13 best running gear & accessories for your 2024 runs
Looking to up your usual runs? Runners swear by this balm as a true saviour for chafing.
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When it comes to running, there’s a lot more to it than putting on your joggers and hitting the pavement. Like all activities, being fully equipped for the task at hand is always going to make the job that little bit easier.
And of course, while your running shoes are perhaps the most important thing to get right there are some other running accessories that will not only support your workout but may in fact support your recovery too.
Whether you’re just starting out on your couch to 5km journey or if you’ve got your sights set on a marathon in the near future, we’ve spent hours researching to find the very best running accessories on the market right now. Including the Body Glide Original Anti Chafing Stick that five-star reviews call a “game changer for distance runners” and say it “saved (their) thighs”.
HOW WE CHOOSE
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST RUNNING VEST
AONIJIE 5L Hydration Vest Pack, $49.99 (down from $54.99) at Amazon Australia
What You Should Know:
If you’re a long distance runner then a hydration vest pack is an essential. This one is super lightweight and even when at its fullest, it weighs 10kg. It has nine exterior pockets for all your essentials like keys and your phone while the durable yet comfortable material means that you won’t experience any rubbing.
Rated Amazon’s Choice for “running vests”, reviewers call it a “great little number” and say “if you’re looking for a good running vest to start with then this is a great one”.
BEST RUNNING ARMBAND FOR SMARTPHONE
RUNBACH Armband for iPhone, $14.99 at Amazon Australia
What You Should Know:
If you’ve been getting into running lately then it’s definitely time to invest in an armband for your phone. You’ll really notice a difference from running with your phone in your hand or even in the pocket of your shorts or leggings.
Plus, this one also has extra features like a built-in key pocket and headphone and charger cutouts.
It’s also rated Amazon’s Choice for “running phone armband”. Five-star reviews say it is “good value for money” and that “the separate key holder is a great idea and very useful”.
BEST RUNNING CAP
Nike Unstructured Featherlight Cap, $40 at THE ICONIC
What You Should Know:
Living in Australia a running cap is a necessity. We like this one for its super lightweight construction and minimalist aesthetic. Plus, you really can’t go wrong with any Nike activewear.
BEST RUNNING EARPHONES
Beats Fit Pro, $299 at Amazon Australia
What You Should Know:
According to news.com.au checkout Consumer Technology Writer, Lauren Chaplin, these earbuds are the best on the market right now for exercise. She says that they provide many of the best features of Airpods Pros but in a more sport-centric model.
The buds have a wing tip design and multiple ear tip size options to help them stay put, along with an IPX4-rating to protect against water splashes and sweat.
Five-star reviews on Amazon rave about these earbuds saying “the fit is excellent (these babies aren’t going anywhere)” and their “search for EarPod perfection is over”.
BEST RUNNING WATER BOTTLE
TRIWONDER Handheld Water Bottle, $22.99 at Amazon Australia
What You Should Know:
If you’re not going on a super long run where you need a backpack then a handheld water bottle is the next best thing. Featuring a convenient handheld bag that also has pockets for your phone and keys, this handy bottle will not let you down.
BEST RUNNING SOCKS
Under Armour Adults HeatGear No Show Socks 3 Pack, $24.99 at rebel
What You Should Know:
As any runner knows, the socks you wear really do make the biggest difference. Designed to keep your feet not only comfortable but also cool in the heat, these socks wicks away sweat and has targeted ventilation too. Plus, it also features in-built cushioning and dynamic arch support.
Reviewers rave about these socks saying they are “like no sock on earth” and calling them “magic socks”.
“So soft and comfortable it is like walking on a cloud … of socks,” wrote one happy customer.
Another said, “Whether you’re running or standing on your feet all day, these socks won’t slip or rub, giving you all day comfort.”
BEST ANTI-CHAFING PRODUCT FOR RUNNING
Body Glide Original Anti Chafing Stick, $27.97 at Amazon Australia
What You Should Know:
OK, this may be a bit left of field but any serious runners will know that chafing is a big issue. This stick will seriously be the answer to all your problems. Simply apply wherever you chafe before heading out on your run and you’ll feel the difference immediately.
It has over 25,730 five-star reviews on Amazon with shoppers saying it “lives up to the hype” and calling it “a runner’s best friend”.
One five-star review wrote, “I use this before every long run or high intensity workout. It goes on as a smooth texture and leaves me comfortable for my entire workout.”
BEST SUNGLASSES FOR RUNNING
Flak® 2.0 XL, $258.40 (down from $323) at Oakley
What You Should Know:
While we all love to have the trendiest sunnies to wear out to lunch, sunglasses for running require something a little bit extra. Featuring enhanced lens coverage, these durable and lightweight glasses from Oakley are sure to keep the sun out of your eyes for your whole run.
“These glasses have been great to run with. There is no movement in my runs. Made it through a half marathon with these on without a problem,” wrote one five-star review on Google.
Another said, “I recently tested them on a 20 mile run and they are phenomenal. No fogging, no sweat collecting on the lenses, and a clarity and enhancement of vision that is peerless”.
BEST RUNNING GLOVES
What You Should Know:
Stay warm on your winter runs with these cosy gloves from 2XU. Made from stretch brushed thermal fabric, these gloves are also moisture wicking and quick drying. And perhaps, my favourite part? The finger tips are touch screen compatible. Never again will you have to take your gloves off to access your phone.
Five-star reviewers rave about them and say they are “perfect” for cold mornings and that they “love them for running”.
BEST RUNNING BELT
Fast and Free Running Belt, $49 at Lululemon
What You Should Know:
Don’t want to pop your belongings in your shorts or tights and don’t love the feeling of an armband? This breathable running belt is a great option. Made from super light weight, sweat-wicking material, the belt featuresa zippered pocket for your phone as well as side pockets for smaller items like your keys, card and gels.
One five-star review calls it a “best running friend” and writes that it is their “new favourite running accessory”.
BEST HEADLAMP FOR RUNNING
Lomon LED Sensor Headlamp, $16.99 (down from $20) at Amazon Australia
What You Should Know:
Considering most of us go for runs before or after work, we’re more than likely to run in the dark at some point or another. This headlamp is a great option for not only your own safety but also simply for you to be able to see where you are going. It lasts for up to 14 hours with moderate brightness and five hours with high brightness so unless you’re going for an incredibly long run, you should be good to go.
BEST WATCH WITH GPS TRACKING FOR RUNNING
Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Watch – Black, $349 ($249 for members) at rebel
What You Should Know:
Designed specifically for running, this Garmin watch helps you to get the most out of every run. The watch uses GPS technology to track where you run including distance, pace and intervals. Other features include pacing strategies, virtual running for indoor runs, track mode for pinpoint timing accuracy, activity tracking, sleep analysis, and women’s health tracking.
“Perfect for tracking all my runs! I run just about everyday and it’s perfect for tracking distance and pace,” wrote one five-star review.
BEST HEADBAND FOR RUNNING
Women’s Luxtreme Training Headband, $15 at lululemon
What You Should Know:
As anyone with long hair knows, having your hair fall onto your face while you exercise is arguably one of the most annoying things in the world. OK, that is definitely a stretch, but it is pretty frustrating nonetheless.
This headband is designed to keep your hair in place while also using sweat-wicking technology to keep you comfortable too. It also features velvet on the inside to ensure it’s not pulling on your hair either.
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