The Best Fall Running Gear We’ll Be Using in 2022

It's the best time of year to log miles. Here's what we use for ours.

Updated September 12, 2022 1:01 pm
a collage of fall running goods on a leafy background
Getty Images

Nota bene: If you buy through the links in this article, we may earn a small share of the profits.

Fall is without question the best season for running, so we’ve put an obscene amount of time and effort into researching, procuring and testing a variety of gear for the upcoming training season. Spanning apparel, footwear, accessories and recovery tools, we’ve rounded up our the best fall running gear from brands like Tracksmith, Hoka, Smartwool and more. Some are holdouts from previous seasons, while others have wormed their way into our running rotation thanks to innovative tech, unmatched comfort or the simple shift in temperature. Below, the best fall running gear we’ll be using for 2022.

The Best Fall Running Clothes:

a purple long sleeve shirt from District Vision on a blue gradient background
Mr Porter

The Top: District Vision Air-Weave Strech-Mesh T-Shirt

Los Angeles-based botique running label District Vision may be lauded for their chic, minimalist designs and high-profile endorsements — they span running royalty Tinman Elite to Jeff Goldblum — but their apparel is no joke. The Air-Weave Tee is perfect for dipping fall temps; tightly perforated for air flow and mobility, it’s light enough to handle the longest of runs but warm enough to fend off fall’s chill.

a black and pink running sweatshirt from Adidas on a blue gradient background
Adidas

The Second Layer: Adidas Own The Run Colorblock Sweatshirt

For the odd mid-layer day (more incoming, surely) we’ve been turning to Adidas’ Own The Run Sweatshirt; this moisture-absorbing AEROREADY tech has proved its worth on many a trek, as has the ventilated mesh side panels.

a pair of blue running shorts from Janji on a blue gradient background
Janji

The Shorts: Janji 5″ AFO Middle Short

Janji’s AFO Shorts have been our go-to bottoms since we tried them, and we’ll continue to utalize them until we find something better. They’re just perfectly designed, with a fast-drying fit and a barrage of useful details (brief liner, ergonomic back zip pocket, key loop ring) that we simply can’t get enough of.

A pair of black running tights from Tracksmith on a blue gradient background
Tracksmith

The Tights: Tracksmith Reggie Half Tights

The prospect of half tights might be daunting to the average runner, but any pavement-pounding convert is sure to sing their praises. Tracksmith’s 9″ Reggie Half Tight is particularly sound — featuring a lockdown fit, zippered pocket and ultra-soft Inverno blend, the bottoms come in both a lined and unlined fit, depending on your comfort and coverage levels.

The Best Fall Running Footwear:

a white and grey On Cloudmonster running shoe on a blue gradient background
On Running

The Best Daily Trainers: On Running Cloudmonster

We’re prepared to sing the Cloudmonster’s praises from the mountain tops; the dinosaur-esque stompers are easily some of our favorite new sneakers to log miles in, mostly on account of the massive CloudTec outsole and rocking energy return. Even better, they can handle most any type of training. Long runs, easy jogs, fast fartleks; you name it, the Cloudmonster can eat it.

a blue Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 sneaker on a blue gradient background
Amazon

The Best Racing Shoes: Saucony Endorphin Speed 2

For race days, we’ve yet to find better super shoes than Saucony’s Endorphin lineup. The new Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 has recently been released, but until we get a chance to put them through the ringer, we’ll stick to our Endorphin Speed 2’s; built with a lightning fast plate and responsive foam, it’s a hell of a shoe, especially considering you can now snag a pair for half the original retail price.

a pair of Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Sneakers on a blue gradient background
Nike

The Best Trail Runners: Nike React Pegagus Trail 4 GORE-TEX

Just released from Nike, the Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX take the best bits of the revered Pegasus line, and craft them into a weatherproof, lug-soled, high-cut design guaranteed to crush any trail or track.

a pair of black recovery slides from Hoka on a blue gradient background
REI

The Best Recovery Shoes: Hoka ORA Recovery Slides

Much like their performance offerings, the ORA Recovery Slide from Hoka sits upon a mountain of cushy EVA foam. The dual-layer, oversized-midsole construction makes these sandals the only thing we want to stick our tootsies into post-run.

The Best Fall Running Accessories:

a navy blue Coros Pace 2 running watch on a blue gradient background
REI

The GPS Watch: Coros Pace 2 GPS Running Watch

GPS watch brand Coros has been making waves as a (relatively) affordable alternative to the Garmin and Polars of the world, on account of the fact that the $200 dollar device now counts some of the best runners in the world as its clientele. Whether you’re freshly in the market or looking for a cheaper upgrade, the Pace 2’s spot-on tracking and sleek functionality make it an instant purchase.

a pair of red and grey Smartwool running socks on a blue gradient background
Smartwool

The Wool Socks: Smartwool Run Cold Weather Targeted Cushion Crew Socks

A stretch blend of cozy merino wool, the SmartwoolTargeted Crew Socks add a layer of warmth and durability to the classic running socks that are much appreciated for those nippy morning runs. The 4 Degree elite fit system ensures that no movement is sacrificed for added comfort.

a pair of black headphones in a case from Jabra on a blue gradient background
Jabra Elite 7 Active Wireless In-Ear Headphones
Besr Buy

The Most Durable Headphones: Jabra Elite 7 Active True Wireless Noise Canceling In-Ear Headphones

A highly-rated option for seasoned veterans and couch-to-5K newbies alike, the Jabra Elite 7 Active’s specialized ShakeGrip technology and crystal clear connection are specially designed for the bobs and bounces of running. Toss in a sweat/waterproof fit that handles inclement weather in stride, and we’re sold. Some of the best fall running gear, for sure. Also winter, spring and summer.

a white running hat from lululemon on a blue gradient background
Lululemon Fast and Free Run Hat
Lululemon

The Lockdown Hat: Lululemon Fast and Free Run Hat

A holdout from our favorite summer running gear, the Lululemon Fast and Free Hat is designed with mesh panels to boost airflow and reflective details to improve visibility, delivering a confident fit on runs of any length. The built-in sweatband is our favorite feature, as it moves moisture away from your skin and keeps the sweat off your face.

The Best Performance and Recovery Tools:

a Theragun mini massage gun on a blue gradient background
Theragun Mini
Amazon

The Percussion Device: Theragun Mini

You pushed your body to its limits and now the time has come to help it recover. Work out aches, pains and sore muscles with the ultra-portable Theragun Mini that features three different speed settings and over two hours of battery life. Its compact size fits in a gym bag or running pack, making it the perfect travel companion.

a handheld Nathan's water bottle on a blue gradient background
Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Water Bottle
Amazon

The Water Bottle: Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Watter Bottle

With a fully adjustable hand strap (complete with a thumbhole for added security, a secure pocket and an 18oz double-wall insulated construction, you’ll never have to worry about getting your fluids in again.

a pair of Hyerice Noramtec Leg Massagers on a blue gradient background
Hyperice Noramtec Pulse 2.0 Leg Recovery System
Backcountry

The Compression Recovery: Hyperice Noramtec Pulse 2.0 Leg Recovery System

Up there with the holy shower beer, decompressing in the Hyperice Normatec after your weekly long run is a true joy with some tangible recovery effects: with app-controlled massage and compression that increases blood flow and releases muscles to alleviate soreness, it’s the miracle cure that every serious runner shoe know.

a jar of Nuun endurance powder on a blue gradient background
Nuun Endurance
Amazon

The Supplement: Nuun Endurance

You don’t need electrolytes on every run, but as marathon mileage increases, longer days on the roads will burn the energy that your body needs to replenish. Nuun’s quick-dissolving Endurance mix contains minerals that can help prevent cramping after hours of sweating. Flavors like fruit punch and strawberry lemonade are tasty and don’t contain the same artificial sweeteners found in similar energy drinks.

The InsideHook Newsletter.

News, advice and insights for the most interesting person in the room.