Editors obsessed with gear choose every product we review. If you buy through the link, we may earn commissions. How do we test equipment.
We tested all technologies, shoes and clothing, and accumulated our mileage.
At this time last year, we compiled a list of the best equipment of the year, reviewed 2020, and felt hesitant but hopeful about 2021. Things are clearly still not what they used to be. However, the race started again, and we saw an amazing Olympic feat this summer, and we were finally able to run together again.
On these pages, 28 products have improved our running game this year, or just brought us happiness during these uncertain times. Non-runners may not understand that we are happy to find a suitable pair of shoes or to splurge on smart watches with long-lasting battery life. But we are a crowd of people who get up before sunrise and run before going to work. Save their penny registrations, air tickets and hotel room crowds for destination races. A lot of people who talk about the advantages of multiple pockets in running pants.
Here, we provide personal suggestions from our employees, highlight the cool equipment features, and provide maintenance suggestions. Miles may be difficult, but with the right equipment-and some reliable running partners-you will be fully prepared for the new year of training.
These earplugs are designed for active-reading: sweating-busy people. Among the many earplugs tested by our editors, these earplugs have the fastest charging speed and can hold a considerable amount of juice. The battery life is more than 5 hours (24 hours for the charging case), and it is comfortable to wear in the ear, with replaceable silicone earplugs. For outdoor use, when you need to understand the surrounding environment, the Tune option will come in handy, although it will slightly weaken your music. One of the most popular features is easy to control: just touch the outside of the earbuds to turn them on or off. When listening to music, remove a headset from your ears to automatically pause. In addition, fast charging takes only 15 minutes, which means you can listen for more than an hour.
These incredibly small earplugs have an amazingly loud sound. Considering that they are from Beats, maybe this is not shocking. Although you won't mistake them for over-ear headphones, the details in each note have emphasis and clarity-you will end up using them as casually as you would on the road. When your hands are sweaty, this small structure makes them a little difficult to pull out of your ears, but moisture will not affect the sound quality, function or fit. In the weather of 85 degrees Fahrenheit, we did not slip and fall in the wet 5-mile race, and they were still comfortable even if we extended the long-distance running into the teenage years. Bud has tactile buttons that need to be tapped to pause or skip tracks, as well as active noise reduction and transparency modes that you can turn on and off without taking out your phone.
The biggest disadvantage of this watch is that the battery life is too long, you may forget where to put the charging cable. Enduro removes unnecessary features, such as touch screen and music control, in order to focus on accurate tracking for a long period of time. With the optical heart rate sensor running, the battery can last for more than 72 hours in GPS mode, and will charge from almost zero to 100% in about 3 hours. The watch acquires signals very quickly and can seamlessly synchronize activities to Garmin Connect. In addition, we like that Garmin still allows you to synchronize and customize the watch through your computer, and many competitors have moved to an ecosystem that only uses mobile devices. It’s easy to load GPS lessons on your watch, and the running route helps you stay on the right route and understand what’s ahead. If you take the wrong turn, Enduro will vibrate and provide you with specifications for altitude along the way.
Forerunner 245 provides all the basic functions needed to track sleep, heart rate, stress level and training progress for a fraction of the price of Enduro. When you want to listen to playlists and podcasts (Spotify subscription required), the real appeal here is that there is no need for a phone. In GPS mode, the watch can store up to 500 songs and supports a full 6 hours of improvisation.
We gave the Mach 4 Editor's Choice Award in the Spring Shoe Guide, saying that this trainer may be the best Hoka to date. Nearly a year later, we adhere to this declaration. These shoes are very lightweight, but still very soft, with a Hoka feel, but they don't look like them. Mach can be a daily workhorse, a speed shoe or a marathon racer. Its versatility is attributed to its dual-density Profly foam; the midsole has a softer heel and slightly harder forefoot, providing support and explosive rebound. The slightly curved rocker sole will prompt you to roll forward and speed up. But the best thing about Mach is its comfort. These are the kind of shoes that make you happy that you go for a run.
