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What's better than a pair of comfortable, supportive, wicking running tights? Comfortable, supportive, wicking running tights with secure phone pockets built right in. At this point, almost all of my leggings have pockets built in. I run with my phone in one of the deep side pockets, stash a few gels in waistband mesh pockets, and tuck a credit card into zipper back pockets. This eliminates the need for a pack, and means I don't have to load up my jacket pockets (which can feel bouncier than legging pockets).
There are plenty of leggings with pockets, but not all of them are secure and comfortable for running. Loading the waistband and side pockets without the tights sliding down requires a high, wide, secure waistband that stays in place even with bouncing and a phone in the side. That means some of my top picks have a higher percentage of elastane for better shape retention and security, which also adds nice compression for muscle support. Your legging pockets should be deep and secure, and I look for a variety in addition to the phone pocket, including deep side compartments on the outside of the thighs, and ideally a zipper pocket along the back of the waistband if I want to bring cash or a card.
Read on for my recommendations and reviews, born out of my testing.
Want more? See our articles on The Best Sports Bras with Pockets, The Best Hydration Packs, and The Best Workout Leggings.
The Expert: I started running in grade school, joining the cross country and track teams in a very average-but-dedicated way. Then I began taking running seriously in college, and, while I never competed at a high level, it was my social and athletic outlet. I picked up trail running when I moved out west 12 years ago, and it's still my favorite four-season activity. I test running shoes and apparel for a variety of outlets, and have been writing about and professionally testing gear for more than a decade. And since I am a trash millennial, I never go anywhere without my phone. So this piece is particularly close to my heart.
Material blends play a key role in performance apparel. I look for moisture-wicking synthetics (usually polyester or nylon), which pull sweat away from my skin and aid in breathability. For warm-weather runs, mesh paneling or body-mapped perforations can be nice, and I prioritize four-way stretch to maximize range of motion as well as shape retention. Most tights have a percentage of elastane or spandex (10-35 percent) to provide durability, stretch, and light compression. Like I mentioned above, if you want to load the pockets, consider a higher percentage of elastane that will help prevent the tights from stretching and sagging.
The best running tights have a snug, supportive fit that enhances comfort (and performance) by reducing friction and providing light-to-moderate compression. A good fit should feel secure but not restrictive, allowing for full range of motion without bunching or pinching. I like a high, wide waistband to help keep the tights in place without rolling or sliding, and I always aim to try on the leggings to ensure they conform well to my body. If you're planning to load up the pockets, look for a drawcord in the waistband to help minimize sliding.
Most name-brand running tights are fairly pricey, so you want them to last. All of the tights I recommend here are made with high-quality nylon or polyester, along with that 10-35 percent elastane (Spandex) for added stretch and strength. I look for tights with reinforced seams and tightly woven, abrasion-resistant fabrics, especially if I plan to take them out on the trail where they could get scuffed on plants and rocks. And the moisture-wicking properties aren't just for comfort -- they help maintain the fabric integrity by reducing wear from sweat.
We focused on leggings with phone pockets here. But within that category, I recommend looking for pocket features that fit your specific needs, like zippered options if you often run with credit cards or your car key, or a small key clasp for security. All of the pockets on these tights are oriented for easy access, as well as tight and secure for keeping your items close to your body without bouncing out. Drawcords can help leggings stay up over your hips even with items in the pockets, and reflective detailing can keep you safe on pre-dawn or after-dark runs.
Except for my budget pick Baleafs, all tights on this list are around $100, which is a lot of money for running apparel. That said, these should last multiple seasons, even with heavy use. You're paying for high-quality, technical materials like moisture-wicking fabrics, compression technology, and durability that make them a worthwhile investment for avid runners -- or people who would rather wear athletic clothes at all times. Cheaper options can work, just make sure they're highly rated by real people. And be aware the cheap options might not last as long or provide the same amount of performance and durability. If you're really cringing at the prices, I recommend looking for last season's colors or models. These are often almost identical to in-line models, albeit in different colors or with minor design tweaks, and can often be had for a good discount as the seasons change.
For this story, I tested many leggings with phone pockets, which is all I wear anyway. I wore them during road runs, gym workouts, trail runs, and longer run-hikes in the mountains around my town in southwest Montana. I made sure the phone pockets A) were secure, B) had accessible placement (so I could switch the song when something depressing came on), and C) didn't feel like they interfered with the running tights themselves. Importantly, I also gauged these picks against my standard leggings, which means their high waistbands didn't slide down, light compression provided fit and structure, and wicking materials kept sweat and odor at bay. The best leggings with the most secure, convenient phone pockets made this list. My phone addiction and inability to run without music finally came in handy.