Finding the best leggings for running can be a tough task if you don’t know what to look for or where to look. Buying running leggings online can be frustrating so we take the guess work out of it. We take a look at the best leggings and how to find them.
Which waistband?
When it comes to running, you need leggings that aren’t going to fall down with every stride and leave you hitching them up every 2 minutes and interfering with your run. A comfortable, well-fitted waistband is paramount for a good run and so it’s important to decide which type you’re going to go for.
The safest option if you don’t want your leggings falling down is to go for a classic drawstring waist. Sometimes the drawstrings are on the inside of the waistband like women’s running leggings and sometimes they’re on the outside, but either way they will provide the comfort and security you need to complete your run without having to keep pulling on your leggings.
A drawstring waist will allow you to personalise the fit so that you can decide how tight or loose you want them. Another bonus is that if you are feeling particularly bloated one day, you can loosen them off without feeling uncomfortable. Everyone’s weight and physiology fluctuates on a daily basis so this option can be a game changer.
Pockets or no pockets?
Many people like to be able to take their phone out on a run with them and even if you don’t take your phone, you might still need storage for keys and other valuables. Many types of running leggings don’t feature any pockets at all because they can be clumsy and uncomfortable, but now that a clear demand has arisen more companies are designing running leggings with sizeable pockets that can accommodate a smart phone.
If you don’t take your phone with you when you run but do take keys and other small items, you might be better off with a small zipper pocket to the side or back of the leggings. A large phone pocket can be annoying and even pull the leggings down if the phone is heavy
In that case, many running leggings have small zip pockets to the back or side which you can use to store keys, a spare hair tie, or an energy gel. To zip gives peace of mind so you know your valuables won’t jump out of the pocket as you run and it keeps your hands free and unladen so you can perform better.
Full length or cropped?
Typically, you would choose to wear full length running leggings in winter and cropped leggings in summer, however this may not always be best for you. For example, if you are particularly short, you may find that some brands of activewear don’t have full length leggings that fit you properly – you might find they’re always too long. In this case, you might find that cropped or Capri leggings are better for you whether it’s summer or winter.
On the other hand, some people simply don’t like wearing cropped leggings and will prefer to wear full length running leggings all year. Really, this one is down to personal preference and shouldn’t make too much of a difference to you. Some cropped leggings finish at the knee while others are slightly longer and finish mid-calf.
High waisted or not?
Some people prefer to wear high waisted leggings because they are less likely to fall down as you run and cover over any lumps and bumps you may have. They also have a tendency to make you feel more secure and ‘locked in’ which is another reason some people prefer them to regular fit leggings
High waisted leggings are far less likely to feature a drawstring, however they shouldn’t really need one as their tightness around the waist should keep them firmly in place as you run.