Best Running Gear of 2023

Running Footwear

Whether you're getting ready to take your first steps around the block, training for a marathon, or leaving the pavement behind to hit the trails, finding the right pair of shoes is the first critical step to getting ready to run. Collectively, we've spent many hours and covered thousands of miles in running shoes, so let us guide you through our top pics for every running style. Our testing protocol augments running in these shoes with a series of lab tests to measure each shoe in a careful and scientific manner.

Running Shoes for Men

If most of your runs take you along smoothly paved pathways or city sidewalks, a pair of the best men's running shoes is what you need to keep your joints and ligaments protected from the firm, unforgiving concrete surfaces and asphalt. Within this category, different shoes are great for different types of training, but here are a few of our favorite styles:

Running Shoes for Women

Most manufacturers design women's-specific shoes, which we put through a careful testing progress. There are lots of top-rated women's running shoes to choose from. These are the ones that performed the best in our hands-on testing:

Trail Running Shoes

If your favorite runs take you over the rocks and roots of a single-track winding through the forest, a model from our best trail running shoes review will keep your feet protected from sharp objects, and added stability in the sole can help prevent ankle rolls. These are our go-to picks for trail running:

Trail Running Shoes for Women

Although you don't have to limit yourself to selecting a women's specific trail shoe, there is something to be said about a shoe tailored to your anatomy. Women's shoes typically have a narrower heel shape and a roomy toe box that accommodates common differences between men's and women's feet. The shoes below are our favorite trail running shoes for women:

Running Socks

The socks you choose to layer underneath are just as important as the shoes on your feet. The best running socks can keep your feet cool, dry, and blister-free through training. These are our top recommendations for any runner:

Essential Running Clothing

There's no such thing as bad weather — only bad clothes. Most die-hard runners will go out in just about any conditions, and it is essential to have the proper attire to keep you cool (or warm) no matter where you live or what time of year it is. However, even if you wouldn't place yourself in the "die-hard" category, a perfectly light and airy pair of shorts can make your run much more enjoyable. These are the pieces we would choose to concoct the perfect running outfit so that you can focus less on your clothing and more on pounding out the miles.

Running Shorts for Men

Some of the most important features of running shorts are comfort and breathability. We ran through dozens of men's running shorts and looked at these two factors alongside each pair's overall functionality and fit. Many of the styles we tried have different fabric and length options so that you can tailor your pair to your specific needs. Here are some men's shorts that we love:

Running Shorts for Women

Women's shorts should serve the same purpose as men's; keeping you light and comfortable, mile after mile. Although not always true, most running shorts made for women have a shorter inseam and are cut to better fit female bodies. Our lady testers ran in more than a dozen pairs, and these are their preferred styles:

Running Shirts

Running shirts can generally be considered gender neutral, but the styles that are not made specifically for women have a looser/straighter cut and more room in the shoulders. However, the essential factor is that your shirt is made from moisture-wicking material and does not chafe or rub with repetitive movement. These top-performing running shirts are the ones we recommend to our friends:

Running Shirts for Women

Running shirts built for women have a different cut, often more form-fitting, and sometimes come in brighter color schemes. Similar to unisex/men's versions, the best shirts are made from synthetic fabrics that are comfortable and quickly wick away sweat and other moisture. Here are our top choices:

Gear to Help You Go the Distance

All you really need to start running is a pair of shoes and some comfortable clothes; that's the beauty of the sport. However, aside from those basics listed above, some additional items can improve your runs and help you stay motivated to get out consistently. While not strictly necessary, accessories that help keep you warm, hydrated, and on the move can be helpful in your training.

Running Jackets

As much as we'd like, sometimes we are not gifted with our ideal running weather, and we must layer up to stay comfortable outside. Our competitive selection of running jackets will keep you warm without trapping sweat or weighing you down.

Running Jackets for Women

Running jackets with a women's-specific fit tend to be smaller in the shoulders and more form-fitting throughout. Fit aside, breathability, weather resistance, and comfort are still the most important things to look for in your jacket, and the styles below fit the bill:

Running Hydration Packs

For shorter distances, hydrating before and after you run is enough. However, when the miles start adding up, you'll want to bring your water with you. These top running hydration packs allow you to bring along what you need in a hands-free, bounce-free package.

