THE BEST RUNNING GEARS | REVIEWS BY WIRECUTTER

Running is a simple, effective form of exercise that helps keep your heart healthy. You don't need much gear and can do it almost anywhere. However, choosing the right running gear that suits your individual needs can significantly elevate the experience. In this article, let's join Vietnam MTB Series in reviewing some quality running gear recommended by Wirecutter, helping you find the perfect choice for your running journey.

Essential Gear

• Running Shoes: Comfort is the top priority when running, so favor shoes that offer a great experience for your feet.
• Apparel: Depending on the weather, the number of layers will vary, but always ensure the clothing is comfortable, well-fitted, and made of breathable fabric.
• Safety Items: Items like a runner's ID tag, reflective vest, or headlamp help keep you safer when running, whether it's early morning or late evening.
• Electronics: If you need to track your distance and training progress, get yourself a GPS running watch or a fitness tracker.

Running Shoes

A suitable pair of running shoes depends on many factors such as size, style, running frequency, and training goals. However, comfort is the key factor. If they don't feel right the moment you try them on, chances are you won't feel any better when running.

Try on several pairs at a specialty running store and seek assistance from staff if needed. Below are three shoes that stood out during Wirecutter's evaluation:

• Asics Novablast 5: a neutral shoe, stands out most for its propulsion and bounce. You can quickly get used to the shoe and use it for long or fast runs.
• Saucony Guide 17: a flexible stability shoe that delivers an incredibly easy and smooth running experience.
• If you prefer running shoes with a low heel-to-toe drop, Altra Escalantes 4 is a great choice as it closely mimics a barefoot running shoe.

Asics Novablast 5 (Image source: Amazon)

Running Belts

A running belt addresses the need to carry essential items (like water, phone, energy bars, etc.) without being overly bulky. A good running belt must meet these requirements: fit the wearer, allow the runner to easily access items inside, and keep those items dry. Through testing and surveys, the two best belts Wirecutter proposed are the Tune Belt SP2 and the Zipster Max Running Belt.

Tune Belt SP2 (Image Source: Amazon)

The Tune Belt SP2 has two internal compartments separated by a thin, zippered layer to hold important small items. The back of the zipper also has a hard plastic layer to secure the phone. The strap has a thin reflective strip, making it easier to spot in the dark.
If you want a running belt that can store more, try the Nathan Zipster Max Running Belt, which has two zippered compartments and two stretchy elastic side pockets, suitable for holding many essential items inside.
However, be careful not to overload the belt, which can make it heavy and drain more of your energy during your run.

Running Armbands

If you only carry your phone and nothing else, or want a smoother Bluetooth connection to your headphones, you might use a compact running armband. However, consider that an armband might alter your running gait.

The Tune Belt AB91 Sport Armband has a simple and easy-to-use design, with the strength of barely shifting during test runs. They come in various sizes for different phone models. Refer to the device sizing guide to ensure you purchase the right type of armband you need.

One of the popular running armbands (Image source: Amazon)

Sports Bras

A well-fitting sports bra significantly reduces breast discomfort during exercise.

Image source: Wirecutter

No single sports bra fits everyone. Instead, base your choice on your cup size (DD+, D/DD, C/D, or A) to select the most suitable bra for yourself.

• Cup size DD and above: Wirecutter suggests the Elomi Energise for larger band sizes and the Anita Air Control for smaller band sizes. Additionally, the Freya Sonic High Impact Underwire is also favored by runners.
• Cup size D/DD: The Shefit Ultimate Sports Bra is a combination of compression and encapsulation, with flexible adjustability.
• Cup size C/D: The Champion Spot Comfort has a convenient design with a hook-and-eye closure, making it easy to put on or take off. It also has well-fitting cups, helping female athletes move more easily.

Hydration and Nutrition

Water Bottles

Ensuring adequate hydration when running is crucial for long runs. An ideal running water bottle should hold at least 500ml of fluid. Water bottles on the market come in various designs, sizes, and features. The design, whether to attach to a belt or be handheld, is a matter of personal preference.

