Consider this the gear that gets our stamp of approval, and we’d recommend every piece without hesitation.

our recommended gear
Image from @name.pryn

There’s a reason you’ll see these pieces pop up again and again on our best-of lists. They’ve been put through the miles by our team and have proven themselves to be high-quality gear that we genuinely use in our own training.

And they’re not just for one type of runner. Whether you’re lacing up for the first time, have been running for years, are making your way back after an injury, or are a lifelong runner, these are pieces that can be there for all of it.

Basically, if it’s on this list, it’s something our team has tested, loved, and keeps reaching for on repeat.

Our Most Recommended Gear

This list is in no specific order, just a compilation of our team’s favorite pieces!

Wolaco Distance 4-Inch Half-Tight

Why: Pockets that hold not just your phone, but plenty of gels are a must for distance training! We also love the variety of lengths and fits available.

Not all shorts with pockets are created equal, and our team has tested a bunch recently to find the shorts that don’t fall down or ride up as you move.

These compression shorts from Wolaco are made for high-tempo runs and everyday shorter runs, and have an incredible number of pockets that really set them apart.

The lightweight fabric is designed to keep up when speed is the name of the game.wolaco compression distance shorts review

AND the pockets are AMAZING. There are so many, and a loop for your rally towel on those gym days.

There are enough pockets for keys, gels, and anything else small enough to fit.

This brand tends to run small, so make sure to go a size up when ordering unless you like a super snug fit.

Buy ​Wolaco Distance Half-Tight

Crank Energy Gels

Why: A lower price point for a higher-carb energy gel option! We know that fueling is expensive, so we love when we find an option that tastes good enough to recommend.

If you’re looking for a gel that helps you hit that higher carb goal and doesn’t taste like glue, Crank e-Gels check all the boxes.

High-carb in a regular-size package, sign me up!! At 37 grams of carbohydrates, you can easily use 1 gel per hour and drink something like Skratch for the remaining carbohydrates.crank egel

Interestingly, these are also low in sugar! Sugar is generally inexpensive and thus the easiest ingredient to add to gels. So they use more complex carbs and have only 7 grams of sugar.

If you’re a heavy sweater, it has 230mg of sodium, which might be too high for others. But remember, we need sodium while running to help with water absorption from the gut.

 

Tailwind High Carb Drink

Why: Getting in enough carbs is one of the biggest issues for distance runners, and liquid options make that SO MUCH EASIER. Tailwind has some great flavors and options to hit that 60-90 grams per hour.

If you’re looking to fuel with liquid nutrition, we absolutely love Tailwind. There are a variety of products to support your training, especially for fueling and hydration.

Runners with sensitive stomachs should definitely consider Tailwind.

One of the reasons it’s become so popular is that it was designed to be easy on the stomach while still helping you meet your carb, hydration, and electrolyte goals during longer runs and races.

It mixes easily with water, too, so you don’t have to worry about clumps, clogged hydration pack tubes, or gritty textures.liquid nutrition for runners

Here are the different types of Tailwind that you can add to your fueling plan:

Asics Superblast 3

Why: If you don’t want a big shoe rotation, this is a lightweight max-cushioned option that can easily go from long run to race day for the middle and back of the pack.

The Superblast 3 is a super trainer that falls easily into the daily trainer category. It can be worn daily to enjoy a shoe that is both highly cushioned and lightweight, with no plate needed to help you feel like going faster.

Superblast 3 gives you that enjoyable feeling, but in a much more stable package for many, many miles. It’s the perfect middle-of-the-pack race-day shoe. It’s lightweight, and because of the foam, you sort of naturally find yourself picking up the pace.

There’s no plate, just the FF Leap super shoe foam, which you see in a lot of race-day shoes. Asics Superblast 3

This shoe has earned a spot on quite a few of our best of lists, and for good reason. It’s one of those shoes that can handle a little bit of everything. From long runs and speed workouts to race day efforts.

Buy ​Asics Superblast 3

Salomon Adv Skin 5L Vest 

Why: Salomon vests are some of the best at adjusting the fit and staying put while you run. We like this one especially for getting that exact fit.

It’s the ultimate hydration pack for women with narrower chests and shoulders. The Salomon Advanced Skin features a curved front and tapered 500ml soft flasks with straws. This allows for a better fit against your chest and eliminates pressure on your chest when cinched tight.

