I’m a Trail Runner Who Has Tested the Best Running Gear — Here’s What I Recommend if You’re New to Running

For versatile shoes that can take you to the trail or track year-round, Hoka Challenger 7 shoes are a worthy pick. The lightweight yet well-cushioned shoes have lugs on the bottom to keep you stable over a variety of terrains, from wet grass to concrete. I wore them trail running and never once felt like I was going to slip.

While I tested the standard version, I could have chosen the Gore-Tex option, which is waterproof for running in rain and snow. The Challenger 7 shoes reduced shock and impact, kept my feet stable, and felt light as air, helping me feel more streamlined. The heel was a bit wide for me, and it would be great if the shoes had reflective elements for the dark, but otherwise, it’s hard to find something I don’t love about these sneakers.

Considering wearing regular cotton socks on a run? Think again. Running socks should contain moisture-wicking, breathable materials — either synthetic or wool — to help prevent blisters, Silva says. The merino wool in this pair fits the bill and also regulates your temperature, keeping you warm in the winter and cool as the seasons change.

This Nike pair should be in every runner’s wardrobe. I felt very snug, safe, and supported, even on hard concrete. I adored the many pockets to stash my lip balm, keys, and phone. Warning: Be prepared to do some shimmying to get them on if you opt for your regular size. (I sized up, and they were still pretty tight.) Also, the pants don’t have a fleece interior like some other brands, so these may not be appropriate for very cold temps.

When choosing gear, always keep the type of fabric in mind. Cotton is a no-go because it absorbs moisture, says Silva. This polyester and spandex blend is moisture wicking, breathable, and lightweight — all features you want in a running shirt.

In addition to those must-haves, this top offers light compression, which helped me feel streamlined and light. Unlike other brands I tried, the shirt looks and feels well constructed, with thick and sturdy fabric and a four-way stretch that allowed me to move freely.

Let’s not forget that looking good makes you feel good, so I was happy to see the variety of colors, like rose pink, red, and army green. The shirt comes in two sleeve lengths. It runs a little small, so you might want to size up. You’ll also want to layer it with a sweater in cold weather.

A place to store things like keys and lip balm is a running essential, but finding something that doesn’t bounce can be a challenge. This sleek, comfortable belt has a zippered pocket and three openings, so the weight is distributed evenly (this means no flopping while in motion). It also has plenty of storage — I stashed my phone, keys, and lip balm easily, and I could have added a few more items, like an ID and earbuds.

Unlike some other options, it’s not adjustable, and you don’t clip it in place but rather step into it like a pair of pants. It seems strong enough to withstand a bit of stretching, and it comes in sizes XS to XXL, so you can find the right fit. While the zippered pocket held my phone, I struggled a bit to squeeze it in. As a result, changing music and answering calls were a little cumbersome.

A good running bra should have the strongest support possible so you stay snug and contained mile after mile. That’s exactly what this pretty, feminine bra from Lululemon did. The strong support style kept me contained with minimal bounce, and the comfy, sweat-wicking fabric felt good against my skin.

The bra comes in sizes 32B up to 40D. At 36C, I’m right in the middle of that range, so I’m confident that this bra will work for a variety of chest sizes. I was able to get just the right fit, thanks to the adjustable double-cross back straps, and I appreciated the foam cups, which reduced the dreaded uni-boob effect you get in a lot of sports bras. An attractive running bra is hard to find, so for that alone, this gets five stars. Keep in mind that you have to reach behind you to hook it, and it’s not the most affordable option.

Shielding your eyes from harsh UV rays on runs is nonnegotiable. A good pair of running sunnies reduces glare and keeps your vision sharp for the road ahead. These Goodr polarized sunglasses have a silicone lining and a snug frame, which kept them in place no matter how intense my pace was.

I loved the glare-reducing lenses and the look of these glasses as well. This pair isn’t a wraparound style, so you won’t get maximum protection from glare and the elements, but it’s a solid pick for everyday runs.

The daily readiness score was my favorite feature. It calculates what level of workout you’re ready for based on your sleep quality, how much you pushed yourself the day before, and your heart rate variability. The score made deciding between taking a rest day or going for a run a no-brainer. It also has a preinstalled run setting, which tracks distance, pace, active zone minutes, and time spent in various heart rate zones.

With a Fitbit Inspire 3 purchase, you get a six-month premium membership, but once that trial ends, you no longer have free access to some of the device’s sleep data (such as a monthly sleep profile) or the guided meditations and workouts.

I wore this pack on a long beach run when I knew I’d want to stop and take a nice break to enjoy the view. In addition to providing me with ample water, this pack had plenty of storage for a sweater and snacks, plus room to spare. It was comfortable, light, flexible, and functional, with breathable mesh and microfiber material at the contact points. The hydration nozzle was a bit long, and it flopped up and down on my runs, but even though that was a bit irritating, I wouldn’t consider it a deal-breaker by any means.

The gels' natural source of energy comes from chia seeds, fruit puree, and brown rice syrup. The ingredients combine protein and carbs for an energy boost in an easily squeezed pack. The gels taste delicious, and their jammy consistency was easy to get down. This is an excellent line of products, but cane sugar is one of the ingredients.

This delicious organic trail mix is an ideal combination of protein-packed nuts and seeds, plus carb-containing berries. The fruit was tangy and soft, and the nuts gave me a sense of grounding.

If you’re allergic to nuts or don’t want to invest in 2.2 pounds of trail mix, try a smoothie with banana, protein powder, and milk; eggs and sourdough toast with avocado; or Greek yogurt with berries and honey, Silva says.

Whether between the thighs, around the waist, or where bra straps meet skin, painful chafing takes the fun out of running. While some people use Vaseline or baby powder to prevent irritation, the slightly more expensive Body Glide Anti Chafe Balm is designed to prevent this nuisance.

I used this protective, sweatproof, nongreasy barrier to reduce friction around my bra straps. The unscented deodorantlike stick is easy to apply, and it really did live up to its chafe-fighting reputation. I also loved that it can be used for a variety of activities, such as dancing at music festivals or body surfing during the summer.