Running Gear Guide: Everything You Need for the New Year

Happy New Year! If you are determined to be a good athlete in 2025, now is the time to go.

But that can be difficult. With the cold weather in many parts of the country, it’s nice to just curl up with some cocoa and enjoy some Netflix. The spring races are just around the corner, though.

Whether you’re looking to run your first 5K or find another Abbott World Major Marathon star, training can’t stop because of cold and snow. Getting through the next few months will require commitment, discipline and the right tools.

I am speaking from experience. I have been training this winter for the Boston Marathon. Now I’m digging out my favorite thermals as I prepare to run the TCS London Marathon on April 27th.

Winter running gear can sometimes be cheap, but skimping on your bulk can leave you cold and miserable. The key is to look for deals and get the best bang for your buck.

Here’s a look at some of my favorite winter accessories and some of the best.

Athletes love socks

As a child, I used to groan when I found socks in my Christmas stocking. Now I’m happy.

Athletes don’t cut corners when it comes to socks. They can make the difference between finishing a race happy and jumping to the finish line with bloody feet.

That’s why there’s always more than one Feetures who exchange annual gifts for my running group. At $18 a pair, Feetures’ stylish and durable socks are my go-to for training and running. In particular, a “Elite” types The socks provide direct pressure that helps protect and support your feet while you run, without feeling too heavy.

When the temperature drops below freezing, I reach for my pear Smartwool Cold-Weather Run work socks. When it comes to keeping your feet warm and dry without adding too much, you can’t beat wool.

At $24, it’s worth the money. Like other Smartwool products I’ve used, they were able to survive multiple washes without shrinking like wool socks can.

For big shoes, leave it to the professionals

I can tell you the shoes I ran the TCS New York City Marathon in (Saucony’s Endorphin Pro 4) or my favorite daily trainers (New Latest Foam X 1080v14), but it doesn’t matter.

The truth is, the best shoe for you will depend on you, your feet and your needs. A size 9 in one brand can be very different from another. A pair of shoes that your best friend, or even the world’s best runner, thinks is amazing may be painful to walk into.

If you’re shopping for it yourself, visit your local speed shop for professional advice. The proper technology that most stores use has come a long way. In 2023, I took a closer look system used by Fleet Feeta national list of retail stores. It uses artificial intelligence to match a 3D scan of your feet with millions of other customers, along with the store’s inventory. Combine that expertise with a recommendation from a store employee and you should walk away with a pair of shoes you love.

For this reason, shoes make a terrible gift, but I have a good idea.

I was happy with my marathon shoes, but I couldn’t take them off quickly after crossing the finish line. After that, I slipped on a pear Kane to recover the shoes. Yes, they look like Crocs, and at $80 a pair they are very expensive, but I think they are worth it.

My swollen feet had the room they needed to rest, as the tiny particles caressed them as I walked the eight blocks to the subway. underground. The shoes slipped on and off easily, and thankfully they didn’t leave blisters on my feet on the way home.

The shoes are available in a variety of fun colors, including official alumni and fan versions of a dozen colleges and universities. Both also come with a handy carabiner that you can use to attach it to the outside of the bag.

Bright light

Whether you run in the morning or in the evening, it’s dark outside this time of year. Lights and lighting equipment are essential, to ensure that cars can see you and that you can see all the cracks in the sidewalk and all the unfortunate piles of dog poop.

I have several lights, but my favorite remains Tracer2 reflective vest from Noxgear. Its additional LED lights shine in a rainbow of fun colors. They can be seen up to a kilometer away and last up to 20 hours on a single charge.

At $51, it’s not cheap, and I’d recommend adding it to the options Tracer Lamp ($32) who draw on the front. It’s very bright and you can look down to help you see cracks in the road and avoid blinding your fellow runners who might try to look at you.

The dress, which has reflective straps, fits me well and doesn’t roll around like a cheap model I used before that was made by another company.

My friends would be offended if I didn’t mention them Noxgear’s 39G wearable Bluetooth speaker ($56). It produces an amazing sound for its size. Instead of using headphones or earbuds that can block out the sound of an oncoming car or other hazards, you can use the speaker to listen to your music while also being aware of what’s going on around you.

