🏃 RunLetters Ultimate Gear Guide

After a lot of testing, training, discussing with friends and racing, on roads and trails, I’ve built a go-to list of running gear. From trusted shoes to the comfiest socks and best shorts, you’ll find almost everything in here.

Whether you're building your kit from scratch or refreshing a few items, I hope this gives you ideas (and saves you from wasting money on the wrong gear 😉).

I keep this list up to date and constantly add more, so come back whenever you’re about to get something new!

📱 Running Apps

Runna
My go-to for structured training. Whether you're aiming for a 5K or marathon, Runna gives you personalized plans, pace guidance, and easy-to-follow workouts that sync with your watch. It’s made a huge difference in how I train. You can watch my review here.
Link | Use code RUNNAK2BSOUW for a 2 week free trial

Strava
The classic. Track your runs, follow your friends, join challenges, and analyze your training. Great for staying connected to the running community and keeping yourself accountable. I personally don’t use Strava, but it’s many runner’s favourite app.
Link

Nike Run Club
A free, beginner-friendly app with guided runs and motivational audio from coaches (Coach Bennett will always be my favourite coach). Perfect if you’re new to running—or if you want someone in your ear while you run. I followed their half-marathon plan, and it got me to the finish line without any injuries, and beating my own expectations.
Link

Komoot
The best app I’ve found for route planning, especially on trails. Helps you map out runs based on terrain, elevation, distance, and more. Great for discovering new places and not getting lost in the woods.
Link

👟 Running Shoes — Road

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
The ultimate shoes for both long runs and speed sessions. Lightweight, responsive, and versatile enough to race in.
Womens | Mens

New Balance 880v15 Fresh Foam
A comfortable, plush shoe perfect for easy runs, warmups, and cool downs. Excellent daily trainer.
Womens | Mens

Saucony Ride 18
Reliable, cushioned, and durable. A neutral workhorse for daily miles that feels smooth from first step.
Womens | Mens

👟 Running Shoes — Trail

Saucony Ride TR2
A trail-ready version of the Ride with extra grip. Feels familiar but handles off-road like a champ. You can see my review here.
Womens | Mens

HOKA Speedgoat 6
Many people’s favourite —max cushioning and great grip. Ideal for technical terrain and long distances. But… I’ll be honest. Not my personal fav, but I have to put it in here, as it is for many of my running buddies.
Womens | Mens

Nike Pegasus Trail 5
Blends road-like cushioning with trail traction. Great for those who mix terrains or start with gentler trails.
Womens | Mens

🧦 Running Socks

SUMS Performance Socks
A small but mighty brand making socks that are durable and will help you avoid blisters. Fun designs and a great fit for both daily training and race day.
Link

Wabiks Running Socks
Sustainably made in Europe with bold colors, funky designs, and breathable mesh. Oh, and highly durable, too.
Link

Runderwear Cushioned Running Socks
Seam-free, anti-blister, and perfect for long runs. These are especially great if you’re prone to rubbing or hot spots. It’s almost like you’re wearing 2 pairs of socks.
Link | Use code CAROLINE15 for 15% off

SHYU Running Socks
Designed for performance—whether you’re racing or logging easy miles. Minimalist look, great ventilation, solid arch support, and they pair perfectly with your race-day shoes.
Link

🩳 Running Shorts

Nike Trail Shorts
Perfect for race day, with all the pockets you could possibly need. They stay in place, don’t ride up, and work beautifully for both road and trail. Available in both men's and women's versions.
Womens | Mens

Weasie Marathon Shorts
Also perfect for race day. Super functional, flattering fit, and they don’t ride up. These have all the pockets you need but are only available for women.
Womens (No Mens Available, Sorry!)

Mier PaceLite Split Shorts 4”
My go-to for easy runs and hot days. Ultra-light, breezy feel and super comfortable. Ideal for those slow summer miles.
Womens | Mens | Use code RUNLETTERS for 10% off

🎽 Running Tops

Nedao Road Collection Tops
Whatever design you choose—men’s or women’s—you’re guaranteed a fun, breathable, and functional top. Nedao nails that mix of cool graphics and technical fabrics.
Womens / Mens

Janji Dune Collection
For when you want performance and style (and a pocket, for the women). Janji’s Dune collection is lightweight, sweat-wicking, and built for tough runs. The Run All Day Tech Tank for men and the bra version for women both feature bold desert-inspired prints. The bra also has pocket space. I simply love the design of these!
Womens | Mens

Weasie Marathon Tank
Light, soft, and beautifully designed for race day or everyday miles. Feels amazing on the skin and looks sharp too. Bonus points for matching the Weasie shorts perfectly.
Womens (No Mens Available, Sorry!)

🎒 Running Vests

Harrier Trail Running Bundles
A brilliant option for trail runners looking for performance and value. Harrier's bundles include a vest, soft flasks, a safety kit, and in some cases even poles and more, at a fraction of the big-brand price. Many runners praise the vests also as durable and comfortable. Designed by trail runners, for trail runners.
Link | Use code CLAASSEN10 for 10% off

SAYSKY Flow Vest 12L
A lightweight, high-capacity vest that hugs your body and moves with you. Built for long-distance efforts and designed with plenty of pocket space, soft flask compatibility, and reflective details. A clean, minimalist design that doesn’t skimp on performance. Favourite of some of my friends.
Link

Salomon Active Skin 8
Comfy, accessible, and reliable. This vest is perfect for long trail runs or ultras, with dual soft flasks, breathable mesh, and an intuitive fit system. Plenty of room for essentials without feeling bulky.
Link

INOV8 Racepac 8
A real workhorse! The Racepac 8 has a snug fit and holds up to 8L of gear and fluids, including space for two 500 ml soft flasks up front and, if you’d like, a 2L bladder in the rear. With multiple quick-access pockets and pole attachment options, this is a solid option for even those longer trail runs or races.

Link | Use code CCLAASSEN for 15% off

Tantrums Running Vest
Sleek, minimalist, and designed by a small independent brand. Tantrums vests offer a snug, bounce-free fit with just the right amount of storage for your essentials—perfect for fast training runs and race day.
Link | Use code carolinaruns10off for 10% off

⌚️ Running Watches

Garmin Forerunner 165 Music
A feature-packed GPS watch with a beautiful AMOLED screen, wrist-based heart rate, advanced run metrics, and built-in music. Perfect if you want something stylish, lightweight, and highly functional, without the premium price tag.  
Link

COROS Pace 3
Lightweight, long battery life, and incredibly runner-friendly. Works seamlessly with Runna (in case you wanted to try the app out, see discount for 2 week trial at the top) and offers accurate GPS, dual-frequency tracking, and LOTS of data. Great pick at a mid-range price. This is my watch of choice!
Link

Suunto Race S
A sleek performance watch built for endurance. Personally love the design of this one. Bright AMOLED display, advanced training insights, and detailed navigation features. The “S” version is lighter and smaller, making it a great choice for runners with smaller wrists who still want serious power. Many people mention they really love Suunto’s app as well.
Link

🏁 The Finish Line

Hope you find these recommendations helpful! Any suggestions? Feel free to DM me on Instagram: @runletters.

NOTE: Some of the links in this guide are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely use and love, or that have been highly recommended by my friends.