It can hold an additional bladder, loads of gear, and even your cellphone, thanks to its many pouches and zippered pockets. You’ll also get multiple pole-holder solutions for versatile options when attaching poles.

best hydration vest for petite women

This one also had great front pocket access, which some smaller packs don’t have. I would also say this is an outstanding choice for just about anyone.

And while it used to be on the higher end of the price range, it’s now right in line with other hydration vests.

  • Sizes XS-XL
  • Hydration: two 500ml soft flasks
  • Bladder Compatibility: up to 2L compartment in the back
  • Available in 5 colors
  • Check it out on Salomon.com for $145

Buy ​Salomon Adv Skin Vest

Garmin Forerunner 165

Why: We believe the majority of runners will get everything they need from this entry-level watch! It’s hidden on their website now, but you can still find it with our links and save yourself hundreds.

There are so many GPS running watches out there that figuring out which one you need can feel overwhelming. But if we had to pick one that checks all the boxes for 80% of runners, we’d go with the Garmin Forerunner 165.

It covers all the basics you’ll want for health and activity tracking, plus a huge range of sports. But one of the features that really sets it apart is the ability to track elevation, ascent/descent — metrics you’re not going to get with the Garmin 55, which has typically been our go-to recommendation for newer runners.

It gives you plenty of features to start with, a bright AMOLED watch face, but also has room to grow with you as your training does.Garmin 165 screen

Buy ​Garmin Forerunner 165

On Running Lightweight Cap

Why: Hats help us hide those flyaway hairs, keep the sun out of your eyes, and this one is light enough to be worn comfortably in all seasons! Plus, you can adjust it down for smaller heads.

Coach Amanda and I have been wearing this cap on repeat for just about everything: runs, walks, errands, you name it.

We know it’s a little on the pricier side for a hat, but this is definitely one of those cases where you’re paying for quality.

We’ve both had ours for 5+ years, and they’re still going strong after plenty of runs, sweaty summer days, and trips through the wash.

small head running hat

Plus, there are a ton of colors to choose from, so you can easily find one to match your favorite running outfit or, if you’re anything like us, convince yourself you need more than one.

Buy ​On Running Lightweight Cap

Feetures PF Relief Socks

Why: Good running socks are a must, but especially for runners dealing with Plantar Fasciitis. We love these for truly feeling that extra compression and support.

These are the kind of socks you can wear for just about anything. Running, hitting the gym, walking the dog, or simply getting through your everyday activities.

We love these socks from Feetures because they give you a little extra compression and arch support right where you need it.

They’re technically not a compression sock, but they have a more supportive, snug fit through the arch that can feel especially nice if you’re dealing with something like plantar fasciitis.

And don’t go breaking the rules and wearing them on the wrong feet! There are L and R markings on the seamless toes for a reason. Each sock is designed to give you support in the right places, so pay attention when you’re pulling them on.running socks for plantar fasciitis

They’re also low-rise without being too low. Your heel stays covered and there’s a little extra cushioning at the back to help keep the sock from disappearing into your shoe mid-run. Because no one wants to stop and fish their sock out of their shoe.

Buy ​Feetures PF Relief Socks

Gold Bond Glide

Why: You’d think we would go with the one that’s talked about by brand name, but nope, we find this one glides on much smoother and just feels better!

If it’s not already, this should be at the top of every runner’s must-have list. It’s one of the things you probably want to get a few and have them stashed everywhere, like your running bag, bathroom, and even your car.

We love the glide-on version because it goes on so easily, doesn’t cause a big mess, and doesn’t dry out.

You can apply it wherever you need it and run out the door right away.

  • Unscented, so you’re not running around
  • Available from Amazon.com starting at $6.38

best anti-chafing cream for runners

That’s our list of recommendations for now! But if there’s one thing we know, it’s that there’s always more running gear to test.

As we continue putting new shoes, apparel, and accessories through the miles, we’ll keep adding the pieces that truly earn a spot on this list.

So be sure to check back; we have a feeling this list will keep changing and growing!

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The post Our Most Recommended Running Gear | The Pieces Our Team Keeps Reaching For appeared first on RunToTheFinish.



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