Finding that pair of running leggings that fit just right can be the difference between cruising through your miles or constantly adjusting your waistband. No one wants to break pace to hitch up their waistband, battle thigh chafing, or feel the fabric start to cling once the miles start to add up.
At Gymshark, we design leggings that go the distance. Our purpose-built Running Leggings feature lightweight, sweat-wicking fabrics and deep pockets for zero distractions, while community favourites like Vital and Adapt earn top marks for their versatility and stay-put fit. Runners love them for their comfort on long runs, support during intervals, and confidence-boosting styles that still look good post-run coffee stop.
This guide breaks down what to look for in the best running leggings for women, how to match them to your training needs, and which Gymshark designs are trusted by runners, so you know the best choice to slip on when you’re in marathon training, squeezing in a lunchtime 5K, or simply running for the headspace
What leggings do runners wear?
Functionality and comfort are everything when it comes to running leggings, especially for going the distance or shaving some time off your run, and that’s why most runners will have a go-to pair that they can’t live without. While some favour lightweight fabrics and comfortable waistbands that don’t slip down or squeeze you in too tight, others crave technical details like pockets or reflective accents to ensure safety running in the dark.
No matter what you prioritize in your leggings, we've got you covered. Use this guide to find your perfect fit and discover the best running leggings for every type of run. But first, let’s break down what makes a great pair of running leggings.
The Best Gymshark Leggings For Running
Many Gymshark leggings are treated as candidates for running. Some are purpose-built, while others just happen to have the fit and features that make them perfect for running. We’ve rounded up our leggings that are most worn for running by our community - how they perform, and where you might see some compromise. But ultimately, every style here can work if you pick based on your run style, climate, and preference.
Running/Running Pocket Leggings (Purpose-Built)
Best for you if: You like a lightweight feel, and want leggings that feel purpose-built for running, whether that’s short sprints or long runs for marathon prep.
These are our styles most explicitly engineered for running. They bring together many of the elements from our key features list, making them the very best running leggings for women that we offer.
Why they excel: They tend to use lighter fabrics, with breathable ventilation zones, secure waistbands with internal drawcords, and well-placed zip pockets (often in the back waistband). These help with both comfort and utility when you're logging miles. The drawcord helps prevent your waistband sliding while the zip pockets secure essentials without bounce. And reflective accents help with early-morning or evening runs.
Considerations: In colder weather or for long runs, the lightweight knit may not feel as insulating. They also have fewer compression zones than some of our thicker styles, and are strictly designed for performance (so one to change out of before you lounge post-run).
Training for a marathon, or a specific running race this year? We've collated some of the best race day clothes, see you on the finish line!
Vital Seamless Leggings (Hybrid Style)
Best for you if: You do a bit of everything - strength, circuits, treadmill intervals, and want leggings that transition effortlessly between them.
Running tights for women that do it all? We’ve got you. These are our ultimate “gym-to-run” staple, and one of the most highly reviewed by our community for running wear, with customers saying that they don’t fall down, move, or slip around the waistband.
Why it works: Breathable, stretchy, and lightweight with that signature “stay-put” waistband. The seamless construction means no rubbing or irritation, even on long sessions. Vital is considered a true all-rounder, making them ideal for hybrid workouts and those days when you don’t want to overthink your outfit.
Considerations: Slightly less compression and no pockets. For long-distance runs, some may prefer more technical features. Also, there are no pockets for storage if that’s a non-negotiable for you!
Everyday/Soft Sculpt/Training Leggings (Lightweight, Lower-Compression)
Best for: Easy runs (Zone 2), jogs, or when you just want a legging that “does it all” without being run-specific. Perfect for easy jogs, recovery runs, or when comfort takes the lead.
Why they work for running: Buttery-soft, brushed fabric that feels gentle against the skin and minimises friction, even as mileage climbs. These leggings have flexible stretch that moves naturally with your stride, so you can lift, bend, and drive forward without any pulling at the knees or hips. And that slightly looser hold offers comfort and freedom, making them ideal for easy runs, a spontaneous jog, and that
run club social afterwards.
