The Best 15 Workout Leggings For Lifting and Cardio 2023

Nothing will make you want to stop a workout faster than when you find yourself wearing a poor pair of leggings. We’ve all been there. Some are too thin and bare it all to the world; where others are not waterproof and after a few miles on the treadmill, the people next to you start to wonder if you just pissed yourself.

Having a pair of leggings that look cute will only get you so far and quality really is the most important thing.

Lucky for you I have done the research and have found leggings to get you the best of both worlds. It may have taken me many hours of research, days of scrolling multiple websites, and personal trial and error, but I finally found them all!

Spoiler alert: these are all beneficial for lifting, cardio and any other type of workout in-between providing reliability for any type of sweaty activity.


Contents

1. The Hot & Trending Pair

These bad boys are made by ODODOS and have 4 out of 5 stars with over 11,000 reviews! I myself own a pair…or five… and just writing about them is making me want to go add some more to my cart now! I got them before they were “big” around the workout community and I can see why they have done nothing but trend upward.

leggings

They have a super high waist and will go over most people’s belly buttons.

The material used to make these are 86% Polyester, 14% Spandex,86% Nylon, and 14%Spandex which is a reason why they are so comfortable.

There are over 70 different color and style combinations, which is really mind-blowing when you think about it.

It has a pocket that fits your phone, and yes it does work. I have run over 8 miles with my iPhoneXS in it and not only did it not move but I didn’t even notice it was there.

These are great for those who have bigger thighs/ butt, and a smaller waist. It hugs your curves in all the right spots and fits around places that are a bit wider.

Available in sizes XS-XXXL


2. The Best Red Pair

You would think red is a simple color that can be found anywhere at any time but this is not true. These red leggings are made from polyester which makes them sleek and comfortable and they aren’t see-through once you sweat.

When you look close you will notice the seams on these are very flattering and are placed in well thought out spots.

Side pockets can be found on the sides.

These are made by JoyLab and for those unfamiliar, they have some of the most up to date designs and colors.

The waistband on these are high waisted and will come up just over your belly button.

Design is super smooth and is great for those who are conscious about a camel toe peaking its head out.

Available in sizes XS – XL.


3. The Ventilation Pair

These are my absolute favorite pair of leggings for running or any type of cardio. They have holes made into the design with more than enough airflow to keep your legs cool and breezy.

gray leggings

These come in six different colors and all have the same ventilation design.

The fabric used to make these breaks down to 65% nylon, 25% polyester, and 10% spandex.

Lines located under the bottom of the butt area give every type of booty that Instagram model-worthy looks. They give a real round look to your butt and draw the eye to view your butt like an apple, which is the desired shape most women work for, and it even makes it look as if you got a butt lift. One minute of wearing these and you’ll get exactly what I’m talking about.

The material is also a sweat absorbing wonder, and I love these for running or days I do the stair stepper.

Available ins sizes S-L


4. The Lengthening Legging

Anyone who wants to lengthen the overall appearance of their legs needs to get a pair of these leggings. Available in over 43 different options.

teal leggings

As you can see the pattern goes down with the leg which draws the eye up and down instead of left and right, which makes the legs appear longer.

These are ultra-stretchy which makes them great for squats and lifting.

A high waist makes it comfortable for lifts you have to bend over for.

It is made from a sweat-wicking material which is great for those who often sweat when they work out.

Available in sizes XS – L


5.Best Foil Print

Besides just being a beautiful mauve color, these workout leggings have a striking foil print pattern. They are also available in chocolate and blue.

pink leggings

These are about 7/8 style and fit right around the ankle.

Leggings are high waisted and will come to right around your belly button.

Overall look to these are shiny and are quite eye-catching.

If you like the look of these you might also want to check out the matching sports bra that goes with it! The sports bra can be worn alone or with a tank top.

Available in sizes XS – XL


6. Side Stripe Pants

These pants are a bit different from the others and are made from 88% Polyester, 12% Lycra.

pink and black leggings

They are high waisted but are going to feel a bit lighter than other high waisted pants on the market.

These are available in Capri and long length. Available in over 36 different color and design options.

These have a 4-way stretch technology, sweat-wicking properties, and a convenient side pocket.

Great for both lifting and cardio.

Available in sizes S – XL


7. Shiny Animal Print

Not just any animal print leggings, but these have an overall shimmer effect to them.

I typically wear black leggings and these are a great alternative to switching that up.

Available in brown, grey, navy, and black.

