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The gear we choose to run with is highly personal. Until you’ve tried on and run a few miles in a new pair of running shoes, all the expert reviews in the world don’t mean a thing unless they feel good on YOU.
That’s the perspective I’m putting forward here for this marathon running gear review–it’s all stuff I’ve run with for years.
It’s all tried and tested in my own training, races and daily life. In most cases, it’s not going to be top of the line stuff (except for the running watch) because I do my best to tread the fine line of being as thrifty as I can be without sacrificing performance, comfort or durability.
So if you’re looking to run a marathon, 5K or just around the block with some reasonably priced reliable gear, here are my picks.
Running Watch: Garmin Forerunner 965
I recently upgraded my running watch from the Garmin Forerunner 245 to the Forerunner 965 and it was a worthwhile investment. This is the top of the line in the Garmin Forerunner series of running watches and offers all the bells and whistles you’ve come to expect from a running watch.
First and foremost, the AMOLED touchscreen display is colorful, easy to read and bright. If you’re struggling to read your watch as I was with the Forerunner 245, the 965 boasts a 1.4 inch color display.
Another reason for the upgrade is, the 965 tracks open water swimming, triathlon performance, track running and other activities that other models can’t.
The 965 feels super lightweight and comfortable to wear throughout the day. It’s good looking too with its titanium bezel and silicone strap.
Garmin claims battery life of 23 days in smartwatch mode and 31 hours in GPS mode. From practical I’m running 6 days a week and charging every 8-10 days with about 20% left on the battery.
If you’re itching to upgrade your running watch like me, give the Forerunner 965 a look.
Running Shorts: baleaf Men’s 5″ Running Athletic Shorts Workout Lightweight Zipper Pocket
I discovered the baleaf brand a few years ago and have multiple pairs of these functional, everyday running shorts.
For casual runs you can’t be the value and comfort and functionality of the baleaf 5 inch running shorts. These shorts have two front pockets and a handy zipping back pocket for keys or cards. I’ve found these shorts to be well made and built to last.
Running Shoe: Men’s Saucony Triumph 22
I’ve been using Saucony shoes for running now for over a decade. I still go in and try other brands but for me, Saucony just feels right.
The Triumph series are a neutral support shoe with a secure fit and a lot of cushioning. It’s very light at 10.1 ounces making it among the lightest in its class. The ride feels super springy and are great shoes for long, easy runs.
I’ve come to rely on Saucony for value and consistency over the years and keep coming back even after I try other brands.
Running Safety: ROAD iD Premium Shoe Identification Metal Tags
Staying safe on the road and on the trails is important, and I have a ROAD iD on my shoelaces at all times wherever I run. If something were to happen, your critical information is right there visible and available if its needed.
The ROAD iD can help identify who you are in case of an emergency. I like the engraved, stainless steel ID tag because you just use the velcro strap to secure it to your shoe and don’t have to worry about taking it with you. It’s always there. The ROAD iD tag is durable and the velcro is super grippy.
I’ve never had one fall off or even come loose in my years of running with one all over the world. While there are bracelets available as well, I prefer the shoe model because I never need to worry about putting it on or losing it.
These make for great gifts too for your loved ones or any runner you care about. Road iD has tags for the wrist, watch band and your pets!
FlipBelt Classic Running Belt
If I’m on a run, the FlipBelt around my waist–it’s what I use to hold my phone. I’ve tried other ways to hold my phone but the FlipBelt is the most stable and reliable solution I’ve found.
More than just a “fanny pack,” the FlipBelt is a comfortable, durable and good for any runner looking for the best place to carry their essentials while on a run.
From my years of owning a FlipBelt, they just don’t lose their shape and get flabby after years of use and washing cycles. You can just throw it in with the rest of your laundry. I do let mine air dry in the hopes of extending its life, but these things are tough.
I primarily use mine for the phone but you can easily slide in gels, keys or other items and be confident they’ll stay in place.
Sunglasses: Goodr Running Sunglasses
I’m just an overall fan of the Goodr brand. They do one thing really well: they make quality sunglasses for runners at a consistently reasonable price and they seem to have a lot of fun doing it.
At just $25 (and they’ve been this same price for years on their website), you can’t beat the price for durable, good looking sunglasses you can wear on a run or anywhere else.
They do offer the Oakley-type sunglasses for $35 but I stick with the “OG” standard matte black Rayban type look. My Goodr sunglasses don’t slip when running and fit my big head just right. Moreover, the sweat and the grime I subject them to over a few years’ of wear don’t seem to wear them down.
You can spend a lot more and get better quality eyewear, but from a value for the money perspective, you can’t get Goodr than Goodr!
Running Hat: TrailHeads Men’s Running Hat with UV Protection — Quick Dry Sports Hats for Men
If you’re hair deprived like me or just like the shade, a few hats for running are always good to have around. I’ve had a few TrailHeads over the years and have put them through a lot of wash cycles and they hold up remarkably well.
The fabric is said to be UPF 50 which provides significant UV protection for those long, hot runs. The bill on this hat is long enough to give you shade over most of your face. The bill also keeps maintaining its shape through multiple washings. You can really abuse this thing and it just keeps its cool.
One downside is that the velcro size adjustment on the back loses its grip after a few years. The bill might start to fray a bit but this hat gives me about 2 years of loyal service before I replace it.
For Trail Running: Men’s HOKA Speedgoat 5
The HOKA Speedgoat feels lightweight and tough at the same time. They can stand up to a lot of abuse on the trails: rock kicking, mud, gravely terrain and more. HOKA says, “the sole of this model was updated with Vibram® Megagrip with Traction Lug for enhanced grip on loose soil,” and boy, I can attest to that.
The lugs always feel super grippy on technical terrain but up and downhill. At 10.5 ounces the Speedgoat feels light with a wide base but is built for neutral stability. The double mesh material seems to keep your feet cool and dry but can still take a pounding.
I’ve had this pair for about a year and have put a few hundred miles on them and there aren’t any signs of them breaking down.
At around $155 at the time of this writing, the Speedgoat 5 is competitively priced with other tail runners from Saucony and Brooks, but I haven’t found anything to complain about the Speedgoats in a year of use.
Trail Running Hydration: TRIWONDER Hydration Vest 2.5L Ultra Trail Running Backpack Hydration Pack Marathon Vest Lightweight Outdoor Hiking Cycling Daypack
This trail running hydration vest does a serviceable job of keeping you hydrated on the trails. If you don’t like carrying your water on your back like a Camelbak, I found this solution to be lightweight, breathable and easy to run with.
The two soft water bottles that it comes with slip in easily to the front pockets and have the “bite cap” that keeps them from leaking. There are a few pockets in the front for the bottles, keys and a phone but I prefer to keep my phone in my FlipBelt.
One issue with this hydration pack is that as the bottles have less and less water, they really start to shake and become unstable. There are elastic holders that fit over the top of the bottles but they aren’t enough to stabilize the bottles as they empty. The solution I found is to blow air into the bottles at about half empty so they keep their shape.
What About Running Shirts?
You might have noticed I don’t have running shirts on my list. I would say 90 percent of my running shirts come from signing up for a race. I only run with moisture wicking fabric shirts. As long as the fit is good and the fabric is moisture wicking, I’ll run in just about any shirt you get in a race!
Lynn Pomije
David Dack