If you follow me on Instagram (I swear this isn’t a plug), you’ve probably noticed that, on an almost daily basis, I post a screenshot of my Nike Run Club app, showcasing my run for the day. A welcome consequence of the pandemic, running has become a six-days-a-week habit that keeps my mind at ease and my body happy. But since I live in a city that experiences all types of weather, from subzero temperatures to heat that feels like the inside of a sauna, dressing for the occasion isn’t always as simple as putting on whatever sports bra and leggings are clean.
About six months into my running journey, I finally decided that it was time to start investing in gear that could stand up against the elements, starting with shoes (the pair above are Nike’s famed Air Zoom Alphaflys, but Hoka and On running shoes also warrant shout-outs) and following with leggings. Surprisingly, it took a lot of trial and error to find pairs that stayed put during a long run, featured pockets for my keys and phone, and were warm or cool enough to keep me temperate throughout the various seasons. But after a few very good and very, very bad experiences, I was able to single out the legging styles that are truly up to the task.
Me being me, I couldn’t possibly keep my findings to myself. Whether you’re new to running or are a vet looking for fresh styles to try out, find the 21 leggings I swear by, all of which can be conveniently purchased at Nordstrom, ahead.
Though I’m a huge fan of running belts, nothing compares to leggings that have built-in pockets capable of holding your keys, phone, and perhaps a credit card. (I’m often guilty of doing a Trader Joe’s run post-workout.)
Running in the cold can be a nightmare if you don’t have the proper gear. On top, there’s nothing better than Uniqlo’s Heattech. As for leggings, you can’t go wrong with the options below.
There are few things I love more than running in weather that doesn’t warrant layers and layers of Heattech. Instead, when the temperatures reach 60°, I solely run in cropped bike shorts. And because of that, I buy (and wear) a lot of them.
A high-intensity workout calls for high-intensity leggings—aka ones that are sweat-wicking, won’t budge, and are flexible enough to give you room to sprint, squat, and go the distance.
I don’t often go for colorful, patterned, or metallic leggings, mostly preferring to stay pretty neutral. But when I do, these are my go-to pairs.
Capri-length leggings are the perfect leggings for in-between weather. Traditional fall and spring temperatures are rare in New York (it’s either cold or hot most years), but on those few days when your legs would freeze in shorts but you can safely have some skin showing, these are *it.*
If you ask me, the higher the waistline for leggings, the better. I’m more and more softening to lower-rise bottoms, like jeans and trousers, but when it comes to leggings, they’ll always be high-waisted.
Next: I Tried 8 Pairs of Leggings—Here’s My Honest Opinion