Labour Day weekend deals on running gear

Best for runners seeking a highly breathable and ultralight shell

If you like the original Patagonia Houdini jacket but want something even lighter and more packable, check out the Houdini Stash Half-Zip. Constructed with the same lightweight, wind-resistant, and highly breathable nylon ripstop fabric, this pullover-style shell delivers the same level of weather protection and breathability. Where it diverges is with its lack of a hood and its half-length zipper. These two differences shed a significant amount of weight and bulk from what was already a surprisingly light and compact jacket, without compromising function or performance. The result is a garment that is perfectly suited for taking the edge off cool and windy conditions, and if the weather improves, it can easily be stuffed in its small zippered pocket for later deployment. Other notable details include two chest vents and a back vent to help minimize overheating, side pockets for stashing small essentials, and a DWR surface treatment to ward off mist or light drizzle. Seriously, this is a great cool-weather running shell–you won’t be disappointed.

Best for runners seeking an alternative to traditional synthetic tops

Constructed with a unique natural-fibre blended fabric (53 per cent merino wool and 47 per cent Lyocell), the Active Ultralite High Neck Tank is a perfect alternative to traditional synthetic running tops. The ultralight fabric has a wonderfully soft hand, does a great job of managing moisture and is naturally odour-resistant, ensuring you can wear the top multiple times between washes. The stylish, relaxed-fit patterning also features highly functional details, such as offset shoulder and side seams to reduce chafing.

Best for runners seeking performance-oriented short inseam shorts

With their minimalist design, three-inch inseam and split side seam, the SENSE AERO 3″ shorts are ideal for racing or training. Salomon uses a unique 4-way stretch perforated fabric that provides excellent breathability and won’t hold you back during hard efforts. The shorts also feature a low-profile elastic waist that easily conforms to your body without restricting movement. The addition of two small pockets at the front allows you to carry small essentials.

Best for runners seeking a technical singlet for racing

With its lightweight dual-textured fabric, the SENSE Aero Singlet won’t hold you back when you’re sprinting to the finish line. The unique fabric does a great job of keeping you comfortable when the pace heats up, and the glued seam construction helps prevent chafing during longer runs. Salomon has also added reflective branding on the back, so you’re more visible when training in low-light conditions.

Best for runners seeking merino performance with classic T-shirt styling

With its understated, slim-fitting aesthetic and performance-enhancing merino wool construction, the Smartwool Men’s Merino Short Sleeve Tee can easily serve double-duty as a technical running top and an everyday T-shirt. Much of the performance and versatility stem from Smartwool’s unique Core Spun technology, where merino wool fibres are spun around a recycled nylon core. The result is a fabric that resists odours (thanks, merino) while offering a surprising level of durability (hats off to you, nylon). This is a versatile shirt that should be part of every runner’s training and urban-wear kit.

Best for runners seeking a comfortable racerback tank

This stylish running top is packed with subtle design and construction features that make it perfect for running in warmer conditions. Smartwool employs its tried-and-true blend of merino wool and Tencel Lyocell. This fabric combination resists retaining odours while ensuring runners stay cool and comfortable regardless of conditions. Smartwool also adds targeted mesh zones that provide additional breathability and comfort as the temperature or pace increases. Finally, the racerback design ensures easy movement and additional cooling while maintaining an appropriate degree of modesty.

Best for runners seeking excellent performance and classic styling

You would be forgiven if, at first glance, you assumed the Smartwool Active Ultralite Short Sleeve is just another polyester running top. After all, it has the classic aesthetic of many popular running shirts. However, on closer inspection, you’ll notice there is very little that’s conventional about this top. Starting with the fabric, Smartwool has spec’d a soft merino wool and Tencel Lyocell blend. This material not only has a softer hand than many synthetics, it also does a better job of not retaining odours and keeping you cool. The construction is similarly savvy, as can be seen in the offset shoulder and side seams. By moving the seams from their traditional location, Smartwool ensures runners are more comfortable, can move more easily and are unlikely to experience chafing–very smart.

Best for runners seeking a versatile shoe for tempo and long runs

The Mach X 2 is inspired by Hoka’s no-compromise Cielo X1 super-shoe, so–no surprise–it provides impressive performance, but at a more accessible price.

Starting with the midsole, Hoka has spec’d a highly responsive top layer of peba foam, a bottom layer of more conventional EVA foam and sandwiched in between is a peba plate. This combination delivers a bouncy, propulsive ride that is ideal for speedwork, races and longer runs. The shoe mimics the Cielo X1’s rocker profile, which ensures aggressive toe-offs and encourages runners to pick up the pace.

The men’s Mach X 2 clocks in with a 44-mm heel stack and a 39-mm forefoot stack, while the women’s version comes in with 42 mm in the heel and 37 mm in the forefoot. Looking at the upper, Hoka is using a light and highly breathable woven mesh with a very minimalist heel collar. The combination provides a secure fit during fast workouts, but some runners may prefer a slightly more structured, padded collar.

Underfoot, the outsole showcases the now seemingly standard operating procedure of placing rubber only in high-wear areas to ensure proper grip and low weight; it works. If you want a fast training or racing shoe without the cost of a carbon plate, check out the Mach X 2.

Best for runners seeking an affordable super shoe for training and racing

Runners looking to improve their PB or who just want a fast training shoe should seriously consider the Mizuno Rebellion Flash 2. The shoe features a glassfibre-reinforced wave plate that’s sandwiched between an upper layer of soft peba foam and a bottom layer of firmer Mizuno Enerzy foam. This construction delivers incredible energy return and responsiveness while retaining the durability required for fast daily training. Up top, Mizuno has updated the upper for an improved fit and less weight. From a numbers perspective, the Rebellion Flash 2 has a 0.5-mm drop, with a 35-mm heel height and a 34.5-mm forefoot stack. Clearly, these numbers are not ideal for heel-strikers, but if you are a midfoot/forefoot runner wanting super-shoe performance at a reasonable price, check out the Rebellion Flash 2.

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