Rotating Your Running Shoes Can Help You Prevent Injuries and Run Stronger
Whether you're new to running or are an experienced marathon runner, you'll benefit from rotating your running shoes.
Here are 6 pieces of cool running gear we’ve been wear-testing this month that we really love.
Sun shirts are all the rage for thru-hikers because their lightweight long sleeves and minimalistic hoods offer sun protection and enough warmth to protect against cool breezes. Turns out the Himali Eclipse Sun Hoodie is also an ideal thing to wear on cool, early morning runs before it warms up or on high-alpine trail runs during which weather conditions (temperatures, sunshine, and wind) can change in an instant. I like the Eclipse Sun Hoodie because it provides comfort and protection and feels like it’s barely there. Plus, I found it easy to stow in a trail running vest or simply tying around my waist.
Running sunglasses need to fit your face well and stay in place, provide a wide field of vision, and block bright light (and UV rays), wind and bugs. Tifosi’s Moab Lite shades do all that with lightweight frames, a comfortable adjustable nose piece, and rubberized adjustable temple tips that keep them in place on hot, sweaty, and fast-paced runs. They come with three easily interchangeable lenses (dark, amber, and clear) made from shatterproof polycarbonate. They’re available in several frame colors, but I’m a sucker for anything DayGlo yellow. (There is a secondary model for $90 that includes Fototec photochromic lenses that automatically adjust tint value in lower or higher light levels.)
When it comes to running socks, I like thin, soft, stretchy socks that stay in place, wick moisture and, yes, ideally, have some kind of cool aesthetic vibe, too. (Spoiler alert: I almost never wear all-white socks when I run on roads or trails.) Made from naturally antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, and highly absorbent bamboo and durable recycled nylon, Bambū Werx Performance Socks are comfortable, supportive and secure, and colorfully cool. Bamboo breathes far better than synthetic materials and has been shown to minimize skin irritation.
OK, I’ll first admit that this is expensive sunscreen … but it’s also really good, so you seem to get what you pay for. Freaks of Nature is a brand started by iconic surfer Kelly Slater, someone who knows the need for good sunblock when spending extended hours in the sun. This 100 percent mineral SPF50 sunblock combines non-nano zinc with natural moisture-locking ingredients (including Vegan squalane) to create a protective microbiome friendly biofilm on your skin. I’ve worn it for numerous runs in hot, sunny, and humid conditions and love that it goes on smoothly, seems to be remain sweat-proof, is fragrance free, and protects and moisturizes my skin. It’s also available in a 0.70-ounce roll-on stick ($24) for facial treatments.
When I run in the summer, I need a hat that can block the sun from my eyes and protect the ever-thinning hair on my scalp while also keeping my head as cool as possible. On’s apparel and accessory lines are known for being extremely lightweight, smartly ventilated, and very efficient at wicking moisture from the skin, and this certainly embellishes those qualities. This will be my go-to summertime running hat because it’s lightweight, simple, cool, and effective.
A big trend that’s emerged out of the ultrarunning world is that athletes have successfully pushed their per-hour calorie intake on long runs to levels much higher than previously thought necessary. The takeaway for any marathon runner is that you probably need more fuel on your long runs than you thought you did. With 200 calories and 35mg of caffeine in every 2-ounce packet, Näak Ultra Energy Gel is specifically designed for multi-hour endurance efforts. Made from a balance of short and complex carbohydrates, branched-chain amino acids, and electrolytes, this gel serves up a complete energy source for your long runs. (It has a 3:1 glucose/fructose ratio to optimize sugar absorption.) I like the chocolate flavor because it tastes great with a subtly sweet sensation, and because its semi-liquid texture goes down easily with or without a sip of water, and, even though I have an iron stomach when it comes to consuming fuel on the run, the low-glycemic load helps prevent gut issues. (Also available in Salted Maple flavor.)
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Senior editor Brian Metzler has wear-tested more than 2,500 running shoes and is the author of “Kicksology: The Hype, Science, Culture and Cool of Running Shoes” (2019). He has raced just about every distance from 100 meters to 100 miles, but he’s most eager to share stories about his experiences pack burro racing in Colorado.