The perfect running gear

Here’s a brief overview of how to choose the perfect running gear for your training and races. We’ll discuss the following items: temperature, summer upper gear, summer basics lower gear, transitional season clothing, winter clothing, rain gear, shoes, nutrition, and hydration.

What am I dressing for?

First and foremost, it’s essential to consider what you’re dressing for. Are you exercising in the summer? Or do you have a race in the middle of winter? Do you sweat easily? Or do you cool down quickly during your intervals? Are you running a marathon or sprinting a short distance? These are all important factors to consider. Plan ahead and make your run much more comfortable.

Upper gear for summer

When training in warm weather, we often recommend opting for a short-sleeved shirt. Sports bras, singlets, and polo shirts are also good choices. Simply because you can never go wrong with them. The shirt provides ample cooling when necessary and also protects you from the sun. Opt for a fabric that allows sweat to pass through easily and dries quickly. Are you going to train for several hours? Then it might be nice to bring a thin jacket in case it cools down.

-> Is the sun shining brightly all day? A sports visor and/or cap can be a good option.

Summer basics like leggings or shorts

In warm weather, you have several options for lower gear. You can go for short leggings, biker shorts, 7.5cm shorts, or just loose shorts. Also, pay attention to the breathability and moisture-wicking ability of the fabrics. Choose what’s comfortable for you. Test different options until you find out which bottom gear suits you best. It’s advisable to check if your clothing has pockets. This is handy for your phone, keys, money, and possibly some snacks.

Transitional season

As the weather worsens, pay close attention to the forecasts. Is it getting colder but staying dry? Then choose an upper garment like a hoodie, vest, or jacket. There are various jackets suitable for each season. You can also combine this nicely with training pants and leggings. It’s better to dress a little cooler than too warm because running will naturally warm up your body. The rule of thumb is that it should be just chilly when you step out the door.

Winter

Winter is truly the season for layers. Make sure to wear multiple layers in cold weather. This way, you’ll maintain a good insulating effect without having to wear extremely heavy fabrics. A small tip here is to wear more conspicuous clothing. This will keep you visible even on gloomier days. A thermal shirt is often indispensable as a base layer. Also, always remember to wear a winter jacket to make your workouts bearable.

Rain

During the rain, it’s nice to wear a light rain-repellent jacket. However, make sure you have a jacket that also allows sweat to pass through. Nothing is more annoying than a clammy jacket that’s wet both on the outside and inside. Is it also windy? Then it might be nice if the jacket isn’t too loose, so you can still make use of your aerodynamics. Nowadays, there are various running jackets that are both wind- and rain-repellent.

Shoes

The outfit certainly makes the athlete. Perhaps just as important as clothing, namely the shoes. Look for enough cushioning and a sole that suits your gait (also called pronation). Look online for the best tips or ask in the store.

Nutrition and hydration

Maybe not something you immediately think of when you go for a run, but still an important part of your gear. Are you running long distances? Then it never hurts to carry some easily digestible food with you. This is always handy in case you unexpectedly hit the wall. There are also several (small) water bottles that you can easily take with you. Or plan your route cleverly so you pass by places where you can get something to drink or eat if necessary. Always carry some money for emergencies.

In short, enjoy your run and try out what works best for you. Alternate different clothing options to create the perfect outfit for you. Hopefully, now you know how to choose the perfect running gear.