Best Women's Running Leggings With Pockets: Four Pairs Worth Wearing

Introduction

For many runners, pockets are no longer a nice-to-have. Not a token pocket that ticks a marketing box, but genuinely usable storage: space for a phone, keys, a card, and enough gels to keep a long run going. If a pair of leggings cannot carry a phone securely, it simply does not make the cut anymore.

This guide covers four women’s running leggings with pockets that hold up in real use, ranging from a premium investment pair to a budget-friendly option and a thermal pick for winter training.

Lululemon Fast and Free Running Leggings

The Lululemon Fast and Free leggings are the premium pick here, and they are exactly that: an investment. They are not cheap, but they earn it. They wash extremely well, resist bobbling, stay soft, and have a flattering fit. The unhemmed-style leg opening can be folded up if you are on the shorter side, and the seven-eighths length suits most riders of average height.

The storage is where these genuinely stand out. There are two large drop-in pockets on the legs that fit most smartphones, including a larger iPhone, though a big phone may poke out slightly at the top. They also hold gels, gloves, or anything else you want at hand on the move. On top of that there are five pockets in the waistband area, including a larger back pocket suited to keys or gels and smaller ones for lip balm and small essentials.

There is no zip pocket, but nothing fell out in testing, even when loaded up. A drawcord lets you cinch the waist tight when the pockets are full and the leggings get heavy, and the high waist keeps everything comfortable. For frequent runners who want a pair that lasts, these are worth the spend.

Sweaty Betty Power Leggings

Sweaty Betty is the British lifestyle apparel brand often mentioned in the same breath as Lululemon, and its Power leggings are the long version of the well-regarded Power shorts. If you like the shorts, you will like these: the top half is identical, with extra material down to the ankle.

They come in two lengths, full length and seven-eighths, and in sizes XXS to XXL. Fit runs true to a usual size. There are 16 colorways available, with black the obvious wardrobe staple. The listed price is 75 pounds, but deals on the Power leggings appear regularly, so it is worth searching for a discount code before buying.

Storage is straightforward: a phone-sized drop-in pocket on the left hip and a zip pocket on the back waistband that keeps keys secure. If you are right-handed, moving the phone to the left hip takes a little adjustment. One important note: on the brand’s own site, the leggings labelled “running tights” are not these. The Power leggings, technically positioned as gym leggings, are the better choice for running, a tip passed on by a running coach that proved correct.

New Balance Impact Run Leggings

If you want something more affordable, the New Balance Impact Run leggings do a genuinely good job. These are a London Marathon edition pair, but the same leggings are sold without the event branding. The three-quarter length worn by a shorter runner sits like a full-length seven-eighths, landing right at the ankle bone; full-length versions are available too.

They are simple and plain with subtle branding, which is part of the appeal. Storage covers the essentials: a drop-in pocket on each leg for your phone, a zip pocket on the back for keys and anything you do not want bouncing out, and a drawcord waist. The zip pocket is lined, though it should not be treated as sweatproof.

They wash well, feel light on the run, and fill the gap for anyone who does not want to spend on the premium options above.

Brooks Momentum Thermal Tights

At 75 pounds, the Brooks Momentum thermal tights are the winter pick. A brushed inner layer keeps you noticeably warmer on cold runs, and the comfort level is impressive enough that one tester wore them for the rest of the day after trying them on, well before any run happened.

They are available in sizes XS to XXL, and the small fits true, roughly a UK size 10. There are three pockets: one on each hip and a drop-in pocket on the back waistband rather than a zip pocket. They come only in black and in one length, which makes sense for thermal tights, and the ankle has a cuff detail that gives them a track-pant style finish.

For chilly winter training, these keep you snug, and they double as comfortable loungewear when the run is done.

Buying Advice

If budget is the priority, the New Balance Impact Run leggings deliver the core pocket layout at a friendly price. If you run year-round and want one premium pair, the Lululemon Fast and Free leggings justify their price through durability and sheer storage. The Sweaty Betty Power leggings sit between the two and reward a quick deal hunt. For cold-weather runners, the Brooks Momentum thermal tights are the obvious choice.

Conclusion

The best running leggings with pockets are the ones that make carrying your phone effortless rather than a fight with a waistband. All four picks here do that well, each with a different balance of price, warmth, and storage. Pick the one that matches your running season and your budget, and enjoy the winter miles.