Best running leggings for women this winter

When the temperatures start to drop, it’s time to rethink your run kit. While you’ll still see the odd hardy soul running around in shorts and a vest, for keeping your legs warm and ensuring your running is still comfortable, you can’t beat a pair of the best running tights for women.

Here, we compiled a list of the best running leggings for women we’ve reviewed this winter. We have another list of the best winter runnings tights for men.

After reading the reviews, continue scrolling to see our advice on how to pick a set of women’s running leggings.

Best women’s running tights for 2024

Montane Slipstream Thermal 

• £90 / $120

Heading up to Kendal for the annual Mountain Festival in November I was met with freezing weather. Snow on the first day, heavy rain for the next two. The point of this? These Thermal Slipstream tights from Montane really came into their own.

The four-way stretch fabric with brushed lining was toasty warm, while there are panels on the thighs made from a more substantial ‘Granite Loft’ fabric which did a great job of keeping me protected from wind and rain.

There’s a large zippy pocket which I used for keys as well as smaller open pockets for gels. There are small reflective details and zips at the ankle for ease of getting on/off over run shoes. Personally I don’t love these as I find the zips often irritate my ankle bone, but they can be handy.

Adjustment is via drawcord at the waist which worked well, though women with sensitive tummies may prefer something a little flatter. Sizing is UK6-16 and I’m wearing a UK14.

Soar Run Tights

• £160

Soar are making a name for themselves in top-end run kit and these Run Tights are no different. Gulp at that price tag by all means, but these tights are unlike anything I’ve ever tried before. Made from a super-lightweight fabric with laser-cut seams the material feels barely-there once they are on, but still kept me warm enough on chilly winter mornings plus they’re quick drying.

The tights have no drawcord but are held by a series of rubber grippers at the waist, knee and ankle which worked superbly and avoided any feeling of constriction or bulk with a flat waistband. Reflective details are included.

A large zipped pocket on the rear was big enough for a phone, though I preferred just to keep smaller items in there so I didn’t disrupt the light feeling of the tights. I’m in an XL here which is a UK14 and the largest size available, which is a shame.

Arc’teryx Essential Utility Legging

• £130 / $140

The Arc’teryx Essential Utility Legging were one of those pairs of run tights that I knew were going to be a hit as soon as I pulled them on. From the silky-smooth fabric to the wide, perfectly-fitting waistband I couldn’t wait to run in them. Arcteryx sent a size 12 which equates to a UK16 and the fit was perfect (they come in equivalent to UK2 to 18 as well as three colourways).

The Nylon and Lycra fabric was comfortable and very breathable, yet warm enough for mild winter days. As you’d expect from an outdoor brand there’s plenty of room to stash stuff too. The whole waistband features a deep pocket, ideal for gels and small items. There’s a deep pocket on each leg and a key loop.

While the Soar might just nudge these in this test for cutting edge details, these are my day-to-day go-to tights now!

Asics Road High Waist Tight

• £63 / $100

Here in a rather festive green (also in red online) these Asics Road High Waist Tights come in a generous size range from XS to 2XL and at a reasonable price point. Fabric is a Polyester/Elastane mix with 50% from recycled materials.

I tested a size L and fit was good here. The wide waistband incorporated a draw cord which made adjustment easy. There are other features too including one side pocket perfect for a phone and nicely close-fitting, a back one for gels, plus two rear loops which can be used to ‘hang’ a jacket through.

I’m not keen on having things flapping round me as I run so usually take a running pack with me, but this might appeal to runners doing shorter distances who like to shed layers. No zippy pocket for keys though, which is disappointing.

Punched holes on the back of the knees aid breathability and generally, these tights were good for cool autumn mornings though not as technical as the Soar or Montane in tougher conditions.

What makes the best runnings tights for women?

The best running leggings for women will be constructed from fabrics that feel soft and comfortable against the skin, while offering warmth, sweat wicking and microbial properties to avoid it holding onto sweat or ending up stinky by mid-season.

Next, look for extra features but don’t pay for them if you don’t need them. Some runners like a zipped pocket for keys/card/gels etc, while reflective details or colourways that aren’t just black are always welcome for all kit, especially as many winter runs are likely to be in low light.