WHETHER you are taking a leisurely stroll or a brisk power walk, the best walking leggings should be comfortable, stylish and offer extra support if needed.
And thanks to the major boom for athleisure wear in recent years, you have a lot of options to choose from.
The material your walking leggings are made from is a key consideration, and it can vary according to your needs.
While some may prefer lightweight fabric during warmer months, others may be looking for leggings that are waterproof to protect them from the elements.
There are also thermal options that can keep you warm during the winter months.All of these options will come in handy if you're living in the UK or another part of the world with a rainy climate.
We have found the best walking leggings to suit an array of budgets and needs - read on for our picks.
Best walking leggings at a glance:
BAM Enduro Bamboo Deep Waistband Leggings
- BAM Enduro Bamboo Deep Waistband Leggings, £49 from BAM - Bam Enduro
Leg length: Full; Price: £49; Size range: 8-18; Colours available: 14 colours; Fabric: Bamboo, viscose, organic cotton and elastane
Pros: Flattering, sustainable, range of colours available, don't fall down, thick waistband, discrete logo
Cons: Tricky to get on
Rating: 4/5
BAM's Enduro leggings are made from a mix of sustainable bamboo, viscose, cotton and elastane. The result? A pair of eco-friendly leggings that are incredibly sculpting and supportive — particularly around the waist, thanks to the thick, long waistband that doesn't roll down.
We felt very secure in these leggings and found them to be very flattering.
We love the simple black colour (but these are available in 13 other bold colours and prints too) and discrete logo, and would definitely wear these for the gym or running errands.
The only issue we had, and shoppers in the site's review section agreed, was that they're a little tricky to get on. Initially, we thought they weren't going to fit, but were pleasantly surprised when we wiggled into them and found they fit perfectly. ]
In fact, you want them to be this figure-hugging to make sure they don't fall down during an arduous workout and to emphasise your curves.
We were also pleased that, even though these were tight, there was no VPL. So, whether you're wearing your biggest knickers or a seamless thong, nobody will know.
Acai outdoor softshell leggings
- Acai outdoor softshell leggings, £35.75 from Acai - buy here
Leg length: Full; Price: £46.75 (down from £55); Size range: 6-18; Colours available: 4 colours (black, green, navy and aubergine); Fabric: Nylon and Elastane
Pros: Waterproof, flattering, drawstring waist to ensure a perfect fit, handy zip pocket, comfortable, stretchy
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
If scaling mountains and hiking through thick forests is your weekend jam, you need walking leggings with serious technical prowess: enter these Acai outdoor softshell leggings.
They're moisture-wicking and quick-drying, plus they're made from a stretchy softshell material that's 85% nylon and 15% spandex. They feel soft and cool on the skin and aren't too tight but have a drawstring waistband so you can adjust the waist to make sure they're the perfect fit.
The high-waisted fit is snug and comfy, the secure zip pocket at the front will keep your valuables safe when you're on the go.
They're priced higher than other products in our edit, but hundreds of glowing shopper reviews say they're worth every penny.
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lululemon Align™ High-Rise Pant
- lululemon Align high rise crop 21", £78 from lululemon - buy here
Leg length: Full; Price: £88; Size range: UK 4 to 24; Colours available: 18 colours; Fabric: Nylon and lycra elastane
Pros: Lightweight and breathable, waistband doesn't dig, but also stays put, super soft, easy to put on, comfortable, form-fitting and flattering, available in sizes UK 4 to 24, available in 18 colours
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
lululemon is a name worth knowing in women's gym wear and these Align high-rise leggings are one of the brand's best-selling products.
They are made from buttery-soft Nulu fabric (Lululemon's own creation) and lycra, which is breathable and feels practically weightless, yet they support the body well and retain their shape after multiple wears and washes. They look and feel amazing on, and they're ideal for long hikes because they'll cosy, aren't too tight, and won't cause you to overheat.
They feature a high-rise waistband, with a hidden pocket to keep your keys or cards safe so you can leave your bag at home.
Material: nulu, lycra, Size range: UK 4 - 24, Length: cropped
Free People High-Rise 7/8 Length Good Karma Leggings
- Free People High-Rise 7/8 Length Good Karma Leggings, £78 from Free People - buy here
Leg length: 7/8; Price: £78; Size range: XS-XL; Colours available: 17; Fabric: Spandex and Nylon
Pros: Flattering, super soft, stretchy ribbed fabric, comfortable, come in a variety of colours
Cons: Expensive
Rating: 5/5
Free People's Good Karma Leggings come in 17 different shades, from vibrant reds, greens and pinks to neutral browns, blacks and whites. So, whether you want a stand-out pair to feel extra confident on your daily walks or you're after a black pair that goes with everything, there's a version of the Good Karma Leggings to suit you.
Besides the colour range, the leggings themselves are made of a stretchy and flattering ribbed knit fabric. They're comfortable enough to chill in at home, and functional enough to wear on even the most arduous of hikes.
Plus, they also have SPF30 UV Protection to protect you against the sun's harmful rays while you're out walking.
They may be a little expensive at £78, but we think these show stoppers are worth every penny.
