The Best Running Pants of 2024
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Purchasing anything online can be a hassle, but when it comes to running shoes, running socks or workout clothes, it can be difficult to determine what is worth buying, and what you can pass on. And while summer has only just begun, you can never prepare your winter running wardrobe too early.
A quality pair of pants is a staple in any running wardrobe, but with options ranging from compression to lounging joggers it can be difficult to determine what style and materials are best for you.
To help you out, we gathered up some of our favorites ranging from baggy joggers to quick-drying workout leggings, with features like four-way stretch, water-repellent materials and wind resistance. Check out our reviews of top models below, and a guide on how to pick the right ones for you in 2024.
Looking for other options? Check out our top picks for running shorts and compression shorts.
Our Picks for the Best Running Pants in 2024:
- Best Overall Running Pants: adidas Own the Run Leggings
- Best Men’s Running Pants: Lululemon Surge Hybrid Running Pant
- Best Women’s Running Pants: Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tight
- Best Cold-Weather Running Pants: adidas Cold.Rdy Workout Pants
- Best Waterproof Running Pants: On Ultra Pants
- Best Compression Running Pants: Under Armour UARush SmartForm Leggings
- Best Trail Running Pants: Nike Trail Dawn Range
- Best Affordable Running Pants: Gymshark Woven Joggers
Best Overall Running Pants: adidas Own the Run Leggings
adidas
Key Features:
- Materials: 72% recycled polyester, 28% elastane interlock
- Sizes: XS–2XL
- Colors: Black
- Fit: Snug fit
- Price: $65
- Standout feature: Drawcord waist, zippered ankles
- Best for: Everyday training runs
These tights are a great investment if you want a basic, every-day running pant staple. They are relatively affordable and have a simple, classic design. They are made with a supportive, sweat wicking fabric that moves with you, but won’t stretch out over time. The addition of ankle zippers allows you to slip them on and off over your shoes—great for using them as warmups, or if on a particularly bad day, you accidentally opt for shoes before pants.
The tights also have side pockets which are great for storing small items like gels, headphones or keys—though they may not be big enough for your phone. They also have a drawcord at the waist which prevents them from sliding down while you run.
Pros:
- Drawcord keeps them on the waist
- Decent price
- Sweat-wicking fabric
- Zippered ankles for easy on and off
Cons:
- Only one color
Best Men’s Running Pants: Lululemon Surge Hybrid Running Pant
lululemon
Key Features:
- Materials: 84% Nylon, 16% Lycra elastane
- Sizes: XS–XL, 28 and 32-inch length
- Colors: 4
- Fit: Loose
- Price: $128
- Standout feature: Zip pockets
- Best for: Casual runs and everyday wear
While a lot of runners will opt for tights, some want something a bit more loose and breezy. Enter the jogger. These joggers are made with four-way stretch, abrasion-resistant fabric which ensures that the extra fabric won’t bunch or pull as you run. They also have a slimmer fit, getting snug at the calves and loosening towards the waist which gives them a comfortable, loose feel while also ensuring that they stay in place and won’t twist and shift.
The fabric is sweat-wicking and fast drying, and it has a wide, comfortable waistband with a drawstring for extra support. There are also two zippered pockets which are great for carrying small items during a run, or just when on the go.
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Pros:
- Comfortable fit
- Two length options
- Nice neutral color options
- Flattering and effective fit
Cons:
- Pretty pricey
- Items in pockets will bounce as you run due to loose fit
Best Women’s Running Pants: Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tight
lululemon
Key Features:
- Materials: 84% Nylon, 16% Lycra elastane
- Sizes: 0-20, and 23, 25 and 28-inch lengths
- Colors: 6
- Fit: Tight
- Price: $128
- Standout feature: Zippered pockets
- Best for: Running and workouts
These tights were made specifically for running. While you can arguably run in any athletic tights, these are designed to hold up to the friction and stay comfortable through every mile. They are made with a four-way stretch fabric that is made to feel like a second skin and move seamlessly with your body.
They have an extra thick waistband which keeps them feeling snug and secure without being suffocating, and it has an endless waist tie which allows you to tighten the waist even more, but since it is continuous, you won’t have to worry about it falling out or getting tangled in the wash.
I actually own these tights and they were a staple for me this past winter. They are a great option for chilly winter days as they help mitigate the sting of frigid air while still keeping you feeling cool and dry.
