🗂️Keep in Mind The Running Gear You Should Splurge On (and When You Can Go Cheap)

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I'm Lifehacker's resident marathon runner and senior finance writer. And now, I'm merging my two worlds. Last month I wrote about what it looks like to invest in proper running gear. But while I was breaking down how much running gear can cost, I didn't dive into how much gear should cost. Which expensive gear is actually worth it, even for the casual runner?

Quality running shoes​

Nothing affects your running experience more than your shoes. Premium models from brands like Brooks, Hoka, Nike, and Saucony aren't just marketing hype—they offer technology that can prevent injury and improve performance, with:

• 
  Better cushioning systems that absorb impact
  
  
• 
  Stability or motion control
  
  
• 
  Durability that extends their lifespan (300-500 miles vs. 150-200 for budget options)
  

A proper fitting at a specialty running store is invaluable. Your ideal shoe depends on your gait, foot shape, and running goals—making this personalized service worth the premium you'll pay over big-box stores. Lifehacker's senior health editor Beth Skwarecki has a fantastic guide to get you started on how to find the perfect pair.

If you only splurge on one thing in the running world, it's got to be shoes. My preferred pair at the moment? The Brooks Ghost 16. It's a reliable "daily trainer" that gets the job done on quick sprints and slow long runs alike.


Brooks Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe
$139.95 at Amazon
Shop Now


Shop Now
$139.95 at Amazon

Socks​

When it comes to socks, keep in mind not just quality, but quantity. Runners require a disgusting amount of laundry.

At the same time, your baseline for "quality" running socks should be a bit more discerning compared to your daily walking-around socks. If you want to spring for features like odor control and moisture management, be my guest—but I haven't found a world of difference for that higher price. This six-pack from Nike for $30 is par for the course, and I wouldn't spend much more than that.

If you find a mid-range pack of heel-tab socks that don't give you blisters, stick with them, and ignore overly hyped running socks that you might find in a running-specific store.

High-performance sports bras​

For women, a quality sports bra isn't optional—it's essential. "When you're shopping options from sport-specific brands like Nike and Adidas, look for these sorts of features

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  Enhanced support that keeps everything in place
  
  
• 
  Moisture-wicking materials that prevent chafing
  
  
• 
  Adjustable features for customized support
  
  
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  Durability through hundreds of wash cycles
  

The difference between a $20 and $40-60 sports bra becomes apparent after mile three of a long run, when inferior options lead to certain discomfort—to put it mildly—that can sideline you.

Anti-chafing products​

Cheap versions of anti-chafing sticks could mean skin irritation, greasiness, or simply a waste of time. Luckily, "cheap" in this instance means the difference between the Vaseline already in your house and buying a $10 stick.

This Body Glide anti-chafing stick works like a charm for just $8.99. Just one palm-sized stick has lasted longer than a full training cycle of long runs.

Basic shorts and shirts​

While technical shirts and shorts can run you well over $50, in my experience, they only offer marginally better moisture-wicking and comfort. Budget options closer to $15-25 perform nearly as well for most runners.

Plus, if you get into the world of organized racing, you'll have swag in the form of hats, shorts, and shirts for life.

Fitness trackers and GPS watches​

While serious runners benefit from advanced metrics in $300+ GPS watches, casual runners can use free smartphone apps (Strava, MapMyRun, Nike Run Club).

If you ask me, extra features like running power, VO2 max estimates, and recovery advisors rarely justify the cost for recreational runners. While I tend to go watch-less on my runs, Beth has a great guide to finding a running watch here. One budget pick she recommends is the no-nonsense Forerunner 55 for $149.99.


Garmin Forerunner 55
$149.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $50.00
Shop Now


Shop Now
$149.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $50.00

Running belts​

The two big names in running belts are the minimalist SPIbelt and the maximalist FlipBelt. The SPIbelt (“small personal item belt”) is perfect for the low-key runner who only needs to hold their phone or their keys.

While I wouldn't call myself a maximalist runner—quite the opposite—I prefer FlipBelts for a much simpler reason. Compared to the SPIbelt, with my Flip, everything stays in place while you run. I tuck my energy gels, keys, phone, even some tissues in my FlipBelt, and it all stays snug on my person during my run—no bouncing up and down while you go.


FlipBelt Running Belt
$37.00 at Amazon
Shop Now


Shop Now
$37.00 at Amazon

Compression gear​

Despite marketing claims, research shows mixed results on whether compression socks, sleeves, and tights ($30-80) improve performance or recovery for most runners. And hey, even if their muscle soreness superpowers are overhyped, they're comfortable and feel good in the moment. Save your money unless you have specific circulation issues or find them exceptionally comfortable.

Designer sunglasses​

I don't wear sunglasses on my runs, and in my experience in races, the sunglasses I see are few and far between. While eye protection is a priority for some, $200 running sunglasses don't offer significant advantages over $20-40 sport sunglasses from Target or Amazon. Unless you need them for medical reasons, you won't find me recommending spending money on designer sunglasses.

Technical outerwear​

For year-round runners, I recommend one high-quality waterproof/windproof jacket as a worthwhile investment. If you try to tough out the cold and rain with a cotton sweatshirt, you'll find yourself soggy and suffocated pretty quick.

Still, you only need one good piece for the rain and extreme cold, not a collection. You can layer those budget options you already own, rather than waste money on a fancy technical wardrobe.


BALEAF Running Rain Jacket
$55.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $4.00
Shop Now


Shop Now
$55.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $4.00

Nutrition products​

I've written before about what to eat before and during your long runs, which plays a critical role in how you recover. My preference in gels is aptly named "Gu." A 24-pack of Gu runs me about $38.49. Other runners swear by Gatorade chews, Snickers bars, or even some loose dates in a Ziploc bag.

Investing in nutrition like gels, chews, and electrolyte drinks matters most during long runs (10+ miles). For shorter distances, cheaper alternatives or homemade options work fine.

The bottom line​

The key to smart running investments is to prioritize gear that directly impacts injury prevention (shoes, socks, sports bras) and comfort (anti-chafing products). For everything else, ask yourself: "Will this significantly improve my running experience, or just my appearance?"

Remember that consistency trumps gear every time. An inexpensive but regular running habit will always outperform an occasional run in top-dollar equipment. The best investment isn't always what costs the most—it's what gets you out the door day after day.
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