It’s no secret that running is on an upwards trend right now. According to CBC, both the BMO Vancouver Marathon and the Toronto Marathon set registration records in 2024. It’s accessible, easy to learn and the running community is extremely supportive and fun! Young adults are the quickest growing demographic of people starting running, some even call running a half marathon part of the quarter life crisis so it goes without saying that running has become quite the trend over the past few years.
Today I wanted to talk about running gear because as with any trend, it can be easy to be influenced into buying expensive things you don’t really need.
First let’s talk about shoes:
In my opinion, a good pair of running shoes is well worth the money. It is important to go to a running or sports store and try on several different types, especially if you’re new to running. We all have different foot shapes and strengths so a bad shoe can certainly make or break your run if it doesn’t fit properly. I love my Hoka Skyflows because they are designed for a forefoot runner which I certainly am and they also accommodate for a wider foot. That being said it certainly took me awhile to find my perfect pair. Don’t just order the trendy pairs you see pro runners wearing online. Try them on for yourself and know what feels best. Most of us do not need to be running in 400$ carbon plated Nike Alphafly’s. Now I still believe a good shoe is important. Runner’s World has a list here of the best running shoes for beginners. They state that the best value shoe is the New Balance Fresh Foam X Kaiha Road which drops as low as 100$ on sale.
Tech:
I love running with music so for me, headphones are a must. That being said I have had the same pair of Bose headphones for about 4 years now and they work great (even after running in rain and snow!). I don’t believe that we all need to run out and buy the new AirPods or anything like that. If you want to listen to music grab a pair of earbuds or headphones from amazon for 30$. As long as they stay in your ear, you’re good!
I also don’t believe that we all need a fancy Apple or Garmin watch. I do have an Apple Watch SE that I did not purchase for the purpose of running and many times I even forget to wear it on my runs. When I do forget, I keep my phone on me in a running belt and start my Strava (which has a free version) and go. This way I can track my run and listen to music and all you need is your phone!
Gear:
The number one thing is that you are comfortable when you run. if you’re not comfortable then you won’t want to run! This does not mean you need to buy the most expensive Lululemon or Alo set. I like to feel good in what I wear so I do think it is important to wear something you’re excited about! There are so many brands that sell athletic wear, it is super easy to find affordable and cute running gear. Now I do think a good pair of socks is worth the money to prevent blisters. You also want socks that last if you’re running quite frequently. I wear the Bombas Women’s Running Sock and while they are pricey, I appreciate the cushion and compression the provide my foot and I have NEVER had a blister wearing these.
So to summarize, I would invest in a good pair of shoes and socks. You don’t need to spend the money on fancy clothes, watches or headphones. I believe all of these have good alternative options for cheaper or you don’t really need them.
This is what makes running so approachable, you don’t need a lot of gear to get started! I hope this post helps you all find your perfect running gear!