SEFI Timeless Leggings 7/8
- SEFI Timeless Leggings 7/8, £56 from SEFI - buy here
Pros: Sculpting fabric is very flattering, ultra high-waisted, supportive, soft, stretchy, breathable, sweat-wicking, contouring detail on the back, no VPL
Cons: Only available in 3 colours
Rating: 5/5
Leg length: 7/8; Price: £56; Size range: XXS to XL; Colours available: 3 colours; Fabric: Polyamide and elastane
We've owned this pair of leggings for around a year now, and they're still in perfect condition. The ultra-high and supportive waistband sucks you in and makes you feel supported, which is great if you're walking at a high pace or are feeling particularly bloated.
While they have a snug fit, they're not so tight that they restrict your movement or are uncomfortable. They're really stretchy, breathable, and will keep you nice and cool (even if it's scorching hot outside).
We love wearing these on walks in the wilderness but we also love the flattering and stylish look they give, so they're great for popping to the shops or post office too.
Fabletics Define PowerHold High-Waisted 7/8 Legging
- Fabletics Define PowerHold High-Waisted 7/8 Legging, £69 for non-members at Fabletics - buy here
Leg length: 7/8; Price: £69; Size range: XXS to 4X; Colours available: 33 colours; Fabric: Polyester and elastane
Pros:33 different colour options, high compression, very flattering, sweat-wicking, chafe-resistant, UPF protection, pockets
Cons: Unlike the other Fabletics leggings, these ones don't come in regular, short and tall
Rating: 5/5
We never thought we'd be rooting for a pair of white leggings, but here we are. These are one of the most comfortable and flattering leggings we've ever tried. And, because they're so bright, they made us stand out and feel really confident. If you're not into white leggings though, don't worry. These come in 33 other colours.
Fabletics' PowerHold Leggings are ideal for walking because the fabric is designed with the highest compression possible to hold you in without restricting your range of movement so you can leap over muddy puddles with ease. The fabric also produces chafe and UPF protection, and it's moisture-wicking too.
If you're keen to head out without a bag (and let's face it, who wants to wear a backpack on a long walk), you can definitely do that with these leggings. There are handy pockets to keep your phone, keys and card safe while you get in your steps.
TALA SkinLuxe High Waisted Flared Legging
- TALA SkinLuxe High Waisted Flared Legging, £56 from TALA - buy here
Leg length: Full; Price: £56; Size range: XS to XL; Colours available: 4 colours; Fabric: Recycled nylon and lycra
Pros: Flattering flared leg, waistband doesn't fall down, super soft, easy to put on, comfortable, back pocket with zip, lightweight, sustainable (made from recycled nylon)
Cons: Only available in 4 colours
Rating: 5/5
If you prefer flared trousers and jeans to straight-legged, don't sacrifice your preference when it comes to leggings — flared walking leggings exist. These ones from TALA have a cool '90s vibe and look great with even the most practical and functional walking boots.
The flared leg and high waist are also super flattering and look great with anything from a crop top to a baggy sweatshirt. These are our go-to walking leggings for the days when we're not feeling our best or are on our period and want something a little looser.
They come with a back pocket that fits your phone, and the fabric is really soft and cosy. What's not to love?
Where to buy women's walking leggings in the UK
Women's walking leggings are available at a range of high street shops and specific fitness brands in the UK, including:
What should I look for in a pair of walking leggings?
Let's start with the basics: when looking for a pair of walking leggings, comfort should always come first.
If a pair of leggings is cut from fabric that isn't soft, stretchy or flexible enough, you're going to struggle on long hikes.
In addition, moisture-wicking pairs will ensure that your leggings don't get sweaty and damp, or get any bacterial infections as they fester in moisture.
Many people find that high-waisted leggings provide more support for long walks too.
How much do walking leggings cost?
Walking leggings range in price, depending on which brand you get them from. You can find pairs for as cheap as £10, but the price will increase according to the quality. The more expensive pairs come from established brands like Sweaty Betty and Lululemon.
What is the best material for hiking leggings?
Polyester, sweat-wicking fabrics combined with elastane or Lycra and other breathable, four-way-stretch fabrics are the materials to look out for when shopping for leggings.
We advise steering clear of 100% cotton or wool, because you'll retain heat and sweat way too much.
What are the best leggings for walking?
From Sweaty Betty to Craghoppers and Odlo, loads of brands offer great options when it comes to leggings for walking.
Once you know the fabrics to look for and the reason you're buying, there's an array of fantastic products, many of which are mentioned above.
You should first consider the temperature of where you're walking, then how long you're going to be wearing them.
Is it better to hike in shorts or leggings?
It can be better to wear shorts when hiking if you're going to be doing it somewhere warm and sunny because your legs can move freely and your legs will stay dry and cool.
However, leggings can provide more protection from insect bites and skin chafing, plus they can provide warmth for colder temperatures.
Does walking tone your legs?
Yes, it’s one of the best lower impact exercises for toning your legs, as well as your thighs.
For best results, you should aim for a brisk walk that lasts at least 30 minutes each day. This should get your heart rate up as well.
You can also try longer distances at a slower pace to build muscle structure.
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