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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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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