Pros:
- Cooling, drying fabric
- Wide waistband is comfortable and secure
- Comes in lots of size and length options
- Very flexible fabric
Cons:
- Some may find them too lightweight for cold temps
- Front to back seam may be uncomfortable if you tend to go commando
Best Cold-Weather Running Pants: adidas Cold.Rdy Workout Pants
adidas
Key Features:
- Materials: 92% recycled polyester, 8% elastane dobby
- Sizes: XS–4XL
- Colors: 2
- Fit: Relaxed
- Price: $85
- Standout feature: Heat-trapping technology
- Best for: Winter running
When the temperatures drop below freezing, your go-to pair of running pants might not cut it. These however are specifically made to keep you as warm as possible. They use adidas’ COLD.RDY tech which helps to trap heat while still wicking away moisture and keeping you dry.
They have a tapered leg fit instead of a tight which also helps to keep you warm as hot air creates a sort of buffer as it gets trapped between the skin and fabric. This looser fit would also allow you to add another layer underneath when the weather is truly horrid.
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Pros:
- Keeps you warm in the winter
- Comfortable relaxed fit
- Drawstring waist
Cons:
- Not as versatile as a regular weight running pant
- Not as stretchy as most running pants
Best Waterproof Running Pants: On Ultra Pants
On
Key Features:
- Materials: Polyamide
- Sizes: S-XXL
- Colors: 2
- Fit: Relaxed
- Price: $189
- Standout feature: Breathable waterproofing
- Best for: Trail and bad weather running
There are few things as terrible as getting soaked in the middle of a long run and having to battle chafing and clingy fabric the whole way back. These pants were made to make rainy runs problem-free. They are packable and incredibly lightweight which makes them great for layering or wearing alone. The pants have a tailored but relaxed fit which allows you full range of motion without allowing them to bulk up where you don’t want them to.
The On Ultras use two and a half layers of moisture-wicking fabrics which allows them to remain breathable while still keeping any moisture away from the body. They also feature a small mesh pocket on the waistband which allows for some light, bulk-free storage.
Pros:
- Fully waterproof
- Breathable material
- Can be layered
- Packable design
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Somewhat limited sizing
Best Compression Running Pants: Under Armour UARush SmartForm Leggings
Under Armour
Key Features:
- Materials: 82% Polyester 18% Elastane
- Sizes: XS-3XL
- Colors: 3
- Fit: Tight
- Price: $85
- Standout feature: Built-in infrared technology to help you perform at your best
- Best for: Sprints, intervals, and lifting
These tights are incredibly light, super thin and designed to move and stretch with you. They are made with four-way stretch fabric that moves naturally with your body, and they have some light compression which helps increase blood flow and keep your legs feeling fresh.
Since they are so thin, they are great for layering in the winter, and they even have UA Rush infrared technology that claims to use your body’s own energy to boost strength and endurance.
These pants also have some strategically placed mesh zones which allow for airflow and help to keep you cool and dry.
Pros:
- Four-way stretch allows for full range of motion
- Mesh patches help keep you cool
- Light compression for increased performance and recovery
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- Some may find them too thin to wear on their own
Best Trail Running Pants: Nike Trail Dawn Range
Nike
Key Features:
- Materials: 80% polyester, 20% spandex
- Sizes: XXS-XXL
- Colors: 2
- Fit: Relaxed
- Price: $115
- Standout feature: Made with 75% recycled material
- Best for: Trail running and hiking
Trail running is a great way to get in a tough workout while getting to spend time in nature, but it also comes with more complications than running on a road or paved trail. To keep out the rain, mud and scratchy plants, you need a quality pair of pants.
This model by Nike is specifically made for the trails. These pants are super lightweight and stretchy which allows you to move freely while also staying cool. They use Nike Dri-Fit technology which helps wick sweat and moisture away from the body keeping you dry, and the relaxed fit is comfortable for a long run through the woods or a weekend hike.
They have an elastic band that lays flat on the skin, keeping the pants comfy and movement-free, plus it has a waistband cord that allows you to snug it up for an extra secure fit.
They also have two hand pockets and a back zippered pocket which is great for carrying small essentials like a key or gel.
Pros:
- Super lightweight
- Stylish look
- Good size range
- Moisture-wicking
Cons:
- Only one small zippered pocket
- Open bottom doesn’t keep out ticks and other bugs like a tight would
Best Affordable Running Pants: Gymshark Woven Joggers
Gymshark
Key Features:
- Materials: 87% Polyester, 13% Elastane
- Sizes: XS-3XL
- Colors: 5
- Fit: Relaxed, tapered
- Price: $40
- Standout feature: Classic, versatile design
- Best for: Running and casual wear
Quality running pants can be expensive, and with prices often running above $60, it can be difficult to find some that are worth a purchase and won’t break the bank. These by Gymshark are only $40, but they hold their own against some of the pricier models.
