| Product | Bimble & Bolt 7/8 Running Leggings |
| Category | Women's Running Leggings |
| Material | 62% Recycled Nylon, 38% Spandex |
| Key Features | High compression, bounce free pockets, tie loop waistband |
| Storage | 2 x deep side pockets, 1 x zipped rear pocket |
| Price | £52.00 |
Finding a pair of running leggings that actually stay up is notoriously difficult. Most of the sports apparel market is flooded with leggings designed for gym goers, perfect for squats, but a complete nightmare when you are three miles into a run and constantly having to hitch the waistband back up.
Enter Bimble & Bolt. Founded by a frustrated British runner training for the Manchester Marathon, the brand was built on a single premise: creating leggings that actually work for women who run. Promising a locked in high waistband, bounce free phone pockets, and a compressive fit built from recycled materials, their leggings have quietly built a massive cult following in the UK run club scene.
But does a brand founded by a runner actually deliver better performance out on the road? I have been testing the Bimble & Bolt 7/8 Running Leggings across long runs, gym sessions, and everyday wear to find out. Here is the full review.
BIMBLE & BOLT LEGGINGS AT A GLANCE
- Who it is for: Female runners looking for highly supportive, compressive leggings that refuse to slip down mid-run and offer enough secure pocket space to ditch their running belt entirely.
- The Experience: They provide a distinctly snug, "locked in" feel when you pull them on. The high waistband stays exactly where you put it, and the side pockets sit slightly lower on the thigh to completely prevent your phone from bouncing against your hip.
- The Verdict: A masterclass in running apparel created by someone who actually runs. At £52, they outperform leggings that cost twice as much, offering premium compression, squat proof opacity, and unbeatable storage.
WHO ARE BIMBLE & BOLT?
Bimble & Bolt is a British running brand founded by runner Hannah, alongside her husband and co-founder. The idea for the brand came from Hannah’s own frustration with running leggings that didn’t fit properly or continually rolled down while she was training for the Manchester marathon in 2017.
Bimble & Bolt essentially started with a problem of how to make running leggings that work for women who run. The brand places a big emphasis on fit, functionality, and listening to runners. According to Bimble & Bolt, their products have been tested over hundreds of miles, with their original legging sample tested for a full year.
HOW DO THEY MARKET THE LEGGINGS?
Bimble & Bolt market the leggings very much as created for running, rather than general sportswear leggings that happen to be suitable for running. The main selling points are support, staying power, and practicality.
They describe them as all-weather leggings that aren’t too thick or too thin, suitable for everyday running, races, hikes, casual wear, and gym sessions. They particularly emphasise the high-compression feel, high waist, bounce-free phone pockets, and recycled performance fabric.
Another part of their marketing is the idea of finding your “perfect fit” rather than expecting one pair of leggings to suit everyone. There are different lengths and sizes, alongside a fit quiz to help you choose what works best for you.
FEATURES
The main features are:
- High compression support
- High waist designed to stay put
- Tie loop inside the waistband
- Two bounce free phone pockets
- Rear zipped pocket
- Soft, moisture wicking fabric
- Recycled performance material
- Squat proof construction
DO THEY HAVE POCKETS?
Yes, and for me, this is one of the biggest selling points of these leggings. I don't buy running shorts or leggings unless they have decent pockets. I don't particularly enjoy running with a bag, vest, or running belt unless I absolutely must, so having enough storage in my clothing is really important to me.
These leggings have two large side pockets positioned lower down on the thighs, which are easily big enough to hold a phone. There is also a zipped rear pocket, which is ideal for smaller essentials such as a key or card.
I absolutely love the pockets. They're genuinely useful rather than being added as an afterthought. I can comfortably carry my phone, gels, and other essentials without needing additional storage.
What I like most was how comfortable the pockets remained when they were being used. I've worn leggings where carrying a phone can make them feel bulky or cause the fabric to move around and rub me, but I didn't experience that here. Even with items stored in the pockets, everything stayed secure and comfortable.
I also like that the side pockets sit slightly lower on the legs rather than directly around the hips. Bimble & Bolt says this positioning helps reduce bounce, and I found the pockets comfortable to run with.
SIZE GUIDE
I would normally choose a UK size 8 or small in most running brands. However, Bimble & Bolt's sizing works slightly differently. Their current guide recommends starting with your usual size, with XS corresponding to a UK 8, S to a UK 10, and M to a UK 12.
Before ordering, I completed the Bimble & Bolt ’Perfect Fit Quiz’, which recommended the XS 7/8 leggings. As it turns out, that recommendation was perfect for me.
One thing worth noting is that these leggings are designed to provide a snug, supportive fit. When I first pulled them on, they felt noticeably more fitted than some of the more casual gym leggings I've worn in the past. Bimble & Bolt do note that they can feel a little tight when you first put them on, and that this is completely normal. The intended fit is secure on the waist, supportive around the hips, and compressive throughout the legs, with no loose or baggy fabric.
Despite the compression, I never found them uncomfortable. Once on, they felt supportive rather than restrictive. The waistband sat securely in place, there was no digging in around the waist, and they remained comfortable throughout my runs and gym sessions.
I would recommend using their quiz if you're unsure, particularly because Bimble & Bolt offer multiple lengths as well as a wide range of sizes. It removes a lot of the guesswork and helped me find a fit that worked perfectly first time.
