7 Pieces of the Best Affordable Run Gear Available Now
Long gone are the days of running in mesh basketball shorts and a cotton T-shirt.
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When we run, we want to feel supported, comfortable—and not like we took out a second mortgage to afford our leggings. There’s definitely a time and place for expensive workout gear, but thanks to how far the apparel industry has come, that doesn’t need to be everyday. Here are some of our favorite pieces of affordable workout clothes you can stock up on and won’t fall apart after one run and a wash.
Goodr The OGs Sunglasses | $25
With lenses that are scratch-resistant, shatter-proof, and have UV 400 protection, these shades will stand up to even your toughest workouts—and you don’t have to worry about ruining your good frames on sweaty days.
Fitbit Inspire 2 | $100
Track the basics—steps, calories burned, and heart rate—as well as stress, sleep, and your menstrual cycle without spending tons of cash. During a run, the Active Zone Minutes feature will alert you when you enter your personalized cardio, fat-burning, and peak target heart rate zones.
Oiselle Flyout Long Sleeve | $72
This technical fabric tee was designed for long runs—it’ll keep you protected during a chilly start, then quickly move sweat away from your skin as you start to put in the work. While at $72 this doesn’t necessarily qualify as “cheap running gear,” the quality of the fabric used here means it’ll last for a lot longer than a fast-fashion top, meaning you spend less money over time.
JLab Go Air True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds | $30
Get five hours of playtime in one charge from these sweat-resistant earbuds. Tap the sides to change the volume, switch songs, or answer calls without missing a step. Plus, these are cheap enough to actually be able to replace should you misplace one during a long run.
Champion Absolute Eco Print Sports Bra | $30
When it comes to cheap running gear for women, Champion is a go-to brand known for reliable quality. This moderate-support sports bra made from recycled polyester fibers will give you a confident fit from cardio to cross-training thanks to its moisture-wicking Double Dry technology and a soft, chafe-resistant band.
Saucony Outpace 3″ Short | $40
The best affordable workout clothes are pieces that you’ll wear over and over. This is a perfect upgrade to classic running shorts, offering just enough extras (like an infinity drawcord, thin brief liner, and zippered back pocket) while keeping a simple look and feel.
Asics Thermostorm Jacket | $100
A water-repellent shell protects a woven inner layer to block out bad weather without sacrificing breathability. Extra features like thumb holes in the sleeves and a dropped hem help keep you warm on chilly runs. If you only have room in your budget for one jacket to carry you through three seasons, let it be this one.