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Best Running Gear in 2024: Our Top Picks for Every Runner
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Going for regular runs is a great way of improving your cardiovascular fitness, but you’ll need to have the right gear if you want to succeed. Find out what you should purchase and where you can find the best running gear.
If you’re looking for an accessible, affordable, and fun activity that keeps you fit while allowing you to explore the great outdoors, then running may just be the best form of exercise.
Although running is great for all experience levels, it’s important that you have the correct gear before starting.
To help you discover the perfect pieces, our running experts have created a round-up of the best runner-friendly gear that’s available today. From shoes to massage tools, keep reading to begin building your new running wardrobe.
Best Running Shoes
When looking for running shoes, you should choose a pair that is soft and lightweight to help you bounce off the pavement with ease.
However, they should also have a tough rubber bottom and plenty of grip, which will allow you to push off the ground efficiently without falling. Discover our top picks for durable running shoes below:
Best for men
- Made for road running
- Available in 13 colors
- Lightweight and responsive foam underfoot
- PROFLY+ construction midsole
- Narrow, standard, wide, and x-wide widths to choose from
- Supportive Fresh Foam X midsole and sleek mesh upper
- Adjustable lace closure for a secure fit
- NDurance rubber outsole technology for durability and grip
- Foam midsole and sockliner to propel you forward
- Cushioning on the inside for maximum comfort
- Made with vegan, recycled materials
Best for women
- Improved outsole design compared to older versions
- Breathable engineered knit upper
- Recycled mesh and polyester laces
- Lightweight and breathable designCloudTec cushioning that absorbs vertical and horizontal forces
- Good ankle support
- Wider forefoot and heel area for additional support
- Soft inner cushioning
- New lightweight air mesh upper
- Widened platform on the mid and outsoles for smoother transitions
Best Trail Running Shoes
The ideal pair of trail running shoes should provide a good amount of grip along with excellent braking power to help you tackle any long-distance conditions.
They should also be durable so that they don’t wear out while being light and comfortable through rain and mud. When considering these factors, here are the shoes that we chose:
Best for men
- Springy, soft cushioning for long-distance comfort
- Ideal for a range of different terrains
- Resistant and breathable mesh upper
- Contagrip outsole provides good grip
- Traction Lug for great grip and braking power
- 15 grams lighter than previous versions
- Sustainable construction
- Refinements to the tongue mean less friction and more comfort
- Sensifit construction for a precise, comfortable fit
- Strong grip on wet surfaces
- Foot-hugging upper
- Classic Speedcross comfort
Best for women
- Improved rubber outsole for extra durability
- Lighter single-layer mesh upper
- Enhanced breathability
- Improved grip
- All-terrain stability
- Extra 2mm of cushioning for softness
- Protection from rocks and roots
- Drainage ports let water escape quickly
- Tough grip with graphene-enhanced studs
- Foam-cushioned inside
- Extra heel padding for comfort and hold
- Lightweight, yet durable mesh upper
Best Running Socks
To make it into our top 3, the running socks that we considered needed to be lightweight, yet provide plenty of support and compression to prevent blisters. They also need to prevent sweat and moisture from reaching the feet, so should feature moisture-wicking technology or breathable venting.
Best for men
- Micro tab to prevent blisters
- 8 different color options
- Lightweight upper for breathability
- Cushioned compression socks for high performance
- Moisture management technology to keep feet cool and dry
- Extra deep heel pocket to stop socks sliding down
- V-Tech Arch Support System to support the arches
- Impact resistance with extra heel cushioning
- Anatomically engineered protective pads
- Prevents blisters and irritation
- 17 colors to choose from
- Lycra provides aerodynamic, glove-like fit
Best for women
- RunDry Pro moisture control
- Engineered arch stability
- Heel lock system for a secure fit with no slippage
- Seamless toe to prevent irritation
- Oval cushion protection pads that prevent ankle clipping
- Silicone grip pads that stop movement in your shoe
- Socks follow the contours of your feet
- Made with Drynamix moisture management technology
- Microb Tab protects heels
- Moisture-wicking fibers to keep feet dry
- Thin, no-show profile to fit into any running shoe
Best Running Shorts
Good running shorts are supportive, yet lightweight and moisture-wicking. They should be long enough that they don’t ride up, but not so long that the material slows you down.