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Dragonfly has been rewriting the record book on the track. Although it looks like a cross-country shoe, it has a very thick ZoomX sole that can tear an oval shape. This Pebax-based foam can eliminate the stinging sensation of running, but it is extremely lightweight, so it won't slow you down. Most of the foam is concentrated directly behind the soles of your feet-you will feel there are obvious bulges there-so it is really only designed for your fastest efforts. Our testers are full of praise for this loose but locked fit. The square toe feels like an ordinary shoe, which makes it comfortable on longer track distances. Tip: Don't wear socks. The mesh is smooth on your bare feet and has a solid support on your back.
Earlier this year, we hyped up this shoe, and it has a place in our top products of 2021. Sky is one of two MetaSpeed shoes designed to help you reach the finish line faster, designed for "stride" runners who need greater strides to accelerate. (In contrast, Edge is tailored for those "paced" runners who usually run faster by taking more steps.) With 5mm drop, carbon fiber board and a midsole that is almost uniformly thick from heel to toe , It can help these runners increase their stride length and increase the economy by about 3%-you can use less energy to complete a given distance. Some of the magic lies in the light, flexible midsole. Other brands, such as Nike and Saucony, are using Pebax for their top racers because it is lightweight and flexible. The nylon composite used by Asics is very similar to the Pebax midsole. When you land, it will squeeze, but when you push away and bounce back, it will harden so that when you land again, you can get all the cushioning.
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The gold-plated shoes have officially entered the track. Although companies such as The North Face and Craft have begun to put boards in their shoes, when the trails become technical, the carbon fiber is often too hard under the feet. Vectiv Enduris offers different things to runners by replacing carbon fiber with TPU panels, which makes the shoes more comfortable for long distances and provides much-needed compliance on technical terrain. The upper has a loose fit, soft knitted fabric and plenty of protective padding. Of all the shoes in the TNF's Vectiv series, Enduris provides the greatest cushioning, making it a plush cross-country choice for small runners, for larger people (TNF runner Dylan Bowman over 6 feet tall in the 2021 Hardrock 100 Wearing these shoes in China won the second place). With the new sticky SurfaceCTRL rubber, the outsole also has the best grip we tested this year.
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One winter, whenever the temperature dropped below 40 degrees, I would spend several weeks on the treadmill. I thought I hated the cold; it turned out that I just wore the wrong tights. In January 2021, I wore Crash 2.0 for a 13.44-mile long run, and I really felt the feeling of a teenager. It was snowing all the time, sometimes it was very windy and sleet, I had to close my eyes. I finished running at Starbucks, and then walked a long way home, listening to my audiobooks. All in all, I spent about three hours outdoors wearing these tights and they kept me warm all the time.
This material dwarfs my softest PJ pants. It is recycled Polartec polyester fiber, which feels soft and fluffy like butter, and has very good insulation. The important thing is that it also breathes well. Usually, when I run to a distance of about seven or eight miles, I start to notice the creepy, clammy sensation when I sweat under the tights. This did not happen while wearing Crash. The tights can keep my body temperature, but they are ventilated enough to allow me to feel the breeze, so my legs stay dry-even if the sweat drips under my jacket. Because the smooth outer surface of Crash is slightly hydrophobic, it will not become saturated and heavy due to sleet and snow. This is the ideal combination for cold weather running gear: you stay dry from the inside (you won't feel like a sweat popsicle) and outside (no rain or snow seeps in).