Potential drawbacks: They’re not built for endurance running; lower compression and fewer tech features mean you might not feel the performance enhancements of a purpose-built pair, especially on long runs.
Adapt Seamless Leggings (All-Rounder with Extra Support)
Best for you if: You split your week between lifting and running, or prefer a legging that supports strength and cardio equally. They make the best winter running leggings for cooler temperatures.
Adapt is often praised for its knit-like, supportive structure, with many of our community members choosing it for both their gym sessions and run days, making it the perfect all-rounder for hybrid training.
Why they work well for running: The material is thicker and offers more compression, which can help with muscle support and warmth on cooler runs. The thicker fabric “grips” your body, so they’re less likely to slide or shift mid-run. But because the fabric is thicker, they’re not recommended for hot-weather runs as they can cause overheating and discomfort.
Considerations: The thicker fabric and higher compression can feel restrictive around the stomach, especially when you’re trying to breathe deeper, and your core expands with each stride. Some runners find this pressure uncomfortable or even distracting, particularly in warmer conditions where heat and sweat build up faster (overstimulating). The lack of pockets or reflective detailing also makes these styles better suited for shorter, daytime runs where storage and visibility aren’t as crucial.
“LOVE: These are my favorite leggings for running and HIIT workouts. It has a nice durable material and personally love the non-existent bum scrunch. It still makes them very flattering!”
🧦 What socks? You don’t want a chunky sock to run in - they can feel too thick, too warm, and inevitably uncomfortable after a few miles. Most running socks are thin to help avoid rubbing/blisters, so check out our collection of running-ready socks to support you through every mile.
What To Look For In Running Leggings
Choosing running leggings that fit well and perform under pressure can make every mile feel easier. From fabric to waistband, here’s what to look for before you hit ‘add to cart.’
The Details That Make A Difference
Fabric Choice
Running generates heat fast. You want leggings that wick away sweat, stretch with every stride, and dry quickly once you stop. Look for lightweight blends of nylon or polyester with elastane for stretch. These fabrics are smooth, breathable, and move with your body - no stickiness, no heaviness.
If you tend to run warm, go for our Running or Vital OG and Soft collections with breathable panels or lighter knits. For cooler runs, a slightly denser fabric (like Adapt or Vital Warm) helps hold in warmth without trapping sweat - perfect for crisp morning miles or winter training blocks.
Look for stretch materials that return to shape after movement. If they bunch up or feel gappy at the waist, they’re too big. If they restrict deep bending, they’re too small.
Compression Level
Running leggings should have a snug, second-skin fit, without restricting circulation.
Compression leggings promote blood flow, which increases oxygen to your muscles, and reduces muscle fatigue, which is especially useful for long runs and aiding post-run recovery. They also help absorb some of the impact on your legs and joints, which is especially useful during long runs, speed work, or recovery days. When you first pull on a pair, they’re going to feel snug, but that’s the point. They’re built to move with you and not loosen after a few miles.
Prefer something more relaxed? That’s valid too - especially for shorter runs, recovery jogs, or home-to-gym runs. Just note that less compressive leggings may feel softer and freer, but they can come with trade-offs like a waistband that slips or a looser leg fit that shifts as you move. The right level of compression really depends on how much support you want versus how much freedom you like to feel.
Waistband/Rise
No one wants to break stride mid-run to yank their leggings back up. A secure high-rise waistband means confidence in every step. Look for high waistbands that stay put without pinching, internal drawcords, and avoid overly compressive waistbands that can feel too snug around the waist as you run, which could cause you to feel ill. If you’re between sizes, pick your size based on waistband comfort. Your leggings should stay up naturally without relying on the drawcord alone.
If your leggings are too tight, small, or big around the waistband, this might cause sagging, chafing or discomfort.
