Editors' Favourite Running Gear
The Tried and True Running Products Our Editors Love For Every Type of Runner
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
Before you embark on your next run, you've got to make sure your gear is on point. We're talking about quality running shoes, sports bras, and headphones. It doesn't matter if you're just getting into running or you've been running marathons for years — quality gear is a must and will keep you looking, feeling, and performing at your best.
No one has the time (or money!) to test out thousands of products, which is why we tapped our editors who love to run to find out what their must-have products are. If you're in need of a pair of headphones that won't fall out of your ears, sports bra that will support you as you stride, or sneakers that are lightweight but supportive, we've got you covered. Check out the tried and true running products our editors are loving right now!
1 Nike AeroSwift Women's Tight Running Shorts
"If you prefer to run in shorts but can't find a pair that won't ride up as soon as you begin striding, I recommend the Nike AeroSwift Women's Tight Running Shorts ($65)." — Tamara Pridgett, associate editor, Fitness.
2 Hoka One One Clifton 7 Running Shoe
The Hoka One One Clifton 7 Running Shoe ($130), is the perfect combo of cute and functional when it comes to running shoes.
"They felt comfortable the second I tried them on and they allow me to run for an hour without any knee or foot pain, whether running on pavement or trails. And I love the feminine misty rose colour!" — Jenny Sugar, staff writer, Fitness.
"After running in Hokas for the first time, I was hooked. They have a larger sole, which you need to get used to, but it completely got rid of my knee pain during long runs. I have them in black and white and can't wait to try this new gold colour." — Dana Avidan Cohn, executive style director.
3 AfterShokz Aeropex Open-Ear Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones
The AfterShokz Aeropex Open-Ear Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones ($160) are so good, two of our editors recommended them.
"Running safety is huge for me, so I was excited when AfterShokz sent me these bone-conduction headphones to try out. They sit just outside your ear and transmit sound through your cheekbones, so you can hear ambient noise like cars, bikes, and other people. They're far and away my running headphones of choice." — Maggie Ryan, assistant editor, Fitness.
"I have weird ears, apparently, because earbuds are constantly falling out and I always have to readjust them while I'm running. With AfterShokz, which sits right above the ear and transmits sound through our bones, I never run into that problem. Plus, I can hear all the traffic around me while I'm running, and that makes me feel really safe." — Sarah Wasilak, editor, Fashion.
4 Brooks Women's Carbonite Jacket
Stay visible on your runs with the Brooks Women's Carbonite Jacket ($180). "I love that this jacket serves multiple purposes at once. It's wind- and water-resistant to help block out the cold and rain, and its reflectivity zones keep you visible in the dark. Not to mention, it's comfortable and lightweight!"— Kathleen Harper, style editor, Branded Content.
5 Gear Beast Running Backpack
If you're looking for something to carry your important items in, try the Gear Beast Running Backpack ($25). "This mini backpack is lightweight and totally bounce-free (unlike a lot of running belts I've tried), and is just big enough to fit my phone, ID, and house key. It's so comfortable, I forget I have it on, which is the highest compliment you can give to a piece of running equipment!" — MR
6 Nike Swoosh Women's Medium-Support 1-Piece Sports Bra
A sports bra can make or break your workout, and Lindsay Miller, deputy editor, recommends the Nike Swoosh Women's Medium-Support 1-Piece Sports Bra ($38).
"I like both support and coverage from my running bras . . . but as anyone with boobs who works out a lot knows, bra pads and laundry are a hassle waiting to happen. This bra's innovative one-piece pad stays put (it's connected to the bra by a thick thread) and doesn't get lost or misshapen in the dryer. Plus, the bra's sleek and classic design goes with all my other running gear. While I'd recommend this for smaller busts given its support level — and while I know picking a sports bra is highly personal — this gets tops ratings from me." — LM
7 Garmin Forerunner 645 Music
If you're getting serious about running, the Garmin Forerunner 645 Music ($267, originally $450) is a great investment for tracking your runs.
"This watch is both extremely pricey and life-changing. My boyfriend gifted this to me on my birthday almost two years ago as I prepared for my first ultramarathon, and I've worn it for basically every run since. Using a Garmin allows you to get the kind of specific pace, cadence, heart rate, and splits data you can nerd out on and use to level up your training. But the ability to download my Spotify playlists directly to my watch is hands down my favourite thing about this model. It gives me the ability to leave my phone at home and head out to train with nothing weighing me down but some AirPods and a key to my front door." — LM
8 Classic FlipBelt
Keep your important items safe with the Classic FlipBelt ($29).
"I needed something to hold my phone, mask, and gel for long runs, and I absolutely love running with the FlipBelt. It never rides up and has multiple little pockets so everything is accessible without slowing down." — DAC
9 Adidas FWD-01 Sport Headphones
If you're still searching for a quality pair of headphones, try the Adidas FWD-01 Sport Headphones ($100, originally $149).
"Finding a pair of headphones that can do their job alongside the weight of a face mask, beanie, and sunglasses while running through the city is tough, but the Adidas FWD-01 Sport In-Ear headphones never fail. They always manage to stay in my ears no matter what kind of workout I'm doing, and the sound quality is impressive. My favourite part has to be how truly sweat-proof they are, and of course, the battery life." — Perri Konecky, editor, Trending and Viral Features.
10 Air Zoom Pegasus 37 Running Shoe
"I talk about the Air Zoom Pegasus 37 Running Shoe ($120) all the time because it's the best running shoe I've ever worn. I've been wearing this model since 2010, and I can't get enough of it. It's lightweight yet supportive, and Nike always comes out with great colorways." — TP
11 Knix Catalyst Sports Bra
Training can be challenging, which is why you want to make sure you have gear that supports you throughout your most intense workouts. Our executive style director highly recommends the Knix Catalyst Sports Bra ($90).
"Finding a good running bra made all the difference for me. This bra gives a ton of support, is fully adjustable, and is also really smooth against your skin." — DAC
12 Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earphones
"I love training with music, and the Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earphones ($200) are great for all types of physical activity such as strength training, jumping rope, and running. They fit well in my ear, have a long battery life, and I often forget that I have them in." — TP
13 Nike Dri-FIT Aerobill Featherlight Perforated Running Cap
"When I don't want to do my hair before going on a run or it's extremely sunny and hot outside, the Nike Dri-FIT Aerobill Featherlight Perforated Running Cap ($28) is always a clutch option to have on hand. It's extremely lightweight and absorbs sweat well and keeps the sun out of my eyes." — TP
14 Bose in-Ear Headphones/Earphones
It can be hard to find headphones that fit your ears and make sense for the style of training you like to do. Rebecca Brown, senior editor, recommends the Bose in-Ear Headphones/Earphones ($300) for running.
"I have struggled my entire life to find the right headphones for running because they always slip out of my ears. And with the added mask around my face this year, my usual use-a-sweatband-to-hold-the-earbuds-in-my-ear trick wouldn't work — there were just too many elastic pieces going every which way. I splurged on these Bose in-ear headphones and they've completely changed my running. For whatever reason, they NEVER slip out of my ears and they've enabled me to focus on running instead of fiddling with my ears the entire run."
