There’s no shortage of new running gear for beginners today. And, it’s both overwhelming and time-consuming to sift through the millions of running gear options.
But if you’re wondering what running gear you truly need, here’s the deal: you don’t need much. You’ll only need 3 things. The rest you can always buy later.
For new runners, your must-have running gear is the 3 S’s: socks, shoes, and safety.
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The 3 Must-Have Running Gear for Beginners
The best running socks for blister-free running
Running socks wick sweat away from the skin, keeping feet dry and blister-free.
But because running socks are made with performance fibers, expect to pay more for a pair of socks.
The best running socks for running:
- Balega socks for men and women, one of the softest running socks that help prevent blisters.
- Feetures performance cushion sock, unisex, a snug, moisture-wicking performance running sock.
- Smartwool men’s wool performance sock, a lightweight wool blend sock.
- Smartwool women’s wool sock, a wool blend sock for women.
After running socks, there’s one more product to get to know: anti-chafe cream. You may be one of those lucky people who never seem to develop blisters, but it’s a must-have product if you need extra blister prevention.
These two options work equally well anywhere you have chafing or skin friction, so this boils down to how messy you want to get.
This BodyGlide Foot balm offers a quick no-mess swipe, while this Blue Steel anti-chafe cream goes on like lotion.
The best running shoes for beginners
Running shoes provide cushioning, stability, and traction.
And if you’re looking for a new pair of running shoes, a quick online search will direct you to thousands of running shoe options from Asics, Brooks, Hoka, New Balance, Nike, Saucony, and many more.
But running shoes aren’t a one size fits all situation. It’s a good thing, really, because everyone’s shoe needs are different.
So how should you find the best running shoe for you?
First, look at your current (or expected) running routine. Then, answer these questions:
- Will you run on the road or trails? Trail shoes have a grippier sole to give you better traction over rougher terrain.
- How many miles do you run now? Or how many miles do you expect to run?
- Do you feel stable standing on one leg? If you don’t, you’ll likely need a shoe that provides stability.
Next, find your local running store to see and experience running shoes in person. While there, you’ll run on a treadmill to have your gait analyzed. And from this analysis, your store will point you to the best running shoes for your specific running style and preferences.
Important things to remember about buying running shoes
- Running enjoyment is paramount so your shoes must feel good, not just look good.
- Get your feet measured because shoe sizes vary by brand. Shoe shape, material, all affect size and fit so it’s best to use those size numbers as guidance.
- Your feet will swell when you’re running so it’s important to buy a shoe that’ll fit your feet at their largest. To get the best fit and sizing, shop for running shoes in the afternoon when your feet are swollen.
If you’d like to take a quiz before you talk to someone, Brooks Running has a fun, easy-to-use shoe finder quiz and recommends shoes from their line here.
Now, it’s still best to visit your local running store for recommendations.
But, if you’re curious about what others are wearing, these are some of the most popular running shoes runners are buying right now.
- Men’s Adrenaline GTS 19, Brooks Running
- Women’s Adrenaline GTS 20, Brooks Running
- Men’s Clifton 4, HOKA ONE ONE
- Women’s Cavu, HOKA ONE ONE
- Men’s Gel-Venture Trail, ASICS
- Women’s Gel-Venture Trail, ASICS
The best running safety gear for new runners
Before going on a run, remember to 1:
- Tell someone your route and when you expect to return.
- Run against traffic to see oncoming traffic.
- Avoid dark areas such as bushes or parked cars.
Then, consider running with a:
Running bracelet with important medical and contact information
Road iD is a customizable bracelet for anyone on the go, including runners.
It’s a lightweight band that comes in many colors with a metal faceplate. On this faceplate, you can engrave whatever you wish. Most people include their name, emergency contacts, and life-saving medical information.
Couple this bracelet with the ROADiD app, available for iOS and Android. It uses an ‘eCrumb Tracking’ feature to share your location. If you’ve stopped moving for more than 5 minutes, the ‘Stationary Alert’ will notify your selected contacts.
Plus, you can customize your phone’s lock screen to display your medical information to First Responders in case of an emergency.
Get it here: Road ID official bracelet
Running belt
If you’re running with a phone, you’ll want to look into this belt that expands to hold your phone with no bouncing. It may look small, but it’s stretchy enough to contain a phone, keys, and a small snack bar.
Get it here: SPIbelt running belt
Reflective gear for running
Wearing reflective gear is important, but where you wear your reflective gear is also critical.
Research 2 shows that reflective strips on major moving joints, such as on your ankles and knees, paired with a reflective vest provides the most visibility to drivers.
Get running reflective gear here:
This combination is much more effective than wearing only a reflective vest or jacket. That’s because the human eye recognizes movement, so placing reflective gear on major moving parts boosts your chances of being seen.
If you’re wondering if you can get away with fluorescent gear, here’s the deal: you can’t.
During the day, fluorescent clothing converts UV wavelengths to longer visible wavelengths. Meaning, better daytime visibility.
But at night, streetlights and vehicle headlights don’t provide enough UV so fluorescent materials aren’t as visible at night.
So, wear reflective gear, especially on moving parts—your arms and legs—for the most visibility.
Plan on running in the dark? You’ll want to look into running lights too.
CONCLUSION
If you’re new to running, the good news is, you don’t need a ton of gear to begin.
For new runners, start with buying moisture-wicking socks, well-fitted running shoes, and safety running gear to help you stay comfortable as you’re running.
You can always buy moisture-wicking shirts, shorts, sports bras later. And, if you need to stock up on running rain gear, you might like this post: Running in the rain? Smart strategies for rainy day runs.
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