Finding a good pair of running leggings is surprisingly difficult.
They need to stay in place, feel comfortable over distance and give you enough support without making every stride feel like a battle with your waistband. Pockets are essential, and a flattering fit certainly doesn't hurt.
We'd also quite like some interesting colours. Another pair of black leggings isn't always the answer.
So we've narrowed the search to four pairs worth knowing about, looking at their fabrics, construction, storage, colour options and available customer feedback.
Here's what made the edit.
1. Nike Universa: The sculpting all-rounder
£99.99 · 7/8 length · Medium support
The Nike Universa combines a smooth, sculpting fit with some clever fabric technology.
The midweight material is designed to lift and shape, while the absence of a front seam creates a cleaner silhouette. There's also an updated waistband designed to resist rolling.
What makes these particularly interesting is Nike's Stealth Evaporation technology, which aims to minimise visible moisture rather than simply moving it away from the skin.
What makes them worth knowing about?
The Universa has the sort of construction that makes it useful beyond running. It's supportive enough for strength training, smooth enough to wear under layers and flattering enough to become a regular part of your gym wardrobe.
The side pockets accommodate most phones, while a discreet back pocket provides additional storage.
Then there's the colour selection. Nike offers more variety than many running-focused brands, with different shades and seasonal releases that make putting together an outfit considerably more interesting.
What do the reviews say?
Nike's UK product page currently shows a 4.7-star rating from 100 reviews.
Customers praise the smooth, supportive fabric and flattering fit. However, feedback isn't universally positive. Some reviewers have raised concerns about the redesigned pocket placement, while another reported early pilling.
The K&G take: A particularly appealing all-rounder if you want a sculpting fit, interesting colour options and leggings that work for more than running.
2. lululemon Fast & Free 6-Pocket: The one for serious storage
£118 · 23", 25" and 28" lengths · Six pockets
Six pockets might sound excessive until you've tried fitting your phone, keys and running essentials into a pair of leggings with precisely nowhere to put them.
The lululemon Fast & Free 6-Pocket has been designed specifically for running, with lightweight Nulux fabric, a refined waistband and an impressive amount of storage.
The updated design includes two side pockets, three waistband drop-in pockets and a zipped back pocket. There's also a continuous drawcord and no inseam, helping to reduce friction while running.
What makes them worth knowing about?
The Nulux fabric is designed to feel sleek, cool and lightweight. It's quick-drying, sweat-wicking and offers four-way stretch.
Unlike heavily compressive leggings, the Fast & Free is about freedom of movement. That makes it an appealing option for longer runs or anyone who dislikes feeling tightly held in.
The storage is particularly well considered. The pockets are distributed around the waistband and legs, allowing you to carry your essentials without automatically reaching for a running belt.
There's also a choice of three lengths, plus changing colour options. Availability varies by size and colour, with the 28-inch version currently showing limited stock.
What do the reviews say?
The updated 28-inch product page doesn't currently provide enough customer-review evidence for a meaningful rating-based verdict.
Its technical features are promising, particularly the drawcord, lightweight fabric and storage, but we'd avoid presenting those specifications as proof that it will suit every runner.
The K&G take: A strong option for runners who prioritise lightweight fabric, useful pockets and the flexibility to choose their preferred length.
Shop lululemon Fast & Free 6-Pocket
3. LNDR Limits 8/8: The lightweight sculpting one
£109 · Full length · Medium compression
If you like the sculpting feel of premium athleisure but don't want anything too heavy for running, the LNDR Limits 8/8 is worth a look.
The Limits range uses LNDR's Better Than Naked fabric, made from fine yarns designed to provide a smooth finish, subtle sculpting and quick-drying performance.
The result is a lighter legging with medium compression and a supportive waistband.
What makes them worth knowing about?
The Limits offers a balance between structure and comfort. It's designed to feel supportive without the more restrictive compression associated with some sculpting leggings.
The full-length silhouette is sleek, with contouring seams and discreet waistband pockets.
We also like the colour range. Marine, Deep Navy, Outerspace and Olive offer alternatives to black without sacrificing the understated aesthetic.
It's the sort of legging that works just as well with an oversized track jacket as it does with a fitted technical running top.
What do the reviews say?
The Limits Pocket 8/8 has a 4.6-star rating from 327 reviews in the available shopping results. That's a substantial amount of positive customer feedback, although it isn't the same as independent testing over long running distances.
One thing worth checking before buying is pocket capacity. The waistband pockets are useful for smaller essentials, but the Limits isn't as storage-focused as the lululemon Fast & Free.
The K&G take: A good option if you want lightweight technical fabric, a flattering silhouette and a little more support.
Shop LNDR Limits 8/8 in Marine
4. On Performance Tights: The chic technical one
£105 · Full length · Three pockets
Some running leggings make their technical credentials very obvious. The On Performance Tights take a more understated approach.
They're designed for running, with On's breathable, moisture-wicking and quick-drying DryTec fabric, an adjustable waistband and three pockets.
The construction also features fewer seams around the thighs, helping to reduce potential irritation during repeated movement.
What makes them worth knowing about?
The adjustable drawcord is a particularly useful feature. Rather than relying entirely on compression, you can customise the waistband fit.
There are two side pockets for your phone and gels, plus a zipped back pocket for smaller essentials.
The close-fitting design is intended to provide freedom of movement, while the reduced thigh seams make comfort a central part of the construction.
Aesthetically, these are probably the most minimal pair in the edit. The clean silhouette makes them easy to style with technical layers and contemporary running trainers.
The trade-off is colour choice. The current UK product page shows black, so there's less variety than you'll find with Nike or lululemon.
What do the reviews say?
On's current product page provides detailed construction and fit information, but not enough visible customer-review evidence to establish a reliable rating.
The design addresses several common running concerns, particularly waistband security, storage and seam placement. Those are meaningful features, although individual fit and comfort still need to be assessed in wear.
The K&G take: A polished technical option for anyone who prefers minimalist running kit and appreciates thoughtful construction.
The K&G favourite: lululemon Fast & Free 6-Pocket
For running specifically, we'd be reaching for the lululemon Fast & Free.
The combination of lightweight fabric, a continuous drawcord and six pockets makes it particularly appealing. Add the choice of lengths and changing colour options, and it feels like a practical addition to a running wardrobe rather than another pair of leggings bought purely for the gym.
Nike Universa comes very close. In fact, if sculpting and colour are your priorities, it may be the more appealing choice. Its smooth construction and moisture-concealing technology also give it an advantage for anyone who wants one pair for running, strength training and everyday gym wear.
But if we're choosing a pair specifically to run in, the Fast & Free's storage and lightweight construction would sway us.
Because the perfect running leggings should let you concentrate on the run, not what your leggings are doing.
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