leg it!

Fitness writer Lucy Miller pounds the pavements in the latest running leggings, from reflective buys to seamless tights

- Lucy Miller

New Balance Impact Run Luminous Heat Tight

£80, newbalance.co.uk

When it comes to running leggings, handy pockets can make a world of difference to how useful they are. Pockets not only provide convenient storage for essentials such as keys, cards or a phone, but also free up your hands - no more cold fingers for those (like me) who hold their phone on the run! I like storing my phone in a pocket on the side of the leg, and the easy-access, drop-in pockets on these leggings were the right size and position for holding my phone. Better yet, they also had a zipped back pocket the perfect size for my spare key and some cash. Not once did I feel bogged down! These tights are also ideal for the cold weather. The New Balance heat technology helped keep my legs toasty and warm, thanks to the brushed interior poly knit fabric which was also moisture-wicking, breathable and fast-drying.

If you're on the hunt for high-performance leggings, you can't go wrong with these. The well-placed reflective panels catch the light so that cyclists and drivers are able to steer well clear when they spot you in their beams. The fit is also perfect - they felt nicely snug around the hip and thigh area, and the no-slip waistband sat just below my belly button and didn't budge as I ran. They're also planet-friendly, being made from 88 per cent recycled polyester. 

Kalenji Women's Running Long Leggings Warm+ 

£24.99, decathlon.co.uk

I felt invincible in these reflective leggings from Decathlon, which are a functional and stylish option for runners who tend to run in the dark mornings and evenings.