Our must-haves also all have pockets or key loops to secure your essentials without uncomfortable zips or hard points. Find out what they are below:
Best for men
- Ultralight shorts to prevent you from getting too hot
- Breathable mesh material
- Rear pocket and key loop
- Quick-drying fabric
- Soft, lightweight stretch knit
- Available in a 5” and 7” inseam
- UV-protective, moisture-wicking, and breathable
- Anti-microbial, anti-odor liner
- Unlined design makes them good for layering
- 2 side pockets and 1 zippered back pocket
- Reflective elements improve visibility in the dark
- Elastic waistband with inner drawstring
Best for women
- Supportive inner tight
- Light, fast-drying, and sweat-wicking
- Center back zipped pocket
- Wide waistband
- High coverage inner layer and breathable outer layer
- Phone and back zipper pocket
- Stretchy, sweat-wicking fabric
- High waistband
- Dri-FIT material ensures that you stay dry
- High-rise, wide waistband
- Flex fabric stretches with your body
- Center back interior pocket and zippered side pocket
Best Running Shirts
We selected the top 3 running shirts based on their ability to dry quickly, fit well, and keep you cool on a hot day. They shouldn’t chafe and should be comfortable to wear for long periods.
The shirts get bonus points if they feature an odor control system to help you remain fresh, as well as ventilation for comfort and breathability.
Best for men
- Fast-drying due to the hangcord
- Reflective elements on the front and back to increase visibility
- 3-dimensional knit that stops the top from clinging
- HeiQ Fresh odor control treatment
- Light stretch fabric for enhanced comfort
- Minimal stitching and seams to prevent chafing
- Set-in sleeve construction for better movement
- Material contains miDori bioSoft for added softness
- Made with micro-ventilated SwiftTex to keep you cool
- Non-chafing flat seams
- Reflective trim on sleeves and back
- Raglan sleeves and underarm gusset for good mobility
Best for women
- Drop-tail hem to prevent the shirt moving
- Odor control feature
- Motion-friendly side vents and set-in sleeves
- Stylish scoop neck and Patagonia logo
- Highly breathable singlet
- Sweat-wicking and drying features
- Made with organic and recycled materials
- Tri-blend fabric is breathable, light, and soft
- Superior moisture management
- Interior binding on neck reduces chafing
- Reflective logo on the right
Best Running Jackets
Even when running in the summer months, you will need a jacket in case of unexpected rain or wind. Your jacket of choice should be lightweight and fit easily over base layers, with ventilation and moisture management properties.
If you’re running in the dark, it’s a good idea for your outerwear to have reflective elements. The best jackets also have adjustable hoods, along with a pocket to store it if you get too hot.
Best for men
- Water-repellent coating
- Zippered chest pocket that converts to a stuffsack
- Breathable Pertex Equilibrium increases airflow to the skin
- Adjustable hood
- Made with water-repellent materials
- Vent details to keep you cool
- UVA and UVB protection
- Can be packed into the back panel pocket
- Provides wind and waterproof protection
- Draft flap snaps to keep jacket in place if you unzip for ventilation
- Cinch-adjustable hood
- Made from 97% recycled materials
Best for women
- Breathable protection against wind and rain
- DirLayer Seal fabric lets excess heat out
- Built-in backpack to store the jacket
- Zip-secure pockets
- Breathable fabrics to manage body temperature
- Water repellency for light rain
- Stretch back panel for air circulation
- Zipped chest pocket for essentials
- Taped seams for weather resistance
- Lightweight, windproof ripstop fabric
- Streamlined to fit on top of mid-layers
- Self-stowing pocket with elastic carry strap
Best Sports Bra for Running
A good sports bra for running needs to provide a good level of support, while not being too tight. Ideally, it should be seamless to prevent irritation and allow cooling air to flow through as you build your pace.
If you do break a sweat, the best sports bras will quickly get rid of the moisture and dry quickly to keep you comfortable.
- Quick-drying SuperSonic fabric
- Supportive compression for medium-impact workouts
- Racerback design for mobility and airflow
- Made with recycled nylon and 25 plastic bottles
- Proven to reduce bounce by 37%
- Ventilated fabric wicks moisture away
- Seamless 1-piece design prevents irritation
- Elasticated material makes it easy to put on, open, and close
- Racerback allows for freedom of movement
- Internal support system that molds to your body
- Adjustable padded straps
- Hook and eye closure for a customized fit
- Made from injectable foam to keep it flexible and breathable
Best Running Hats
As well as adding a stylish twist to your workout gear, hats are an essential part of a runner’s wardrobe for protecting you against the wind, rain, and sun. They also quickly wick sweat away, hold your hair in place, and help to maintain your vision throughout.
