Black Friday deals on running gear

Best for runners seeking exceptional comfort, protection and traction

If you are looking for a lightweight, yet comfortable, trail running shoe for longer runs, check out the Caldera 6. The shoe features Brooks’ nitrogen-injected DNA LOFT v3 foam that delivers exceptional cushioning while still providing a lively ride. Brooks has also used taller sidewalls for additional support and stability on uneven terrain. At the back, a wider base and split heel provide flex for improved trail contact, which creates a smoother and more stable ride. For the outsole, Brooks has spec’d a multi-directional lugged tread that delivers solid traction in wet, sloppy conditions. Finally, The Caldera 6 now sports a 6 mm drop (it used to be 4 mm), hitting the offset sweet-spot that many trail runners prefer.

Best for runners seeking a rich audio experience while still being able to hear the world around them

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 hear what’s going on around you at the same time. The result is greater safety, as you are not isolated from the sound of cars and other runners. (This is particularly important when running in 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 in-case charging.

Best for runners seeking sun protection and style

Constructed with a lightweight and fast-drying COOLmatic fabric, the GOCap provides UPF 40 sun protection while maintaining breathability, performance and style. The hat’s breathable side panels provide additional ventilation, while the pliable brim does an admirable job of keeping the sun out of your eyes.

Best for runners seeking a full-featured watch for complete training-data collection

The Forerunner 965 is Garmin’s most advanced GPS watch, making it the perfect choice for runners who are serious about their training. The watch can obviously capture basic training data like activity tracking, heart rate and GPS, but that only scratches the surface of the Forerunner 965’s capabilities. The watch can also suggest daily workouts that adapt to your fitness level, provide insight into your training readiness, track your exertion and power output, provide full-colour maps for navigation and track your general wellness. In fact, if there’s something you want to track regarding your training, the Forerunner 965 is likely able to do it. And, while Garmin should be commended for providing such extensive data-gathering capabilities, they should also be recognized for specifying a vibrant 1.4” AMOLED display. This relatively large display allows you to easily view any pertinent information without having to interrupt your run. If you are serious about your training and want the pinnacle of sport watches, consider the Garmin Forerunner 965.

Best for runners seeking additional stability in a daily trainer

The updated Guide 17 avoids conventional posting technology frequently found in stability shoes and instead achieves the support sought by stability-oriented runners by other means: it uses a wider base, higher sidewalls and an asymmetric profile that places more foam 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 of more traditional stability shoes. Looking a little more closely, we find that the Guide 17’s midsole is made 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–2 mm lower than the Guide 16. (Some runners find this reduction in drop results in a smoother ride.) Other details worth noting include the soft and foot-conforming upper, as well as the rocker shape, which 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 neutral runners seeking a luxuriously plush ride

The Gel Nimbus 26 continues its legacy as one of the best cushioned shoes on the market. The latest version features Asics’ FF Blast Plus Eco midsole, which delivers a soft and plush ride while using 20 per cent bio-based content for less environmental impact. Cushioning is further enhanced with the impact-absorbing PureGEL technology in the heel, which is 65 per cent softer than Asics’ conventional GEL insert. For the upper, Asics employs a lightweight engineered knit fabric that is highly breathable, conforms easily to the foot and offers exceptional comfort. Finally, the outsole consists of a hybrid construction that combines AHAR PLUS rubber for durability with ASICSGRIP outsole rubber for improved traction and cushioning.

Best for runners seeking excellent music quality without blocking external sounds

With their more conventional wraparound design and bone-conduction technology, the OpenMove Headphones deliver surprisingly accurate sound at a very accessible price. Like all open-ear design headphones, the OpenMove allow you to hear your environment while still enjoying your tunes or podcasts. 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 titanium band, the secure and comfortable fit and up to six hours of listening time. While these may not be the first choice for runners who are serious audiophiles, anyone who’s looking for reasonably priced bone-conducting headphones with solid sound should consider the OpenMove.

Best for runners seeking additional hand warmth for cold conditions

Built with a unique ActiveTemp temperature-regulating fleece, the Vigor Lightweight Sensor Gloves will keep your hands warm without the overheating that frequently happens with a less sophisticated textile. The fleece also does a wonderful job of wicking away excess perspiration, ensuring that your hands remain dry and comfortable. Outdoor Research adds a silicone print at the palm for increased security when handling small items like a phone, while the touch-screen compatible thumb and index finger allow you to respond to messages without exposing your hands to the elements.

Best for runners seeking a light and fast shoe for moderate trails

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, which provides breathability and support. For traction, Salomon uses an aggressive Contragrip outsole, which performs well in a variety of conditions. Finally, the unique and minimalist Quicklace closure system provides a secure and easy-to-adjust fit.

Best for runners seeking a sleek hydration belt for water and a few small essentials

Runners looking to carry some water and small essentials should check out the Nathan Pinnacle Hydration Belt. This sleek, low-profile belt comes with a 20 fl. oz. soft flask that sits comfortably in the small of your back. Nathan also includes two side pockets that are perfectly sized for an energy bar, keys or I.D. Up front, the pinnacle belt has an easily-accessed zippered pocket that can accommodate most large-format phones. Finally, Nathan has added two side compression tabs that help stabilize the soft flask when running.

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