Must-Have Gear for Every Runner

Having the right gear can make all the difference to your running experience, whether you’re a seasoned marathon runner or a complete beginner.

We’re going to run through a few essential pieces of kit that will help you get the most out of your runs, and a few things you don’t necessarily need but we think are well worth the investment.

Essentials:

Good Quality Running Shoes.

Without a doubt the most important piece of kit for a runner is your shoes. They don’t have to be expensive but should be of a decent quality and in good condition. Old worn our running shoes don’t support your feet the way they’re designed to and put you at greater risk of developing an injury.

You should also make sure to choose running specific shoes and avoid fashion trainers and gym shoes as these aren’t designed with the same level of foot support.

For more on injury prevention see: Effective Strategies to Prevent Running Injuries

Running Specific Socks.

Choosing running or sport specific socks over regular cotton socks is a decision you will not regret. Running socks are designed to prevent chafing and blisters and while they do come with a higher price tag than regular, they are worth it.

Running socks are an essential but it can be tricky to choose the right pair with so many brands and styles to choose from.

See our article Running socks: Choosing the right pair for a look into some of the great options available from brands like Injinji & Balega.

Moisture-wicking clothing.

As well as having socks made of the right material it’s important to wear clothes made from moisture-wicking materials and avoid cotton at all costs! Moisture-wicking materials are quick drying and stop sweat from staying on the skin for too long, this helps to cool you down and prevents chafing.

The two main items of clothing you will need are a pair of shorts/leggings and a t-shirt or vest (whichever you prefer). You may also need an extra layer for warmth in the winter months.

Anti-chaffing roll-on/balm.

Even if you have the correct clothing there is still a chance you will develop chaffing which can be uncomfortable and ruin an otherwise good run. To avoid this we recommend using an anti-chafing product like Squirrel's Nut Butter or Bodyglide.

Extra items worth the investment:

The following are a few items that you probably already have, however investing in a sport/running specific version is worth it if you can.

Sunglasses.

You probably already own at least one pair of sunglasses but it’s unlikely that they’re any good for running. Sports sunglasses from brands such as Goodr are lightweight and designed especially for athletes to stay put during all kinds of workouts.

As well as protecting your eyes from harmful UV on sunny days, sunglasses also act as an extra layer of protection for trail runners from low hanging branches and wayward twigs.

Hats.

Lightweight running hats from brands like Ciele Athletics can be an invaluable piece of gear. Not just for sunny days, a running hat will also protect you from the rain, stopping water running down your face and impairing your vision.

While you could wear a regular cotton baseball cap, running hats are light weight and made from quick dry material making them more breathable and easier to wash.

Sun cream.

Wearing sun cream is important for everyone, especially those who spend a lot of time outside like runners. Using a regular sun cream will do the job however you may need to reapply throughout your workout as it can easily be sweat off.

Sports sun creams like Lifejacket and Pelotan are designed to be water-resistant and stay put for longer. Using a sports sun cream will give you peace of mind that you’re protected from the sun while enjoying in uninterrupted run.

Takeaway:

Investing in a few essential pieces of gear will make all the difference to your running experience. From the comfort of the right pair of socks to the safety of applying a water-resistant sun cream, your kit can improve your workouts in many ways.

Related Articles:

The Ultimate Gear Guide for Trail Runners 

Running 101: A Guide for Beginners