Engineered for Runners: Now that was designed by a person that actually runs.

Running without music (or an audiobook) is torture for me, so I never set out without my Shokz Open Run headphones. These bone conducting headphones allow me to hear what’s going on around me while listening to my favorite playlist. They are lightweight and comfortable. I can carry on conversations while using them, and most importantly, hear traffic, cyclists, or other runners around me. It’s the best of both worlds!

Susan

Keeping warm during the winter months means wearing gloves, hats, and the occasional neck gaiter. I love finding new and convenient accessories and Smartwool offers my favorite winter hat. It is called the ponytail beanie, and it has a convenient slit so you can wear your hair in a ponytail or bun. I love wearing it during my long winter runs, it helps to keep my hair in place and my head and ears warm.

Maria

My one item that I must run with and can’t live without would be my SpiBelt. I tend to run with items (phone, gels, keys, etc.) and they all fit in my belt with no feeling of being weighed down. Plus I love the fact that it doesn’t bounce when I run. Also comes in a variety of colors to match my attire for the day. 

Kristi

I absolutely love getting time running the trails but have struggled with finding the right shoe. I need a shoe that gives me cushion but also feels stable and connected to the earth. Altra Mont Blanc shoes are the answer! Just enough cushion for a comfortable ride but not too much to make you feel unstable. Love them!

Jennifer

I love my AirPods but normally can’t run without them slipping out of my ears. But, I found a little silicone cover that I can put on that keeps them secure. Now I can run with no problems! There are lots of inexpensive brands online if you search “AirPod Ear Hooks.”

Laura

The accessory that was designed specifically with me in mind is chafing cream. Need to make sure all my bits and pieces are fully covered. The brand I like the most is Chamois Butt’r Original Anti-Chafe cream. It is thick and goes on easy. Can’t recommend enough! 

Nina

I have the most comfortable sports bra that feels like it was designed for me. This particular style is no longer available. It’s an Under Armour sports bra and it’s at least 15 years old but it will always be my go to bra for long races. It has a comfortable and convenient front zipper, made of durable and soft material, fits just right and provides the right amount of support but it’s not too tight. No skin irritation with this bra and it looks and feels like new.

Claudia

I tend to sweat more than others especially on long runs. I also never run shirtless. At minimum I’ll have a tank top on in the summers. For runs more than 10 miles, I cannot go without NipGuards. They work like a gem and I forget I’m even wearing them. They are amazing and I love that they protect me from the chaffing that occurs once my running shirt/tank top gets soaked from the sweat.

Scott

FEETURES! Every sock they have – WOW! The engineering is next level. They are a need to have for long runs and hills. I’ve never gotten a blister or had residual foot pain when wearing their socks!

Whitney

When it comes to running comfortably, I’ve got two products to recommend that I feel are indispensable. I know many women prefer sling bags or fanny packs to hold their phones while running, but, in my experience, they never hit quite right around my waist. They ride up or loosen throughout the course of my run–very uncomfortable! For this reason, I really like the “Strappy Pocket Bra” by Rabbit. The pocket is at the back, allowing your phone to nestle right between your shoulder blades. Other brands make a similar product, but I find the generous pocket size and fit of this particular bra to be just right. My second suggestion has to do with hydration. No matter how hard I try to sip from the tiny cups provided at race waterstops, inevitably I end up with more liquid on my shirt than in my mouth! I now opt for the Nathan QuickSqueeze Plus handheld water bottle. The bottle comes in a range of sizes and colors, has a comfy adjustable hand-strap, as well as a squirt cap and pockets for my snacks, keys, etc. Perfect if, like me, you would like to avoid a waterstop fail and perhaps even gain a few easy seconds on the course!

Brianna

I really like Sprints hats. When I run, I always wear a hat to keep the sweat and sun from my eyes, and keep my hair out of my face. I have gone through a lot of hats and have a hard time finding one that fits a woman’s head (they are usually huge) or a women specific hat that isn’t pink. I was lucky to find a Sprint hat at race expo! They have really fun designs and it fits perfectly. I love the thin material as well, especially during the summer. Definitely made by a runner.

Julie

I love my Nathan Peak Hydration Waist Belt. It holds my water bottle in place with a pouch for miscellaneous items.

Sharon

Recently I got really into the Nike Stride 5″ Shorts. Growing up I had no issues with running shorts and there length, because you want to be as free and lightweight as possible. However, they weren’t something that you wear just anywhere you go. These shorts have the lining attached inside so that you already have a snug compressed fit, on top of that they have a zipper pocket at the back and one on the inside. I don’t run with a phone or anything except for keys really, and my fear has always been that they could fall out. So the zipper back pocket was a huge win! For the runner that likes to be hands free and on the go, these were made for you.

With the Texas heat, I appreciate any running caps that can be quickly washed effectively in the sink and can dry fast. Sunscreen doesn’t cut it on longer runs, esp in the Summer, so a nice lightweight cap made out of performance material is a must. I especially like the Brooks and ON running caps right now.

