Running gear guide: everything you need for the new year

a happy new year! If you’re determined to become a better runner in 2025, now is the time to get going.

But this may not be easy. With the weather so cold in many parts of the country, it’s tempting to grab some hot cocoa and binge watch Netflix. But spring races are just around the corner.

Whether you’re looking to run your first 5K or land another major Abbott World marathon star, training can’t stop because of the cold and snow. Getting through the next few months will require dedication, discipline, and the right gear.

I speak from experience. I spent last winter training for the Boston Marathon. I’m now digging into my favorite heats as I prepare to run the TCS London Marathon on April 27.

Winter running gear can get expensive sometimes, but skimping on your base layers could leave you cold and miserable. The key is to look for deals and get the best possible value for your money.

Here’s a look at some of my favorite winter gear and other best running gear.

Runners love socks

When I was a kid, I used to groan when I found socks in my Christmas stockings. Now I feel excited.

Runners don’t cut corners when it comes to socks. They can make the difference between finishing a race happily or limping to the finish with bloody feet.

For this reason, more than one pair of feet is always exchanged at the running team’s annual gift exchange. At approximately $18 a pair, the colorful, long-lasting Feetures socks are the perfect choice for training and racing. precisely, “Elite” versions. The socks provide targeted compression that helps protect and support your feet while running, without feeling too heavy.

When temperatures drop below freezing, I reach for my pair of boots Run Smartwool in cold weather Crew socks. When it comes to keeping your feet warm and dry without adding a lot of bulk, you can’t beat wool.

At $24, it’s well worth the money. Like other Smartwool products I’ve used, it has managed to survive several wash cycles without shrinking as wool socks are prone to doing.

For great shoes, leave it to the professionals

I can tell you the shoes I wore to the TCS New York City Marathon (Saucony Endorphin Pro 4(Or what are my favorite daily trainers)New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14), but it doesn’t really matter.

The truth is, the best shoe for you will depend on you, your feet, and your needs. A size 9 in one brand may fit completely differently than another. Shoes that your best friend, or even a world-class marathon runner, thinks are cool may feel like torture to walk in.

If you’re shopping for yourself, head to your local running store and get some expert advice. The installation technology used by many shops has come a long way. In 2023, I took a closer look at The system used by Fleet Feeta national chain of stores. It uses artificial intelligence to compare a 3D scan of your feet to those of millions of other customers, along with store inventory. Combine this technique with a store employee’s suggestions, and you’re bound to walk away with a pair of shoes you love.

For this reason, shoes are a terrible gift, but I have a better idea.

I was happy with my marathon running shoes, but I wasn’t able to take them off fast enough after I crossed the finish line. Once I did that, I slipped on a pair of Keen recovery shoe. Yes, they are very similar to Crocs, and at $80 a pair they are much more expensive, but I think they are worth the money.

My swollen feet gave me the space they needed to breathe, while small nodes of the relatively firm footbed massaged them as I walked the eight blocks to the subway. The shoes slipped on and off easily, and thankfully didn’t leave raw marks on my feet during the ride home.

The shoes are available in a variety of fun colors and styles, including licensed versions for alumni and fans from twenty colleges and universities. Each pair also comes with a handy carabiner that you can use to attach to the outside of the bag.

Bright light

Whether you run in the morning or evening, it’s dark outside this time of year. Lights and reflective equipment are essential, to make sure that cars see you and that you see all those cracks in the sidewalk and all those unfortunately placed piles of dog poop.

I have several sets of lights, but my favorite remains this one Tracer2 light up jacket From Noxgear. Rechargeable LED lights flash in fun rainbow colors. They can be seen from a quarter mile away and last up to 20 hours on a single charge.

At $51, it’s not cheap, and I recommend adding the optional option Tracking lamp ($32) Cut in the front. It’s very bright and can be pointed downward to help you spot cracks in the pavement and avoid blinding fellow runners who might try to look directly at you.

The vest, which has reflective strips, fits me well and doesn’t slip off like the less expensive version I used previously that was made by another company.

My teammates would be upset if I didn’t mention it Noxgear 39G Wearable Bluetooth Speaker ($56). It produces an amazing amount of sound for its size. Instead of using headphones or earbuds that can drown out the sound of an approaching car or other threat, you can use a speaker to listen to your songs while also staying aware of what’s going on around you.