If you prefer the convenient hydration belt type, the Nathan TrailMix Plus 3.0 Insulated Hydration Belt comes with two insulated bottles that can keep water cool after 30 minutes of activity, even in summer.

Nathan TrailMix Plus 3.0 Insulated Hydration (Nguồn ảnh: Amazon)

Energy Gels

For runs under an hour, drinking only water is completely fine. But to maintain peak performance and boost endurance on longer runs, nutrition experts advise runners to consume extra fluids, carbohydrates, and electrolytes.

From the advice of nutritionists, coaches, and marathon runners, we recommend the GU Original Energy Gel. This provides the best overall nutrition, with a variety of flavors. The Gel contains a blend of maltodextrin and fructose, which is key to sustaining nutrition while you exercise.

Of course, choosing running nutrition gels still primarily depends on your own needs and taste, but make sure to choose a compact, lightweight gel that can still provide enough energy for you over a long distance.

GPS Running Watch or Fitness Tracker

A GPS running watch is a tool that provides information for your training and tracks your distance.

We recommend the Coros Pace 3 for those focused on finding the ideal watch specifically for running, and the Garmin Forerunner 165 for those who want a running watch with a variety of smartwatch features.

Coros Pace 3 (Image source: REI)

If you are more interested in tracking how and how much you move throughout the day, a fitness tracker might be a better choice. The Fitbit Inspire 3 is notable for its numerous features for those who want to track movement. 

Headphones

If music motivates your run, headphones are an essential piece of running gear. After evaluating and considering various headphones with diverse features for different exercises, Wirecutter recommended the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, a bone-conduction headphone that allows runners to listen to their favorite music while easily staying aware of environmental sounds. 

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 (Image source: CNET)

Safety

Reflective Vests

After extensive testing, the Amphipod Xinglet Vest is an extremely useful reflective running vest, helping you be easily seen in the dark. Furthermore, this line of reflective vests has a minimalist, lightweight design and is easy to adjust to suit different heights and waist sizes.

Image source: REI

Headlamps

If you enjoy running at night but are concerned that streetlights aren't bright enough, try using a headlamp so you can move around more easily. The Petzl Bindi Headlamp is a popular headlamp because it is much lighter than other product lines while still staying securely fixed on bumpy terrain.

Petzl Bindi Headlamp (Image source: Amazon)

Runner's ID Bracelet

An identification bracelet provides full information about your medical or surgical history, health conditions, medications, allergies, or emergency contact. Long-distance runners, especially those in trail running, should particularly prepare this item in case of an emergency. Wirecutter suggests the Road iD Wrist ID Elite Silicone Clasp.

Image source: Amazon

Sunscreen

Dermatologists agree that applying sunscreen is necessary to protect yourself from harmful ultraviolet radiation, especially given current climate and environmental conditions.

In addition to the commonly available sunscreens on the market, you can consider Thrive Bodyshield SPF 50, a mineral sunscreen that scored highest in Wirecutter's testing. It provides full broad-spectrum protection and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. 

Image source: Amazon

Recovery

Foam Rollers

Self-massage after running significantly improves muscle flexibility, reduces muscle tension, and decreases stiffness. Proactively aid muscle recovery with foam rollers like the AmazonBasics High-Density Round Foam Roller, Gaiam Restore Total Body Foam Roller, or TriggerPoint Rush Roller.

Each type has different characteristics and sizes. If you are just starting, you can try the Gaiam Restore Total Body Foam Roller, while the TriggerPoint Rush Roller has a great texture with deeper grooves for your muscle, tendon, and calf areas.

Gaiam Restore Total Body Foam Roller (Image source: Amazon)

In summary, choosing the right running gear is a stepping stone to optimizing your performance and comfort. The right investment in running equipment will enhance your experience and help you conquer all your training goals, leading to the safest and most enthusiastic runs!