They are a 7/8 fit and have flat seams for a flatter and flattering fit.

A quick-dry material allows for fast sweat reduction.

Media pocket can be used for your phone.

Available in sizes XS – XXL


8. The Ombre Pair

These were the first leggings I owned that I could tell were fully squat proof and ones I could truly lift in without worrying about skin showing in places I didn’t want it to.

gray and white leggings

It has a beautiful ombre design and is available in 7 different colors.

Hole design located under the bum area gives a full round and lifted look to your bottom.

The ultra-stretch fit means if you are typically between sizes you are sure to find one that fits perfectly and you don’t have to choose to a size smaller or larger fit.

It has a certain type of sewn crotch so you don’t have to worry about camel toe.

Available in sizes S – XL.


9. Adidas Women Believe

Adidas makes some of my favorite cardio and lifting pants. These are made from 75% Polyester and 25% Spandex.

black leggings

These are high wisted and have some pretty cool designs on them, including the classic Adidas stripes.

Available in over 13 different designs and colors.

There is a small pocket on the inner waist that can hold keys, card or cash.

Fun fact: these are made from recycled polyester that saves emissions.

As stated these are high waisted but they aren’t ultra-high waist which is a good option for those who want a higher waistband but not one that goes all the way up to their ribcage.

Available in sizes XXS – 4x


10. Tummy Control Leggings

Having a bit of tummy control makes working out a bit more comfortable: feel-good, look good, lift good. These workout leggings are perfect for helping you stay slim and tight while also shaping you.

colorful leggings

A neat option with these is you can buy them in a single pair or you can buy them in packs of multiple dominations all the way up to 8.

You can buy packs of multiple black pairs or you can buy colorful packs. They are available in any color you would want!

The fabric is soft and lightweight made from 92% polyester and 8% Spandex.

Available in sizes S – XXL


11. Reebok Colorblock

The only thing better than colorblock leggings is when they are Reebok color block leggings.

reebok leggings

These come in a wide variety of colors and styles.

Reebok is one of the biggest sports sponsor and therefore they put extra effort into all the workout clothes they make.

Made from 88% Polyester and 12% Spandex these leggings are machine wash safe and have a mid-rise waistband.

Acting as compression pants these are great for lifting and cardio alike.

Available in sizes XS – XL


12. Printed Leggings

These leggings are incredible. A wide variety of printed patterns are paired with a mesh siding.

black leggings with gray

These are high waisted and have double side pockets.

Flat locking seams make for a nicer fit and lay better around your body.

Four-way stretch makes for better movement in your lifts and cardio moves.

Depending on the pair you get they measure out to  24 or 26-inch inseam length for a longer fit along the leg.

Available in sizes XS – XXL


13. Instagram Hit Colorblock Pair

If you haven’t seen these already then you are going to be seeing them everywhere this year. They are simple and go with just about any workout top.

pink and black spandex

Fabric breakdown is 74% Polyester and 26% Elastane; the Knee Panel is 74% Polyester and 26% Elastane; the Leg Opening: 85% Polyester and 15% Elastane; and the Hidden Pocket: 73% Polyester and 27% Elastane.

These come in four different color options.

I have a few pairs of these and they are fully squat proof, trust me. Deadlift with zero fear.

These are high waisted and have a pocket suitable for your smartphone.

Available in sizes XS – 3X


14. Army Print Pair

Army print is just one color these workout leggings come in. You can choose from over 20 prints including floral and animal ones.

camo leggings

Made from 75% Polyester and 25% Spandex these are comfortable and breathable.

Designed for those with a bit more curves to feel comfortable and provides a solid legging that won’t stretch and shin underneath.

In the high waistband is a small hidden pocket great for keys, money or credit cards.

Designs are printed in high quality so they don’t stretch out and skew the pattern once worn.

This company has some of the most unique patterns available for workout leggings.

Available in sizes XS -XL


15. Best Shiny Pair

Shiny leggings are not only trending for everyday wear but they are trending for gym wear as well. Shiny leggings such as this pair are reflective and instantly give off a sexy vibe for every body shape and size.

shiny leggings

These come in over 11 colors and each color is just as rich as the next. I love this specific brand because you can wear them to work out in and then go directly to lunch after without feeling to gym ratty.

The material used to make these bad boys is 88% Polyester and 12% Spandex.

This is an extra high waistband and helps shape your middle.

Some refer to this as faux leather and you should wash these inside out and lay flat to dry.

Available in sizes XS – L


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