The best running leggings for 2026, tested for comfort and support
No slipping, sliding or rolling.
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You might assume the best leggings are all built the same. Then you step out for that first mile and realize how many pairs aren't actually made for running. Waistbands creep, fabric starts to feel wet and heavy once you break a sweat and suddenly you're thinking about your clothes more than your pace.
In this story
I know a thing or two about leggings. In addition to being a shopping editor for the past 15 years, I regularly log about 20 miles per week year-round. I've tested leggings in every condition, and am quick to notice when something doesn't perform.
The best running leggings are the ones that don't take over your thoughts while you're pounding the pavement. They stay put without pinching or rolling at the waist, move with you instead of against you and feel comfortable from the first stride to the cooldown walk home. They should wick sweat, breathe well and stay opaque when you bend and stretch. The right pair nails details like secure pockets and reflective elements for early morning or evening runs.
These recommendations are based on my own ongoing testing, as well as input from other editors and contributors who are serious about fitness. Together, we've written extensively about leggings of all kinds — from compression leggings and fleece-lined styles to leggings with pockets — and the picks ahead are the ones we keep coming back to.
Best running leggings for 2026
Compression level:Medium | Material:81% nylon, 19% Lycra elastane | Sizes:0-20 | Inseam(s):23", 25", 28", 31" | Length(s):Full | Rise:High | Colors:13
Why we love it:The Aligns aren't technically designed as running leggings, but they've earned a loyal following among runners for a reason. Made with Lululemon's proprietary Nulu fabric, they're lightweight, breathable and genuinely comfortable — almost like second skin. They're not overly compressive, but they stay snug without digging in.
What experts say:"The high waist helps my waist look cinched and the fabric, seams and cut work together to visually sculpt and whittle my legs," said Laura Kenney , Senior Director of Shopping Content. "They're magic," echoed Rebecca Carhart , Senior Deals Writer, calling them "the softest leggings I've ever put on — super flattering without feeling tight, compressive or restrictive."
Keep in mind:Because the fabric is so soft, pilling can happen over time, particularly when you clock serious mileage. They're also a splurge. "I hate spending [more than] $100 on a pair of leggings," said shopping editor Izabella Zaydenberg , "though I suppose my cost per wear is maybe a few cents at most."
- Compressive but not restrictive
- Buttery soft
- Lightweight and breathable
- May pill over time
Compression level:Light | Material:81% polyamide, 19% Lycra | Sizes:XXS-XL | Inseam(s):23", 25", 26.5", 28", 30'' | Length(s):7/8 | Rise:High | Colors:28
Why we love it:These leggings punch way above their price point. The Butterluxe fabric feels soft and smooth, offers light support and holds its shape without feeling stiff or restrictive, which makes them an easy option for everyday runs and casual training.
What experts say:"These leggings are so soft and supportive," said commerce writer Ellie Conley . They're also favored by shopping editor Katie Teague , who said the pair is "comfortable, the right length, fitted and not baggy."
Keep in mind:Compression is on the lighter side, so runners who prefer a more locked-in feel or run long distances may want something more supportive. There are also mixed reviews on pilling over time — Conley hasn't noticed any, but Teague saw slight wear in the thigh area after many wears.
- Great value
- Soft, lightly compressive feel
- May not be ideal for long distance runs
Compression level:Medium | Material:77% polyester, 23% spandex | Sizes:XXS-3X | Inseams:25" (petite), 27" (regular), 29" (tall) | Length:7/8 | Rise:High | Colors:11 options
Why we love it:The high-rise crisscross waistband on these top-scoring compression leggings creates a subtle hourglass effect that feels supportive without being restrictive. Compression lands squarely in the medium range, which gives you the perfect combination of hold and confidence.
What experts say:I've been consistently impressed by how these hold up. I regularly run three to five miles in them and never have to make adjustments, even though the fabric is super soft and buttery. The color has also stayed vibrant, despite many wear and washes — mine still look almost as good as new after a year.
Keep in mind:They're on the thinner side, so they work best for indoor workouts or warm-weather runs.
