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Original poster

Any serious runners out there? Could you advise me on running leggings as a present?

38 replies

youhadmeatjello · 16/12/2021 15:15

Sister is a hardcore runner, does marathons and ultra marathons regularly. Her huband has said she would like some new running leggings but hasn't got any more info than that - but function over fashion.
I have no clue!

Can anyone recommend some good running leggings?

OP posts:
emmathedilemma · 16/12/2021 15:21

I'd get him to check her drawers for brands she currently wears......long, cropped, winter thickness, normal thickness?? People tend to have brands that they favour for comfort and git. It might depend on budget too!
These are good for anyone who feels the cold and runs in the dark as they specs are reflective www.decathlon.co.uk/p/women-s-running-long-warm-leggings-warm-night-black-with-reflective-motifs/_/R-p-308057?mc=8554267&c=BLACK
If you're splashing out then look at Salomon, OMM and Skins which tend to be popular with ultra runners.

ReviewingTheSituation · 16/12/2021 15:23

Decathlon ones are good - I have several pairs.

Things that I (and other runners I know) like:

Pockets - ideally more than one, so you can carry a phone and a key
Drawstring waist
High waist (stops them falling down)

Loads of people swear by Sweaty Betty, which would be the ultimate treat. I think they still have a sale on. I think people say to size up as they come up small.

Can't her husband go and have a look in her running drawer to see what brand she usually wears? That would be a good place to start.

AuntieStella · 16/12/2021 15:27

Sweaty Betty isn't worth the price.

Do you know if she likes plain or bright, and how much do you want to spend?

Decathlon are extremely good.

I'd also check out New Balance and Nike, and if you have a large budget then 2XU Wind Defence

For bright, try Tikiboo, Flanci or Sturdy by Design

Original poster
youhadmeatjello · 16/12/2021 15:30

Okay so she has Gym Shark and Nike and some other brands but those are the two he has found.
She has a mix of bright plain colours and patterned.

Happy to spend £50-60

OP posts:
Peakedtoosoon · 16/12/2021 15:33

I like Asics best, I find they're actually made for runners and a good balance between looking good, doing what you need them to do and being extortionate.

Essential things for me in running tights are a tie cord waist, it doesn't matter how good the elastic is you need a draw cord too IMO and a small zipped pocket.

emmathedilemma · 16/12/2021 15:33

For patterned ones Flanci are my preferred. I know you said leggings but I really like their skorts and they’re popular with trail runners as you can pin your race number on the skirt without it rubbing so it doesn’t matter if you take top layers on and off. They size true to dress size.

AmandaHugenkiss · 16/12/2021 15:34

I love skins, and 2XU are great. I genuinely adore my sweaty Betty power leggings but have only bought them on sale. Can’t comment on gym shark but my previous Nike leggings were disappointing.

He should probably go with her favoured brand, it will make sizing easier too.

idril · 16/12/2021 15:40

Stick with Nike if she already has those. So many different designs to choose from that you can't really go wrong.

Original poster
youhadmeatjello · 16/12/2021 15:41

She's teeny tiny, what's the sizes like for asics? She rates their trainers.
I'll have a look at the other brands mentioned now thanks.

I love sweaty betty too and get them on sale, but I wear them for spinning (not that I've done that much recently!)

OP posts:
Peakedtoosoon · 16/12/2021 15:44

I'm a 10 in high st jeans and wear medium Asics running tights.

VaulterTech · 16/12/2021 16:04

I got these recently: nike.app.link/io5Vaofr2lb

They’re great, pockets that I can get my phone in, stay up and reflective! I also rate sweaty Betty and 2xu.

EmmaStone · 16/12/2021 16:06

I'm not a serious runner at all, but if Sweaty Betty is a possibility, they've just brought a range with reflective material - I got a zip top and headband for my birthday, and LOVE them. Great if she runs in the dark/winter.

BlueChampagne · 16/12/2021 16:10

My serious runner friend loves Lucy Locket leggings.

randomsabreuse · 16/12/2021 16:13

Tikiboo is another one if she likes funky patterns. Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity are nice for warmer weather, bit lighter than powers. If she likes Gymshark the Speeds are nice too, although I haven't found them as good as my sale powers.

FrangipaniBlue · 16/12/2021 16:19

Given how serious a runner she is I can guarantee she will have very specific preferences - as demonstrated by the range of suggestions you've got on here!!!

Her husband needs to look in her wardrobe for you and see what brands she wears.

If she does ultra marathons I'm willing to bet she favours brands like OMM and Innov8 though.

FrangipaniBlue · 16/12/2021 16:21

Also, most ultra runners I know (and I know a few) would not entertain any of the "fashion" brands like tiki boo or sweaty betty.

Mountain and ultra running is very much about function over form.

rainbowandglitter · 16/12/2021 16:24

Conpetitive runners won't wear gymshark, sweaty Betty, tikaboo etc. Most at my club wear asics, Ron hill and don't use pockets (as we don't run with phones etc).

RandomUsernameHere · 16/12/2021 16:25

ASICS are my favourites, but agree with the suggestion of asking her husband to check what she likes.

purplesequins · 16/12/2021 16:26

tbh ask her what she wants and what size she needs.

ReviewingTheSituation · 17/12/2021 10:51

I know plenty of competitive runners who wear Sweaty Betty! And even if you don't race with your phone, lots of people like to carry their phones when they're out running (and I think everyone should carry a phone, but that's a whole other thread and for some reason seems to be controversial).

I think the one thing this thread proves is that there isn't an easy answer to your question! Do you want to gift her something that's very similar to what she already has (in which case it sounds like you can't go wrong with Gym Shark), or do you want to treat her to something she wouldn't buy for herself (in which case one of the many other brands mentioned, apart from Decathlon, as that wouldn't be particularly treat-y).

Inthewainscoting · 17/12/2021 10:58

For winter the sugoi thermal tights are great. Just whatever you buy, make sure the receipt is in an envelope, then if there's a fit issue she can swap them.

AmandaHugenkiss · 17/12/2021 11:01

Yep I know several women including ultra runners at our club who wear sweaty betty!

Forgot to mention underarmour, I’ve used their coldgear running tights in subzero temps and they were fabulous.

fellrunner85 · 17/12/2021 11:06

I don't know any serious runner who would wear Sweaty Betty for "proper" runs. I'm an ultrarunner and like my Sweaty Betty for pottering around, but it's not proper long distance kit.

Nike or Ronhill your best bet for that price range. Omm and Inov8 also v good.

Don't touch the fashion brands like tikiboo, lucy locket, etc. They're not made for proper running! And ignore nonsense about having a pocket for your phone. You do not want a phone pocket on leggings if you're running ultra distances; that's what your salomon pack is for Grin

MetricMs · 17/12/2021 11:20

I personally hate waist ties, have to a have higher waistband (post 3 kids - zero fat but skin rolls I need to hide!) and I don’t like more than one small pocket (for a key) as I use a running belt if I need to take phone etc. I would hate anyone to buy me a pair as I’m picky and probably not in a logical way. I’ve worn and liked: ronhill, ASICS, sweaty Betty and under armour.

Equally I’ve had dud pairs from each of those brands. I used to swear by under armour but haven’t been impressed with the last pair I bought. Maybe she’s be better off with a voucher?

MetricMs · 17/12/2021 11:23

Also - I usually keep my ‘duds’ as a ‘just in case’ every other pair goes missing (I know, I know…). So looking in my wardrobe wouldn’t give anyone a decent idea about what I like.