Shoes, GPS watches, armbands, socks, hydration and shorts for every run.
Running gear decisions compound over time. A shoe with the wrong drop height for your gait contributes to injury over hundreds of miles in a way that a bad pair of socks simply does not. A GPS watch that cannot track running power is a different product than one that can. The guides here cover running shoes by cushion type and drop, GPS watches by accuracy and battery life, hydration vests by capacity and fit system, and the socks, armbands and shorts that complete daily training.
6 guides in this section
A GPS running watch tracks pace, distance, heart rate and route without a phone. Battery life, GPS accuracy and the depth of training metrics separate entry-level watches from advanced ones.
4 picks · 4 sourcesUpdated September 27, 2026
A hydration vest carries water on the back and chest during long runs and trail races. Bladder capacity, fit system and weight determine which vest is appropriate for different distances and body types.
4 picks · 5 sourcesUpdated September 27, 2026
A running phone armband holds the phone against the upper arm during runs, allowing access to music, navigation and emergency calls without holding the phone. Fit security and touchscreen access through the case determine whether the armband is useful or just a nuisance.
4 picks · 5 sourcesUpdated September 27, 2026
Running shoes differ from training shoes in cushioning, stack height and forward flex. Road shoes prioritize cushioned landings on pavement and forward propulsion, with the drop, stack height and width determining fit for different gait types.
4 picks · 4 sourcesUpdated September 27, 2026
Running shorts with a built-in liner eliminate the need for separate underwear and reduce inner-thigh chafing during long runs. Inseam length, liner type and waistband design determine comfort at different distances and temperatures.
4 picks · 5 sourcesUpdated September 27, 2026
Running socks reduce friction between the foot and shoe that causes blisters. Merino wool, synthetic moisture-wicking fabrics, no-seam toe construction and reinforced friction zones differentiate quality running socks from standard athletic socks.
4 picks · 5 sourcesUpdated September 27, 2026
