A Beginner's Guide to Shopping for Running Gear

Welcome back to Unexpected Abundance! I hope you’ve been running and enjoying the spring weather! I have a great post for you today, as I’ll be talking about shopping for running gear. If you’re a beginner doing research, you’ll notice that running gear and accessories can be pricey. And if you’ve signed up for a race, you were probably shocked at how much you have to pay to run the race mileage. But hey, at least you get a free shirt, medal, and a banana as a reward!

Although searching for running gear can be overwhelming with the different options and pricing, there are several brands that offer great products for a good price. Now, I’ll preface by saying that there are items that are definitely worth the investment and can hinder your performance if you decide to go a cheaper route. You’ll definitely want to spend money on a pair or two of great running shoes and a watch. From experience, I can tell you that brands that focus primarily on running shoes outperform other brands that don’t primarily focus on running shoes. For example, Hoka running shoes are better than Nike running shoes. That’s not saying that Nike doesn’t make a good pair of running shoes, but all HOKA shoes tend to offer more for the runner. Faster recovery, minimal injury, and a variety of shoe types for different foot sizes and shapes are a few factors that make HOKA a better brand, in my opinion. That may be different for you, but that’s for you to discover on your own time. The point is, you’ll want to spend good money on a good pair of running shoes. Trust me, your feet will thank you later. You’ll also want to spend good money on a solid watch because it’ll give you valuable data on your heart rate, cadence, pace, daily steps, sleep, and more.

This beginner’s guide will focus on what I’ve found to be “Must Haves” and “Nice to Haves”. With each different piece of gear, I’ll talk about different places where you can find good deals and where to focus your money on. This guide isn’t right or wrong as it’s more of my observation over the years about getting better deals for running gear. I know it can be overwhelming, but my hope is to provide some insight and advice into your running journey!

Must Haves

Shorts

Naturally, running shorts are 5 inch seams and above the knee. They are meant to provide more breathing room and flexibility for your legs during a run. Popular running brands like HOKA, New Balance, Asics, and others sell running shorts, but they tend to be on the expensive side. To me, $40-$60 for a pair of running shorts is expensive, especially if I’m looking to buy more than one pair. If you want to buy directly from the company, by all means please do so. But if you’re looking for more affordable options, I’d suggest going to TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, and Ross. I’ve bought a pair of running shorts and two pairs of running pants for about $15 each. The running shorts were from New Balance and originally cost $40, but TJ Maxx was selling them at $15. Let me preface by mentioning that options are limited, but if you are patient, you can definitely find running shorts for a great price at these stores. Often times, they are shorts from popular running brands for half the price. You can definitely buy shorts from luxury brands but be mindful that the moisture wicking technology is generally the same with all brands and you’ll just be paying extra for brand recognition. I also suggest buying a pair of warm running pants for the winter months. Just because the weather changes doesn’t give you an excuse to stop training!

Shirts

Running shirts are more available from multiple brands. You’ll run into the same issue as the shorts with the popular brands overcharging for the shirts, but if you have the means, then feel free to purchase directly from the brand. An advantage with shirts though is that there is more availability from less popular brands that offer more affordable styles and colors. I’d suggest the same approach of going to TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, or Ross and looking for options there. I also recommend buying running shirts made of polyester materials, because it’ll be softer on your skin, and it’ll decrease your chances of nipple chafing. Trust me, I learned the hard way! Besides getting nipple soothing cream, you should buy running shirts made of soft material like polyester. It’s stretchable, breathable, and comfortable. I’ve purchased a few running shirts from Ross for $10 each, and they work really well. Here’s a hack I’ve also used: running shirts from previous races. When you sign up for a race, the event organizers will generally offer a shirt that headlines the race date, location, and distance you’re running. I’ve used these quite often for runs and they are great. On a similar note, try and avoid shirts that are 100% cotton. They feel heavy and extremely uncomfortable during a run.

Compression Socks

I always got blisters when running and could never figure out why. Even when I was wearing shoes I’d already broken in, blisters were common, particularly with longer runs. My wife purchased a pair of compression socks for me at the San Diego Marathon Expo last year, and I didn’t get a single blister during the race. Ever since then, I’ve worn compression socks for my long runs and my feet have thanked me. Now, it is common to get blisters when breaking in new shoes, and even with compression socks, it is possible to still get blisters. But I believe compression socks are a must have because not only do they minimize your chance of getting blisters, but they also help with blood flow during exercise and even during moments of inactivity. The pair my wife bought for me cost $17, but that was from a vendor at the expo, where prices tend to be inflated. Amazon offers a variety of 3 packs from different brands with an average cost of $15, so it may be worth looking into that.

