Run the Rainbow: The Best Running Gear to Celebrate Pride Month

We’ve got a feeling this Pride month is going to be one for the history books—after a very lonely year, there’s a whole lot of love that needs to be celebrated.

And with a lot of pride festivals, races, and parades actually happening in person (though some are still virtual), it’s understandable that you’ll want to show up looking your best. Who doesn’t want to look fly when reuniting with run buddies at a local pride race?

But while we’re doing so, let’s make sure some of that money spent gets back to organizations that need it.

“We are thrilled to see so many companies and brands stepping up to support Pride this year,” said Shira Kogan, director of corporate development at The Trevor Project, an organization the provides crisis prevention and mental health resources to LGBTQ+ youth. “Companies across all industries–from consumer apparel to consultant groups to pet accessories–have dedicated generous financial support for The Trevor Project this year, which will directly help us continue providing free, 24/7 crisis services to LGBTQ youth who need us.” There is even a collection set up on The Trevor Project website of all the partners that are donating to the organization through product purchases.

Sporting rainbow gear is a physical way to show support and, of course, pride in your identity. There’s also something to be said about what it means to have brands authentically support the LGBTQ+ community. “Beyond the essential financial support, there’s also a direct benefit for the community when brands are loud about their support of Pride; we’ve found that more than half of youth said brands who support the LGBTQ community positively impact how they feel about being LGBTQ,” said Kogan.

We’ve rounded up some running gear that both looks good and does good.

The Best Gear to Celebrate Pride Month

Reebok Floatride Energy 3 Pride | $100

Go out and run: The knit upper on these shoes is breathable (with the perfect splash of rainbow detail) and the midsole is lightweight and responsive. Reebok’s All Types of Pride collection was specially designed by its own group of LGBTQ+ employees, Colorful Soles. The company has committed to donating $75,000 to the Sylvia Rivera Law Project, an organization dedicated to advocating for the right for all people to self-determine their gender identity and expression without fear of harassment, violence, or discrimination.

Sanuk We Got Your Back Slides | $55

A comfy pair of post-run shoes are essential for lounging. These rainbow Sanuks don’t come gendered, but in a wide or narrow fit (with traditional sizes listed for reference). Proceeds will be donated to Pacific Pride Foundation, providing services to the LGBTQ community of Santa Barbara.

Adidas Love Unites All Sports Bra | $45

This sports bra provides low-impact support, making it better for cross-training days than for a run. But it’s also cute as hell and ready to be worn as is. As part of the Love Unites campaign (including their 30+ piece collection), Adidas has partnered with active members and supporters of the LGBTQ+ community, “a collective of athletes and artists who have made incredible strides forward as champions of inclusivity,” according to a press release. Among their list of partner athletes is Adidas-sponsored sprinter Aleia Hobbs.

Brooks Discovery Trucker Hat | $28

Pride festivals are often very hot and sunny. Go a little casual and practical with this white Run Proud trucker hat from Brooks. For the third year in a row Brooks has pledged to partner with and provide grants to local chapters of Front Runners, an LGBTQ+ running club.

Bombas Tie Dye Pride Ankle Socks | $12

Bombas socks are perhaps the comfiest running socks, with that bit of extra heel cushion and the way they stay in place and don’t chafe or rub. For every pair sold in its Pride collection (and there are a lot of styles to choose from), Bombas will donate a pair to one of three organizations that offer shelter and health services to LGBTQ people.

Puma Trevor Project Tee | $30

As runners and allies, we love the sentiment on this Puma t-shirt: Stronger. Faster. Forward. Together. What we love more? 100 percent of the proceeds are donated to The Trevor Project.

DKNY Ask Me About My Pronouns Tank | $39

Using the correct pronouns is not only respectful and considerate, but also a way to foster an inclusive and safe space in your running group. In an effort to normalize introducing ourselves with our pronouns DKNY designed this limited-edition ‘Ask Me About My Pronouns’ tank. The shirt will support the Hetrick-Martin Institute, which provides education and advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth in New York City.

Peloton Pride Flag High Waist Capri | $78

These high waisted capri pants are bold and bright. But they are also made to perform with moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabric and four-way stretch so you can move in comfort. While Peloton is not offering any donation on purchase, the company has pledged to donate $100,000 to four LGBTQ organizations globally. The U.S.-based beneficiary is The Ali Forney Center, an organization whose mission is to protect LGBTQ youth from homelessness.

Goodr The Gang’s All Queer Sunglasses | $25

Last, but not least, the inclusive, yet out-of-this world detailing on these sunglasses were just too cute to leave it off of our round-up. Plus, Goodr sunnies are lightweight and slip resistant, making them a favorite amongst runners. A portion of the proceeds from these sunglasses will go to the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

Outside & Proud Tank | $25

Outside & Proud is Outside Inc.’s [Women’s Running’s parent company] LGBTQ+ community, which is working to get more queer people involved in active outdoor pursuits and improve representation and sense of belonging through enhanced inclusive queer content, services, and events. Not only do these tank tops look sharp and feel buttery soft, but every purchase helps grant perpetual funding for content and community grants, and 20% of net sales will go to non-profit partners, such as Trevor Project, Venture Out, Outdoor Outreach, and Brave Trails.