The running gear our editors loved in July

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Take it from the experts

As people who literally run for a living, we’ve often asked for our recommendations of the best running gear, whether it’s do-it-all shoes for beginners, a hydration pack for those long training runs, or even good quality socks. And at RW, we take great pride in thoroughly testing every product in our buyer’s guides. So, if you see an item listed, you know it’s one we liked and would genuinely recommend.

This month has seen the release of a number of new running shoes, including the Adidas Boston 12, the Saucony Kinvara Pro and the Hoka Zinal 2. As shorts and vest season is still upon us (well, just about) we’ve also been putting plenty of kit through its paces on both the road and trails. Here’s all the gear our team has rated most.

There are a few key things that a pair of men’s running shorts must get right: a fit that allows for full range of motion, a zipped pocket (preferably at the back) and a length that is neither baggy nor liable to have its wearer arrested for indecent exposure. The Saucony Outpace 5" short ticks all the boxes. These shorts are a joy to run in and something you could wear on training runs and race day itself. Other plus points include reflective logos to make you better seen in low light and an inner brief that means you can wear them without underwear. This is all simple stuff, but it’s done with panache, and the result is a short that runners of all abilities are likely to love.

Imagine a pair of running spikes without, well, spikes. Welcome to the Asics Metaspeed LD, a spike-free track shoe so good you’ll wonder why you ever bothered screwing in those pesky metal accoutrements. I’ve been putting the shoe through its paces on the local track and have been impressed by both the level of responsiveness and relative comfort. The spike has a featherlight design and a full-length carbon plate. If you’re someone who’s getting back to the track – like me – then it’s a great option as it feels a little less aggressive than some of the other super-spikes out there.

Never heard of USWE? Me neither. Until, I tried this excellent hydration pack. It’s honestly the best racing backpack I’ve ever worn (and I’ve worn loads – and loads). It’s extremely comfortable, well-fitted and, thanks to its patented ‘no dancing monkey’ locking system, almost completely bounce-free. The only snag is the straws on the water bottles, which are too short. But it’s an easy fix as most soft flasks have interchangeable lids, so you can just fix your old ones onto these. A genuinely brilliant piece of kit by a brand that deserves to be better known in UK running circles.

Okay, so technically this isn’t a running vest – it’s actually a tank top designed for yoga. But don’t let that dissuade you. Faced with a drawer full of running vests, this is the one I’ve found myself reaching for most this month. Made from Lulu’s Nulu fabric, it’s supremely soft and comfortable, and the slightly higher cut underneath the arms is ideal for people like me who struggle with chafing. The length is just the right fit too – not too long, but not too short, and just as flattering tucked in as it is left out. You’re guaranteed to want this in more than one colour, in fact, some of the women on our team do.

Turns out, nothing divides runners more than a toe sock. I put these on my Instagram story earlier this month and was met with some strong opinions in my DMs. I’ll admit, I was sceptical before trying them – after all, they don’t exactly scream ‘stylish’. But I'm happy (or afraid, depending on which camp you’re in) to report that I’m quite the convert. This pair from UYN are stretchy, cushioned and ventilated. They’ve got a special shock-absorbent 3D knitted structure too, and an anatomically shaped footbed to minimise athletic stresses. When it comes to blister-free running, I can imagine these becoming a staple for my ultra-marathon training later in the year, and I’ll almost certainly be stocking up on more pairs.

In our quest to find the best trail running shorts for men and women, I’ve been testing these Salomon Cross Multi 7" shorts – and I absolutely love them. They’re impossibly soft, with a velvety texture that strikes the right balance of supportiveness and stretchiness, as well as having great moisture management. At 7”, they’re the perfect length for taller runners like me, and the high waistband gets a big thumbs up. There’s only one small hidden waistband pocket, though, so you will need to wear a running belt or hydration jacket if you want to take your phone with you.

