How to save money on getting the right running gear
There is no doubt you could spend a small fortune on running gear! It can be expensive. And there are so many options, it can be overwhelming for the beginner runner. You may find yourself down a rabbit warren of endless information and spending hundreds of pounds on unnecessary, expensive running gear.
The essentials for running are as follows:
running shoes
running socks
“technical” top
sports bra (for women!)
“technical” shorts (either with built-in briefs or with separate running briefs)
OR “technical” leggings/tights
lube to combat chafing
Running shoes
The most important thing with running shoes is to get a pair that is comfortable and fits. I am not an advocate for getting weaknesses in your “gait” corrected by shoes. That’s a whole other blog/book, but let’s just say I think it’s more important to strengthen your tendons/muscles than to protect them with over-cushioned running shoes. Get a pair that are comfortable and go a size up from your normal trainers. A good tip for getting cheaper running shoes is to not buy the latest released model - if you go for last season’s model, you can save loads of cash!
Running socks
It’s important to have socks with “moisture wicking” capabilities. This keeps your feet dry when you sweat, preventing blisters. They vary in price from just a few pounds/dollars to tens or even hundreds! The socks I love cost somewhere between £2-£3 per pair (from More Mile) - find a pair that you find comfortable and work for you and stick with them!
Running top
Long sleeved, short sleeved or vest. Those are the main options. The most important things are moisture wicking capabilities and to get one that fits. There’s really not much more to it than that. Bright colours are important if you’ll be running on the road - be seen! There are great options at low cost. Check out the Decathlon website for some really great deals.
Sports bra
Female runners often cite this as the most important piece of running gear. As a man, I can’t tell you an awful lot about this, but be sure to get a sports bra that fits properly to avoid unnecessary bounce and unnecessary chafing!
Running shorts/briefs or leggings/tights
Be sure to get moisture wicking briefs (normally built into your shorts) and don’t run with cotton briefs/boxer shorts! The chafing down there is unbearable! Go to a site like Decathlon to find some great deals and don’t think you need to buy the most expensive shorts on the market! If you aren’t comfortable in shorts - the best thing to run in is running tights/leggings - be sure to get moisture wicking ones and this is where you definitely will need running briefs!
Lube!
Not something I thought I’d need when I started running, but it is hugely important! Protects against chafing in all sorts of weird parts of the body… nipples, between the thighs, armpits, toes, etc. Bleeding nipples are painful! I’ve always used Run Guard - it doesn’t look particularly cheap, but will last you years. You don’t need to use it every time you run, just in certain conditions (rain, mostly!).
That’s it! The other stuff, like hats, gloves, buff, jacket/gilet is “nice to have” unless you live in a super cold climate, then you’ll need to layer up a bit to go outside running.
Just remember to look for cheaper alternatives - running gear doesn’t have to bust your bank balance!
For more detailed information/guidance on this, check out my beginner running guide / couch to 5k training plan HERE.
You can enjoy a 50% discount, by listening to the accompanying audio guide - get that HERE.