Whether you run regularly to keep fit or are a seasoned marathon runner, you are always on the lookout for the best quality gear which won’t break the bank. Therefore, within this article we have put together a list of running clothing and accessories which are worth splashing the cash on and those which have budget friendly alternatives. So if you want to find out how you can improve and expand on your current running gear without having to pay out a large amount of money, then keep on reading.
Running Clothing
If you are just starting out on a new running regime, you would need to make sure that you have an ample amount of clothing specially designed for workouts. This would mean that you would need to look out for items of sportswear which not only will be comfortable for you to run in, but also contain an element of moisture wicking breathable technology. Therefore, you can reach your full potential on your run without feeling uncomfortable, hot and sweaty. Here are just a few items of clothing you might need to include in your shopping list:
- T-shirts
- Vests
- Long Sleeve Top
- High-vis Jacket
- Running Leggings
- Jogging Shorts
- Sports Bras
For the warmer days outside, a must-have item you would need in your wardrobe is a t-shirt and/or vest. These provide you with enough coverage in the sunshine but will also keep you cool and fresh when opting for a material which is breathable. When it comes to the price of a t-shirt or vest, you can keep the cost of the clothing down by looking for more affordable brands who offer sweat reducing technologies.
When the weather is cooler outside you may want to throw a long sleeve top on over a jacket. Like the short sleeved tops, you can get away with spending less money on these items of clothing as long as you are opting for the sportswear with breathable properties. Another useful thing to look out for when purchasing a jacket would be to see if there are any high-visibility aspects to the design. By having a high-vis stripe or design on the zip up top you would be able to stand out in the dark while running.
The options for running bottoms are endless as there are a variety of lengths, materials and cuts to choose from. The most popular type of running leggings you will find are slim fit or streamline as they provide the most wind resistant while jogging outside. For the winter weather you can look for pants with a thicker material to provide more warmth and are a longer leg. Whereas, for the summer time you can wear shorts or ¾ length bottoms to feel the benefit of the breeze while outside to keep you cool.
For ladies, when you are working out, you would need to make sure that you are wearing well-fitting sports bras which provide you with the necessary support for the run. Unlike regular bras, sports bras contain a compression element which will benefit you greatly when running. Therefore, when shopping for the right clothing, it is vital that you find something comfortable for you to wear long term and will feel supported. Most budget friendly brands create high quality sports bras for a great price, so it is worth shopping around to find the best deal for requirements.
Running Shoes
Running shoes are a very important part of your jogging wardrobe as you would need to be in comfortable footwear as your feet will be under a lot of pressure. Therefore, when shopping for a new pair of trainers you would need to look at shoes specially designed for running which means that they will contain arch support and cushioned soles.
You don’t need to break the bank with running trainers as you can get high quality footwear from affordable brands, we just recommend that you try them on before you buy to make sure you will be comfortable. When breaking in new shoes it is also an idea that you could wear blister patches to prevent any rubbing during the first few wears.
Running Accessories
The last type of gear you would need for jogging are accessories and within this part of the article we are going to explore the must-have products you would need before heading outside. Here is a list of what to look out for when shopping:
- Phone pockets
- Water bottles
- Headphones
- Gloves
- Sunglasses
- Hats and caps
To help motivate yourself while outside, some runners enjoy listening to music or podcasts while they jog. The problem with being on the move and wearing headphones is that you have nowhere to put your device. And this is why a phone pocket or strap for your iPod would be handy. You usually pick these up online cheaply. But when it comes to the headphone cables you can look at going wireless for a stress free approach. Some brands have created budget friendly blue tooth earphones but these can be invested in if required.
Running can be thirsty work so by purchasing a reusable bottle for your water, you can stay hydrated while on the move. You can buy a bottle from almost any store on the high street or online for an affordable price.
Depending on the temperature outside when you are running you may want to wear a hat, sunglasses or gloves. For the hats you can look for a beanie for winter and a cap for summer which will both give you the right amount of coverage and protection in all climates. Sunglasses would be a good idea to have in the summertime to protect your eyes. Most fashion glasses may be difficult to keep in place while jogging, but some brands have created specially designed sunglasses which wrap around the ear or head to stay in place.
Like hats, gloves can also be purchased online or the high street for a low price. You may want to look out for ones with touch screen capabilities which mean that you can use your music device without getting cold hands.
Update Your Running Gear Today!
Throughout this article we have explored the running clothing and accessories which you would need in your kit bag along with how you can save money on replacing them or upgrading your wardrobe. Have any of our tips come in handy? Let us know over on our social media pages where you can chat all things sports and fitness with us and like-minded people.
You can also take a look through our wide range of affordable running tops, leggings, jackets and much more over on our online store – Sports Fitness.
This article was written exclusively for Sports Fitness by Loren Astbury