These joggers have a relaxed, tapered fit that is simple, flattering and versatile. They are made with a lightweight sweat-wicking material designed to keep you dry, and they come in five neutral colors that go with any outfit.
They have two side pockets which are great for casual wear (a fantastic alternative to sweatpants), and an elastic drawstring waistband which allows you to tighten it to your preferred fit.
These are also currently on sale, so you can snag a pair for only $28.
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Pros:
- Great color choices
- Affordable price
- Flattering fit
- Adjustable elastic waistband
Cons:
- No zippered pockets
How To Choose the Best Running Pants for You
When it comes to choosing running pants, a lot of it comes down to personal preference. Do you prefer a looser pant, or a more streamlined fit?
Generally, when you are doing a longer run or a speed workout, you may find tights to be more comfortable as they may make for less mid-run adjustments. Since they are snug to the body, they won’t bunch or ride up as much as a looser fit would. For casual, shorter days, you may prefer a looser fit though—plus the extra room can help trap air and keep you warmer on cold days, and they can be more comfortable if you have to do some post-run errands.
Also consider if you want to carry something in the pants. Many will have some sort of pockets, but if you hope to keep something in there while running, you will want to make sure they have a super snug fit, or better yet, a zipper. Since adding items to your pants can weigh them down, opting for a design with an adjustable waistband can also be a helpful feature.
How To Choose the Best Running Pants for You
To choose the best running pants on the market we considered some of the top rated models available. We looked at reviews by customers that purchased these pants, and chose those that received overwhelmingly positive reviews by those that loved them in real life. We also used our own expertise to determine the features that are best for each type of runner.
What To Look For in Running Pant Material
When looking for running pants, there are a couple materials that make some better than others. Here’s what to look for.
Moisture wicking: Opt for pants that are specifically moisture wicking. This will bring sweat, moisture and water away from the body which will help keep you cool. This can also help to prevent chafing, and keep you comfortable for the duration of your run. Materials usually used for this can be synthetics like polyester, or natural like merino and bamboo.
Four-way stretch: While most pants will have some type of stretchiness to them, a four way stretch is best. This will allow the fabric to move with you seamlessly, and feel like a second skin.
How To Choose the Best Fit
There are pretty much three fits when it comes to running pants; relaxed, tight and compression. Which is best for you is dependent partly on activity, and perhaps more importantly on preference. Here’s a guide to help you choose which is right for you.
Relaxed fit: A relaxed running pant or jogger is best for more casual runs. Since they are a bit looser, many find them to be more comfortable, but they also have more of a risk of bunching and twisting as you run. These are best for your casual runs and recovery days, but they also make a great layering piece in the coldest days of winter.
Tights: Tights or leggings have a close fit that doesn’t allow for extra fabric, but they are highly stretchy and allow for full range of movement. These are often a top choice for workout and long run days as they are no-fuss and the least likely to leave you with chafing.
Compression: Compression tights have the snuggest fit of all. They offer a bit more squeeze than traditional tights and are great for speed workouts and lifting. These can be a bit more polarizing as some people enjoy the extra tightness and some feel it is simply uncomfortable. However they are known to promote faster recovery, and can even help you perform better in the moment.
Running Pants FAQs
Is it better to run in leggings or joggers?
While most runners I personally know tend to prefer leggings (myself included) because they allow for less movement and bunching while running, a quality pair of joggers can be just as comfortable.
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Should running pants be tight or loose?
They should err on the side of snugness, though you can have a range of fits that work well. Running tights could simply be a close fit, or could have compression which will squeeze your legs a bit more to increase circulation. You could also opt for joggers, though if you do, they should be a close fit without being directly touching the skin—this will give you a looser, more comfortable feel without allowing them to bunch up or gather between the legs.
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What fabric is best for running?
You will want to opt for something that has a good amount of stretch as well as moisture wicking properties as these will allow you to move without restriction as well as stay dry, comfortable, and chafe-free.
Final Thoughts
Selecting running gear is a very individual experience, but knowing what features to look for can make a world of difference when shopping online. Whether you are looking for a comfy jogger, or a high compression tight, there is a great option out there for you that will help you reach your running goals—and look great doing it.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