It’s officially shorts season. And while finding the right pair of running shorts may sound simple, most women want more than just a pair they can sweat in. After testing dozens this summer, my current favourite are Sweaty Betty’s Power 6" Cycling Shorts. Offering that same held-in, supported feeling of leggings – without, crucially, overheating – Sweaty Betty’s Power shorts are high-waisted, sweat-wicking and perfect for both running or HIIT training classes in the gym. There’s a handy zipped pocket on the back for your keys and a side pocket big enough to fit your phone – my only real gripe is that there should really be two drop-down side pockets, not just one. Available in either 4”, 6” or 9” inseam, you can decide how much coverage (or chafe protection) you want for a truly distraction-free run when the sun shines.

As someone who sweats a lot (seriously, it’s next level), water just doesn’t cut it when it starts to heat up. These High5 electrolyte tablets are my go-to (my favourite are the pink grapefruit flavour). Simply pop a tablet into your bottle or glass of 500-750ml of water and it quickly dissolves, giving you a refreshing electrolyte drink to use either before, during or after your workout. Each tube contains 20 sugar-free zero-calorie tablets, with added sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium – so they’re great for tackling dehydration and replacing all the electrolytes lost through sweat.

I’ve always loved how the Adidas Adizero Boston’s looked, but repeatedly found them way too firm to run in. As someone who simply doesn’t have time (or the willpower) to ‘break in’ running shoes, it’s been all too easy to toss these aside. But, I’m pleased to report, after running in the Boston 12s for the past month, the latest iteration is much, much more wearable – and while still on the stiff side (thanks to the energy rods) they feel a lot softer than the Boston 11s.

Designed for mid- to long-distance running, the Boston 12’s actually feel more in line with the Adizero Adios Pro 3’s – in fact, if this is your race shoe of choice, then the Boston 12 compliment them perfectly. You may still find these too stiff – and a tad uncomfortable – for chilled, chatty easy runs, but the Boston 12s really come into their own for harder tempo runs, since they offer a race-day feel. Ideal for those looking to take their training up a notch.

I’ve reviewed these at greater length and am still, weeks on, really loving them. Yes, they are a lot of shoe, with a serious stack height, but they never feel chunky or too much when you run. They are a bouncy, cushioned treat on a tired-legs day but that plate gives you more energy return when you need it. Generally, with plated shoes, you feel that running in them outside of race day is ‘wasting’ their mileage. That’s not the case with these – after all, these are training shoes, not racing ones, and have the longevity to match. I’m about to go on holiday, and the Kinvara Pros will definitely be joining me.

I’ve always avoided unisex products, on the grounds that what they usually mean by unisex is ‘shaped for men, but in smaller sizes too’. I refer you to almost every race T-shirt, ever. Not to mention that trying unisex race vests has previously resulted in collarbone scrapes and chafing. Not so with the Harrier. This has immediately become my favourite race vest ever. Its fabric is soft but robust, the fit is exceptional with multiple adjustments available, and the storage is amazing for such a small vest. It’s just so well designed – for instance, there’s a little zip-up pocket that leads into the back of the vest that means popping coins or a set of keys in is accessible, safe, and won’t jangle around. You can really tell the founder, Derbyshire-based Kate Parker, is a trail runner herself.

Whenever I write anything about the importance of post-run nutrition I cross my fingers behind my back – I’m terrible at it. I can’t stomach protein shakes, I hate almost all bars or convenience protein-rich foods and go right off real food anyway after hard efforts. The one thing I can always eat is fruit. And now, it’s Blackberry season. So whether it’s a juicy post-run treat or collecting a load for carb-loading in style with a blackberry crumble, get yourself to a nearby patch now and enjoy a few.

Ali is Runner’s World's ecommerce editor, specialising in reviewing the latest running shoes, gear and tech. She speaks to some of the world’s top experts across footwear, gym wear, fitness equipment and nutrition to help readers make smart decisions when shopping online. Before joining RW, Ali worked as health editor at Future Plc across brands including Coach, Fit&Well, T3, TechRadar and Live Science. A Boston qualifying runner, she’s completed seven marathons and plans to tick off every World Major. Just don't make her race a 10k...

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