- Flattering waistband
- Buttery soft fabric
- Durable
- Not ideal for cold weather
Compression level:Medium | Material: 77% recycled polyester, 23% spandex | Sizes: XS-XL | Inseam(s):30" | Length(s):Full | Rise:High | Colors:6
Why we love it:These fleece-lined leggings are my go-to when I need something that I can linger in after a solid run. They slip on like a second skin, feel soft without bulk, and give just enough structure to be flattering and comfortable all day.
What testers say:"Similar to other leggings from Beyond Yoga, the exterior is buttery soft and holds up well over time," said Elizabeth Kaplanis, endurance athlete and cofounder of Ridgewood Triathlon . The inside features a cozy fleece that keeps you warm without feeling heavy or restrictive, and the three pockets are helpful for keys, cards and even mid-run fuel.
Keep in mind:They're not the warmest fleece leggings we've tried — more of a midweight option — but that actually makes them easier to wear across a variety of activities, from outdoor runs to pilates class and beyond.
- Three pockets, including one zippered
- Soft and smoothing
- Silhouette isn't as sleek
Compression level:Medium | Material:75% nylon, 25% Lycra elastane | Sizes:XXS-3X | Inseam(s):23 inches (petite), 25 inches (regular), 28 inches (tall) | Lengths:7/8 | Rise:High | Colors:16
Why we love it:These leggings stand out for their soft, durable material that holds up run after run and wash after wash. They come in an impressive range of sizes (XXS–3XL) and lengths — regular, petite and tall — so finding the right fit is easy. Plus, with 16 colors to choose from, you can stock up on multiple pairs without feeling repetitive.
What experts say: Shopping editor Julia Webb is "obsessed" with these, even though she considers herself "hard" on her activewear. She said they "still look great after going through the washer and dryer numerous times." Comfort earns a full 5/5 from her — she says the waistband has never slipped, and the UPF 40+ rating makes them a solid choice for sunnier workouts.
Keep in mind:They're technically designed for low-impact activity, but Webb has taken them to intensive spin classes and on jogs with no issues.
- Sweat-wicking, quick-dry material
- Wide range of sizes and lengths
- Durable
- May not be ideal for long-distance runs
Compression level:Medium | Material:87% nylon, 13% elastane | Sizes:XXS-XL | Inseam(s):24.5 inches | Length(s):7/8 | Rise:High-waisted | Colors:9 options
Why we love it:I've worn these leggings for eight years, and they keep earning their spot in my rotation. They have that signature Alo sheen, a structured yet soft feel and just enough compression to handle everything from sweaty workouts to back-to-back errands.
What experts say:Shopping editor Kristin Granero calls them "a solid investment." She says the medium compression and four-way stretch make them move with you without ever feeling restrictive. "The synthetic fabric blend is moisture-wicking," added senior style editor Jessica Teich , making them great for those long runs in warm weather.
Keep in mind:The 7/8 length hits Granero's ankle perfectly at 5'4", but taller runners might find them a little short. That said, I'm 5'7", and find my normal size fits great.
- Solid compression
- Attractive sheen
- Very durable
- May feel a bit short for taller individuals
Compression level:Medium | Material:82% polyester 18% spandex | Sizes:XS-XL | Inseam(s):28 inches | Length(s):7/8 | Rise:High-waisted | Colors:2 options
Why we love it:These FlipBelt leggings are a runner's dream for staying hands-free and organized. With built-in waist and side pockets, they make it easy to stash your keys, cards or phone without anything bouncing around mid-stride. They also pair seamlessly with FlipBelt accessories like water bottles and clip-on lights, making them perfect for early morning or evening runs.
What experts say:Shopping editor Laura Williams says she loves her pair, noting that the pockets are "handy" and the leggings work well with a wide range of FlipBelt accessories, which is highly convenient — especially for longer distances. She appreciates that everything stays secure while running and that she doesn't have to worry about constantly adjusting or shifting the fabric.
Keep in mind:Some reviewers note that these leggings run a bit small, plus we've found stock in all sizes to be inconsistent.
- Compatible with a wide range of the brand's accessories
- Built-in pockets
- Runs a bit small
How we tested running leggings
Not all leggings are created equal — especially when it comes to running. To figure out which ones actually hold up mile after mile, we put each pair through real-world testing. I log about 20 miles per week year-round, so I wore each pair on runs of varying distances and in different weather. Our team of editors and fitness contributors also tested leggings on their own runs, so every recommendation reflects multiple perspectives and repeated testing.
We assessed comfort, fit and performance both on and off the track, because leggings aren't just for workouts. We noted how the fabric moves, whether the waistband slips or rolls, how breathable and sweat-wicking the material is and whether pockets stay secure on the go.
Durability and practicality were part of the mix too — how well did leggings hold up after washing, if compression or color faded over time and whether the fabric remained opaque when stretching or bending. These picks don't just look good: they've proven they can perform when it matters most.
What to consider when shopping for running leggings
Material
"Running leggings are often designed with moisture-wicking, breathable fabric to handle sweat and movement," said Denise Chakoian, certified fitness instructor and owner of Core Cycle and Fitness LaGree in Rhode Island. Not all fabrics are created equal when it comes to jogging.
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Cottonfeels soft and breathable — comfortable for easy runs or short workouts — but it soaks up sweat fast, which can be less than ideal for longer or high-intensity sessions, especially in cold weather, says Kaplanis. Our recommendation? "Steer clear of cotton leggings for sweaty workouts," says Teich.
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Synthetic blendsare usually the better choice for serious workouts. "Polyester and nylon dry more quickly than a natural fiber like cotton," says Teich. Elastane (or spandex/Lycra) gives leggings the stretch they need to move with you without losing shape. Combined, these fabrics wick sweat, hold up over time and keep you comfortable from start to finish.
Compression
"Compression to support muscles and reduce fatigue" is key, says Chakoian. Medium compression is often the sweet spot for running leggings, in my experience. It provides enough support to keep muscles and the waistband in place, while still allowing the fabric to move naturally with every stride. Too little compression can cause the leggings to shift, while too much can feel tight and limit your range of motion.
Inseam
The interior leg measurement affects both fit and function. Choosing brands that offer petite, regular and tall options matters for runners, because the length and proportion of the leggings affect comfort and performance. Too short and the leggings can ride up mid-stride; too long and the fabric can bunch around the ankles and be distracting.
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For petite/short options, average inseams range from 25–26 inches.
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For regular styles, average inseams range from 27–28 inches.
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For tall leggings,average inseams range from 29–30 inches.
Length
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Full-length leggingsare the most versatile for runs of any distance, errands or casual wear, since they lend a streamlined look that works with socks or boots.
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Cropped or 7/8 styleshit above the ankle, helping you stay cooler and showing off your running shoes.
Rise
"If you want your leggings to stay in place while running, go for a high or ultra-high waistband, which gives more surface area around your waist for a better grip," said Chakoian. While mid-rise can feel more comfortable for casual wear or low-impact workouts, for running, higher waistbands help prevent slipping or rolling and gives a little extra stability through the midsection.
Sizing
Most leggings follow standard S/M/L sizing, but some use numbered pants sizes (0, 2, 4, etc.). Fabrics with four-way stretch give extra flexibility across sizes, so if you're between sizes or prefer a slightly tighter or looser fit, you can size up or down without compromising support or mobility.
Best running leggings FAQs
What's the difference between running leggings and regular leggings?
In addition to compressive performance fabrics designed to wick sweat and support muscles, "they often have ... pockets, reflective details and reinforced seams," said Chakoian. Regular leggings, on the other hand, are usually made for comfort or style rather than performance and may not hold up as well during high-impact activity.
What running leggings won't fall down?
Chakoian suggests high- or ultra-high-rise waistbands, which are generally preferred by runners because they provide core support and stay securely in place during every stride. She adds, "wearing the right size is also important, because leggings that are too big will slide, while a snug fit keeps everything secure." Also, try not to overload pockets with heavy items, since uneven weight can cause sagging and make the leggings pull down, she says.
What material is best for running leggings?
"The best material for running leggings is a blend of nylon, polyester and spandex," said Chakoian. "These fabrics are lightweight, moisture-wicking and stretchy. They also dry quickly and reduce chafing during long runs, which is super important for comfort, performance and preventing skin irritation."
Meet our experts
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Elizabeth Kaplanis, endurance athlete and cofounder of Ridgewood Triathlon
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Denise Chakoian, certified fitness instructor and owner of Core Cycle and Fitness LaGree in Rhode Island
