Our editors tested (and loved) these essentials—from apparel to accessories—that’ll keep you moving comfortably and efficiently.
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If you’re hunting for the best running gear on Amazon, you already know it can feel like falling down a rabbit hole of 10,000 sneakers, shorts, and gadgets all promising to make you faster, stronger, or at least less sweaty. That’s why we’ve done the dirty (and often gross) work for you. At Runner’s World, we’ve tested, sweated in, and sometimes cried in this gear so you don’t have to spend your evenings endlessly scrolling. Our cart is full of the good stuff you actually want, and yes, that includes more than one anti-chafe cream—for both your nipples and your butt. Because runners know: where there’s friction, there’s regret.
There is some running gear not readily available or easy to grab on Amazon. Sneakers, for one, are often sold by third-party sellers only, or they have more limited sizes, styles, and colors. Technical gear such as sunglasses, performance wear, and running vests are also often only available on the maker’s websites or through specialty shops online. That’s why this list exists. You can learn what’s best to buy on Amazon, and get a glimpse into what a group of people wacky enough to make running our jobs buy every day.
In this roundup, you’ll find gear we actually swear by—practical picks, some borderline lifesavers, and a couple that might even make you laugh. Running is already hard enough. Your gear shouldn’t be.
I don’t know about you, but I need my phone, house key, a few packages of Gummy Nerd Clusters, and my Aquaphor stick when I run. (And a few self defense items.) This SPIBelt holds all of it and has a bit of space for more. Don’t let the compact look fool you. She stretches. Mine is in boring blue, but this one comes in all kinds of fun colors!
This watch does it all. It is by far our favorite Forerunner right now. It has offline mapping, offline music, triathlon mode, multisport mode, and more running features than you can imagine. It’s ready to get you ready for your next race and keep you progressing with stats like recovery, HRV, VO2 max, lactate threshold, running power, suggested workouts, race pace timing, race monitoring, and more.
“The shoe is a soft, responsive trainer that makes long runs easier and more interesting,” said Gear Editor Amanda Furrer. “It injects just a little more bounce in my longer workouts, helping me soar through those miles instead of silently wishing I was back under the covers at home, sleeping in.” And that sums it up really well. This is a workhorse neutral trainer that is purpose-built for your long runs, easy runs, and all that training you need.
Our favorite bone conduction headphones, the OpenRun Pro 2 are a step above the original model. Highlights include louder volume, deeper bass, and clearer notes, regardless if you’re listening rock music or a news podcast. They’re a safer option that traditional headphones for runners who often train in busy areas.
There’s nothing worse than having to keep on your running shoes after a marathon or long run. Having a pair of cushy slides like this will really save your bacon. They cradle your feet, cool them off, and let you walk around in relative comfort after a long run with enough support to keep you steady.
Our resident ultramarathoner, Pat Heine-Holmberg, loves this Garmin watch band. It’s soft, durable, doesn’t make your wrist sweaty, and no offense to Garmin—is way more comfy than the bog standard variety they give you. This model is for the Epix and Fenix lines.
You'd be hard pressed to find a member of our team without a few pairs of Balega socks in their drawer. They're perennially popular for a reason. They're comfortable, breathable, durable, and the colors are always so fun.
Baleaf has become one of those brands that have taken off on Amazon. They’re affordable, great quality, and easy to wear. These shorts, which have a 5-inch inseam, are a fan fave over here thanks to their deep, zippered pocket, soft lining, and breathable material.
Associate editor Kristine Kearns swears by this flask. It’s soft, collapses neatly, and holds just enough water for your mid-length run. It’s designed to be handheld or stuffed in a run belt or vest.
Genuinely one of my favorite sock brands anywhere, and often on sale on Amazon. I actually have the exact colorway pictured. It hugs my arch like its paying for the privilege and I could sing its praises all day, and frequently wear them even when I’m not running. And for an autistic person who usually hates socks, that’s a big deal.
She’s beauty, she’s grace, she lets you leave extra chargers at your place. This turns any old USB-C charger into a Garmin charger. Jeff Dengate turned me onto these, and my husband (Charger-In-Chief at our house) is so grateful for that. He just keeps it looped on the charge cord, and uses as needed.
Why is it so hard to find a good running cap, let alone one that’s just one-click away? Thankfully, Sprints has started selling on The ‘Zon, and our lives got easier. This is an ultra lightweight run cap that wicks away moisture, keeps the sun off your face, and generally makes for a better run.
Nathan makes some of our favorite hydration vests, and this one is fantastic. It holds both a bladder and flasks with room for your gels and your phone. It’s light and breathable and easy to adjust, even on the go.
If, like my husband, you tend to lose your sunglasses, but you need a solid pair for running, Tifosi has you covered. For under $40, you get 100-percent UVA/UVB protection, lightweight frames, and a fun look.
I am basically see through, so I need to have sunscreen on me at all times. I love this one because it’s easy to reapply mid long run, smells nice, and comes in smaller bottles.
I know many people run in shorts no matter the weather, but not me. In the winter (coming sooner than you think) I need leggings on to be comfy. These are fan-freaking-tastic. They hug you without being compressive, they have pockets, they breathe really well, and, not for anything, they make my ass look great.
Deputy editor, run coach, and personal trainer Mallory Creveling swears by this handheld water bottle, and Jeff Dengate carries a slightly larger model. As I am on Team Hydrate (no matter the distance), I just picked this up. If Creveling says get it, I listen.
It’s insulated to keep my Gatorade Zero (white flavor only) icy cold, double walled to minimize sweating, and the strap is fully adjustable.
You want a Garmin that looks a bit sleeker and can act a bit more like a lifestyle watch? The Venu X1 is your bff. It is a multisport workhorse that seamlessly switches to a well-tuned everyday watch with music, Garmin Pay, sleep monitoring, and a killer battery that leaves other square-faced watches in the dust.
A running wrap is basically a Seussian thneed. You need it to be a gaiter? Done. Hat? YUP. Mask? Also, yes. (Doesn’t block germs, though.) It’s also a neck warmer, ear warmer, it even makes julienne fries! I wear this in NYC dust season of early winter and early fall. I do not know what’s in the dust, but I don’t want to breathe it in.
If you’re a distance runner who has never nearly crapped themselves during a run, you’re either lying, or the gods themselves have blessed you with a magic colon. For the rest of us schmucks, there’s this tiny pack of wipes on the go. Gotta squat? Do not wipe with a leaf. You don’t want to know what poison sumac looks like on your butt. Bring these on your long run.
Cat Bowen, senior editor of commerce; reviews, is a seasoned runner with more than 20 years of distance running experience, including dozens of marathons, half marathons, and even a few ultra marathons. For over a decade, she has tested parenting, fitness, home, and running gear and written in-depth guides to help readers with their next purchase. Holding multiple advanced degrees and currently studying kinesiology, Cat Bowen brings research-backed insight to all of her guides. Passionate about women’s health and neurodivergent inclusion, she advocates for closing research gaps and helping others—especially AudHD people—find joy in running and fitness.
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