Chances are you got most of what you wanted for Christmas, but if you are like most of us, there are still a few things you could use to round out your running gear needs. To help you get those last few critical items, we’ve put together a Boxing Day list of kit that you might have overlooked (or that Santa forgot to bring you).
Best for runners seeking a rich audio experience while still being able to hear outside sounds
Shokz OpenFit Headphones
Running headphones that allow you to hear the outside environment
Unlike many traditional headphones that prevent you from hearing outside noise, the Shokz OpenFit, with its open-ear design, allows you to listen to your music and your environment. The result is greater safety as you are not isolated from the noise of the cars, bikes and other runners. This is particularly important when running in crowded urban settings. The OpenFit headphones are surprisingly light and comfortable, and the ear hook design ensures a secure fit even during high-intensity workouts. At normal volumes, they offer up to seven hours of listening time and up to 28 hours with the charging case.
Best for runners seeking excellent music quality without blocking external sounds
Shokz OpenRun Pro Headphones
Sophisticated bone-conducting headphones
With their more conventional wraparound design and 9th generation bone-conducting technology, the OpenRun Pro Headphones deliver enhanced bass and superior sound quality. Like all open-ear design headphones, the OpenRun Pro allow you to hear your environment while still enjoying your tunes. The result is greater safety, especially when running alone or when training in busy urban settings. Other details worth noting include the lightweight and super-durable Nickel-titanium alloy band, the secure and comfortable fit, the up to 10 hours of listening time, and the quick one-hour recharge time.
Best for runners seeking a versatile daily trainer with a stable ride
Brooks Adrenaline GTS
A stability shoe for daily training
With its stable ride and soft DNA Loft v2 midsole, the Adrenaline GTS 23 provides guidance and support without compromising cushioning. Brooks employs its unique GuideRail technology that prevents excessive pronation without impeding your natural stride. The use of a DNA Loft v2 midsole helps shed some grams while providing a noticeable improvement in cushioning. For the upper, Brooks has updated the construction with an engineered air mesh textile with 3D Fit Print panels, resulting in a more supportive foot-hugging fit. Finally, the addition of extra rubber on the outsole improves the shoe’s durability and ride.
Best for runners seeking additional stability in a daily trainer
Saucony Guide 17
A stability shoe for everyday training
The updated Guide 17 eschews conventional posting technology frequently found in stability shoes and instead achieves the support stability-oriented runners require by employing a wider base, higher sidewalls, and an asymmetric profile that paces more foal on the medial side. Saucony refers to these changes as their Center Path Technology, and the result is a more dynamic ride without the intrusive feel occasionally encountered with more traditional stability shoes. Looking a little more closely, we find that the Guide17’s midsole consists of Saucony’s PWRRUN foam, which delivers a nice balance of cushioning and responsiveness. The stack height has also been tweaked with 35 mm in the forefoot and 29 mm in the heel for a 6 mm drop that is 2 mm lower than the Guide 16. Some runners find this reduction in drop results in a smoother ride, which may explain Saucony’s decision to decrease the drop. Other details worth noting include the soft and foot-conforming upper as well as the rocker shape geometry that enhances transitions. If you are in the market for a stability trainer with a modern, more holistic support design, check out the Guide 17.
Best for runners seeking a light and fast shoe for moderate trails
Salomon Ultra Glide 2
A nimble daily trail running shoe
Designed as a lightweight and versatile trail running shoe, Ultra Glide 2 delivers the control and protection runners need on moderate trail runs. The shoe features Salomon’s EnergyFOAM midsole cushioning without compromising the lively feel runners demand when trail running. The upper consists of a 3D Air Mesh that provides breathability and support. For traction, Salomon uses an aggressive Contragrip outsole that performs well in a variety of conditions. Finally, a unique and minimalist Quicklace closure system provides a secure and easy-to-adjust fit.
Best for runners seeking a good-looking, post-run recovery slide for daily use
Salomon RX SLIDE 3.0
Stylish recovery slides
Featuring a substantial EVA midsole, the RX SLIDE 3.0 does an admirable job of cushioning every step, making it the ideal post-run footwear. Salomon specs a breathable seamless upper fabric that ensures your feet remain comfortable even in warm conditions. Finally, the RX SLIDE 3.0’s understated aesthetics make it perfect for daily use both in and outside the house.
Best for runners seeking highly breathable cushioning socks
Stance Run Tab Socks – 3 Pairs
Comfortable running-specific socks
Constructed with a unique synthetic and cotton blend fabric, the Run Tab socks do an admirable job of keeping your feet dry and comfortable during long runs. Stance employs its Infiknit construction that ensures exceptional durability in high-wear areas. For additional comfort, Stace uses a seamless toe to prevent chaffing and adds targeted cushioning for extra impact protection.
Best for runners seeking additional warmth in cool conditions
Salomon Cross Run Tights (Women’s)
A supportive, lightweight running tight
Built with s supportive and stretchy recycled polyester fabric, the Cross Run Tights are the perfect choice for cool morning runs. The unique fabric provides muscle support and excellent wicking, ensuring additional comfort during longer runs. The tights also feature two side pockets for small essentials, and the addition of reflective inserts provide increased safety when running in low-light conditions. Women will also appreciate the flattering and super-comfortable wide waistband. Finally, Salomon offers the women’s tights in two inseam lengths to better accommodate taller and shorter runners.
Best for runners seeking warm weather comfort and subtle, stylish graphics
Salomon Sense Aero Graphic
A lightweight and highly breathable running shirt
Runners seeking a lightweight and highly breathable top for hot summer running conditions will love the Salomon Sense Aero Graphic. Salomon uses a unique engineered fabric that features 37.5 Technology for exceptional thermoregulation and, in turn, comfort in warm weather. Runners will also appreciate the shirt’s minimal glued-seam construction, which reduces the chance of chafing during longer runs. Finally, Salomon adds an antimicrobial treatment that prevents odour build-up, allowing runners to wear the shirt multiple times between washes.
Best for runners seeking a massage tool for faster recovery
Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro Percussion Massager
A powerful percussion massage tool
With its powerful 90-watt motor and five-speed settings, the Hypervolt 2 Pro is the ideal tool for massaging aching muscles and joints. The cordless design allows for easy travel, and the three-hour battery life provides plenty of power for extended recovery sessions. The device can also be mated via Bluetooth to the Hyperice app for guided recovery routines. Finally, the inclusion of five head attachments allows you to target sore muscles for more efficient recovery.
Products reviewed in this article: