With the arrival of the new year, many of us have made a resolution to either start running again or to run more consistently. To help you maintain that new motivation and achieve success with your running resolution, we’ve put together a list of our favourite essential running gear.
Best for runners seeking additional stability in a daily trainer
Saucony Guide 17
A stability shoe for everyday training
The updated Guide 17 avoids conventional posting technology frequently found in stability shoes, instead achieving the support stability-oriented runners require by employing a wider base, higher sidewalls, and an asymmetric profile that paces more foam on the medial side. Saucony refers to these changes as their Center Path Technology, and the result is a more dynamic ride without the intrusive feel occasionally encountered with more traditional stability shoes. Looking a little more closely, we find that the Guide17’s midsole consists of Saucony’s PWRRUN foam, which delivers a nice balance of cushioning and responsiveness. The stack height has also been tweaked with 35 mm in the forefoot and 29 mm in the heel for a 6 mm drop that is 2 mm lower than the Guide 16. Some runners find this reduction in drop results in a smoother ride, which may explain Saucony’s decision to decrease the drop. Other details worth noting include the soft and foot-conforming upper as well as the rocker shape geometry that enhances transitions. If you are in the market for a stability trainer with a modern, more holistic support design, check out the Guide 17.
Best for runners seeking warm and breathable insulation
Smartwool Active Fleece 1/2 Zip
A warm merino wool blend top
Staying warm during cold weather runs has become easier thanks to the Smartwool Active Fleece 1/2 Zip top. This cosy fleece garment is made with a four-way stretch knit fabric that has a brushed merino interior for comfort and warmth, while the exterior consists of a recycled synthetic for a surprising level of protection against the elements. Other notable features include a zippered chest pocket for small essentials as well as thumbhole wrist cuffs to minimize drafts. This is a versatile winter running top that can be used alone during milder weather or as a part of a layering system in colder conditions. Get one as a gift (or for yourself).
Best for runners seeking lightweight weather protection
Patagonia Houdini Jacket
A lightweight, highly breathable jacket
Runners seeking protection from wind and drizzle will appreciate the Houdini jacket. Built with an ultra-light recycled ripstop nylon fabric, the Houdini effortlessly contends with gusty conditions and, thanks to a DWR surface treatment, resists light snow and drizzle. Because the jacket eschews traditional waterproof/breathable membranes, it’s not only significantly more breathable, but also less bulky. In fact, the jacket can easily be stuffed into its own chest pocket, ready for deployment when the weather turns. The addition of a minimalist hood provides extra weather protection, while the half-elastic cuffs prevent unwanted drafts. This is an exceptional piece of running kit for changing spring conditions.
Best for runners seeking a versatile and lightweight running beanie
Smartwool Active Beanie
A lightweight merino wool blend beanie
Built with a blend of merino wool and Tencel Lyocell, the Active Beanie is perfect for cool weather running. The beanie’s sophisticated fabric delivers exceptional moisture management, resists odours, and offers a broad temperature comfort range. Thanks to its lightweight fabric, you can put the beanie on at the start of your run, and if the temperature rises, you can easily tuck it into a pocket.
Best for mild conditions or as a liner in colder weather
Smartwool Thermal Merino Glove
A lightweight merino glove
Made with 100 per cent merino wool, these gloves deliver what merino wool is known for: warmth, breathability, a broad temperature comfort range, and odour resistance. Smartwool has added touchscreen-compatible thumb and forefinger patches for easy phone use, while the numerous colour options (in the US) ensure you’ll have the perfect match for your running outfit. On a slightly more functional note, the gloves are also an ideal liner for colder conditions.
Best for runners seeking sophisticated construction and warmth
Smartwool Run Cold Weather Crew Socks Targeted Cushion
Comfortable winter-specific running socks
Featuring Smartwool’s most sophisticated construction, these socks provide a superior fit as well as the additional warmth and comfort required during cold winter runs. Smartwool uses its Indestructawool technology for enhanced durability, while the crew-length height offers extra warmth around the ankle and lower leg. Targeted cushioning at the forefoot and heel improves during longer runs, while the strategically located mesh zones reduce overheating if conditions get warmer.
Best for runners seeking warmth and wind protection during winter runs.
Smartwool Active Fleece Wind Tight
Warm running tights for cold and windy weather
Don’t let the cold weather stop you from running this winter–get a pair of Active Fleece Wind Tights. Like other garments in Smartwool’s Active Fleece line, these tights feature a sophisticated four-way stretch knit fabric with a brushed merino interior for comfort and warmth and a recycled synthetic exterior for protection from the elements. On the front, however, Smartwool also adds a windproof panel that delivers additional protection in breezy conditions. The result is exceptional weather protection without compromising breathability. To finish off this highly functional part of running tights, Smartwool includes a zippered rear pocket as well as a small side drop-in pocket.