DESIGN
I really like the design of these leggings. They have a clean, streamlined look that feels purposeful rather than overly complicated. There are no unnecessary seams, panels, or flashy design features, which gives them a versatile appearance that works just as well for the gym or everyday wear as it does for running.
The high waistband is probably my favourite aspect of the design. I generally prefer high-waisted sportswear because I find it more comfortable and secure, particularly when running. These leggings sit comfortably around my waist and stay exactly where they should. I've worn plenty of leggings that gradually work their way down after a few miles, leaving me constantly adjusting them, but I haven't experienced that with these at all. Once they're on, I can pretty much forget about them and focus on my run.
I also really appreciate the level of compression. When I first put them on, they felt noticeably more supportive than some of the gym leggings I own, but that's very much by design. They provide support around the waist, hips, and legs without feeling restrictive, creating that secure, held-together feeling that I personally look for in running leggings.
One thing I particularly noticed during runs was how little movement there was from the fabric. The leggings stayed in place, the pockets didn't feel bulky, and I wasn't having to adjust anything mid-run. I am quite picky with what I wear and how it feels on my skin, so if I stop noticing what I'm wearing after the first few minutes, it's usually a sign the design is doing exactly what it's supposed to do.
WHAT COLOURS ARE AVAILABLE?
These leggings are Bimble & Bolt's Dark Orchid colour. It’s a deep purple/wine-toned colour that is a nice alternative to the usual black running leggings without being overly bright.
Bimble & Bolt also offer the leggings in a selection of other colours and colourways, including Black, Midnight, Mulberry, Mermaid Teal, Berry, and Wine, with additional seasonal options appearing across the range.
WHAT ARE THEY MADE OF?
The leggings are made from:
- 62% recycled nylon
- 38% spandex
The fabric is also certified to OEKO-TEX and Global Recycled Standard (GRS) standards, and Bimble & Bolt says the recycled material is made from post-consumer waste such as discarded garments and plastic bottles.
The recycled nylon and spandex combination makes sense for a pair of running leggings. The nylon provides a durable, lightweight performance fabric, while the spandex gives them the stretch needed for running and movement. From my experience, they feel comfortable against my skin. I’ve worn them for running, walking, and gym sessions and haven’t experienced any rubbing or irritation.
They also aren’t see-through, which is particularly important for gym sessions and exercises such as squats. Bimble & Bolt do describe them as fully squat-proof and I’d agree.
HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?
The Bimble & Bolt 7/8 running leggings are £52 at the time of writing.
While they aren't the cheapest running leggings available, they're also nowhere near the most expensive. In fact, I would say they sit comfortably within the mid-range to premium end of the running market.
I've tested leggings that cost significantly more than these and haven't necessarily performed any better. When you consider the quality of the fabric, the supportive compression, the practical pocket setup, the recycled materials, and the thought that's clearly gone into the fit, I think they offer very good value for money.
I've worn them for running, walking, and gym sessions and they've performed consistently well across all three. For me, they're the type of leggings that justify their price because they're practical, comfortable, and versatile enough to wear regularly.
WHERE TO BUY
The leggings are available directly from the Bimble & Bolt website.
Bimble & Bolt currently offers free UK shipping over £50 and free 60 day UK returns on leggings, shorts, and socks.
IS THERE A MALE VERSION?
Bimble & Bolt is primarily a women’s running brand, with its leggings and shorts designed specifically around women who run. The brand doesn’t currently appear to offer a direct men’s equivalent of these leggings.
However, Bimble & Bolt do have some products aimed at male runners, including a men’s edition of their running advent calendar, so the wider brand isn’t exclusively female focused in every product.
PROS & CONS
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WOULD I RECOMMEND?
Yes. For me, these are a really good pair of running leggings. The combination of fit, comfort, and practicality makes them easy to reach for whether I’m going for a run, to the gym, or just want something comfortable for a walk.
CONCLUSION
The Bimble & Bolt 7/8 running leggings have managed to tick basically every box I look for in a pair of running leggings.
They feel supportive without being restrictive, the waistband stays comfortably in place, the compression provides a secure running fit, and the fabric feels soft against the skin. I've worn them for running, walking, and gym sessions and haven't experienced any rubbing, discomfort, or issues with movement.
The main feature for me is the pocket setup. The side pockets are genuinely useful rather than just being there for marketing purposes, and the rear zipped pocket provides extra secure storage for smaller valuables. Being able to carry my phone, gels, and keys without needing a running belt or bag is a huge advantage.
I also really appreciated the care instructions that came with the leggings. It's a small detail, but I liked that Bimble & Bolt included guidance on helping the fabric maintain its shape, colour, and performance over time. I even noticed their advice about avoiding fabric conditioner, which is something many people don't realise can ruin technical sports fabrics. It felt like a thoughtful touch from a brand that genuinely wants customers to get the longest life possible from their kit.
At £52, these aren't budget leggings, but I do think they're competitively priced for the quality, fit, and functionality they offer. The recycled materials, runner-focused design, and extensive storage options help them stand out in what is already a crowded market.
Most importantly, they're a pair of leggings I'll continue wearing. For me, that's always the biggest sign of a genuinely good product. They've become an easy choice for runs, gym sessions, and everyday wear because they combine the three things I value most in activewear: comfort, practicality, and performance.