The Best Running Gear (from a Boston Marathoner)

“What to wear running?” is a question every runner asks themselves before heading out, whether they’re a beginner or have been logging miles for decades. I’ve been running for almost 24 years (including racing in the Boston Marathon twice) and have tried dozens of brands and styles of running shoes, running bras, tanks, socks, you name it! I have a few go-to brands for my running clothes and specific things that I tend to replace every couple of years.

Besides clothes, there are a few things I invest in that last for years, including:

Garmin running watch – I use this to track my pace and distance for all my runs (and it syncs to Strava).

Shockz earbuds – I don’t like airpods for running – here’s my Airpods review explaining why.

Theragun – a massage gun that’s great for loosening knots.

Roll Recovery R8 – This helps massage muscles in a different way than the percussive nature of a massage gun. I like using this before I run to help warm up my muscles.

The Best Running Gear (from a Boston Marathoner)

My favorite running clothes come from Lululemon, Athleta or Oiselle, since they fit well and last for YEARS. I also have a handful of pieces from Amazon that I’ve worn for over a year and really love. The Amazon workout gear I like doesn’t last as long as the nicer brands I own, but since it’s cheaper, it tends to even out (and I don’t mind ordering new Amazon from time to time because it’s a good excuse to change up the color).

I’m more forgiving when it comes to the workout clothes I wear for pilates or riding the Peloton, but I have high standards for running gear, since being uncomfortable can ruin a run. I’m also pretty hard on running gear since I typically run 30 miles a week and get very sweaty, so I’d rather invest in quality gear that will last for years, so I only recommend a few Amazon items.

Below, I’m outlining the best running gear for women (things I own and love), along with a handful of guys’ clothing options. If you’re looking for outerwear, gloves, and accessories for cold-weather running, you can find all my cold-weather running gear in this blog post.

You’ll also find all of my running shoes linked in this blog post.

Running Shorts

The perfect short is hard to find, and when I find it, they seem to discontinue it. My main criteria are that they aren’t too short, have a back pocket for my phone that doesn’t bounce, and have a comfortable built-in liner OR no liner at all. I run in both loose and fitted shorts. Here are the styles I rotate among:

Amazon Biker Shorts 6″ – I was obsessed with the Lululemon Fast and Free shorts for years, but unfortunately, they stopped making them a while ago. Since then, I’ve tried SO many brands, hoping to find a great alternative, and this pair of 6″ biker shorts from Amazon is the closest replacement. I actually think the Amazon ones are more flattering and don’t ride up as much, but they don’t have the back pocket for my phone. But all things considered, I’m okay with that, especially given the cheaper price. (I also own these in a light pink/tan color that I wear underneath short dresses, which might be my best “mom hack.”) I wear a size small in these shorts, which is my usual size.

Lululemon Speed Up Short 4″ – I used to hate the Speed Up Short from Lululemon, but then I tried the 4″ inseam. If I had to pick only one pair of loose running shorts to keep, this is the pair. They’re cute and flattering, have a good back pocket that doesn’t bounce, and feel like an appropriate length for a mom of two littles. I size up to a 6 in these.

Athleta Mesh Race Short – Nothing fancy, but comfortable and cute. They’re an excellent length with a 4″ inseam and come in various colors. However, the pockets leave something to be desired. I hate side pockets, so I never use them. There isn’t a phone pocket, so my phone stays home if I run in them. I haven’t reached for these much since having my second baby, but before I was pregnant, I wore a size XS, which was true-to-size at that point.

Running Leggings

Lululemon Fast & Free 7/8 tights – These running tights are lightweight enough for warmer days but also get me through all my cold runs in North Carolina’s winter. (If you live in a very cold climate, try to get your hands on the Lululemon thermal leggings. They sell out often, so shop quickly.) While training for the 2019 Boston Marathon, I did all my long runs in the Fast & Free tights since they can hold a ton of fuel. I also love the pocket at the back of the waistband to hold my phone – it doesn’t bounce AT ALL. I wear a 2 or 4 in these. I’ve had a pair for five years, and they still look brand new.

Amazon HeyNuts Leggings – My favorite affordable pick for running leggings is this pair of HeyNuts Workout Pro leggings from Amazon. They fit a little differently than the Fast and Free leggings, but the Workout Pro version has great compression, and the waistband stays up for all of my runs. They don’t have a phone pocket, but they are a great budget-friendly option. For athleisure, I get the Pure&Plain version, which has a bit less compression.

