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11 best running leggings
Run all year long with a pair of durable, breathable running leggings
The end of the summer doesn’t mean slacking off on outdoors training. As days and evenings are becoming chillier, what you’ll need is the appropriate clothing to make sure your running experience is optimal. It is easy to get lost in the wide variety of offer in terms of leggings, which is why we’re coming to your rescue.
IndyBest has tried a wide variety of running tights, from the ones focusing on compression to style or breathability - and here’s our 2018 guide for the running tights to look for. In many instances, you do not need to break the bank to get a quality running tight; only IndyBest’s guidance. Here’s the list of running leggings that stood out when we tried them, keeping prices, comfort, style as well as performance in mind.
1. New Balance Speed Crop Q: $44.99, New Balance
New Balance is this year’s top pick of running tight, as they offer the most complete running experience for the lowest price. From your waist to your knees, the Speed Crop Q will provide support and comfort for your run, and breathability underneath from your knees to your ankles. If you’re an early morning or late evening runner, the Speed Crop Q are also perfect as they’re equipped with reflective tape that will ensure your safety. The only downside to these running leggings is the small pocket at the back, but overall, the price is quite competitive for the quality and the experience the company offers.
2. Saucony’s finishing Kick Crop tights: $90, Saucony
When engineering met design, the finishing Kick Crop Tights were born. It is evident that everything was thought of when these leggings were made, and the resulting running experience is a success. The leggings have one pocket at the back, some mesh panel behind the knees and on the lower legs, and reflective gaskets at the back and on the side of the tights. They feature a compressive fabric but are flexible and breathable. The price is fair, and overall, Saucony’s leggings are definitely worth a try.
3. Athleta Mesh Contender Capri: $59.99, Athleta
The confection feels similar to some of the biggest running brands, but the price is cut in half. Gap’s Athleta provides strong support at the waist, and breathability at the end of your feet. The tights have two pockets on each side, and one hidden key envelop. The mesh ventilation on the knees and the legs accompany the body in your run by expelling the heat from your body and propelling your run further one step at the time. The Mesh Contender Capri is a very versatile choice that can be worn in warmer or chillier weather.
4. Janji Uganda Deviation Crop: $80, Janji
Janji is this year’s discovery. Not only are the Deviation Crop in Kiriba Olive super stylish, but they also support a good cause: clean water initiative in Uganda (or in a different part of the world, depending on the type of tights). The material the tights are made off offers the perfect mix between keeping you warm and fresh, as the lower mesh is perforated. The leggings are equipped with one pocket at the back, and the elastic waist is comfortable and solid. Overall, with its social mission and reasonable price, Janji is a strong contender for our top pick.
5. CW-X Stability X compression tights: $110, CW-X
Japanese company CW-X is known for one thing: compression. The company claims it is “the world’s first truly anatomically-engineered high-performance sports apparel,” and overall, this statement is quite true. The Stability X tights will provide you joint support to your knees, hips, and pelvis. As they’re leggings meant for compression, they’ll respond to very specific needs - so do not expect something as flexible as the New Balance or MPG’s leggings. However, if you’re into compression running tights, this is a good pick.
6. Lululemon Tight Stuff Tight II: $148, Lululemon?
For the runners who have a bigger budget and want to invest in the long-term, the Tight Stuff Tight II is for you. The leggings are equipped with moderate compression and are lighter by the end of the leg, which feels like a second-fit skin. They have two big pockets on each side, which can easily fit a cellphone or even a small bottle of water, as well as a drop-in pocket at the back of the pants. The pants also have reflective details at the bottom. Overall, these tights are definitely the perfect fit for an enjoyable run. The only downside to the tight Stuff Tight II is the price, as other brands offer a similar experience for cheaper.
7. DNAmics Women’s Compression ? tights: $44.99, Skins
If you’re a believer in the power of compression, then the Skins compression are another good option. This simplistic but useful confection will support and stabilize your body for long running sessions. The SKINS are built to support your body, period. They do not have pockets or reflective patterns, but the advanced technology compensates.
8. On’s running tights: $119.99, On
On's running shoes came on the top of this year’s review, and we also loved the Swiss company’s running tights. The “Swiss” engineering is unique, and so is the running experience. The leggings both support the waist, but also the surrounding of your knees while making sure you’re safe at night - as the whole bottom of the pants is equipped with a reflective pattern. The tights feel very light, but at the same time can be worn in different climates. As they’ve been tested in the French Alps, rain or shine, the company’s cutting-edge technology is worth investing in.
9. Helly Hansen Slesli tight: $55, Helly Hansen
In 1877, Captain Helly Juell Hansen wanted to find a way to protect his sailors from the cold Norwegian weather - and thus the international brand bearing the same name was born. In terms of outdoor activities, it’s difficult to beat the Scandinavian company. The company’s Slesli tights are both comfortable and also absorb moisture for an optimal running experience. They might not have the pockets and other perks other companies offer, but the brand delivers a good quality product at a fair price.
10. Under Armour Misty Copeland Signature Bodysuit: $150, Under Armour
If you like running tights, why not wear a whole suit made of it? Under Armour’s Misty Copeland Signature Bodysuit is comfortable, suitable for short and long runs, and - we must admit it - super fashionable. It might is harder to find the perfect fit for a bodysuit, but Under Armour’s confection is quite flexible and can fit different types of body. Running jumpers aren’t for everyone and every type of runner, but some of you will definitely fall in love with it - and it can be a good addition to your running wardrobe.
11. MPG’s High-Waisted Pocket Leggings: $47.60, MPG
We picked the high-waisted pocket leggings, but to be honest, MPG has so many different types of quality running leggings that many of them could have made it to the list. Overall, the high-waisted pocket leggings are the most versatile option, as the confection is flexible, and the perforated knees allow for some air to circulate and make for an easier exercise. The leggings are comfortable and the brand is worth a try!
The Verdict: best running leggings
If you’re an avid runner looking for an additional running accessory, then, Under Armour’s Misty Copeland is a good pick. For the beginners that do not necessarily want to invest too much, then 础迟丑濒别迟补’蝉 tights can totally do the trick and if you want to buy running tights while investing in a good cause, Janji’s Uganda tights are fashionable and effective. Finally, for the best running experiences, Indybest highly recommends New Balance’s Speed Crop Q or Saucony’s finishing kick crops.