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The Best Running Gear

Updated Dec 10, 2022
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Running is a refreshingly uncomplicated way to get your heart pumping. You can do it nearly anywhere, and you don’t need much to make it happen (other than the motivation to go). That said, functional gear that speaks to your specific needs can enhance your experience. We’ve spent hundreds of hours researching and testing over the past seven years, enlisting the help of a collegiate track coach (and former podiatrist), a former Runner’s World editor, and several of the most passionate runners on our staff. Here are our recommendations for the best gear to get you up and running.

Brooks Ghost 14 (women’s), a dependable cushioned neutral trainer

Brooks Ghost 14 (women’s)

A dependable cushioned neutral trainer
Versatile and comfy, this go-to-worthy shoe hits the right notes for most runners’ everyday training needs.
We recommend
Brooks Ghost 14 (men’s), a dependable cushioned neutral trainer

Brooks Ghost 14 (men’s)

A dependable cushioned neutral trainer
Versatile and comfy, this go-to-worthy shoe hits the right notes for most runners’ everyday training needs.
We recommend
New Balance Fresh Foam 880v11 (women’s), a cushioned neutral shoe with pep

New Balance Fresh Foam 880v11 (women’s)

A cushioned neutral shoe with pep
This fun-to-run-in shoe pleased our testers with its energetic feel and comfortable, secure ride.
We recommend
New Balance Fresh Foam 880v11 (men’s), a cushioned neutral shoe with pep

New Balance Fresh Foam 880v11 (men’s)

A cushioned neutral shoe with pep
This fun-to-run-in shoe pleased our testers with its energetic feel and comfortable, secure ride.
We recommend
Asics GT-2000 10 (women’s), all-purpose stability

Asics GT-2000 10 (women’s)

All-purpose stability
Functional and unflashy, this shoe provides mild overpronators a lower-key stability than firmer stability shoes we’ve run in.
We recommend
Asics GT-2000 10 (men’s), all-purpose stability

Asics GT-2000 10 (men’s)

All-purpose stability
Functional and unflashy, this shoe provides mild overpronators a lower-key stability than firmer stability shoes we’ve run in.
We recommend
Saucony Guide 14 (women’s), cushioned stability

Saucony Guide 14 (women’s)

Cushioned stability
A plush collar, tongue, and even laces surround an effective stability component, though the shoes felt heavier and firmer than most others we tried.
We recommend
Saucony Guide 14 (men’s), cushioned stability

Saucony Guide 14 (men’s)

Cushioned stability
A plush collar, tongue, and even laces surround an effective stability component, though the shoes felt heavier and firmer than most others we tried.
We recommend
SPIbelt Large Pocket, tops for toting essentials

SPIbelt Large Pocket

Tops for toting essentials
Minimalists will likely appreciate this zippered pouch, which holds essentials and stays put with a comfortable, stretchy band that tidily adjusts to fit most waists—no dangling tails.
We recommend
Tune Belt Sport Armband, the best running armband for iphones

Tune Belt Sport Armband

The best running armband for iPhones
This affordable and reliable armband provides a better combination of comfort, stability, and ease of use than any other armband we tested.
We recommend
Elomi Energise, extra support for dd+ and larger band sizes

Elomi Energise

Extra support for DD+ and larger band sizes
This encapsulation bra with underwire offers full coverage and extra lift, as well as deeper cups and wide, comfortable straps.
We recommend
Panache Sports Wired Bra, best for dd+ and smaller band sizes

Panache Sports Wired Bra

Best for DD+ and smaller band sizes
This underwire encapsulation bra offers additional support and has easy-to-adjust straps.
We recommend
SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra, best for d/dd cup sizes

SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra

Best for D/DD cup sizes
This comfortable, high-support bra has a zippered front closure. Its straps and band adjust with Velcro.
We recommend
Champion Spot Comfort, best for c/d cup sizes

Champion Spot Comfort

Best for C/D cup sizes
The Spot Comfort provides cup definition while still keeping breasts snug to prevent movement, and it’s relatively easy to adjust and to put on and take off.
We recommend
Champion The Absolute Workout, best for a/b cup sizes

Champion The Absolute Workout

Best for A/B cup sizes
This medium-support compression bra for smaller cup and band sizes is comfortable and supportive, and has a sturdy band that is unlikely to ride up.
We recommend
Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Flask, the best handheld

Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Flask

The best handheld
If you don’t mind holding something while running, this 18-ounce bottle offers storage for smartphones and keys, plus the best spout.
We recommend
Nathan TrailMix Plus, a waist belt for holding bottles

Nathan TrailMix Plus

A waist belt for holding bottles
Incorporating two 10-ounce water bottles, this belt lets you carry your water and sports drink separately. It was also the most stable and comfortable two-bottle belt we tested.
Another good choice
GU Original Energy Gel, our favorite energy booster

GU Original Energy Gel

Our favorite energy booster
These ubiquitous gels are available pretty much anywhere and sold in 30 flavors. They’re a great starting point.
We recommend
Coros Pace 2, the best gps running watch

Coros Pace 2

The best GPS running watch
Flush with features that will please runners of all levels, this lightweight watch has quick GPS acquisition, a long battery life, and detailed metrics, all at a reasonable price.
We recommend
Garmin Forerunner 255, the best gps running watch/smartwatch combo

Garmin Forerunner 255

The best GPS running watch/smartwatch combo
This well-rounded running watch offers dependable on-the-run data and handy smartwatch features. But compared with the Coros Pace 2, it has pokier GPS acquisition times.
We recommend
Fitbit Charge 5, the best fitness tracker

Fitbit Charge 5

The best fitness tracker
Sleek and feature-packed, this tracker records a range of activities accurately and automatically, includes built-in GPS, and has an app that makes it simple to use and customize.
We recommend
Cleer Goal, for runners who prefer to hear external sounds

Cleer Goal

For runners who prefer to hear external sounds
Outdoor runners will appreciate how this pair fits securely and allows you to hear your surroundings for safety. However, the sound lacks low-end presence, so music lovers may be disappointed when the bassline fails to kick in.
We recommend
Beats Fit Pro, for runners who want to block out noise

Beats Fit Pro

For runners who want to block out noise
This pair reduces gym and street noise, sounds great, and has easy-to-use controls. The hear-through mode is good for conversations but isn’t ideal when you need to hear your surroundings for safety.
We recommend
Amphipod Xinglet Vest, for additional visibility

Amphipod Xinglet Vest

For additional visibility
This vest is highly visible from any angle, versatile for all conditions, and easily adjustable.
We recommend
Road iD Wrist ID Elite Silicone Clasp, our favorite id band

Road iD Wrist ID Elite Silicone Clasp

Our favorite ID band
This band puts all your important medical info on your wrist in plain writing, where first responders (who always check your pulse) are most likely to see it.
We recommend
Kahtoola NANOspikes, for road running or navigating icy parking lots

Kahtoola NANOspikes

For road running or navigating icy parking lots
The lightweight traction on this pair is provided by 10 small, tungsten-carbide spikes that stick into the black ice and mixed snow typically found on winter asphalt.
Another good choice
Coppertone Ultra Guard Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70, great feel, smell, and price

Coppertone Ultra Guard Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70

Great feel, smell, and price
Coppertone Ultra Guard has all the features you need in a sunscreen at a reasonable price and in a compact bottle.
We recommend
Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+, a reef-safe, physical-only formula

Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+

A reef-safe, physical-only formula
Although it costs four times as much per ounce as Coppertone Ultra Guard, this “reef-safe” lotion was our panelists’ favorite physical sunscreen overall. Compared with our chemical and combination picks, it is more difficult to rub in, and it can leave a white cast.
Another good choice
AmazonBasics High-Density Round Foam Roller, the best foam roller

AmazonBasics High-Density Round Foam Roller

The best foam roller
The AmazonBasics roller provides the firm density experts recommend—with a slight surface texture to prevent slipping—at a very affordable price.
We recommend
Gaiam Restore Total Body Foam Roller, a softer touch

Gaiam Restore Total Body Foam Roller

A softer touch
For rolling newbies (or those looking for a softer touch), this medium-density roller has a bit more give than a firm EPP roller but still maintains its shape under pressure.
Another good choice
TriggerPoint Rush Roller, for deeper smr

TriggerPoint Rush Roller

For deeper SMR
More expensive than our other picks and available only in a 13-inch length, this very firm roller nevertheless delivers thanks to a diamond-shaped pattern of ridges that allows you to address knots with precision.
Another good choice
Accurate Manufacturing Comfort Gel Pack, our favorite ice pack

Accurate Manufacturing Comfort Gel Pack

Our favorite ice pack
The Accurate Manufacturing gel pack is affordable and holds its temperature well. Be sure to keep the pack inside a covering or to wrap it in a towel before use.
We recommend

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