Tops

Athleta In Motion Tank – The In Motion Tank from Athleta is the goldilocks of tanks. Not too loose, not too tight. Super flowy tanks annoy me and bounce around too much, but I find a form-fitting tank uncomfortable for running. I also don’t like crop tops for running. This Athleta top is my favorite – if you see me running in warm weather, you can almost guarantee it’s what I’m wearing. It’s flattering, and the perforated fabric keeps me cool. Over the last few years, I’ve purchased quite a few and now own 6 or 7 colors. It also holds up well in the washer and dryer.

Lululemon Sculpt Cropped Tank Top – I know I just mentioned that I don’t like cropped tops for running, but I do love this Sculpt Cropped Tank Top. But to be fair, I’m not tall enough for it to be cropped — I’m 5’1″ — but it is short enough to show my high-waisted shorts. The cut of this tank is really flattering and sits nicely on my frame. It’s not too boxy or masculine but perfectly flowy.

Amazon MathCat Short Sleeve Tee – This short-sleeve tee is a look for less for the Lululemon Swiftly Tee, and I love it. It’s fitted but not skin-tight. The sleeves are short and flattering, and I love all of the color options. This is one of those tops that I’ll need to replace every year or so, but for $23, I don’t mind. I have a size XS in this but will size up next time.

Athleta Momentum Seamless Half Zip Pullover—For cooler weather, I like to wear this Athleta Half Zip as my top. You can wear a tank underneath for more warmth, but it’s pretty fitted as-is, so I typically wear it on its own. I bought this pullover 3+ years ago, and it still looks brand new.

Sports Bras

Adidas TLRD Impact Training High-Support Bra – This sports bra is a recent discovery. Since I’m breastfeeding, I need a sports bra with high support, but the SheFit Bra (more details below) feels like body armor – it’s just uncomfortable for short runs. This TLRD Impact Training High-Support Bra from Adidas has excellent support but doesn’t feel too tight or restrictive. It has a little stretch but not so much that I run into bouncing issues. The straps are adjustable too.

On Performance Bra – I got this as part of a partnership with On Running two years ago and then ended up buying a second one since I loved it so much. It’s supportive but not restrictive. It isn’t quite as supportive as the Adidas bra above, but a great option if you are a size B/C. I specifically love that this bra has sewn-in padding.

SheFit Bra – This is the most intense bra I’ve ever put on (and I’ve probably tried on hundreds in my running life), but if you need serious support, this is what you want. When I was breastfeeding my first, especially in the first year, I was rocking F-G cups, and no bra was cutting it. This was a game-changer. It’s completely customizable, has no stretch which provides more support, and they’ll do a virtual fitting (which is not awkward, I promise) to help you figure out how to adjust it to your needs. Read my full review of SheFit here.

Men’s Running Gear

My husband goes through phases where he’s running a lot and these are his favorites (that I replace for him often since he doesn’t do it himself). He’s currently into mountain biking, and he wears all of this gear for that too.

Lululemon Pace Breaker Linerless Short 7″ – Tommy’s favorite running shorts are the Pace Breaker Linerless Short from Lululemon. These come in three lengths, but Tommy prefers the 7″. They are lightweight and breathable, and since they’re unlined, they’re extra comfortable. However, you’ll need a pair of briefs for these – Tommy recommends this sweat-wicking pair of boxers from SAXX. (Those are his all-time favorite boxers for workouts and everyday wear.)

Vuori Kore Short—The Kore Short from Vuori is another one of Tommy’s favorite pairs of running shorts. They have four-way stretch and moisture-wicking material. They come in only one length, but Tommy likes the 7.5″ inseam. These do have a liner, so keep that in mind.

Vuori Strato Tech Tee – Tommy runs in this Strato Tech Tee on most outings. It’s made of a super soft performance knit that wicks moisture. It’s simple but comes in many colors, and a few of these are all Tommy needs.

Abercrombie YPB motionTEK Lifting Short – Tommy hasn’t tried these yet, but a friend of ours recommends them. They’re a little shorter than the others with 6.5″ inseam (which I would love on him, to be honest) and come in a few colors. The main selling point for these is the price tag. If you end up placing an Abercrombie order, throw this YPB Restore Half-Zip in your cart as well. It’s such a cool looking pullover for guys.

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