Finding the best running gear is a challenge, and one we’ve been working on for… well, over a decade. Since we re-launched the Consummate Athlete site, we wanted to take this chance to talk about some of our absolute favorite gear for the adventures that we do. So over the coming weeks, we’ll be shouting out our favorite longtime products for running, riding, swimming, yoga-ing, strength training, hiking + adventuring. This is the gear that we’ve bought, tried, tested and kicked the crap out of, and would 100% buy again. Here are our picks for running, from… toe to head.
Sneakers, Long Runs
Molly and Peter’s pick: Nike Terra Kiger 5′s in black-black-black. Yep, we wear the same pair of sneakers for our runs, and we both love these. They’re not the cheapest Nikes on the market, but they hold up to running in the absolute crappiest conditions, they’re comfortable, simple and work on the trails. (Note: Molly has a wide toebox but narrow heel, a common issue for people who run/walk in barefoot shoes a lot, and these accommodate that issue!)
Sneakers, Short Runs and Long Walks
Molly + Peter’s pick: VivoBarefoot Stealth III. This gets a different category because for shorter runs and for walks, we both prefer barefoot shoes, but as runs get longer, we both prefer the support of a shoe like the Terra Kiger. But these VivoBarefoot shoes hold up well, they’re super simple, and they’re really comfortable. Perfect for travel, too!
Shorts + Tights
Molly: Lululemon Align II 7/8 length tights and Lululemon Speed Up Short. The Align tights are designed technically more for yoga type activities, but I find their total lack of seams in awkward places and super soft fabric to be much more comfortable than any of their run-specific options. And for running shorts, I have yet to find anything that fits as well or holds up for as long as the Speed Shorts do. (Honorable mention to Tracksmith Summit Shorts, which are also quite comfy.) My one issue with shorts in general is that, unlike men’s shorts that can go from running to hanging out at the coffee shop and look casual, women’s running shorts are never ‘casual cool.’ They’re always just plain athletic looking, which is fine, but an issue I’d love to solve.
Tops
Molly: The insanely silky Tracksmith Twilight Tank and cozy henley Fells Layer (LS), often layered up. I’ve been in love with the Tracksmith aesthetic for a long time, and you just can’t beat their tops for comfort and style on the run. I basically live in these, and they come on pretty much any trip we take. (I love an athletic henley more than pretty much anything in the world.)
Lastly, I LOVE this Odlo baselayer, even in hot weather. I’m looking for something even lighter that still offers UV protection, but right now, this is the best option I’ve found for avoiding chafing and sun exposure. (I recently wore it to run a solo virtual marathon unsupported in 80 degree heat)
Peter: For hot weather, or when my biceps just can’t be contained, the extra stylish Beacan-singlet from Tracksmith . For most other runs I have a semi-superstitious pattern of using a 3/4 length UnderArmor shirt like this one.
Sports Bra
Molly: I admit, I’m not the person to give great advice on sports bras for bustier women who run. (Though I have researched it for stories before and have some good advice!) But personally, because I more need something to help avoid chafing, with minimal need for support, I find that a really simple bralette works well for me (like this one). Especially since with a hydration vest, I don’t want yet another compressive garment digging into my chest!
Watch
Molly: The Garmin Forerunner 35 is cheap and has every functionality I could possibly want. It’s awesome. (Full review here)
Peter: The Wahoo fitness app works quite well for recording on your phone and then pushing to whatever other apps you use (Strava, Training Peaks etc)
Cap
Molly: Ciele makes amazing caps that I absolutely love, but I’ll also shout out the Shred Girls beanie for chilly days!
Food
Molly: I drink nuun for chiller days, paired with whatever food I have on hand, either pre-packaged crepes I brought back from Girona or cookies or Clif Bar in Gingerbread or Pumpkin flavor. For serious business runs and races, unflavored Tailwind and Clif Chocolate Cherry gels with caffeine are where it’s at.
READ MORE: Fueling for your run
Packs
Molly: I love the Osprey Dyna Hydration Pack for runs over 90 minutes,
Peter uses a Camelbak Chase Vest for short to medium Runs (LINK). The Chase Vest is very popular in cycling but he has found it to be a capable run pack and using it for both lets him be very familiar with where food, phone, and water are! On a test for longer expeditions like the Killarney FKT is the ‘Trail-Mix‘ pack.
Other
Molly: I love cheap Bluetooth headphones because I always lose or wash them.
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