It’s usually about 20 minutes into a run that any shortfalls in your kit start to play on your mind. The rain finding its way under that dodgy old hooded top you dug out of the cupboard, your socks rubbing your feet. What seemed like piffling detail at home, suddenly looms as unbearable grit in your eye (probably that hood again).
With so many collective fitness activities being cancelled, the solo, heroic run - Oasis’ Rock and Roll Star on the headphones, heavy cloudscapes and a Rocky montage in your head - becomes ever more compelling. Alongside the well-known brands, there’s a whole bunch of running specialists who you don’t know unless you know.
We’ve had a delve and come up with a decent top-to-toe kit that should see you through whatever passes for spring in these parts.
Runderwear anti-blister ankle running socks, £14
We love the pun name and socks are everything when you go the distance. Don’t buy the £3.99 six-pack from Amazon.
Saxx Men’s Vibe Modern Fit Boxer Short, £25
Saxx have developed underwear that holds parts of you that need holding during a run. We won’t get into the detail, just buy the pants.
Powerbeats Pro True, £219
There are obviously so many amazing headphones for running. These did well T3’s ratings. Good enough for us.
Lululemon 5 year basic tee, £42
Lululemon are better known for supplying quality workout gear to your girlfriend but they make solid men’s kit too. The fabric in this tee shirt is perfect for the sweat-prone – i.e. everyone.
Arcteryx Stradium Pants, £75
The technical brand of the moment. They’ve thought about everything when putting these together and they look awesome.
Under Armour Outrun the Storm jacket, £85
Not *just* the cool name – we know this thing is going to keep the elements from sapping morale on the road.
Hoka Men’s Rincon, £105
Hoka did well in Runner’s World tests. The brand was created by two Alpine trail runners – probably good enough for your local wildlife reserve.
