Hi I’m Matt. Dad, husband and avid runner. I live in Boston and have bought a lot of running gear of the years both warm and cold gear. As a dad, I am always trying to stay on budget and have found really good gear that I want to share with you. Let me save you a lot of time and $ and share my recommendations.

RUNNING SOCKS

For Everyday

Tesla 6-Pairs Comfort Socks No-Show 

Strengths:

·       Great blister support

·       Multiple color options

·       Long lasting

Cons:

·       On the bulkier side

A good pair of running socks are essential. Wearing white tube socks wont hurt your performance by any means but wont help it either. The Tesla no-show socks are perfect for everyday use and with six pars can last a week (one day off for rest).

Splurge Purchase

CEP Low Cut Socks

Strengths:

·       Great blister support

·       Covers your ankle

·       Thin but strong

·       Good venting

These socks got my through the 2018 Boston Marathon which say it all! Cold, windy and rainy they held remarkable well. These should be your performance sock for race day and try avoid using it for every day use. I feel it has the perfect balance of being not too thin but supporting your entire foot.

RUNNING SINGLET

For Everyday

Baleaf Men’s Athletic Performance Stripe Tank Top 

·       New Y-Back Design

·       Thin

Cons:

·       No UPF or UV protection

·       Does not come in white

Baleaf has found a great niche a low cost, quality running company that can be found amazon. I am a huge fan of their products. This singlet incorporates the newer “Y Back” design that exposes your shoulder blades and has less material than a standard singlet. Overall very thin and holds up good in the wash.

Splurge Purchase

Craft Men’s Shade UPF +51 Running Singlet 

·       Sun Protection

·       New Y-Back Design

·       Good Holdup in the Wash

·       Light

This is my go to race day singlet. Thin, comfortable and a great design. Made by Craft you know that the quality is there too. If you are looking for a new race day singlet give this a try over a traditional Nike Miller singlet.

 RUNNING HEADBAND

For Everyday

Strengths:

·       Thin

·       Multiple color options

·       Breathable

Cons:

·       Can wear only one way

One trend I have switched to over the summer season is no longer wearing running hats and switching over to a headband and sunglasses. In my opinon it is easier to run and feels lighter. Tough Headwear makes a no thrills headband that will soak up sweat. A drawback is that you can only wear it one way while the lululemon headband is convertible to a few different looks.

Splurge Purchase

Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Headband

Strengths:

·       Thin

·       Convertible

·       Soaks Up Sweat

While I am not the biggest fan of all lululemon’s running gear, their tech headband is amazing. I have worn this headband during an entire week of intense training during the summer and vents out well. The convertible aspect of wearing it multiple ways is a huge plus.

RUNNING SUNGLASSES

For Everyday

Goodr Black Framed Running Sunglasses 

Strengths:

·       Polarized Ambient Lenses

·       UV400 Protection

·       Lightweight

Cons:

No Silicon nose piece

Goodr running sunglasses are the only sunglasses I would recommend for running period. As a runner, there are so many times you take of your glasses and put them down. If you happened to lose a pair (like me) being out $25 is not a tough pill to swallow. Also, these are perfect running. Polarized ambient lenses and lightweight is what you need for running.

Splurge Purchase

Goodr Larger Black Framed Running Sunglasses

Strengths:

·       Polarized Gradient Lenses

·       Larger Frame Size

·       UV400 Protection

·       Lightweight

·       Silicon nose piece

These larger frame size glasses come with a necessary silicon nose piece and better polarization. The double as great every sunglasses too!

RUNNING SHORTS

For Everyday

Baleaf Men’s Quick-Dry Lightweight Pace Running Shorts

·       Built in mesh liner

·       Racer length

·       Lightweight

Cons:

·       Doesn’t handle sweat great

·       Economy feel

To be able to buy a decent pair of running shorts for under $20 has been hard. Again Baleaf makes a great 3”running short that is great for every day use. Good color selection and lightweight that dries really quick.

Splurge Purchase

Tracksmith Session Shorts

Strengths:

·       Handles sweat

·       Premium material

·       Back zipper pocket

Let me by the first to introduce you to the Tracksmith brand if you do not know already. Makers of “elevated running clothing” Tracksmith’s session shorts are awesome and are my personal race day shorts. Made with Itlaian stretch knit material they are 5” in length and the zipper pocket with handle your Iphone (and save you from using an armband). These shorts should be treated as race day gear or your premium choice of shorts.

RUNNING JACKET

For Everyday

Vutru Men Running Jacket 

·       Reflective

·       Packable

·       Running Thumb holes

Cons:

·       No hood

·       One color option

One thing of note is always use a running jacket instead of a sweatshirt when running in light rain. Hoodies will get soak up water and will weigh you down, making you feel uncomfortable. Investing in an inexpensive running jacket like Vutru’s is a jacket that will resist water in light rainy days.

Splurge Purchase

Gore Running Wear Essential Gore Windstopper Softshell Light Jacket 

·       Resistant in heavy rain

When I was training for this year’s Boston Marathon I asked a women who was wearing this jacket on how she thought of the quality. She stated is was the single best piece of running gear that she ever owned and mind you this was a competitive marathoner. I was sold! This jacket is everything you will need for a cold weather, windy or rainy day. The black color is great for wearing out afterwards as well.

HEADPHONES

For Everyday

SoundPEATS Bluetooth Headphones In Ear Wireless Earbuds

Splurge Purchase

Bose SoundSport Free Truly Wireless Sport Headphones