Reflective clothing can also help drivers see you. If you’re in the market for a running shirt this winter, consider getting one with reflective features. The feet, which we have already mentioned, also have them new staff light socks. They offer the same control and functionality as other brands of the company but are designed to be visible in the headlights of the car.

Beautiful and functional

I grew up in Michigan, so it took me a while to cool down. I ran the New York City Marathon in my team singlet and trusty pair compression shorts from Flipbelteven though it was 38 degrees outside when I started the race. After that, I took out my pair Flipbelt hot leggings ($65) last week.

Flipbelt made its name by creating speed belts designed to hold everything you need for long periods of time. I had a problem in the past with the belt stretching and going down in the middle of a race.

Shorts and leggings solve this problem by building the same storage for a bottom that stays put. It offers enough storage space to store your phone, keys, water bottle and all the fuel and snacks you need to get you through a long race.

I found the leggings a little stiff to pull on, but once you put them in place they don’t move and offer cat-like support, even with the pockets down. The thermal version kept me warm without adding too much weight. I look forward to wearing this at my next race.

Whether it’s covering my face from the sun or keeping my ears warm, I always wear a hat when I run. Usually, it’s a baseball cap, but when the mercury drops I find one of my go-tos.

Sprints, known for their artworkthey make my favorite baseball hats and favors. They have them cold, new ways of winter that I look forward to trying.

Currently, one of my new favorite hats is from Turtle Fur. This merino wool cap ($58) is very light and stays on when I run, and keeps my ears cool.

When it comes to merino wool, Smartwool knows a few things about winter wear. It teamed up with shoemaker Altra to create a collection of winter running apparel complete with Altra shoes featuring smartwool.

The women’s collection comes in beautiful aubergine, black and charcoal colors and includes a long-sleeved top, a vest and a half-zip pullover, among other items. It was launched earlier this year as REI alonebut now you can find it on the Smartwool website.

The shoes weren’t there to test, but the clothes kept me warm on a day when the temperature dropped into the mid-20s. The parts gave me the movement I needed to drive, without adding too much. I hope to release more this winter.

Shades for every budget

Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean it’s not bright outside. Good shades are still important. Goodr’s line of work glasses ($25) remains the best budget option. They block harmful UVA and UVB rays, don’t come off when your nose sweats, and come in a variety of fun colors and frames. It won’t last, especially if you buy one with clear lenses, which scratch easily.

I recently tried a pair from Tifosi. At around $35, they cost a bit more, but so far they seem solid. They are not heavy, but they feel solid. My daughter immediately fell in love with my family Sanctum models, and I didn’t return them, but they didn’t break them either. I’ve been wearing it Swank example.

For people who want to climb higher and look their best while doing so, it is Adidas Dunamis ($210) features sleek, glossy, round lenses that are feather-light and make you feel like a professional athlete. Sunglasses designed for big faces. If you are a petite person like me, you may find them a little big.

Some great tools

Runners need to stay hydrated even in cold weather, and any runner would appreciate receiving a large water bottle.

I love it right now Nathan’s ExoShot 2.0 handheld 14-ounce bottle. It is a soft flask that is stored in a cloth. There is an adjustable strap that goes around your wrist, so you don’t have to get stuck while running. It is easy to squeeze and drink from.

Best of all, it doesn’t fade, and you can throw it in the dishwasher. I would have used this bottle more if my daughter hadn’t been free to run around on her own.

Gels, chews and other types of lubricants are also important. I’m a fan Skratch Labs chews energy. They taste like medicine and like bears. Some of my favorite things come from it Not cuta maple syrup company based in – you guessed it – Vermont. His coffee-spiked maple syrup running oil they give me the zip I want without including a drug I can’t name.

When it comes to traditional gels, they are usually a Maurten. While other brands offer Baskin-Robbins flavors, Maurten comes in just one, which doesn’t taste like anything but isn’t too sweet. It takes some getting used to, but I’ve found it easier on the stomach.