels, these leggings offer simple but timeless design.

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Established by, you guessed it, a bright spark named Mari, this female-founded sportswear brand has developed a range of products that stand up to the toughest of test conditions. Starting with sports bras and branching out into these sleek looking leggings, Maaree has been taking the running world by storm. The brand has stuck to a high-quality, limited range that does everything and more that you’d expect from a trustworthy pair of running tights.

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11. ​CEP Womens 3.0 Run Tights

From £87.14From £87.14From £87.14From £87.14From £87.14
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If you’re looking for running tights (or leggings) that offer top-notch compression, this offering from CEP should definitely be considered. Like a lot of compression-orientated leggings, the technology comes at a bit of a premium - but it does make a difference if warding off lactic acid formation is the aim of the game. They’re comfortable, effective and make you look like a bit of a ninja if we’re honest.

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A crossover between functional street style and activewear, the 90 Degree range spans all manner of leggings, tops and other accessories. Using fabrics that contain moisture wicking-properties to create their leggings, the brand aims to create comfortable designs at an affordable price.

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Lululemon has become one of the best known active wear brands around, spawning from humble beginnings in Vancouver, Canada, over two decades ago. These mesh panel tights are both eye-catching and practical, allowing for added breathe-ability

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High waisted and with a soft thermal lining, these leggings are ideal for running (or cycling, CrossFit or countless other sports for that matter). They’re also squat-proof - meaning casual stretches in the park needn’t turn into a ‘let’s reveal everything to the world’ scenario. They also come in at a pretty reasonable price - which understandably makes us even happier.

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