The Best Running Gear on Amazon, Handpicked by the Runner’s World Team

I don’t know about you, but I need my phone, house key, a few packages of Gummy Nerd Clusters, and my Aquaphor stick when I run. (And a few self-defense items.) This SPIBelt holds all of it and has a bit of space for more. Don’t let the compact look fool you. She stretches. Mine is in boring blue, but this one comes in all kinds of fun colors!This watch does it all. It is by far our favorite Forerunner right now. It has offline mapping, offline music, triathlon mode, multisport mode, and more running features than you can imagine. It’s ready to get you ready for your next race and keep you progressing with stats, like recovery, HRV, VO2 max, lactate threshold, running power, suggested workouts, race pace timing, race monitoring, and more.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowPretty much every runner who handles a lot of miles has used BodyGlide at some point. It’s the OG of anti-chafing balm. It isn’t sticky, has no real smell, and simply put? It works. On thighs, under your breasts, and if you’re like me and tend to run with your hands up a little high? Your inner elbow.There are several members of our team who like to make or mix their own gels. Our Senior Art Director is a fan of these flasks to hold those gels, specifically the 200ml flasks. They’re easy to clean, fit well in pockets or vests, and they’re easy to open on the go.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowThis is my new favorite headband. I am rarely without one unless I’m in a hat. I have bangs and simply cannot have them touch my face on a run. This headband is wide enough to stay put, I can wear it over my ears if it gets windy, and it’s very light and breathable.Hear me out, you may not use this while you are running, but if you run, you need this. You’ll likely end up with at least a few pairs, and keeping them together, stored easily in a place like your garage is critical. Mostly so you don’t stink out your closet.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowIn marathon season, it’s critical to get your fueling right. Tailwind is delicious and gives you precise carbs and sodium, and this flavor is a wonder and a delight if you ask us. Premix some for your run, add some to your water, or have it before you head out!“The shoe is a soft, responsive trainer that makes long runs easier and more interesting,” said Gear Editor Amanda Furrer. “It injects just a little more bounce in my longer workouts, helping me soar through those miles instead of silently wishing I was back under the covers at home, sleeping in.” And that sums it up really well. This is a workhorse neutral trainer that is purpose-built for your long runs, easy runs, and all that training you need.Brooks Glycerin 23 ReviewAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowOur favorite bone conduction headphones, the OpenRun Pro 2 are a step above the original model. Highlights include louder volume, deeper bass, and clearer notes, regardless of whether you’re listening to rock music or a news podcast. They’re a safer option than traditional headphones for runners who often train in busy areas.There’s nothing worse than having to keep on your running shoes after a marathon or long run. Having a pair of cushy slides like this will really save your bacon. They cradle your feet, cool them off, and let you walk around in relative comfort after a long run with enough support to keep you steady.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowOur resident ultramarathoner, Pat Heine-Holmberg, loves this Garmin watch band. It’s soft, durable, doesn’t make your wrist sweaty, and—no offense to Garmin—is way more comfy than the bog standard variety they give you. This model is for the Epix and Fenix lines.You'd be hard-pressed to find a member of our team without a few pairs of Balega socks in their drawer. They're perennially popular for a reason. They're comfortable, breathable, durable, and the colors are always so fun.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowBaleaf has become one of those brands that have taken off on Amazon. They’re affordable, great quality, and easy to wear. These shorts, which have a 5-inch inseam, are a fan fave over here thanks to their deep, zippered pocket, soft lining, and breathable material.Associate Editor Kristine Kearns swears by this flask. It’s soft, collapses neatly, and holds just enough water for your mid-length run. It’s designed to be handheld or stuffed in a run belt or vest.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowGenuinely one of my favorite sock brands anywhere, and often on sale on Amazon. I actually have the exact colorway pictured. It hugs my arch like it’s paying for the privilege and I could sing its praises all day, and frequently wear them even when I’m not running. And for an autistic person who usually hates socks, that’s a big deal.She’s beauty, she’s grace, she lets you leave extra chargers at your place. This turns any old USB-C charger into a Garmin charger. Jeff Dengate turned me onto these, and my husband (Charger-In-Chief at our house) is so grateful for that. He just keeps it looped on the charge cord, and uses it as needed.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowWhy is it so hard to find a good running cap, let alone one that’s just one-click away? Thankfully, Sprints has started selling on the ’Zon, and our lives got easier. This is an ultralight run cap that wicks away moisture, keeps the sun off your face, and generally makes for a better run.Nathan makes some of our favorite hydration vests, and this one is fantastic. It holds both a bladder and flasks with room for your gels and your phone. It’s light and breathable and easy to adjust, even on the go.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowIf, like my husband, you tend to lose your sunglasses, but you need a solid pair for running, Tifosi has you covered. For under $40, you get 100 percent UVA/UVB protection, lightweight frames, and a fun look.I am basically see-through, so I need to have sunscreen on me at all times. I love this one because it’s easy to reapply mid-long-run, smells nice, and comes in smaller bottles.Cat Bowen, senior editor of commerce; reviews, is a seasoned runner with more than 20 years of distance running experience, including dozens of marathons, half marathons, and even a few ultra marathons. For over a decade, she has tested parenting, fitness, home, and running gear and written in-depth guides to help readers with their next purchase. Holding multiple advanced degrees and currently studying kinesiology, Cat Bowen brings research-backed insight to all of her guides. Passionate about women’s health and neurodivergent inclusion, she advocates for closing research gaps and helping others—especially AudHD people—find joy in running and fitness.