Running Hydration Packs for Women

Due to differences in anatomy, this is one of the few categories where a women's specific fit makes a big difference. Key changes include more room in the bust, narrower shoulder straps, and a shorter cut. Out of all the women's hydration packs we tested, these are the ones that made us feel the most comfortable and prepared.

GPS Watches

Tracking your miles and pace is a good way to monitor training progress. While there are other ways to do this through apps or other programs, a GPS you can wear on your wrist is the ultimate convenience. These are some of our favorite GPS watches we had the pleasure of using:

Cross Training and Recovery Gear

Just as important as the work you put in is the time you give your body to rest and recover. However, "rest" does not mean doing nothing; there are ways you can actively promote muscle recovery, such as stretching and massage. Every good training regimen also includes a cross-training activity of your choice. Whether biking, yoga, or something else, there is gear to go along, and you will see our recommendations below.

Treadmills

Sometimes it is not always possible to run outdoors, or maybe the treadmill in the corner of your spare room serves as the inspiration (or a guilt trip) to get your miles in. Either way, a top-rated treadmill is a great way to train on days when you can't make it outside. These are the machines that we prefer:

Exercise Bikes

Biking is a great way to give your knees a break from the repetitive pounding of your daily run while still building cardio and muscle strength. These were our favorite exercise bike machines, ranking at or near the top of our list:

Budget Exercise Bikes

If the machines above seem a little pricey, don't worry, you can still get a good workout on a less expensive product. These budget exercise bike options may be more within reach while still providing an excellent alternative to running on your off days.

Foam Rollers

For those experiencing knots and tightness in their muscles, the perfect foam roller can help release tension, relieve soreness, and even increase flexibility. Here are a few that seemed to hit the spot every time we used them:

Muscle Roller Sticks

For smaller jobs, one of these muscle roller sticks may do the job better. You can target sore spots with more precision and have a bit more control over the amount of pressure you apply.

Other Accessories

Sometimes there are accessories you might not even think of at first, but that can end up making your experience that much sweeter. We can all agree that sun protection is an essential part of taking care of your body. These accessories make maintaining a consistent and healthy running routine easier, keeping you on your feet and out the door.

Sport Sunglasses

If you're going to be out for prolonged periods in a particularly sunny or bright environment, it can take a toll on your eyes. Sunglasses are vital in protecting your vision over the long term, but running in any just old pair can lead to discomfort, and you may find them bouncing off your face or slipping down your nose in just a few minutes. A snug-fitting pair of the best sport sunglasses will stay put and often offer more complete protection than standard glasses.

Sunglasses for Women

For the ladies out there that don't need as secure fitting frames and would prefer a more stylish silhouette, our selection of the best women's sunglasses has some options that are runner friendly.

Why You Should Trust Us

Running can be demanding on the body. At GearLab, we know how important it is to have high-quality gear. Our team of experts have competed in marathons, pounded hundreds of miles on pavement, and hit the trails to test the best running gear on the market. We start by researching the top products and carefully narrow the list down to only include the top contenders. We then purchase the items, create an unbiased testing method and rate each product based on how they perform in different metrics. Through this process, we separate the best from the rest so you can find just the product that you are looking for.

Our main running gear tester is a trail runner, exercise specialist, and cancer survivor, Ally Arcuri. For over a decade, she has been deeply involved in all things running, but her true love is found on the trails. She has run ultra marathons in the Rocky Mountains and is currently training for shorter trail races. Also involved in this review is

Matthew Richardson, a passionate runner and mountain athlete who lives in Durango, Colorado. Matthew is a running-gear expert who believes in finding the proper gear in order to increase comfort and achieve success while running. Finally, Jeff Colt is an endurance athlete and ultra running machine. He competes internationally in trail races from 50k to 100 miles and trains in Colorado's Elk Mountains. These three experts, and a few others, researched and tested these award-winning products.

Hit the Road (or Trails)!

Running isn't for everyone, but those who dedicate themselves to the sport usually do so with an enthusiasm that confounds non-runners. The more you run, the more you want to run. It doesn't take long to recognize the importance of having the right gear to help you push through mile after mile. We hope these recommendations will help you narrow down the expansive list of products available and get you out of your chair and bobbing down the trail soon.