All 3 of our picks below have these essential features:
- Laser-cut ventilation technology is fast-drying
- Tear-proof woven fabrics
- Featherlight and highly breathable
- Clip-pull sizing
- Ultra-soft sweatbands
- Front and side panels have laser perforations for breathability
- Moisture-wicking AeroBill technology
- Adjustable closure to customize fit with 1 hand
- UPF 40 + protection
- Reflective detailingCOOLmatic mesh coverage for breathability
- SOFTcurve brim for protection
Best Hydration Packs for Running
If you’re into long-distance running, you’ll need a hydration pack to carry your water, snacks, and gear. Also known as a running vest, these packs should stay in place during each stride and have a good capacity.
You shouldn’t have to take the pack off to access your gear mid-run, and they should also be equipped with chest straps for easy carrying.
- Zippered water resistant pockets
- Comfort Cinch
- 4 hooks and loops to attach trekking poles
- Protective mesh panels prevent chafing
- Spacious armholes provide a wider, taller fit
- Up to a 12-liter capacity
- Uses lightweight Sensifit fabric for stretch and breathability
- 2,500ml flasks included
- Internal bladder compartment with hanging strap
- Sternum strap allows you to quickly adjust your pack
- Extra-wide chest pockets
- Comes with 2,500ml HydraPak flasks
- Pole-carry options on both left and right sides
- Secure, zippered back pocket that doubles as a stow sack
Best Energy Gels for Running
Energy gels provide a quick, effective, and sustained burst of energy to conveniently meet the demands of long runs. What’s great about using an energy gel is that they don’t take up room and are easy to transport. Plus, they provide you with all of the nutrition you need without filling you up and making it difficult to run.
The top 3 energy gels that we found on the market are detailed below.
- Contains hydrating electrolytes such as sodium
- Made with carbohydrates for energy
- BCAAs protect working muscles
- 20mg of caffeine in each packet
- 17 delicious flavors
- Built with only 6 ingredients and no colorants, preservatives, or flavors
- Hydrogel Technology helps the gel absorb faster
- Contains a high weight-to-energy ratio, with 605 carbohydrates
- Only energy gel made with 85–90% organic ingredients
- Easily-digested source of carbohydrates and electrolytes
- Contains fast-acting maltodextrin and organic cane sugar
- Some flavors provide a shot of caffeine
Best Supplements for Runners
The best running supplements ensure that those who are active get the right variety of nutrients to boost their performance, improve their energy production, and recover more quickly.
These supplements come in different forms, including protein powders, vitamins, and supplement capsules. From all the running supplements on the market, here are our top 3:
- Vitamin B complex to boost energy levels
- 3 antioxidants to support the immune system and muscle recovery
- Contains vitamins A and D for good bone health
- Two-part Alpha and Omega formula
- Increases the body’s resistance to stress
- Boosts endurance
- Lowers resting heart rate
- Amino acids help with endurance
- BCAAs improve muscle recovery and boost lean muscle mass growth
- Zero calories per serving
- Contains a range of B vitamins and minerals
Best Running Watches
Wearing a watch is a great way of optimizing your training program, tracking your performance on a running app, and meeting your running goals. Research shows that they can also help to increase physical activity levels in healthy adults.
They allow you to monitor your time, pace, and distance, while some models also offer sleep and wellness features to ensure that you are ready to run.
- Provides advanced training metrics and recovery insights
- Overview of your sleep outlook as soon as you wake up
- Race day training plans and workout suggestions
- Heart rate variability status to get a deeper understanding of your overall health
- Accurate heart rate sensor
- Global offline maps for on-wrist navigation
- Full training plan and workout support
- Longer 30-hour battery life
- Sapphire protective glass screen
- Provides data on your unique wellness patterns
- Raised band attachments for comfortable wear
- Tracks fitness stats for 6 days without needing to be charged
- Connect with the Fitbit app for progress tracking
Best Running Belts
Running belts provide a convenient alternative to jackets with pockets. They should be comfortable and lightweight, with enough space to hold the essentials without rubbing or weighing you down.
- Zippered weather-resistant pocket
- Simple clip and easy adjusting belt
- Lightweight, stretch mesh material
- Fits most large smartphones
- Expands to hold larger smartphones or bulkier supplies
- Fits waist size 25” to 47”
- Soft elastic prevents chafing
- Bounce-free and a sturdy buckle
- Extra secure zipper pocket in the pouch
- Moisture-wicking and quick-drying
- 3 open access points to slide essentials in
- Inside key hook for added security
Best Phone Holders for Running
Whether for navigation, tracking pace, or listening to music, phones are essential on a long run. Armbands are a convenient storage solution that allows you to still carry your phone while on the go without pinching, chafing, or moving about.
