The Best Running Gear

Joanne Jin June 30, 2015

You can see them cresting a hill, a whole fucking pack of them, and you know you’re going to have to jump off the sidewalk to let them pass. Whose idea were these running groups, anyway?

In the past year, they’ve taken over the streets and, if you’ve noticed, your friends’ Instagram, too. Not that you want to join them, necessarily. Running is, and should be, a solitary sport. But, damn it if that gaggle of runners don’t look perfectly on point. Here’s a round up of the best running gear to help you look confident whether you’re running solo or not.

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Adidas Ultra Boost Running Shoes

Your running shoes should be comfortable—soft but not too-soft. The Adidas Ultra Boost shoes are mostly mesh, which helps them breathe. It’s easier to run when your feet aren’t burning up.

Adidas, $210

Garmin Forerunner 620 Watch

Don’t want to deal with a personal running coach, not to mention a throng of sweaty twenty-somethings encouraging you to go faster? This touchscreen GPS running watch monitors your heart rate, tracks distance and pace so you can accurately set, and achieve, goals for yourself.

Garmin, $590

Icebreaker Strike SS Crewe T-Shirt

Black attracts heat. So don’t wear it to run outside. Instead, wear bright coloured T-shirts like this one by Icebreaker. It’s made from merino wool and a sustainably produced wood fibre (believe it or not) that helps to keep the body cool.

Icebreaker, $100

ICNY Socks

Spending more than $10 on a pair of gym socks socks seems steep, but these are made with moisture-wicking yarns that keep your feet dry even after a sweaty 10K. They also have reflective material stitched in, for safety.

ICNY, $25

Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless Earbuds

Do you really red someone screaming in your ear to get motivated? Try these: a Bluetooth headset that offers real-time voice coaching and an in-ear biometric heart rate monitor.

Jabra, $250

Tracksmith Van Cortlandt Shorts

These Ivy League inspired shorts are made with lightweight mesh fabric to keep you feeling free. Inseam falls at four inches, which means they’re also an opportunity to show off your runner’s legs.

Tracksmith, $60

Ciele GO Cap

This brand new Montreal company started less than a year ago, but they’ve already found their way onto the heads of the masses.

They’re lightweight, fast-drying, colourful (if that’s your thing) and come with a wide visor to protect your face from the sun.

Ciele, $45

Icebreaker Victory LS Zip

This is the piece you’ll put on before and after any jog or run. Made from merino, this zip-up hoodie remains soft and breathable, so you won’t feel like you’re suffocating after a particularly hard run.

Icebreaker, $160