The calf feels very comfortable on the tall, thick crew socks to help prevent ventilated air from sneaking in from the ankle, but the overall fit is not as compressive as most pairs. If you are running in the bitter cold, then these are great alternatives to wearing double pantyhose-the same warmth, if not warmer, it won't feel too thick or bulky. Moreover, there is a zipper pocket on the right hip, which is large enough to hold the iPhone Plus model, and there is still room to store some cash and keys. The soft, adjustable elastic waistband runs all the way through, so it will not be lost during washing. It is located directly below the belly button (I appreciate people who don’t like the trend of ultra-high waist), and provides plenty of loose fit into shirts and upper clothes without losing Feels too close. Morgan Petruny, test editor
District Vision is known for its fashionable sunglasses and has launched quite a few clothing lines, including a limited edition "Peace of Mind" elite racing suit launched in collaboration with nutrition company Maurten. The competition shorts have extra storage space and you can carry an appropriate amount of Maurten gel to pass the marathon. In fact, each of the six pockets on the back are labeled every 6K, so you can properly space the fuel during your efforts. "Normally, I hide the gel on the inside of my shorts, fold the top on the waistband, and then pin it outside. This actually eliminates any bounce, but when the game is over, I always get some from the packet Rash," said Jeff Dengate, the general runner. "I like that Maurten fits perfectly in each pocket-they are tall and narrow, so if you don't squash it, you can't put other brands of gel in it." The back is used to stabilize the extra load needed The fabric feels heavy and hot, so please keep these for match days and hard training.
In the past two years, the only shorts I wore when participating in competitions were Oiselle's O-Mazing Mini. I promise to award them the best equipment of the year in 2020, but O-Mazing has stopped production. When I say that I check Oiselle's website every day to see if they are in stock, I am not exaggerating. This fall, my uninterrupted website scrolling paid off. This short version (2.5 inches inseam; also 5 inches) has a 360-degree pocket, which is basically like having a built-in racing belt. I have stored Gu, Picky Bars, foldable handheld devices during the marathon, fat keys and my iPhone. In many cases, I must have stored the above three items at the same time, without the risk of bouncing or slipping off the belt. The new Mini is made of Power Plya, which is a thicker and more supportive polyurethane material. The inner strap allows you to choose to tighten the strap. The shorts are available in black and "flying bird print" purple, but fingers crossed means more colors will appear next season-and this shorts will continue to exist. Amanda Furrer, test editor
Knix Catalyst is the only bra I like—literally. As a curvy runner, my sports bra tends to "turn up" when I move, which requires me to make multiple adjustments throughout the workout. Catalyst solves this problem by using an arched incision in the center of the bra, where the fabric usually passes directly through. It allows me to move in a variety of ways—whether it’s yoga, biking, jogging, weightlifting, or errands—and it doesn’t require me to readjust. Although creating a more inclusive dressing problem in the fitness industry is obviously another topic, it is gratifying that companies like Knix are solving this problem. The brand is creating new designs, not just adding inches to the existing small size samples. Every body is different, and Knix is creating a space for all of them, and the catalyst is a stepping stone into that discourse.
This bra is really zero bounce. I sprinted, jumped, hiked, and rolled over many times in Catalyst, and it felt like my chest was sealed with tape-but without sacrificing comfort or breathing comfort. The perforations between the cups increase airflow, and the molded cups eliminate the feeling of "mixing together". The trick to ladder straps is to make them tighter and let them stretch naturally.
My only complaint: I want this fabric to have a more durable structure. I killed this sports bra very clearly, and I think the seams around the armpits are firmer and give the Catalyst a chance to use it longer. Nevertheless, this bra has changed my way of exercising, and I plan to use it as my sports bra choice before something better appears. Lakota Gambill, photographer
To be honest, the best pair of socks for a runner is the one you forgot when you wore them. This is exactly what happens when you wear Bombas. Merino wool creates a cushioned but light and flexible feeling around your feet. The raised tab above the heel is firmly fixed above the ankle collar of the running shoe, which means it will not slip or blisters. We have used Bombas for all kinds of runs and races-long distances, cross-country, rain, sweating or cold-these socks look, smell and feel as good as they have been from day one. There are no signs of stretching, holes, or pilling. The price is quite high, but for every pair of socks purchased, another pair is donated to those in need.
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Darn Tough guarantees that its socks will be used for life, if you puncture a hole in it, we will provide you with a pair of replacement socks. In some cases, the brand even abandoned alternatives along the way. (For example, a few days later, a hiker wearing socks on the Pacific Coast Trail recently picked up a new pair of shoes hundreds of miles north.) Test editor Morgan Petruny wanted to see how long her pair of shoes could last. The running abuse. After wearing them for running at least once a week for nearly two years, she finally punched a hole in one of her ankles. This is approximately 146 wears and washes. However, all durability is meaningless without comfort. Darn Tough uses a high needle count for Run Ultra-Light, so it is as soft as velvet on your feet and wraps your arch with enough pressure to ensure a safe fit and provide a little extra support. Depending on whether you are using cushioning or non-cushioning, you will get slightly different fabric combinations. The ratio of padded merino wool to nylon is slightly biased towards wool, but the two still feel warm in winter and can absorb sweat well even in summer.