Here are our favorites:
- Adjusts to fit 8.5” to 19” biceps
- Phones easily and securely click on and twist off
- Compatible with most phone cases
- Designed to fit all standard-size smartphones
- Allows easy access to your phone’s touchscreen
- Non-slip, adjustable elastic band design
- Made from premium grade lycra and neoprene
- Waterproof and sweat-resistant adjustable band
- Sensitive touch screen that supports Face ID
- Reflective strip for safety
- 4 rows of ventilation slots
Best Reflective Gear for Running
The most important consideration when it comes to running outside is safety, particularly in cold weather and on winter mornings when visibility is low. To make sure that you can be seen, we’d recommend wearing clothing items with some form of reflective panel.
Along with t-shirts, hats, and armbands, running vests are one of the best options. We’ve rounded up the top picks below:
- Offers 360-degree visibility up to ¼ mile
- LED vest has a rechargeable 20-hour battery
- 8 multi-color flashing modes
- Highly waterproof, with an IP67 rating
- 1,200 foot visibility
- Form-fitting shape offers full range of motion without interrupting arm swing
- 360-degree visibility
- Sleek, ultra-lightweight design
- Weighs just 3 ounces
- Bright green optic illumination with solid and flashing modes
- USB rechargeable
- Moisture-resistant design
Best Massage Tools for Runners
Recovery is one of the most essential parts of running for avoiding injury and optimizing performance. While getting a sports massage from a trained professional is your best option, having a tool to use at home is useful for relieving those small niggles.
- Textured ovals for more effective muscle relief
- 9-sided design with allover bumps digs into muscles and tissues
- Gridded roller allows you to focus on larger muscle groups
- EVA foam core adds stability
- 5 attachments for recovery in different body parts
- Helps with performance, sleep, mobility, and stress
- Can be integrated with an app
- Ergonomic multi-grip to reduce strain on hands, wrists, and arms
- 5-inch diameter that helps to release muscle tension
- Replicates the pressure of a massage therapist’s elbow
- Encourages good blood and oxygen flow to improve range of motion
How to Choose the Best Running Gear
We selected our top 3 running gear picks in each category based on the 4 factors below:
Quality
High-quality running gear is made with durable materials that stand the test of time. Clothes, shoes, and socks should fit well and not slip down as you move, while equipment and tools need to be waterproof and able to withstand all conditions.
Price
Generally, high-quality running gear is more expensive, although we did find some great budget items. The benefits of the product needed to outweigh the cost to make it onto our list.
Brand reputation
Equipment for running that comes from reputable, trustworthy brands is typically more effective in helping users achieve their performance goals. We looked at independent customer reviews and complaints before making a final judgment.
Effectiveness
For a running product to be effective, it should have a range of supportive features that make it easier for runners to achieve their goals. For example, the gear may provide weather protection, have moisture management properties, or be ultra lightweight.
FAQs
Try to wear light layers in cold weather, as you are likely to get hot while running. Wear a thin base layer, followed by a light long-sleeved top, and a waterproof jacket. You should also wear a hat, along with some gloves.
Select sweat-wicking, breathable, and fast-drying clothing that will keep you cool and dry. Try to choose light t-shirts, shorts, and shoes with mesh ventilation panels, as well as a cap with a visor to keep the sun and sweat out of your eyes.
Although jackets and shorts often have pockets, wearing a vest or armband is one of the safest and most effective ways of carrying your essentials and valuables while on a run.
A Word From a Running Coach
As one of the most affordable, popular types of exercise, running is a great activity if you’re hoping to lose weight, enhance your cardiovascular fitness, or boost your mental health.
Not only can low-quality running gear prevent you from increasing your pace or distance, but it can also be a safety hazard, putting you at risk of injury.
Poorly fitting shoes cause irritation and blisters, which can stop you running for long periods. Be sure to choose a pair of shoes that have good grip, particularly if you’re running on a wet day or through muddy, uneven trails.
If you’re unsure of what to wear when running, or how to get started, consult a running coach. They can create a personalized training program that is specifically tailored to your needs, which will help you to gradually work towards your goals without getting injured.
Conclusion
Choosing high-quality, well-fitting running gear is vital for staying safe and achieving your goals while out pounding the pavements or trails. All of the products that our running experts recommend fit this criteria, and make a great addition to any running enthusiast’s wardrobe.
Always ensure that the gear you choose fits properly before heading outside, and that you are visible when running in dark or rainy conditions.
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