Spanx took its shapewear playbook and applied it to a workout legging. The result is the Booty Boost Active, which I wore for five months across strength training, walks, and a few low-impact classes. The compression is firmer than anything else in this price tier, the seam construction creates a visible lift, and the wide waistband does not roll through deep squats. The trade-off is heat. The Soft Performance fabric is thicker than the Lululemon Everlux or Sweaty Betty Power, and in warm gyms it shows.
Why you should trust this review
I have written about shapewear and activewear for six years and have tested every Spanx active legging since the original Look at Me Now. For this review I purchased one pair of the Booty Boost Active at retail in Very Black, size Medium. Spanx did not provide a sample. The pair went through approximately 28 wash cycles on cold, line-dried. I took side-profile photos at month 1 and month 5 to track lift effect.
How we tested the Spanx Booty Boost Active
- 5 months of three-times-weekly wear across strength, walking, and low-impact classes
- Side-profile photography at month 1 and month 5 for lift comparison
- Squat-proof opacity check under direct gym lighting in Very Black
- Heat retention test in a 65F home gym and a 75F studio
- 28 wash cycles, line-dried, with seam and color check
- Side-by-side comparison against Sweaty Betty Power, Lululemon Wunder Train, and Yummie Compression
Read the full protocol on our methodology page.
Who should buy the Booty Boost Active?
Buy if:
- You want firm shapewear-grade compression in an active legging
- The visible lift effect matters to you for confidence wear
- You train in cool environments (under 70F)
- You wear a size XS to 3X and value inclusive sizing
Skip if:
- You run, do hot yoga, or train in 75F+ rooms (heat retention is too high)
- You need pockets (this pair has zero)
- You hate firm compression for casual wear
Shaping and lift: the brand’s superpower applied right
Spanx knows compression. The Booty Boost uses curved seat seams and a denser fabric panel through the lower glute to create a rounded silhouette without padding. In side-profile photos at month 1 and month 5, the lift effect was identical. Compared to the Sweaty Betty Power, the Spanx version is more dramatic. Compared to the Lululemon Wunder Train, the Spanx is in a different category entirely.
Compression: firmer than any direct competitor
The Booty Boost runs firmer than the Sweaty Betty Power and significantly firmer than the Wunder Train. The first time you put it on, expect to notice the squeeze. The waistband sits very high (12 inches) and provides shapewear-style core support. After two or three wears the compression registers as supportive rather than restrictive.
Heat retention: the honest weakness
The Soft Performance fabric is thicker than performance-first competitors. In a 65F home gym it is perfectly comfortable. In a 75F studio class I noticed visible perspiration through the fabric within 20 minutes. For sustained running or hot environments, the Wunder Train Everlux fabric is a much better match.
Squat-proof opacity: passes in dark colors
In Very Black, the Booty Boost passed the forward-fold opacity test under direct gym lighting. The dense fabric and shapewear construction make this one of the most reliable opacity performers in the category. I cannot speak for lighter colorways from this round of testing.
Durability: 28 washes, holding firm
After 28 wash cycles, my pair shows zero pilling and consistent compression recovery. The seams are flat, the color has held, and the waistband has not loosened. Spanx’s shapewear DNA shows in the construction quality.
Should you buy the Spanx Booty Boost Active?
If you want firm shaping in an active legging and the visible lift matters to you, yes. The Booty Boost is the best $88 in the category for shapewear compression. For everyday training in warmer environments, the Lululemon Wunder Train or Sweaty Betty Power are better matches. The Yummie Compression at $78 is a clear skip; the construction does not hold up.
Spanx Booty Boost Active 7/8 Leggings vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Compression | Sculpt | Pockets | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spanx Booty Boost Active | ★★★★☆ 4.0 | Firm | Yes | 0 | $88 | Recommended |
| Sweaty Betty Power | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | Firm | Yes | 3 | $110 | Top Pick |
| Lululemon Wunder Train | ★★★★★ 4.5 | Medium | No | 1 | $118 | Editor's Choice |
| Yummie Compression | ★★★★☆ 3.6 | Firm | No | 0 | $78 | Skip |
Full specifications
| Fabric | 73% Nylon, 27% Spandex |
| Fabric name | Soft Performance |
| Inseam | 27 inches (7/8 length) |
| Rise | Very high (12 inches) |
| Pockets | 0 |
| Sizes | XS-3X |
| Compression | Firm/Shapewear |
| Care | Machine wash cold, line dry |
Should you buy the Spanx Booty Boost Active 7/8 Leggings?
Spanx applied its shapewear DNA to a workout legging and the result is the firmest, most visibly lifting active legging at this price. Compression sits well above what most training brands offer, the seat seam construction adds visible lift, and the waistband does not roll. The trade-off is heat retention and a feeling that takes two or three wears to adjust to. For confidence-boosting wear and lower-impact training, the Booty Boost works.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Spanx Booty Boost Active worth $88 in 2026?+
If you want shapewear-grade compression in a workout legging, yes. The construction holds up across at least 28 wash cycles and the lift effect is the most pronounced in this price tier. For pure performance or running, look at the Wunder Train or Power.
Spanx Booty Boost vs Sweaty Betty Power: which is better?+
Power has lighter compression, longer inseams, and side pockets. Spanx has firmer shaping and a more dramatic lift. For day-to-day training, Power. For shaping and silhouette focus, Spanx.
Do the Booty Boost leggings actually lift?+
Yes. The combination of firm compression and curved seat seams creates a measurable rounded silhouette in side-profile photos. The lift comes from fabric tension and seam placement, not padding.
How does the heat retention compare?+
The Spanx fabric runs warmer than Lululemon Everlux or Sweaty Betty Power. In a 65F gym it is comfortable. In a 75F+ environment it traps heat noticeably. For hot yoga or summer outdoor training, look elsewhere.
📅 Update log
- May 3, 2026Updated 5-month wear notes and refreshed competitor table.
- Nov 8, 2025Initial review published.
Priya Sharma
Priya Sharma writes for The Tested Hub.