Shoes

I’ve mentioned it above, but don’t be cheap with your shoes. The investment is worth it, because after all, your feet are your prized possession, and they must be taken care of at all times while running. HOKA, New Balance, Asics, Brooks are some of the top brands for running shoes, so do your research and look into these brands to see which one you prefer the most.

Watch

If you’re serious about running, you’re going to need a smartwatch. Whether it’s an Apple Watch or a Garmin, having a watch to track your workouts, heart rate, pace, daily steps, and more is a game changer. I currently wear a Garmin Forerunner 55, and I love it. It tracks basic metrics such as my heart rate and daily steps, but it also tracks my respiration rate, stress level, and body battery. It provides suggested workouts based on my performance from the last run, and it has a variety of training modes, whether it’s biking, hiking, walking, running, cardio, and more! Watches can vary in price and reach up to $1000, but unless you’re a professional athlete, I suggest going for some of the lower priced watches. The Garmin Forerunner 55 cost $170, and for the price, I think it’s a steal. But I definitely recommend a watch. Trust me, you’ll want to track your progress and see how your training is going.

Nice to Haves

Running Belt

After a few long runs, I got annoyed with carrying my phone in my hand. Although my phone doesn’t weigh much, it felt uncomfortable having to hold it in my hand during long runs. I think that’s just a me problem because I know runners who not only carry their phone, but they also carry water bottles. But for those who are like me, I recommend purchasing a running utility belt. It’s not a necessity in my opinion, but it does make it easier to carry your keys and phone during a run. Amazon offers a variety of running belts with different prices, but you shouldn’t spend more than $20. I purchased my running belt for $20 off Amazon, and it stores my keys, phone, and comes with two mini water bottles that you can also store. The brand is PYFK, and the belt has been great for me.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are definitely a personal preference, but if you have sensitive eyes like I do, I suggest buying a pair of sunglasses. When you’re looking for sunglasses, be mindful that prices do vary, depending on the brand. Popular brands like ROKA and Oakley offer performance glasses, which can be used for multiple sports like baseball, running, snowboarding, biking, and more. These glasses start at $200, and I’ve seen some go up to as high as $350. Similar to the running shorts and shirts, if you really want the glasses from a popular brand and have the financial means, then go for it. But, if you’re looking for a quality product that costs significantly less, then you’ll want to head to Amazon. I purchased my running glasses from the QoolTimes brand on Amazon for $30. I’ll preface by saying that ROKA and Oakley have cooler designs, but I don’t care too much about the look. Eventually, I may transition to a different pair of glasses, but for now, I love my QoolTimes glasses. It does the job, and it doesn’t bounce up and down as I’m running. The glasses are also lightweight and feel great. Be mindful that no matter where you buy your glasses from, you’ll get a tan on the side of your head if you don’t have hair, just like I did.

Hats/Headbands/Beanies

Headwear is generally inexpensive and can be found anywhere. Again, unless you prefer to buy from a specific brand, then any brand will do. There are athletic hats and beanies that have moisture wicking technology and are designed for running. If you run with a snapback, chances are you’ll mess up the snapback that you probably paid a good amount for. The area where you live determines what you’ll purchase, because if you live in an area that doesn’t get a lot of sun, you might prefer the beanie or headband, whereas if you live in a warmer region, you might opt for the hat. Headwear is a personal preference, but not a necessity in my opinion.

Gloves

During the winter months, your hands can get numb if they’re exposed in cold temperatures. You can muscle through, but if you live in a colder region where the winter temperatures get extreme, then I recommend purchasing running gloves. I wouldn’t spend more than $15 here, and you can get them anywhere.

A lot of information to digest! Over the years, I’ve learned what’s important to invest money in and what are some things that I don’t need to break the bank for. The only thing you’ll want to spend good money on are your shoes and watch. If you get a good pair of shoes and a good watch, you’ll be in good shape. I remember feeling overwhelmed with everything I had to buy, but quickly learned that not every piece of running gear needs to be from a top brand. Whether it’s running shorts or a running belt, you have options, depending on your budget and taste. Running doesn’t have to be expensive!

I want to thank you all for joining me for today’s conversation. I have a lot of content headed your way, and I’m excited that our community is growing! Make sure to follow the blog on our social media accounts below:

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Until next time, happy running!