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There is a Norse saying that goes, “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” Whether you are training for a spring marathon or going for a “hot-girl walk”, you do not want dipping temperatures to be the reason you stay inside. If you live somewhere that actually experiences winter, it might be time to upgrade those leggings to keep you warm on your daily walks or a frigid morning run. To help find the best options out there, we spoke with a few avid runners to narrow down which leggings are the best for winter.
We got some expert advice from, New York City-based runner Kate Glavan who shared with the Cut Shop that when it comes to picking your workout attire no matter the weather: You should always dress for a temperature ten degrees warmer than it actually is since you will sweat and get warm as soon as your heartbeat starts increasing.
With that in mind, below are 16 options you can wear the next time you are doing things outside and you need to embrace the cold.
The Best High Waisted
Sizes: 0 - 20 | Materials: Nylon, Lycra elastane| Colors: 1
When it comes to Barry’s instructor Dilan Gomih’s favorite cold-weather leggings, she doesn’t want to trade utility for style. That’s why these leggings from Lululemon are her go-to. Designed for running, they have it all — two deep side pockets, four-way stretch, water-resistant material — all while giving off that sleek look.
The Weekend Warrior
Sizes: XS - 3X | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Colors: 39
These leggings come in an array of colors and most of them feature pockets. While they may not be the best for high intensity workouts, they’re definitely warm enough for lounging around, going for a hike, or running errands on colder days.
The Below-Zero Pick
Sizes: XS - XL | Materials: Lycra, Polyester, Nylon | Colors: 2
For those of us that are “built different” and do not take any days off, these wetsuitlike tights from independent New England brand Tracksmith will keep those legs from turning into icicles no matter the windchill. With water-repelling double-layered fabric for warmth and a wind-blocking overlay for protection from the most blustery of days, Mother Nature is no match for your dedicated training plans with these.
A Coach Favorite
Sizes: XXS - 3X | Materials: Nylon, polyester, spandex| Colors: 4
Mile High Run Club coach Kimberly Chinn loves these leggings for the coldest of days. Despite not being fleece lined, Chinn insists they provide the same coziness because the fabric is known to provide thermal insulation for your coldest training.
A High-Tech Budget Option
Sizes: XS - 2X | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Colors: 3
For under $60, these high-tech leggings from Under Armour are a great option for a cold winter run. They come not only in three different neutral colors but in short and tall options as well. The dual-layer fabric is the star of this garment with its ultra warm brushed interior and its smooth, fast-drying exterior, ensuring you’ll never feel it stick uncomfortably to your skin.
The Best Performance Leggings
Sizes: XXS - 3X | Materials: Recycled nylon, Lycra | Colors: 11
These are a favorite of Chinn and runner and writer Karen Iorio Adelson. According to them, these leggings are sturdy enough that you can run in them on brisk days but thin enough to layer under pants when you need to be out and about on those days where the temperature dips below zero. They also have nice details like reflective elements and pockets.
The Best for Layering
Sizes: XXS - XL | Materials: Nylon, Lycra, polyester | Colors: 3
These leggings from Outdoor Voices are a great replacement for the old core leggings that Glavan (who describes herself as “a big OV girl”) loves. The waistband on these leggings stays put and works for both running or a spin class. During colder months, however, Glavan uses them for layering — which makes sense since they are made from the brand’s signature TechSweat material that helps to keep you comfortable despite intense activity and sweating.
A Cotton Option
Sizes: XS - 4X | Materials: Cotton, Polyester, Spandex | Colors: 5
Maybe not the best for running, but if you are looking to stay warm during a brisk walk, you can depend on these fleece-lined leggings from Old Navy. Made to hit above your belly button, these seamless leggings are not only soft, stretchy, and warm but beyond flattering.
An Ultrawarm Maternity Pick
Sizes: XS - 2X | Materials: Polyester, cotton, spandex | Colors: 1
Pregnancy can be full of things that are impossible to expect, but you can depend on these for comfort and warmth. Featuring a wide elastic waistband made to sit comfortably under your belly, these fleece-lined leggings will keep you warm and toasty. One reviewer wrote that they kept her warm during a winter pregnancy in Wisconsin, a local where residents are no strangers to negative temps during the winter.
An Affordable Underlayer
Sizes: XS - 2X | Materials: Polyester, acrylic, rayon, spandex | Colors: 2
Every winter, people rave about Uniqlo’s Heattech base layers — and for good reason. For under $20, this base layer is insulating, moisture wicking, quick drying, and shape retaining, so you can wear them under your usual leggings if you don’t want to invest in a fleece-lined pair. Considering these do not have any lycra or elastane in them, you might experience some slipping if you try to run in them, but they will definitely help keep you warm on a walk or hike.
A Sustainable Option
Sizes: XXS - 6X | Materials: Recycled plastic bottles (RPET), spandex | Colors: 10
Girlfriend Collective is known for its cute sets, size-inclusive options, and sustainability. Made from plastic recycled water bottles, these compressive leggings were designed for high-impact workouts. Thanks to their thick material, they are also a great pair for coldish weather.
A Fleece-Lined Option With Pockets
Sizes: 10 - 30 | Materials: Modal, cotton, spandex | Colors: 1
These fleece-lined leggings from Torrid come in up to a 6X and feature a tapered leg and a two-inch waistband that’ll keep you tucked in and cozy.
The Versatile Ones
Sizes: XS - 2X | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Colors: 1
Behold another one of Adelson’s favorite winter leggings. While they don’t have pockets for storage, these MidZero thermal training tights from Sugoi do feature a wide waistband and fleece fabric with flat seams for increased comfort. Adelson recommends sizing up because they do run small.
A Super-Comfy Option
Sizes: XXS - 2XL | Materials: Recycled Polyamide, Elastane | Colors: 5
If you just need something warm enough to wear outside until you get into the gym or the studio, these high-waisted leggings are made from a fabric blend that is tight without digging and moves with you without slipping. Nothing is more annoying than constantly pulling up leggings all workout.
An Option to Keep You Warm and Dry
Sizes: XXS - XL | Materials: Polyester, Elastane | Colors: 2
You probably recognize On because you saw someone walking around in its shoes, but it also makes great quality apparel. It is difficult to think about sweating when there is snow on the ground, but moisture-wicking fabric is one of the best ways to keep you warm and avoid chafing during those long runs. Now you can go embrace the cold.
A Pair With All the Features
Sizes: XS - XL | Materials: Polyester, Nylon, Elastane | Colors: 2
Fleece fabric, check. Zippered pockets, check. Reflective details, check. High-waisted style and adjustable waistband, check and check. Let’s just say these tick all our boxes when it comes to searching for the perfect winter leggings.
Our experts:
- Brooke LaMantia, Cut shop contributor
- Ceren Kalyon, fitness instructor
- Kate Glavan, NYC-based runner
- Kelsey Borovinsky, Cut Shop contributor and running enthusiast
