Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. A pair of workout leggings is the most important piece of activewear you’ll buy—but it’s also one of the hardest to get right. Too compressive and they dig in.
Too soft and they stretch out after a few washes. And if they slide down mid-sprint or turn sheer in a squat, they’re done. Since Women’s Health was founded in 2005, our editors have been sweat-testing workout leggings through strength training, long runs, Pilates, and HIIT to find the pairs that stay opaque, supportive, and comfortable through every session.
To help you find the right leggings for every activity, I built the ultimate list, from great leggings for low-impact activities like yoga to the best compression leggings. I’ve trusted Nike leggings since my middle school days, circa 2012, and this pair is no exception. I love that the waistband never moves, no matter how much I bend, jump, run, or sweat.
I’ve worn the original pair for years, but I love that the newest version has no front seam, for an even more flattering look. Pictured here is the flared version (which I love for lounging), but I typically reach for the standard legging silhouette for most workouts to avoid the extra fabric getting in the way. The second you slip these on, every curve on your legs and thighs magically tightens thanks to the body-hugging nylon and spandex in the fabric.
I also appreciate that Nike left out the side pockets with this pair, so they don’t add any width to the thighs. But, there’s still a back pocket that’s big enough to hold your phone, which is a welcome plus. These are one of my favorite leggings to run in because they stay in place.
The high waistband never moves or slips down, so I never find myself adjusting it while in motion. At the gym, they’re stretchy enough to accommodate any move from deadlifts to downward dog, but they still have enough compression to make me feel held in and supported. I’ve done my fair share of squats in these leggings—I actually wore them during a few lower-body training sessions—and they pass the squat test every time.
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