If you are new to running, or it has been a long time since you went out, you may wonder what types of running accessories are worthwhile investments and which are unnecessary gimmicks.
To help you know what to wear while running, we have compiled a list of the best running accessories for beginners and amateur runners. While some of these accessories are important for keeping you safe and injury-free while you run, others will help you track your goals and stay motivated.
If you are ready to enjoy a more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable running experience, you have come to the right place! Here is our list of the best running gear and accessories.
The Top Running Accessories for Beginners
If you are entirely new to running or a casual runner thinking about running for your first competitive race, investing in the right running accessories is worthwhile.
Thankfully, running can be something other than an expensive hobby or exercise, as it is a relatively low-cost and low-maintenance activity, but the right accessories and running gear can make a big difference to your overall running experience.
To help you make the right choices, we have highlighted the most important running accessories and pieces of running gear below. To make things even easier, we will link relevant buyer’s guides to help you choose the best equipment and accessories for your specific needs!
1. Hydration Belts & Running Water Bottles
It is difficult to overstate the importance of staying hydrated before, during, and after a run. Not only can proper hydration keep you refreshed during your runs, which can help you push through the pain barrier, but it is also critical for recovery, injury prevention, and so much more!
A hydration running belt is a relatively simple type of running accessory. These lightweight and balanced utility belts allow you to comfortably carry multiple water bottles on your runs.
Instead of having to carry a water bottle with you during a run or go without water, a hydration running belt offers a hands-free solution. They are also designed not to bounce around and chafe your skin as you run, so you will not have to worry about blisters or discomfort. The best hydration pack belts also have additional pockets for items you may want to bring with you on a run, such as house keys, credit cards and identification, cash, and nutrition bars. Some even have padded pockets for smartphones.
The Best Hydration Belts
Since countless hydration belts are on the market today, finding a high-quality option that fits your needs and budget can take time and effort. This is why we have provided our informative buyer’s guide – The Best Running Hydration Belts.
2. Fitness Trackers and Running Watches
Whether you are running to lose weight and improve your overall fitness or training to run in a race, tracking your progress is one of the best ways to stay motivated and committed to your running goals.
In recent years, fitness trackers and running watches have become more advanced and affordable than ever before. Even a low-cost fitness tracking watch can give you accurate updates on your average running speed, total distance, heart rate, elevation climb, and even the calories you have burned during your run. Naturally, they also function as standard watches, so you will always be able to check the time while you are on a run!
Many fitness trackers are even compatible with more detailed fitness apps, which can give you the ability to track your progress over a week, month, or even an entire year. These sleek and comfortable fitness tracking watches are dust-, sweat-, and impact-resistant.
A fitness tracker can be an outstanding running accessory that keeps you motivated and gives you a competitive edge while you train for a race. Given that many last for years, they are a very worthwhile investment for anyone interested in running.
The Best Fitness Trackers
To help you find a fitness tracker ideal for a running beginner, we have provided a thorough guide – The Best Fitness Trackers for Running.
3. Running Shoe Insoles
While it is incredibly important that you purchase the best running shoe for fit and support, you can improve the comfort and fit of your running shoes by investing in a set of running insoles.
Running shoe insoles, also known as footbeds or padded inner soles, are designed to slip into a pair of running shoes to provide added cushioning and a better overall fit. Many are made from breathable and durable materials, which can also help keep your feet cool and comfortable while you run.
If you regularly experience foot and knee pain while you run, it might be worth taking a closer look at a good set of running shoe insoles. They can also be useful to those who experience plantar fasciitis or have issues with heel spurs.
The Best Running Shoe Insoles
To help you find the perfect set of running shoe insoles for your specific needs, we have created a thorough buyer’s guide, which will highlight some of the best options, as well as explain why these low-cost running accessories can be such a wise investment – The Best Insoles for Running.
4. Compression Calf and Knee Sleeves
If you regularly experience aches and pain in the muscles of your legs while running, it might be time to invest in compression running sleeves. While they should not be seen as miracle cures, compression sleeves can reduce pain and discomfort while running.
Essentially, these specialized sleeves are similar to compression running socks and manipulate your arteries and veins to increase circulatory efficiency in the compressed areas. In other words, more oxygenated blood will flow to the parts of your body that are being compressed.
Since running can put a significant amount of strain on your leg muscles and joints, using compression calf and knee sleeves can help reduce inflammation, swelling, and other painful issues that irritate you during and after a run. Not only does the increased blood flow to these areas help while you run, it also helps pull lactic acid from the muscles of your leg so you will feel less sore and can get back to training even faster.
Padded knee sleeves can also help to support your knees by preventing the delicate joints in the knee from moving out of position as you run.
You can also choose to wear a compression sleeve on a particular body part that gives you trouble while running rather than wearing multiple sleeves simultaneously. This can give you the benefits of the sleeves without increasing your body temperature while you run. These sleeves can be incredibly beneficial for those who have experienced a running-related injury to a particular part of their legs.
The Best Calf and Knee Compression Sleeves
If you are interested in the numerous benefits of wearing a compression sleeve while you run, we encourage you to read our buyer’s guides – The Best Compression Calf Sleeves for Running and The Best Knee Sleeves for Running.
5. Running Gloves
One of the best ways to become a better runner is to practice consistency. Unfortunately, those that live in colder climates often cut back on the amount of running they do during the chilly fall and winter months.
When you run, your elevated heart rate can help to keep your core warm, while a good base layer, the right running clothes, and the fast movement of your leg muscles can keep your lower extremities warm. Unfortunately, the parts of the body that tend to get the coldest while running in cold weather are the hands and fingers.
Investing in a lightweight and comfortable pair of running gloves can keep your hands and fingers warm throughout your run. Not only will this make the entire experience more enjoyable, but it can also help prevent frostbite and even extend the time you spend outside running.
The Best Running Gloves
If you are looking for a high-quality running glove that will not inhibit your movements, we recommend reading the following buyer’s guide –The Best Running Gloves for Winter.
6. Running Sunglasses
Another essential running accessory worth purchasing is a good pair of running sunglasses. Eye protection is critical while running, especially if you spend a significant amount of time doing so during the bright summer months.
Not only can running sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays, but they can also make it much easier to see where you are going, especially on bright days. On windy days, a well-fitting pair of wrap-around running sunglasses can shield your eyes for a much more comfortable running experience.
Good running sunglasses are durable, lightweight, comfortable, and, more importantly, they are made to protect your eyes.
The Best Running Sunglasses
If you would like to learn more about running sunglasses and find a stylish and comfortable pair of your own, we recommend reading our informative guide – The Best Sunglasses for Running.
