The Only Running Apparel And Shoes You’ll Need For Long Distance Training This Year

Look no further: these are the best leggings, footwear and gear to help you finish your next race or smash your personal record

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As someone who runs 6-7 days a week and has done multiple marathons, I’m serious about my running clothes and shoes. And while I do love a comfy airport sneaker, if it can’t last for hours of training, chances are, it won’t deliver on race day. I’ve pressure-tested this gear through rainstorms, snowstorms and sunny and windy days alike, and the best running shoes and apparel have passed each test with flying colors.

Running may require less gear than other sports (looking at you, cycling and Ironman), but having the right essentials can level up your training. I tested hundreds of brands to curate the list of the best leggings, running tees, footwear and more gear – suffering through countless blisters, loose belts and chafing so you don’t have to.

Whether you’re last-minute prepping for the Los Angeles Marathon (March 8), Boston Marathon (April 20) or other races, we’ve rounded up the best clothing and accessories for distance running this year. Below, see our top picks from retailers such as Road Runner Sports, Zappos, REI, Amazon and more.

The Best Running Shoes: How to Choose the Right Pair

If you’re new to running or haven’t had the chance to make it to a running store for a shoe evaluation, here are the best tips to figure out if you need a training shoe that is neutral, stabilizing or motion-controlled.

Check your old running shoes, and look closely at the wear pattern on the outsole. If you see the most wear along the outer heel and evenly through the forefront, that’s a good sign a neutral shoe might be the best fit. A little wear along the inner edge of the shoe might indicate that a stability shoe might be the best fit, while a lot of wear on the inner edge of the shoe might be a good sign that you should shop for motion-controlled shoes.

The best neutral running shoes

The Brooks Ghost 17 sneakers are my day-in, day-out running shoes. I’ve logged hundreds of miles in them, and they’ve stood the test of time. They took a week or so to break in, but since then, it’s been smooth sailing. The Ghost 17s have enough cushion in the heel to prevent blisters, and enough arch support that my feet never ache even after 10+ mile runs.

The best stabilizing running shoes

The Asics Gel-Kayano are some of the best stabilizing shoes on the market. I’ve logged thousands of miles in Asics, and their cushiony support is hard to beat. The shoe provides “adaptive stability” because they only activate support when needed, which provides balance and security during runs.

The best motion-controlled running shoes

I have logged thousands of miles in the New Balance Fresh Foam sneakers, and they’re a great everyday cushioned road runner that is comfortable for even those who severely overpronate. They feel bouncy yet they propel you forward during even the longest runs.

The best racing shoes

The Nike Alphafly 3 is built for race day efficiency, designed to shave seconds off your pace while keeping legs fresher deep into the marathon. The dual Air Zoom pods in the forefoot create a uniquely springy toe-off, while the full-length carbon Flyplate and ZoomX foam work together to deliver an aggressive rolling sensation that propels you forward with each stride.

The Brooks Hyperion Elite is the shoe I’m lacing up for my next half-marathon, built for sustained speed without feeling overly harsh. Its DNA Flash v2 foam delivers a lightweight, responsive ride that feels snappy underfoot, while the carbon plate adds a smooth forward roll that helps maintain turnover when fatigue starts to creep in around mile 10.

The Best Running Belt

I have three of these Flip Belts in my weekly rotation, and for good reason. I have yet to find a better running belt that stays put, holds everything I need, and remains comfortable for miles and miles. I prefer the flip belt with a zipper pocket, so I don’t have to worry about any small items (like keys) falling out of the sides. (Select styles are on sale at Amazon, too.)

The Best Running Sunglasses

I’ve run in Goodr sunglasses for everything from easy shakeout miles to long summer runs, and they’ve become a staple in my gear rotation. The no-slip, no-bounce frame lives up to the hype, staying put even through my sweatiest runs, while the polarized lenses cut glare without distorting the road or trail ahead.

They’re lightweight, comfortable and surprisingly durable, making them an easy grab whether I’m heading out for a quick 5K or logging back-to-back long runs during peak training. They’re also stylish enough that I’ve worn them during vacations and casual outings, too.

I tested the Oakley Meta Vanguard throughout multiple training runs and races in New York, and they quickly proved themselves as more than just a novelty wearable. The Prizm lens delivered sharp contrast and full wind coverage on faster efforts, while the lightweight wrap frame stayed locked in without pressure points, even over longer mileage.

What stood out most was how seamlessly the performance optics blended with the built-in tech, taking stunning photos and videos mid-run, playing music out loud and layering in training data without disrupting my stride.

The Best Running Apparel

I’ve been wearing the Bandit Stamina Scoop Bra for everything from tempo runs to strength sessions, and it strikes that rare balance between performance support and elevated design. The compressive, sweat-wicking fabric feels secure without restrictive, even for larger chests, while the built-in pocket holds my phone snugly and surprisingly stable. It’s supportive enough for higher-impact efforts but still soft and streamlined, making it an easy choice for long miles when I don’t want to carry a belt or extra layer.

Related: The Best Sports Bras for Every Type of Activity

I have tested likely over 100 pairs of women’s leggings, and if my Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Leggings are clean, it’s likely I’m reaching for them. The Everlux fabric feels cool to the touch but delivers serious compression, keeping everything locked in without feeling stiff or restrictive on the run. They stay put through intervals, lifts and long efforts alike, with zero waistband roll or mid-workout adjustments.

Tracksmith knows running, and its Meridian Tank is reminiscent of a high school track singlet but leveled up for long distance training. It’s perfect for humid summer runs and intense treadmill workouts. The Italian-made micro-mesh fabric feels featherlight and ultra-breathable, wicking sweat quickly without clinging mid-run. It comes in both men’s and women’s styles.

Bandit’s Micromesh Run Tee is the most comfortable running t-shirt I’ve ever worn, full stop. It feels weightless and incredibly soft against the skin. It also comes in both men’s and women’s styles.

When it’s less than 20 degrees outside, this is what you’ll find me wearing during my longest runs. The bestselling Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Fleece pullover is reliable, comfortable, and (most important of all) warm. I’ve had mine for 10 years, and it looks new.

The Brooks Unisex Shield Lobster Glove 2.0 has a split-finger “lobster” design that balances warmth and dexterity, keeping hands insulated while still allowing for my frequent watch checks or mid-run adjustments. A weather-resistant outer shell helps block wind and light rain, while reflective detailing adds visibility on dark, early-morning or post-work miles.

Feetures’ Elite Light Cushion Quarter Socks deliver that sweet spot of streamlined cushioning and a snug, anatomical fit that stays put during long runs without feeling bulky under sneakers. The quarter height protects your ankle while keeping feet cool and dry thanks to moisture-wicking, performance-oriented yarns.

If you’ve run a marathon (or are training for one), these caps are perfect to represent your favorite race. With most major races represented, the Ciele GoCAP is a perfect keepsake (or gift) for any runner. It’s also breathable but stays secure on your head, no matter the weather.

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