Seasonal Picks
Temperature changes everything, from the fabric you want against your skin to how your muscles perform. Opt for lightweight breathable options in summer like our Running Leggings, and thicker or fleece-lined leggings for added warmth for cold-weather runs, like our Vital Warm leggings. You can also layer lighter leggings under shorts or pair them with a thermal top for transitional seasons.
Seam Design
If you’ve ever finished a run with irritated skin or that telltale sting around your waistband or thighs, seams are often the culprit. That’s why many runners find seamless leggings the most comfortable - no stitching means less friction, no rubbing and no chafing. That being said, seam leggings can have their advantages too. Many runners prefer seamed leggings for added structure and the addition of pockets, which are especially handy for storing keys, gels or your phone. If you’re training for longer distances or want that “barely there” feel, seamless might be your best bet. But for short, sharp sessions or pocket practicality, seamed styles take the crown.
Unsure? Check our Find Your Fit Leggings Size Guide for how to measure accurately. Remember, seamless styles tend to feel more compressive, while brushed fabrics give a bit more stretch.
4 Tips For Choosing A Great Pair Of Running Leggings You'll Actually Love
When it comes to leggings for running, the right fit and features can turn an average run into a confident one. Whether you prefer bold prints or a streamlined black finish, it’s the details that count. From waistband support to pocket placement, these subtle specs can make all the difference in how your leggings for running perform (and feel) on the move.
1. Make Sure Your Leggings Suit Your Style: Running gear is personal. Your outfit should reflect not just your performance needs, but your personality too. For some, that means bright patterned running leggings that add energy to every stride; for others, it’s a sleek, neutral look that pairs with anything. Gymshark’s patterned collections, like Adapt Animal and Camo, offer much of the same performance tech as our minimal styles like Vital, so you don’t have to compromise between expression and function.
If that final mirror check makes you feel good, you’re already halfway to a great run.
2. Ensure Your Leggings Stay Put: There’s nothing worse than having to adjust your leggings mid-run. Running leggings that fall down are usually the result of a waistband that’s too loose or a fabric that lacks grip. Look for styles with high-waisted, compressive fits or internal drawcords - they’re designed to stay secure no matter how fast or far you go.
As a rule: the better the fit, the better your focus. Choose leggings that feel supportive yet flexible, so you can forget about tugging or rolling while you run.
3. Choose Running Leggings With Pockets: A secure place to stash your essentials can make every run smoother. Running leggings with pockets are typically built with zip pockets on the waistband, or deep side panels that keep your phone, keys, or gels stable and out of the way. These features are subtle but make a huge difference when you’re clocking miles or swapping treadmill storage for outdoor runs.
4. Look For Reflective Details: If you love early-morning or late-evening runs, reflective running leggings are essential for your safety. They’re designed with reflective prints, strips, or logos that catch car headlights and streetlights, helping you stay visible to traffic when conditions are darker. You’ll find reflective detailing across our Running range, and you can pair the leggings with a reflective running jacket for full visibility without sacrificing style.
How To Wear Leggings Modestly For Running
Looking for more coverage from your running outfits? Here are four tips for modest dressing when wearing running leggings:
Pair with a longer top or tunic: Choose long-line tops, oversized t-shirts, or tunics that cover your hips and provide extra coverage and looseness around your mid-region. We’d recommend our Vital Seamless Long-Line Top, which is made for exercise, with sweat-wicking tech and a seamless design ideal for running in.
Choose dark or opaque leggings: Black leggings or darker colours are excellent for minimizing transparency and ensuring full coverage, and if you’re worried about leggings becoming sheer, choose thicker running leggings.
Layer with a skirt or shorts: Wear loose running shorts, longer shorts, or an athletic skirt over your leggings for added modesty. We offer a 2-in-1 skirt featuring leggings with a high-rise waistband and a knee-length skirt for full coverage and comfort when running.
