Lighter, Faster, Stronger Running Gear for Summer
If you're training for a personal record or just don't want to feel weighed down by your running gear this season, we tried products you'll love.
Whether you have plans to race or just want to feel good on each and every run, we rounded up this season’s most innovative products that will keep you blazing through your goals this summer. Trust us: These 15 all-stars are top-notch training partners that won’t disappoint when you are looking for lighter running gear.
ASICS METARUN JACKET
Designed to adapt to your movements and running style—and never, ever feel in the way—this featherlight jacket doesn’t just feel good next to skin: It also moves moisture away from your body to keep you comfortable for hours on end. $180, asics.com
SALOMON S/LAB SHORT 3 W SHORT
Run like the wind in these mini split shorts thanks to Aerotech fabric consruction that uses micro holes for better breathability, while the ad- vanced Skin Activedry keeps you cool and dry even in the most unsuff erably humid conditions. $60, salomon.com
BEATS BY DRE POWERBEATS PRO WIRELESS HEADPHONES
No matter how long or intense your workout, these new pure wireless buds aren’t budging. Plus, with a nine-hour battery life, you don’t have to worry that your podcast listening will get cut short on your next long run. $250, beatsbydre.com
FITBIT VERSA LITE EDITION
With a sleeker, lighter design (not to mention a more affordable price point), this smartwatch still delivers all the must-have tracking features of its predecessor (and the same over four-day battery)—activity, heart rate, sleep, notifications, and more. $160, fitbit.com
HOKA ONE ONE RINCON RUNNING SHOE
Built with an emphasis on weight-to-cushioning ratio, this trainer features a breathable, nearly seamless upper and plenty of protection in the midsole to create a smooth and speedy ride—yet comes in at a mere 6.4 ounces (Hoka’s lightest style to date). $115, hokaoneone.com
LULULEMON FAST AND FREE TIGHT
These buttery-soft leggings are some of our favorites, thanks to the breathable, second-skin material you’ll barely even notice you’re wearing. (Read: the only tights you want to slide into when those summer temps start soaring.) $128, shop.lululemon.com
SUNDAY AFTERNOONS CRUSHIN’ IT CAP
The ’90s retro trend is exemplified in this cool, ultralight hat. It’s quick-drying, has a UPF 50+ sun protection rating (the highest possible!), and will wick up sweat so it doesn’t run in your eyes. Bonus: It’s totally crushable and packable. $28, sundayafternoons.com
SMITH REVERB SUNGLASSES
The coverage you want with shield shades, now with a lighter forget-you’re-wearing-them feel. The lenses feature the brand’s ChromaPop technology so you can catch all the views with extreme clarity and high-def color. Never forget your eye protection in your running gear collection. $189, smithoptics.com
BROOKS FASTFORWARD ZIP SPORTS BRA
Pulling off a heavy, tight sport bra after a super-sweaty run is one of the worst things ever. This genius bra doesn’t skimp on structure for ideal medium-impact support, but gives you an easy exit strategy thanks to its front-zip closure. $36, brooksrunning.com
JANJI ORBIT SINGLET
We beg you to find a lighter singlet out there to add to your running gear stash. This one will make you feel lightning fast thanks to 1.6 ounces (so light you can barely weigh it) of fast-drying, seriously-are-you-wearing-anything fabric. Bonded seams give solid reinforcement and durability. $54, runjanji.com
TOESOX ZOE COMPRESSION SOCKS
Speed up your recovery time by slipping on these innovative knee-high compression socks. The five-toe construction might take some getting used to, but they’ll help boost circulation and ease friction and blisters that might be forming. $49, toesox.com
NEW BALANCE FUELCELL REBEL SHOES
These debut sneakers are for the everyday runner who wants to go fast. Like, really fast. Built with the brand’s highest rebound foam to date placed in the forefoot, these light-weight kicks are designed to help propel you toward a new PR this summer. $130, newbalance.com
TRACKSMITH STRATA TEE
There’s nothing worse than that feeling of a heavy cotton tee stuck to your body after a hot and humid sweat session. This technical tee is substantial yet airy, thanks to proprietary technology that reduces heat absorption and offers UV protection. $78, tracksmith.com
SUUNTO 5 WATCH
Get stronger, fitter, and faster this summer without a coach or personal trainer. This brand-new GPS multisport watch offers fitness-level detection and adaptive training guidance in a significantly smaller and streamlined package that’s a great, light-weight fit for female wrists. $329, suunto.com