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These 6-inch crew socks keep your feet cool and dry. This particular series features thoughtful and interesting graphics from the national parks of the United States. They are perfect for adding a bit of vitality to your running or daily wardrobe. After six months of regular use and proper maintenance (ie washing with cold water and hanging to dry), they are still as good as new.
Since last spring, we have been absorbing and filtering new information about COVID-19, while also testing and improving our mask recommendations for runners. "Through exposure in the outdoor environment is still unlikely to spread the infection," said Amesh Adalja, MD, a senior scholar in the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University. However, it is still recommended to wear a mask in crowded places to prevent transmission. Of all the masks we tested, Knit Engine has the most suitable design for runners. Author and tester Heather Mayer Irvine said: "Unlike most of the masks I tested, Knit Engine is designed to open the fabric from your nostrils and mouth to provide coverage without you inhaling the material." It is waterproof to prevent lip sweat, and is equipped with adjustable soft earmuffs to increase comfort.
These lightweight wool-lined gloves are thinner than you think, keeping our fingers, hands and wrists warm in the coldest running. In addition, their touch screen technology really works! So many gloves boast that they are "technologically friendly", but if you have tried to use your smartphone in the cold while wearing bulky running gloves, you will know that this is not always true. Other highlights include the built-in "my nose is running" suede in the thumb to catch rogue dripping water. The graphic details on the back of the hand are not only beautiful but also highly reflective. There is also a small pocket for a key or ID card. One small problem: a clip that can hold the gloves together when not in use.
A mesh hat is necessary when the temperature reaches 95 degrees and you are trying to stay calm during the fall marathon training. The hat is perfect for runners who don't like headbands and face masks (we are not playing on the tennis court). Ciele's GoCap can not only tame flying objects and keep the sun away from your eyes, but also provide UPF 40 protection, fast drying, and reflective details on the front and back. It's soft and light, it folds up to a small size, and can be stuffed into a luggage bag-in addition, it can be machine washed.
I am a hesitant runner. I sweat too easily. Whether it is a mesh summer hat or a knitted winter beanie, I peel off a drenched fabric from my head after running. But Rnnr's cold weather beanie is the first beanie I have found that keeps my ears and head warm while allowing enough airflow to keep me comfortable. This breathability comes from the lightweight, breathable fabric weaving, while giving the cap a soft pillow feel. I'm sure I can take a nap in a pinch. Although it is also available in black and soft block designs, I chose fluorescent yellow to improve my visibility when running in the morning and at night. Matt Alling, Specialty Director
"This is the top running jacket," author and tester John Tyler Allen admires. "It is perfectly tailored for streamlined tailoring, elastic enough to stretch with you, waterproof, fully ventilated front and rear, so it is very breathable, light as feathers, with a retractable hood and-suspension effect-waterproof breast pocket." The jacket uses Made of lightweight, windproof laminated ripstop fabric with 30K/30K waterproof and breathable ratings, which means Rainrunner can keep you dry without causing you to overheat. No small details were overlooked in the production of this jacket. Even the design of the cuffs allows water to flow from the back of the hand without soaking the elasticity.
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Saxx has been on our annual best gear list in the past, thanks to its men's Kinetic running shorts with "BallPark Pouch". The brand is back this year, but its technology T-shirts have been the main product in the sultry summer in the northeast. This T-shirt is made of only polyester fiber and has a sporty version-it is not too tight, but it is not as boxy as many basic tech T-shirts. In our tests, we found that the structure (combined with the lack of spandex) almost eliminates all bouncing when the T-shirt is saturated. Polyethylene can be a bit hoarse, so if you are prone to rubbing, we still recommend that you stick your nipple with tape.