Accessorize for comfort: Use your layers to create more coverage: wrapping your lightweight jacket around your waist can provide coverage while being practical for weather changes.
Running Leggings FAQ’s
How do I keep my phone and keys from bouncing during running?
You can use a running belt to keep small items stay snug against your body or try an armband to store your phone. Storing your phone in side pockets on leggings can cause distractions due to your phone constantly bouncing against your leg as you run. Instead, zipped back pockets on leggings can feel more secure, helping to keep your keys from jingling and phone bouncing.
Tip: remove some keys and keychains before running if you have a heavy set of keys for a lighter (and less noisy) run.
Why do my leggings fall down when running?
Leggings tend to fall down as you run if you wear the wrong size or if the waistband doesn't sit correctly on your body. If the waistband is too big, your leggings will fit too loosely around the waist and fall down during movement. Alternatively, if your leggings are too small, they may fall down because the waistband doesn't have enough material to sit on your waist as designed. Poor-quality leggings not designed for running will fall down as they won't feature supportive waistbands that are made to stay put as you move.
What is the difference between running tights and leggings?
Running leggings are all about comfort, stretch, and softness, whereas running tights are built to give your muscles some extra support and help them recover. Running leggings are thicker whilst running tights are stretchier and more lightweight. This is because leggings are typically meant to be worn on their own, while tights are usually layered under a pair of shorts.
Can I wear normal leggings to run in?
You shouldn’t wear normal leggings to run in as they don’t have the same features as running leggings and tend to be worn for fashion purposes like stylish athleisure outfits. Running leggings on the other hand are purposefully designed with features to enhance your running performance; such as sweat-wicking fabrics, a stay-put waistband, and a seamless fit. Leggings that aren’t made for running can cause some issues, e.g. flared leggings might trip you up, lifting leggings may be too thick or regular leggings may have annoying seams that rub the wrong spots.
What is the difference between yoga leggings and running leggings?
Yoga leggings are usually crafted from softer, stretchier fabric compared to running leggings. They don't require the same seams or structure as those designed for high-impact workouts and aren't as focused on sweat-wicking. Running leggings also often benefit from compression, and a tighter fit to stay put as you run, which isn’t always necessary for low-impact movements like yoga.
Yoga and running complement each other. Discover the best stretches every runner should be doing to avoid injury and improve their running performance!
Do you need special leggings for long-distance runs?
If you choose running leggings that are versatile enough for short or long-distance running, you can get more wear. For long-distance runs, compression leggings are a great choice as they enhance circulation and reduce muscle fatigue. Look for features like adjustable waistbands and zip-pockets for storing small essentials.
Are Gymshark leggings good for running?
Yes. Many of our styles incorporate sweat-wicking fabrics, stay-put waistbands, reflective details and four-way stretch. Our purpose-built Running Leggings are built specifically for runs with reflective details, pockets, and a drawcord waistband designed perfectly for runners. But collections like Vital, Adapt and Everyday lines are also used by runners for their stay-put waistbands and versatile styles. Many in our community wear Vital for both gym and running, finding the transition between the two seamless.
Which Gymshark leggings are best for summer vs winter running?
Summer: Go lightweight, Running Leggings, Everyday, and Training Leggings are best for ventilation, lower heat retention, and comfortable movement.
Winter/cold runs: Choose thicker knits like Adapt, fleece-lined running styles (Vital Warm), or designs with reflective elements to help maintain warmth and visibility when running in the dark.
Do Gymshark running leggings have pockets?
Yes, our Running Pocket Leggings and many running styles include discrete zip pockets in the waistband or along the sides. These let you carry small essentials like keys, gels, or your phone without unwanted bounce.
Love your running leggings and looking for more ways to style them? Why not swap your ankle socks for a pair of crew socks and wear them over your running leggings for a cozy athleisure look? Pair with baggy tees, tank tops, or a hoodie for a comfy ‘fit, perfect for every day.
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