Incredible Running Gear I Still Use And Love After 15-Years

Sadly, I have zero affiliate links for any of these products. I’m sharing what I love and what works because, well, I love it and it works! Running is a relatively inexpensive sport — have said that, the gear can get expensive fast! I would love to partner with these companies since I think the gear is incredible and I still use it and love it — after 15 years of running.

• Nathan handheld water bottle. I don’t like to carry things and this is comfortable but takes zero effort — doesn’t feel like you’re holding anything. Great for shorter runs or a half marathon with aid stations.
• Nathan hydration backpack. For trails and longer runs this is by far the most comfortable. I got the smaller model — no frills. This pack isn’t exactly what I have — search on ebay, etc…
• Ultimate Direction Wink hydration pack. For longer runs where I need more. If I need more than this, I’d rather be crewed. The link isn’t the exact pack I have — search on ebay, etc…
• Sparkly Soul headbands. Keeps flyaways out of the way and doesn’t move. My daughter borrowed mine and it’s now gone. Bummer. I made some but these are just better.
• Balega socks. I’ve tried them all and these are my favorites. Just the right amount of cushion.
• Recofit Sport — compression gear. The best hands down. One woman company she started due to an injury. I love this woman and her product is bar none. Unfortunately, she went out of business during Covid.
• Oiselle — women’s running gear — created by women for women. The only shorts I wear and one of my favorite sports bras, but I love everything — I’ve never been disappointed.
• Flipbelt — when you don’t have pockets and need to carry things. My stomach gets sick when there’s pressure on it and this is the only one I’ve been able to wear. I carry my phone, keys and inhaler.
• Brooks. I love these. The tights are long enough for me (33" inseam) and I like their quality. I tend to prefer smaller businesses, but this group does a great job. I wear the Ravenna with an 8mm drop and some support. The Grit for trails in a 4mm drop with arch support.
• Altra shoes. For my new need to be in a zero drop more often, these quirky-looking shoes that I didn’t want to like I LOVE. I was thrilled when they came out with a little more support which I needed.
• Running skirt. If I wear a skirt, this is the one.
• Polar V800 watch I was a Garmin girl for 8 years and then I used this polar. It’s a lot of watch and I don’t use it often, however, if I do a triathlon, it’s amazing.
• Garmin Forerunner 235. I’ve been through several Garmin watches and I love that they’ve gotten smaller and do more. This is the watch I wear 24/7.
• Socks. I use wool, longer running socks when it’s below 15*. Oddly, my feet are almost always cold, but I don’t tend to need warmer socks until it gets pretty nippy out. It isn’t logical to me, but either they stay a standard temp or I just can’t feel them… Look for hiking, wool socks to keep feet warmer!
• YakTrax. If it’s icy out these slip over my shoes. Makes running slow and awkward but that’s kind of neat because it feels like running on a trail.
• REI cross country ski shell pants. Again, for temps below 10* when fleece pants aren’t quite enough, these are a lifesaver. Lightweight and breathable for skiing, they are perfect for running as a top layer as well.
• Sweaty Bands for great headbands that don’t move
• Dirty Girl Gaiters for amazing gaiters that are lightweight and easy to use. I love these for trails!
• Shoelace Clips — clips for shoelaces that are too short
• Running coffee — I’ve loved this when I keep it in stock — I stumbled on it which was a great find.
• Road id — stay safe while running. I’ve written a post on this site specifically HERE

I’ve found most of the gear I love over the years from reading other runners' blogs — because, in this community, we love to give a shout out to what works!

Let me know what running gear is your favorite!