The Perfect Kit: Hit the Ground Running

Start making miles with these 12 essentials.

Find everything you need for the ideal run in this kit. These are our favorite clothes, shoes and more for running.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Road Running Shoes

Versions: Women’s, men’s

A product-on-white photo of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 road-running shoe

Hard pavement isn’t the most forgiving, so you need a shoe that is. Enter: the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22. The latest edition of the ever-popular trainer keeps the Brooks GuideRails® support system to help structure your stride, while extending soft cushioning throughout the midsole. The shoe’s mesh uppers are secure and breathable, holding everything together mile after mile. Supportive and snug, the Adrenalines help make road efforts comfortable and powerful. $140

Janji AFO Middle Shorts

Versions: Women’s, men’s

A product-on-white photo of the Janji AFO Middle Shorts

Lightweight, breathable and flexible—Janji’s AFO fabric is ideal for all conditions. These shorts feature a stretchy shell with a 3-inch inseam for women and a 5-inch inseam for men, plus a snug waistband with a drawcord to help keep you comfortable during runs of all lengths. The bonded hem seams minimize chafing, leaving you free to run the high mileage of your heart’s content. Inside, a front key pocket and back zipper pocket secure your stuff while you move. $66

Janji Groundwork 2.0 Tights – Women’s 

A product-on-white photo of the Janji Groundwork 2.0 Tights

With stretchable fabric that offers moderate compression, the Janji Groundwork 2.0 Tights are the best of both worlds: secure enough to stay put during strenuous efforts, yet light enough to make you forget they’re on. The 7/8-length tights feature two deep side pockets to hold your phone, plus a back pocket that doubles as a pass-through pocket to hold layers you strip off. You’ll be reaching into your drawer to grab these go-tos for all types of runs. $88

Salomon Agile Long Tights – Men’s

A product-on-white photo of the Salomon Agile Tights

The best running gear should move with you. Thanks to quick-drying, moisture-wicking, skin-hugging fabric, the Salomon Agile Tights do just that. These running pants are stitched from an opaque, stretchy blend making them perfect for cooler conditions, with woven panels on the calves to provide additional protection. Zippers on the bottom of the legs and the back pocket make the tights functional, too, whether you need to take them off for an interval workout or bring your phone with you on a long run. $70

Balega Ultraglide No-Show Socks

A product-on-white photo of the Balega Ultraglide No-Show Socks

You may not think much about your socks while you’re running, but all it takes is one painful blister to make you wish you’d gone with the good ones. Luckily, the Balega Ultraglide No-Show Socks have well-placed cushioning to help absorb the moisture, heat and movement that cause those blisters in the first place. Moisture management technology, microfiber mesh panels and synthetic lubricant are all part of the fabric as well, adding breathability and reducing friction. Your feet will thank you. $16

rabbit EZ Tee T-Shirt 

Versions: Women’s (short sleeve), Men’s (long-sleeve)

A product-on-white photo of the rabbit EZ shirt

Although your legs do much of the work while running, your arms and upper body are swinging back and forth just as much. You owe it to yourself to drape your torso in the soft, light fabric of the rabbit EZ Tee. The tailored fit on the moisture-wicking shirt won’t cling to you as you sweat, leaving you free to put in the work and get the most out of your run. $45

Brooks Drive Convertible Bra

A product-on-white photo of the Brooks Drive Convertible Bra

A sports bra that lacks support can quickly ruin an otherwise pleasant run. Thankfully, the customizable back straps on the Brooks Drive Convertible Bra help you stay comfy and secure all the way through. In addition to the high-impact support, a brushed bottom band helps reduce friction, allowing you to stay tuned in during any type of effort.

Arc’teryx Incendo SL Jacket (Men’s) & Cita SL Hoodie (Women’s)

Versions: Women’s, men’s

A product-on-white image of the Arcteryx Incendo Jacket

Gusty winds are an annoyance for any runner, pushing you around and leaving you chilly and frustrated. But dressing for the conditions can make a big difference, and this outer layer from Arcteryx dishes out comfort with its wind-resistant fabric. Breathable underarm and back panels help regulate your temperature, while elastic on the cuffs and hem keep the cold out. Plus, at less than 3 ounces, you can easily pack the jacket down to the size of a baseball in the internal stow pocket if the wind dies down. $129–$159

The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves (Men’s & Women’s)

A pair of black The North Face ETip Recycled Gloves, laying flat on a white background

Runs in cold weather call for a unique balance between insulation and breathability: You need to stay warm, but you don’t want your gear to get soaked in sweat. The North Face scores both sustainability and practicality points with these cozy running gloves made of recycled materials and equipped with full-finger and -palm touch-screen conductivity. The Etips don’t get in the way, either: 4-way stretch fleece and a proprietary 5 Dimensional Fit™ guarantee both even warmth and extended comfort throughout the run.  $45

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A product-on-white photo of the Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

Whether on your neighborhood sidewalks or a rocky trail, night running requires a good light source. The 450 lumens of power on this Editor’s Choice Award Winner are more than enough to light the way ahead, with single-button adjustment of the several brightness levels. A rechargeable battery ramps up in just three hours and keeps the headlamp running on medium for up to eight hours. That, plus a detachable, washable headband means that back-to-back nighttime runs are as easy as plugging in a USB charger. $69.95

Amphipod Xinglet Optic Beam USB Rechargeable Flashing Reflective Vest

A product-on-white photo of the Amphipod Xinglet Optic Beam USB Rechargeable Flashing Reflective Vest

A headlamp helps you see, but the Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Vest helps others see you. A light tube that wraps around your body and front and rear reflective features turn you into a bright green flashing beacon for cars and other nighttime running hazards. Plus, a minimalist, fully adjustable design makes sure you’re comfortable on the way. USB charging and an 8-hour battery life in flashing mode help you rest easy as far as safety goes, even when you’re pumping out your run in the dark. $60

Garmin Forerunner 255 Music GPS Watch

During a long season of running—whether a bitter winter or a stretch without a goal race on the calendar—it can be hard to stay motivated. Luckily, the Garmin Forerunner 255 Music, one of many options in Garmin’s legacy line of GPS watches, can give you a boost. Not only does the 255 Music monitor training data like distance, pace, intervals, heart rate and VO2 max, but it also stores and plays up to 500 songs (and you can sync a playlist from Spotify, Amazon Music or Deezer)—just make sure you have your bluetooth headphones synced. It boasts other conveniences, too: There are safety tracking features that allows you to share your location with emergency contacts, and with Garmin Pay™ contactless payments, you can grab a mid-long-run snack without a card or cash on hand. $400


Interested in more staff picks and kits? Find more collections here.

For expert advice on how to get started running or improve your existing routine, go here.

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