I really like Balega socks, they fit great, are moisture-wicking and seem much more durable than cotton socks. And zero blisters with them, which is one less thing to worry about when running!

Ian

If you run in low-light conditions, the NoxGear Tracer Light Vest is a game-changer. With 360-degree visibility, it ensures you’re seen from every angle, making it an essential safety feature for dawn, dusk, or in low-light conditions for all runners. Despite the powerful lighting, the vest is incredibly lightweight, so comfortable that you’ll barely notice you’re wearing it. Overall, it’s the perfect blend of safety, comfort, and convenience, making it one of the best light vests available for runners.

Sabrina

I LOVE my Janji Cadence 4″ shorts. I am in the chub rub club and need something to avoid chafing. I’ve never had issues with these shorts. The seams are super flat, and the shorts are engineered so well. They have several pockets with one that is big enough to carry your phone and two smaller ones for gels, cards or keys. I wear these for every long run I do!

Bethany

I love my flip belt. I like all sorts of running belts because I always feel the need to carry more than I should, but the flip belt is my ideal running. It expands enough that I carry a windbreaker, gloves, and hat without feeling like I’m carrying a back pack. It’s great to start a run with your favorite gear not needing to worry about leaving it on the route. As a bonus they also make water bottles that stay snug to your body. I like the small bottles so that I can drink the whole bottle and not have to suffer the sloshing of a half empty bottle during the run.

Matthew

There’s so many running pieces that are essential for me to wear every run that it’s hard to choose just one. My absolute favorite and easily best purchase, are my Goodr sunglasses. They’re priced well, don’t move on my face while I run, are very durable, and fit my vibe. I’ve worn them during easy runs, run clubs, races, and even around the world. Safe to say I’ll be a lifelong customer.

Mike

The Nike Running Division shorts are a game-changer for me. Their 4” 2-in-1 design offers the perfect mix of support, coverage, and mobility, while the reflective material keeps me visible on early runs. Additionally, the zippered back pocket is a must-have for my gels, and the lightweight fabric keeps me cool and comfortable. They’re the perfect balance of function and comfort!

Martin

I just ran the Lady Bird 50 mile Ultra at the beginning of November. In preparation for this race I tried out ALL. KINDS. of socks because right after GI upset as the top reason for not finishing, is blisters. It’s kind of a two-way tie for me between the Injinji toe sock liners (under my Balega socks) and Creepers wool toe socks. My feet would be SO BLISTERED had it not been for these two socks that I wore for all of my training runs. Creepers kept my feet drier (I have super sweaty feet), but are a bit bulkier than the Injinji liners. Check out Creepers wool. They are legit!

Kim

For me it has to be any brand that includes a pocket for my phone. The most notable ones that I use and enjoy are the Under Armour SpeedPocket and my personal favorite is the right-side leg pocket that Hanes uses. They both make storing your phone easy with a virtual ‘no feel’ that your phone is there, yet it is still easily accessible when it is needed. Having comfortable shorts and running wear is vital to having any run that I do be even that more enjoyable. Whomever designed these items definitely knows what it means to be a runner. 

Mark

I was so skeptical about running vests before I got one, but I had to get one over the summer to prep for my first ultra, and it really grew on me– I use it all the time now– a must-have any training runs over 2 hours! In the summer I would freeze the front water bottles the night before a big run so they would keep my body cool as they melted. I have the Salomon Active Skin 8 in green.

Shanna

Regardless of the season, I prefer to run in bottoms that have pockets. Pockets make it easier to pack all the essential items to feel safe and supplied for my run. Necessary items include; a small water flask (no more than 8 oz. size, which shrinks when I use it), ChapStick, and a knife. Unless it is below 50 degrees I prefer to run sleeveless. Lastly, I can only do a long run with my compression socks. I am sure it is all mental however, I feel best when my legs have good support.

I love Gypsy Runner clothing!! Gypsy Runner is a delightful small business created by ‘a crazy marathon runner who needed pockets and options’. The moment I put on my first pair it was clear that they were made by a runner for a runner. They have lots of fun, unique prints and new designs come out regularly. My favorite pair is purple and blue with paw prints – adorable! Their shorts are my go-to since they look cute and I can hold all my swag/stuff in the deep pockets! The seams are so smooth and non-chafing, which invaluable in these sweaty Texas summers.

 

Amber

For me it has to be any brand that includes a pocket for my phone. The most notable ones that I use and enjoy are the Under Armour SpeedPocket and my personal favorite is the right-side leg pocket that Hanes uses. They both make storing your phone easy with a virtual ‘no feel’ that your phone is there, yet it is still easily accessible when it is needed. Having comfortable shorts and running wear is vital to having any run that I do be even that more enjoyable. Whomever designed these items definitely knows what it means to be a runner.

Rachel

Running apparel that was designed for me are Saucony Men’s RunDry Bolt Performance socks. These have to be the most comfortable socks I’ve ever worn while running. They feel great and keep my feet dry after a long run.

Josh