It’s hard to be a super mid runner. Like being fast has to get easy after a while, and same if you’re super slow and essentially power-walking. But middle of the pack running? Exhausting, and admittedly a bit boring.
The solution to getting through this grind? COPPING MORE RUNNING GEAR.
I think people get into running for different reasons, whether it be for health reasons or because you turned 30 or because you heard that hot people have dropped dating apps in exchange for run clubs — whatever the reason, you’re going to need some gear and boyyyyy do I have you covered.
And look, this isn’t for anyone who knows their stuff, this guide is for the intro-to-mid level runners who are trying to figure out what to buy after running in random raggedy basics for a few months or years. If you’re a sub-4 marathon runner, ignore everything in this list. If you’re just getting into running, then enjoy.
Gonna’ split this into (1) what I am currently wearing and (2) what I think you should wear too.
Let’s honor our Throwing Fits upbringing and start from the bottom up.
Sneakers
Currently wearing: As a hefty boy (well over 200 pounds and 6.25 feet in height) I am really drawn to cushioned super trainers. I’m currently stuck in the utmost perfect trinity of super trainers: Asics Superblast 3 + Adidas Hyperboost Edge + Mizuno Neo Vista 3.
All three of these offer versatility for everything from easy runs to long runs to tempo runs to everything in between, and I feel like at that +$200 range that’s to be expected. If you need ONE do-it-all type of shoe, one of these should be on the top of your list. Honorable mention to the RAD UFO cult favorite that just didn’t work for my foot.
What you should buy: Honestly this depends on what you’re looking for.
Super Trainers: Anything I mentioned above.
Daily Runs: These are shoes that you’ll toss on for your random runs or speed workouts. Not as cushioned, but versatile enough for workouts and shorter runs. Asics Novablast 6 or Adidas SL Evo or New Balance FuelCell Rebel V5.
Race Day Sneakers: Usually carbon plated for SPEED, these aren’t meant to be your everyday pair, and most people won’t get the full benefits of carbon…but they’re so so so fun. Some favs are New Balance SuperComp Elite V6 or Adizero Pro 4 or Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 or the now ancient, but still relevant Nike Alphafly 3.
Chinese Brands: New and still being tested, they seem to be outperforming most brands at a fraction of the price. They can be tough to find though so good luck! Major props to Hobby Jogger / Supwell for getting the poster child Dynafish Xiaonian stateside! For the rest you might have to google them and try your luck: Li-Ning Red Hare 9 Ultra or Li-Ning Feidian 6 Elite or ANTA C202 7.
Trail: Got a review featuring 8 pairs of trail runners coming soon.
Bottoms
Currently wearing: Not gonna lie, all my runs are being run in shorts from Target that refuse to die. Got them in 2024 and they’re all still working. I am reaching the point where they’re starting to fall apart and so now I need to make a huge decision…
What you should buy: The loyalty to the 5” shorts has not failed me but everyone tells me once you go tights, you never go back. I do have a bit of fear of tights ever since I sat on the curb before the Brooklyn half only for a dude in a short tank top + one-size-too-small tights to come and start stretching in front of me.
There is a real risk of looking a bit indecent so make sure you wear a longer shirt please for the love of God.
For shorts, really into Raide Research and their TrailTech shorts; anything meant for ultras in the woods will be enough for your local 5K. They have loads of room for gels + water, and even extra room to store a windbreaker if needed.
More options:
Literary Sport MORRISON 5” Shorts
For tights, I’ve been told the BOA Constrictor half tights are workhorses, and are priced very affordably as well, or if you’re into spending $200 and the words ‘micro-nylon’ do something for you, Satisfy’s TechSilk EVO’s might be for you. More options:
Currently Running M2 Pro 7.5” Half Tights'
Soar Marathon Cargo Half Tight
As for full tights…bro man up, there’s no need for full tights ever just run in shorts through 20 degrees like the rest of us. SMH.
Tops
Currently wearing: Old vintage cotton t-shirts and…you guessed it…running shirts from Target. You can actually get into running while wearing anything, but as you do more and more you’ll want something nicer than won’t irritate you as you sweat. A usual version of what I’d wear:
What you should buy: One of my favorite brands right now is Unna, and I love how they’ve managed to find fun ways to make tops that (1) are fun and (2) don’t take themselves too seriously and (3) don’t look like running tops.
Their Jogging 4 Fun shirt is my fav, and it comes in both long sleeve and short sleeve options. It’s good to have some short sleeves + long sleeves + thermals and mix them up as needed for whether it’s scorching or brick on your runs.
More options:
Gonggar Sports Hallowfall Striped Thermal Long Sleeve
Hermanos Koumori LS Race T-Shirt
Miler Running Empire Elite Work Running T-Shirt
Satisfy MothTech™ Baseball Tee
In terms of outerwear, this is where I’d say my weak spot is as I usually end up running in the winter with an old Nike Therma-fit quarter zip they don’t make anymore and a random t-shirt on top.
I do think it’s time to invest in some proper outerwear though, something that I can wear as a shell for cold or rainy days. Gonggar Sports has this great moisture-wicking high neck hoodie that looks like it would do well in the cold. More options:
Hermanos Koumori Adi365 Running Vest
Bandit Windproof Auragrid™ Jacket
Accessories
Currently wearing: Here’s where allll the misc stuff lives; hats, socks, belts, watches, etc etc etc. Just gonna do a quick dive of things here, mix of things I own and things worth trying.
Big thing here is to find what works for you and not overspend on the overkill items, ex: You really don’t need a vest until you’re cranking out longggg runs. Buy what works and wear it often.
Hats:
Socks:
Belts:
Watches: Whatever you can afford! Garmin! Coros! Apple Watch! Anything to track your distance. Don’t go buy a $700 one either, you’re not an ultra pro (yet).
You’re kitted up and ready to go, now the only thing left to do is get out there. Sign up for a local 5K and get smoked by a 60-year-old. Maybe do a half marathon and get destroyedddd by a 60 year old. Or perhaps you do what I did and go right for the 26 miler only to…you get it.
Running has brought me a lot of freedom, along with levels of soreness I cannot fully put into words. But it’s also made me super aware that a huge part of caring about what you wear is making sure you can fit into cool clothing, and that requires maintenance.
Rick Ownes once said “Working out is modern couture. No outfit is going to make you look or feel as good as having a fit body. Buy less clothing and go to the gym instead.” — You’ve got to be active to enjoy clothing the most, and running is extremely easy to get into.
The reality is you probably won’t be able to outrun that 60 year old. But you sure as hell can look cooler than him. Go and cop in peace and get those miles in.