Some runners can't help checking the pace on their watch while running. A hole in the cuff allows you to easily glance at the watch without taking off your gloves or rolling up your sleeves. Of course, you can use scissors to make a DIY dial hole on your long sleeve cuffs (as suggested by a non-runner father of a staff member). But this leads to messy seams and the same risks as self-cut bangs-you cannot undo what you have already done. This is why Oiselle's shirt with thumb holes and watch window slits on the cuffs previously appeared in our annual best gear roundup. Oiselle Flow long sleeves ($72) are woven from the brand's lightweight Flow Hoverfit material. This nylon and polyester blended fabric is very suitable for refreshing and gentle running at dawn or dusk. The two-layer knitted texture allows you to run in the sun without sweating.
With Path Projects' Pyrenees T19 Hooded Long Sleeve Shirt (US$68), men no longer need to miss the wonderful viewing window. "When the temperature started to drop, it was one of the first shirts I chose," said senior art director Colin McSherry. "Its Tencel fabric absorbs moisture and controls BO" One thing to note: The opening of the watch slot is only on the left arm.
In the Runner's World released in May 1990, duathlon Kenny Souza only wore a banana Speedo and a pair of stylish shield sunglasses. (Google does it at its own risk.) The brand new VRG from Goodr, a manufacturer of cheap curtains, brings back this character, even if you choose to take a gentler approach to your wardrobe. The structure of the frame is actually very similar to the brand's OG sunglasses-from the inside, it looks like it has two separate lenses. But the smooth shield-shaped lens frame on the bridge of the nose, we especially appreciate this, especially when wearing neon yellow lenses-the sun makes the entire frame shine brightly. And, just like the OG we started to like, VRG won't move a bit when you run, and it can adapt to various face sizes. Of course, you can buy more expensive shades to get a certain style, but Goode has always proved that you don't have to.
One winter day, I went to a drugstore to buy sunscreen and gave a lesson to a poor clerk on how to sunbathe during the holidays. (He just told me that they will stop storing sunscreen at the end of summer.) Runner: Please wear it all year round. SuperGoop!'s lotion is available in 1 ounce tubes to 18 ounce bottles, and I think every runner needs the latter wherever he laces his shoes before going out. The pump is quick and easy to use, and the lotion does not leave white streaks on my already tanned skin. Its resistance to sweat and water lasts for more than an hour. Super grunt! It is said that 90% of visible aging comes from sunlight. In addition to being burned-oh, there is skin cancer-what other motivating effect is there? auto focus
In a temperature test, the big names in the bottle compete with each other, and the weak one stands out from the others. We filled Ashbury with 10 ice cubes and water, and the contents were still the same cold after 10 hours. In fact, after 24 hours in a 70-degree room, the water temperature was only 7 degrees, making it the best performer of all the insulated models we tested. Avana's three-layer (not double-layer) insulation material is even more durable than household-name products such as Yeti and HydroFlask. Moreover, Ashbury did it, effortlessly. The specially designed nozzle allows you to tilt the bottle and sip water, or sip the detachable straw while keeping it upright. The lid is also completely leak-proof.
When something hurts and you want immediate relief, this is when CBD magic appears. The super body spray comes in a compressible two-ounce bottle with a lock cap so that it does not drip or leak. In addition to 200 mg of CBD, its ingredients include arnica, peppermint, juniper, and hemp, which together can reduce swelling, inflammation and stress. It immediately cools and stings, and although the smell is slightly medicinal, it is not overwhelming. You only need one or two sprays to get the job done, so even small travel-sized bottles can be used for a while.
Yes, this handbag is ridiculously expensive, but it is also very luxurious and durable. (Disclosure: I actually bought this bag.) The 18-ounce waterproof canvas is durable. I carry a 15-inch Macbook, gym clothes and a few pairs of shoes all at once. It has become a bag for my daily commute, and I even use it as a weekend vacationer during short trips. If you pack it heavily like me, the long belt can be easily carried on your shoulders. Another thing I like: it is handmade in Somerville, Massachusetts. Jeff Dengate, championship