Best running leggings for women 2025 | Tested and reviewed

When we first unsheathed these leggings from the packet, we couldn’t believe how buttery soft they were. They’re made of a recycled polyester and elastane mix, with a brushed, velvety feel for all-day comfort, and honestly, it feels like you’re not even wearing anything when they’re on. The waistband isn’t as defined and deep as some of the other pairs we had on test, but still manages to be flattering and comfortable, staying put on a 15km hike, and a 10km bike ride in early spring. 

These leggings weigh in at just 167g, so when it comes to features, they’re understandably light. There is a key pocket in the back, but other than that, there’s little else: no side pocket for other gubbins such as a phone or a snack.

This minimalism, however, is offset by the Cross Multi 28”’s excellent quick-drying abilities - they’re the fastest drying leggings we had on test, which gives peace of mind for drizzly showers or river crossings - they dry so fast they don’t chafe or weigh you down at all. They’re also a great thing to stash in your pack as clean, dry gear for tent-lounging, or as an emergency layer seeing as they pack down so small.

The only other downsides we’d say is that these are too thin to be useful as a standalone hiking legging for the colder end of the year, and the light colour we chose does show up marks very quickly (chain-ring tats for us mostly) - but luckily these are also available in a darker green, and in black too.