Reflective clothing can also help drivers see you. If you’re in the market for a winter running coat, consider purchasing one with reflective elements. The aforementioned feet also have it New reflective crew socks. They offer the same cushioning and performance as the company’s other models but are designed to appear in a car’s headlights.

Fashionable and practical

I grew up in Michigan, so it takes a lot of time to get cold feet. I ran the New York City Marathon in my team’s jersey and a trusty pair Flipbelt compression shortsEven though it was 38 degrees outside when I started the race. However, I finally pulled my pair out Flipbelt thermal leggings ($65) last week.

Flipbelt made its name by producing stretchable running belts designed to hold everything you could possibly need over the long run. I’ve had problems in the past with the belt stretching while riding mid-race.

Shorts and leggings solve this problem by building the same storage space into compression bottoms that stay in place. They provide enough storage space to hold your phone, keys, a water jug ​​and all the fuel and snacks you need for a long race.

I found the leggings a little difficult to put on, but once in place they don’t move around and provide catsuit-like support, even if you load the pockets. The thermal version kept me warm without adding a lot of weight. I look forward to wearing these at my next race.

Whether it’s to shade my face from the sun or keep my ears warm, I always wear a hat when I’m running. Usually it’s a baseball cap, but when the mercury dips I’ll turn to one of my woolier options.

Speed ​​racing, known for it Wacky designsI make my favorite lightweight and super comfortable baseball style hats. I’ve got some Great and fresh winter options I’m looking forward to trying it out.

Meanwhile, one of my new favorite hats comes from Turtle Fur. this Merino wool hat ($58) Super light, stays put when I’m running, and keeps my cold-prone ears warm.

Speaking of merino wool, Smartwool knows a few things about winter clothing. It has teamed up with shoemaker Altra to create a collection of winter running apparel complete with a matching pair of Altra shoes lined with smart fleece.

The women’s collection comes in a beautiful mix of aubergine, black and charcoal colors, and includes a long-sleeved top, a jacket and a half-zip pullover, among other items. It was launched earlier this year as REI exclusiveBut now you can find it on Smartwool website.

Boots were not available for testing, but the clothing kept me warm on a day when temperatures dropped into the mid-20s. The layers gave me the range of motion I needed for running, without adding a lot of bulk. I’m sure I’ll be pulling these out a lot this winter.

Shades for every budget

Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean it’s not bright outside. Good shadows are still essential. Goodr’s line of active sunglasses ($25) remains the best budget option. They block harmful UVA and UVB rays, don’t slide down your nose when you sweat, and come in a ton of fun colors and frames. They don’t last forever, especially if you buy ones with mirrored lenses, which scratch easily.

I recently tried a couple from Tifosi. At around $35, they cost a little more, but so far they seem more durable. They’re not heavy, but they feel sturdy. My teenage daughter immediately fell in love with my husband The sanctuary models, and I haven’t been able to get it back yet, but it hasn’t broken it either. I’ve been wearing Swank model.

For people looking to step up and look great doing it,… Adidas Dunamis ($210) They feature clear, mirrored, wraparound lenses that are light as a feather and will make you feel like a professional athlete. Just a heads up that it’s for large faces. If you’re a small person like me, you may find them a bit large.

Other great equipment

Runners need to stay hydrated even when it’s cold outside, and every runner will be happy to have a great water bottle.

My favorite now is Nathan’s ExoShot 2.0 Portable 14oz Bottle. It is a soft bottle that is placed in a cloth case. There is an adjustable strap that wraps around your hand, so you don’t really have to cling to it while running. It is easy to squeeze and drink from.

Best of all, it doesn’t leak, and you can put it in the dishwasher. I would have used this bottle a lot more if my daughter hadn’t also stolen it for her own tour.

Gels, chews, and other types of running fuel are also worthwhile. I’m a fan Energy Chews from Scratch Labs. They taste less like chemicals and more like gummy bears. Some of my favorite products come from Untappeda maple syrup company based in Vermont. that it Maple syrup with coffee added sports fuel It gives me the zip I need without including chemicals I can’t pronounce.

When I take a traditional gel, it’s generally a Morten. While other brands offer a variety of flavors similar to Skin-Robbins, Morten only comes in one flavour, which tastes nothing like it but is not too sweet. It takes some getting used to, but I found it easy on the tummy.