Go Go Gadgets: The Best Running Gear
By
1 week ago
Supercharge your run with these high-tech accessories.
With the London Marathon on the horizon, if you’re feeling inspired to take your causal park runs to the next level, there’s one sure way to motivate you: gamify your run. Whether it’s cutting a few seconds of your PB, tracking your heart rate or taking to the streets at night with a headlamp, these top running gear buys can help you get there quicker. And of course, they’ll all make great presents for runners, too.
The Country & Town House Responsible Buyers’ Guide
Best Running Accessories & Tech
Best Running Headphones: Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, £219
For many, the playlist makes the run. When you’re flagging on the last mile, the perfect tune can carry you through. For others, having a fascinating podcast can help you lose yourself (and make you forget the fact you’ve lost your breath) and speed the run, while some like to chat to a friend on the phone while they pound the pavements. If you like to switch between the three, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a great choice. Not only do they have optional noise cancellation to block out your surroundings (and mute your own panting) but there is the option to connect to Google Gemini for on-the-go directions or questions, in case you get lost or have a question on that podcast topic you’re immersed in. Super comfy, they are great for running or gym workouts.
The Best Running Watch: Garmin Forerunner 265, £379.99
The all-important PB can be recorded with a sports watch, but there are running watches on the market that can take your stat tracking to the next level. The Garmin Forerunner 265 features a vibrant touchscreen alongside physical buttons for versatile use. It offers advanced metrics like VO2 Max, training readiness, and race predictions, plus GPS and heart rate tracking. Unlike many smartwatches, the Garmin gives you up to 13 days of battery life, music storage, and customisable workout screens. Leave the phone at home – this watch does it all.
The Treadmill Gadget: Zwift Runpod, £37.99
Want to prove you’re faster than Usain Bolt? This one’s for you. Suitable for treadmill running, the Zwift RunPod is a compact, clip-on device that clips to your shoe and connects to Zwift’s interactive platform. It tracks speed, cadence, and distance, allowing users to explore virtual routes and join a global running community. It should liven up those long indoor runs.
Best For Night Runs: Biolite Headlamp, £70
Want to pound the pavements after sundown? This super lightweight torch will give you all the vision you need, lighting the path ahead on those early morning or late evening runs. It weighs only 85 grams and is fitted on a slim, comfortable headband, so it shouldn’t slow you down or bother you while you’re speeding along.
Best Running Shades: Oakley BiSphaera Sunglasses, £208
Sun in your eyes is going to slow you down (or trip you up). But your usual shades may not cut it, often ending up bouncing all over the place since they’re not designed for action. Oakley’s shades are specially designed with high performance in mind, giving all-angle protection from the sun, dealing with glare, and minimising discomfort.
Best SPF For Running: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Fluid Oil Control UVMune 400 SPF-50, £20.25
Whatever the weather, you’ll need to protect yourself from the elements – especially the sun. While some SPFs are oily or greasy, rubbing off as soon as you break a sweat, La Roche-Posay’s oil control suncream provides full-spectrum factor 50 coverage without adding to your perspiration levels.
