On the Run: 5 Tips for Choosing Your New Running Gear

Tips for Choosing New Running Gear

Whether you’re a running veteran or someone who is just starting out, you should always have the proper running gear. Unlike other forms of training, there’s no need to go all out and have a bunch of fancy gear. That’s not what makes someone a good runner. However, it’s important to stay safe, and having the right running gear helps ensure that. Here are five tips for choosing your new running gear.

1. Find the Right Shoe

No runner is complete without a pair of high-quality running shoes. You can throw on any pair of shoes and take off down the street, but chances are they aren’t doing much in terms of comfort. Granted, finding the right pair of running shoes can be difficult. Running shoes need to be the right size, have flexibility, and have the proper cushioning. Even if you find the right shoes, they may take a little while to break in. A running gear story can help you find a shoe that fits correctly, and be aware that it could be a half-size up from what you usually wear. This allows your toes to spread out and can help prevent blisters.

2. Wear the Right Socks

Some people underestimate the importance of run-specific socks, but many professional runners recommend staying away from cotton socks. Cotton socks absorb a lot of moisture, which can make your feet sweaty and wet–no what you want on a run. Use running socks made of polyester or acrylic, or at least blended with these fabrics. If you plan on running during the winter season, wool running socks are the way to go for warmth and comfort.

3. Choose Your Bottoms: Pants or Shorts

The type of pants you wear to run are also up to you. Some people always wear tights, others love shorts. However, during the summer, you want to keep your body as cool as possible. It’s best if you wear running shorts instead of long pants. During the winter, insulated exercise pants or tights are your best bet for keeping your legs warm. Having pockets can be a bonus for stashing your phone, wallet, or keys easily.

4. Use a Watch

Although we are in the digital age, many runners still use a watch to keep track of how long they’ve been running. Having a running watch on hand helps you monitor pace and manage your heart rate. From an iWatch to a Garmin, you can go as fancy or basic as you want. But we love watches that track distance and heart rate so we can keep our smartphone stashed.

5. Bring Your Phone

Finally, one of the most important pieces of running gear is your phone. It’s not exactly necessary to bring along, but it can be very handy. Having your smartphone allows you to listen to music, use a digital running app to track your progress, or track your location for safety. If something happens, such as an injury or an accident, having your phone allows you to call for help or be tracked via your location.

Despite being a sport just about anyone can do, running does require some prep and gear. With the five above-mentioned tips, you are now ready to run like the wind.

Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University, and now writes articles about health, business, family and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.