When you run long miles in tough terrain, you don’t want to worry about your shorts chafing or your technical T riding up. That’s why it’s so important to find apparel that works and then stick with it. If your signature look wins you style points鈥攍ike these six tried-and-true winners below鈥攁ll the better. Trust us, you’re going to love them so much you’ll run them into the ground.
Athleta Reflective Stride Tight ($98)
Warm enough for cold mornings or chilly coastal afternoons but not so thick you’ll roast during speed workouts or hill climbs, the is that rare full-legged Lycra/Spandex tight that doesn’t feel like overkill midway through your run. And if you do push through your sweat threshold, mesh panels and the ingenious Polygiene material keep the stink at bay. Caught out after dark? The ample reflective piping will see you home safely, and in style.
The North Face Ultra Trail Shoes ($110)
A competitive ultrarunner, I’ve run through the gamut of trail sneaks, from super-minimal, zero-drops to foamy, high-rise maximals. Each served me well for a while, but when my Achilles and ankles began complaining, I found my way back to my sweet spot. With a lightweight upper, grippy but low-profile Vibram sole, and 8mm of rise, the are the Goldilocks of trail sneakers: just right. Equally sure-footed on rugged, 20-mile high-altitude adventure runs, easy road-to-trail recovery days, and 100K mountain races, they’ll end your search for the perfect, do-it-all pair of trail kicks.
Smartwool PhD Run Divide Vest ($160)
I tend to get warm fast when I run, even on sunny, 15-degree Santa Fe mornings, so jackets usually leave me peeling layers as soon as I pick up the pace. That’s why my go-to piece for winter running is the , a bantamweight cold-weather fix with a brushed, windproof front panel and smooth, no-itch merino lining that layers smoothly over a mid-weight T. Perks include a front chest pocket that’s so discreet I didn’t even know it was there, a back pocket for cell phone or fuel, and reflective trim for those nights you’re running late.聽
Lululemon Race Your Pace Half-Zip II ($98)
Too often running tops have a slippery, nylony feel which works well in summer but doesn’t exactly beckon on shivery days. Not the , a buttery Luxtreme half-zip that’s soft enough to wear next to skin yet plenty stretchy for streamlined, no-bunch layering. This piece is crammed with clever details, including racer-back vents right where you need them most, a two-way zipper that lets you cool off while keeping your collar snug, and the most hyper-designed wrist in the biz, complete with thumbholes and “Cuffins,” fold-over finger warmers in case you forgot your gloves.
Patagonia Strider Shorts ($45)
Shorts just might be the pickiest, most personal piece in your running kit. The quest ends here with the 3 1/4-inch inseam , a flattering, ultra-light short-short that’s built for speed but doesn’t sacrifice style. The low-rise, flat-knit waistband sits right on the hips without riding up, mesh vents on the notched side panels keep you cool while adding a hint of retro gym-short flair, and the built-in crepe-like liner is so light you barely know it’s there. The small internal key pocket at the back hip handy, if a tinch hard to reach; an external pocket would make these a bomber choice for race day, too.
Outdoor Research Switchback Hat ($27)
It’s easy to stray into geek territory with running caps鈥攈ence the proliferation of trucker hats on ultra podiums in the past year. Unless you want to wind up with a face full of crow’s feet, you’ll want to invest in a lightweight lid that you can put on and forget about. Easily the best I’ve ever worn is OR’s , a minimal nylon cap with a brim that’s already creased down the middle for easy stashing when the sun goes down (because how many brims have you trashed trying to cram in your pack?). The brim’s not too duckbillish, the cap’s not too deep, and there’s even a brainy little key-or gelpocket for days when you’re going super light. UPF 30 sun protection keeps your tender scalp safe.