How to Choose the Best Running Gear
The extensive testing by our running experts can help you pick the best running shoes, shirts, shorts, jackets, and more to meet your specific needs.
The Norvan provides impressive weather protection in an ultralight package but lacks the breathability provided by other models.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Runners are a very particular bunch. We know. We are too, which is why we sprint to test the latest and greatest and sweat the details. If you need it to run, we've most surely tested it—everything from the best men's running shoes and best women's running shoes to the top running shirts, and best running jackets. Thinking you should give trail running a try? See our comprehensive review to help find the best trail running shoes we've gotten our hands on.
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Best Picks in How to Choose the Best Running Gear
10 Best Running Shoes of 2024
If you want to find the best running shoes today, we covered hundreds of miles and thoughtfully selected our favorite...
Best Running Gear of 2024
With our collection of knowledge on all things running, we have put together a list of our favorite products to keep...
Best Trail Running Shoes for Women of 2024
Searching for your next trail running shoe? With our expert advice and experience testing various models this season...
10 Best Trail Running Shoes of 2024
If you need a pair of trail running shoes, we've spent the last twelve years testing more than 300 pairs in...
Best Running Shorts of 2024
Our running experts tested 12 of the most popular men's running shorts from a wide range of brands and price points...
Best Running Shoes for Women of 2024
Seeking a women's running shoe to help you pick up the pace? Our comprehensive review of the most popular running...
Best Running Shoes for Men of 2024
We've tested hundreds of shoes over thousands of miles on the roads to find the best running shoes for any runner and...
Best Running Hydration Pack for Women of 2024
Only recently have female-specific hydration packs become popular and we sure are glad they did. Our running-obsessed...
Best Trail Running Shoes for Men of 2024
Looking for a new pair of trail runners? We have tested over 120 of the most popular models in the past decade, and...
Best Running Jacket of 2024
To find out which running jacket is the best, we selected the highest-rated offerings in the market and put them to...
Best Running Jackets for Women of 2024
Our running experts have put some of this year's best running jackets to the test, pounding out the miles in the rainy...
Best Running Socks of 2024
Are you seeking a running sock that will suit your needs? After perusing over 50 different models, we've chosen 11 of...
Best Running Hydration Pack of 2024
After months of researching the most popular running packs on the market, our testers dedicated hundreds of miles in...
Best Running Shorts for Women of 2024
After researching over 40 pairs of women's running shorts, we purchased 11 to extensively evaluate, and are now...
Best Barefoot Shoes of 2024
Ready to make the switch to minimalist or barefoot shoes? Our comprehensive review compares 9 of this season's best...
Best Running Shirts
In the market for a new running shirt? Our extensive testing and comparison process will help you make up your mind...
Best Running Shirts for Women
Getting ready for summer running and need a new running shirt for all those miles you have planned? We tested some of...
Best Barefoot Shoes for Women
Barefoot shoes got a bad rap shortly after their introduction to the mainstream. In this review, we talk about ways to...How to Choose the Best Running Gear Learning Center
How to Choose Minimal and Barefoot Shoes
What could be complicated about a minimalist running shoe? If you want to learn about the design of barefoot running...
How to Choose the Right Men's Trail Running Shoes
We recommend making a basic self-assessment to help you determine what your specific needs are when it comes to a...
How to Choose Men's Running Shoes
So you're in the market for running shoes. Where should you start? We'll walk you through your options and help you...
How to Choose a Hydration Pack for Running
There are several factors to help choose a hydration pack for your running needs. This article systematically helps...
How to Choose Running Shoes for Women
Searching for the best women's running shoes and want to understand better how to buy a road shoe? We sorted through...
How to Choose Trail Running Shoes for Women
While the market is inundated with different types of trail running shoes specific to women, we help you avoid choice...Recent Gear Reviews in How to Choose the Best Running Gear
Top Pick
Saucony Peregrine 14 - Women's Review
Slipping your feet into the new and very-improved Saucony Peregrine 14 is like finding the best friend you never knew...
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Altra Mont Blanc Carbon - Women's Review
Finally! A carbon-plated zero-drop shoe that is zippy, equipped for rugged trails, and largely comfortable. The Altra...
Top Pick
Nike Alphafly 3 - Women's Review
The new and improved Nike Alphafly 3 is a powerhouse running shoe built for athletes who want to up the ante. This is...
Editors' Choice
Asics Novablast 4 - Women's Review
Step into near-unparalleled comfort and performance with the latest and greatest from Asics – the Novablast 4. This...
Editors' Choice
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 Review
In the competition for the top shoe that can do it all, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is the shoe to beat. It is a...
Top Pick
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 Review
The New Balance Rebel v4 bucks the plated shoe trend, offering the most bouncy and responsive ride of any non-plated...
Top Pick
Altra Lone Peak 8 Review
The Altra Lone Peak 8 continues to provide all-day comfort for long days on the trail. The main change found is a...
Editors' Choice
Xero Shoes Speed Force - Women's Review
The Xero Speed Force is a performance racing flat that is fun on various terrain, winning our Editors' Choice Award...
Top Pick
Ultimate Direction Mountain Vesta 5.0 - Women's Review
If a running hydration vest that fits like a vest but holds as much as a hiking backpack is what you are in the market...
Top Pick
Merrell Vapor Glove 6 Review
Merrell has made some improvements with the Vapor Glove 6. Most notably, the updated tread design has 2mm of depth to...
Best Buy
Whitin Cross Trainer Review
The Whitin Cross Trainer checks all the boxes for a high-value product. The aggressive tread on the trail runner...
Top Pick
Nnormal Kjerag Review
Ultralight and durability don't blend often, but the unisex Nnormal Kjerag, created by Kilian Jornet, manages to pull...
Top Pick
Black Diamond Distance 15 Review
The Black Diamond Distance 15 is our go-to for quick overnights and self-supported ultras. The single main compartment...
Best Buy
Salomon Active Skin 8 - Women's Review
The Salomon Active Skin 8 is our top recommendation for runners looking for a durable, comfortable, and versatile...
Best Buy
Merrell Vapor Glove 5 - Women's Review
The Vapor Glove series from Merrell has been a long-standing favorite here at GearLab. This fifth version is no...
Editors' Choice
Black Diamond Rhythm Tee Review
The Black Diamond Rhythm Tee is an excellent running shirt and base layer. The Merino wool, nylon blend is soft on the...
Top Pick
Salomon ADV Skin 12 Set Review
Built with all-day comfort and storage in mind, the Salomon ADV Skin 12 is one of our favorite long-distance hydration...
Top Pick
Brooks Canopy - Women's Review
The Brooks Canopy is an ultra-breathable running jacket with notable scores across our different performance metrics...
Top Pick
Asics Men's Fujitrail Jacket Review
The Asics Fujitrail is one of the lightest, most breathable, and most visible running jackets we tested. For these...
Top Pick
Swiftwick Aspire Zero Review
The Swiftwick Aspire Zero stands out for its thinner synthetic design that makes it great at wicking and highly...
Top Pick
Balega Silver No Show Review
The Balega Silver No Show is a top performer that offers immense comfort. We tested it through all sorts of weather...
Best Buy
Brooks Canopy Review
The Brooks Canopy stands out from the crowd with an incredibly comfortable fit and an ideal blend of warmth, weather...
Top Pick
Patagonia Airshed Pro Pullover - Women's Review
The Patagonia Airshed Pro is a reintroduced version of an old product, and we are super impressed with this latest...
Best Buy
Under Armour UA Tech V-Neck - Women's Review
The Under Armour UA Tech V-Neck earns our testers approval for its cute and comfortable style as a basic running tee...
Top Pick