Below, a few more editor-vetted favorites if you’re looking for running shorts, leggings, tank tops, or sports bras.
Running shoes and socks
When it comes to footwear, your best bet is to go to a local running store and get properly fitted; the pros at places like Fleet Feet or Road Runner Sports will measure your foot and watch your gait to see what kind of stability and support you’ll need. Spurrell and I are both fans of Brooks and Hoka—I’ve run my last few half marathons in Brooks Hyperions, while Spurrell alternates between cushy Hokas at home, and lighter weight (and generally more packable) Brooks on the road. While training, I’ve also really enjoyed running in the Nike Structure 25 sneaker, which most recently got me through a drizzly 18-mile run.
Comfortable socks are another must for helping to avoid blisters (we’ve rounded up some of the best running socks here)—don’t wait til race day to find a pair you love. Performance brands like Tracksmith, Smartwool, Hoka, and Sheec all make ones we love with features like compressive, sweat-wicking materials and cushioning at the heel.
Running accessories
When longer distances are at play—think a half or full marathon—you really want to think through what is essential to carry. It might seem nice to have a fanny pack filled with in-case-of-emergency items, but a few miles in, you might start feeling that extra weight. Consider leaving sunscreen, Chapstick, and chafing balms (we love Megababe and BodyGlide) at bag drop, along with a pair of sandals to change into after the race. If you do want a bag to hold fuel (see our recs on that below) or other small essentials like an earbud case, consider the adjustable belt bags Spurrell likes from Lululemon or Free People. And if you’re not a fan of dealing with safety pins in the wee hours of the morning, I highly recommend Nathan’s stretchy, lightweight bib belt.
On training runs where water stations aren’t waiting for you every few miles, you also might want to consider a running vest or easy-to-hold water bottle for easy hydration. I’ve been wearing Nathan’s hydration vest on long runs and love the stretchy pockets for holding fuel and my keys. For winter running and other cold-weather environments, fleece headbands are great for keeping warm, while head lamps will help you stay safer on dark roads.
Another thing to consider: your headphones. If you run a lot, and like to listen to music or podcasts while you do so, you may find yourself wanting to upgrade from your day-to-day pair. After years of running with AirPods, I finally maxed out the battery life on a training run, despite the pair being fully charged when I set out. I’m now a big fan of Shokz’s OpenRun Pro 2s—they have a 12-hour battery life, for one, with a one-hour charge time. And while it felt strange putting them on for the first time, I didn’t notice them all once I started running; there’s no readjustment needed, and I’m not worried they’ll slip off in the way I was with earbuds. As someone who does most of their runs in New York City, I appreciate the open-ear design—they sit over the top of your ears, rather than inside—for letting me stay more aware of my surroundings.
Recovery tools
For these gear recs, we thought through both training recovery and post-race recovery. I’m a huge fan of Hyperice’s portable percussion massager—it comes with two different attachments to target different parts of your body (you can also purchase one that heats up separately), and is compact enough to pack in my carry-on when I travel. For at-home recovery, the brand’s Normatec compression boots are certainly an investment piece, but are incredible at speeding up recovery time by increasing circulation and reducing swelling and muscle soreness. I use them the night before long runs, then again afterwards, and have really noticed a difference in how I’m feeling post-race.
