Lucky for us runners, the REI Co-op anniversary sale comes just as the snow is melting from the mountains, the days are getting long, and running season is picking up. It’s time to get the gear you need for a summer of adventure.
You’ll find deals on everything related to running, from shoes to sun shirts, hydration bladders, and smartwatches. For this roundup of products, we’ve picked out deals on the best-selling running gear from top brands like Altra, Saucony, Salomon, Janji, and, of course, REI Co-op.
The sale runs through Memorial Day weekend and ends on May 27. If you see something you like that’s not on sale, REI Co-op members can use the coupon code ANNIV24 to save 20%.
Not a member yet? Sign up now and enjoy savings right away.
REI Co-op Members can earn 5% in card rewards on REI purchases with the REI Co-op® Mastercard®. Terms apply.
All photos: REI Co-op
Running Shoes
If there’s one thing that all runners need, it’s a good pair of shoes, and we’ve picked out several great options whether you’re looking to hit the trails or the road. If you don’t see the shoe you want here, you can shop the rest of the sale on the REI website.
Saucony Peregrine 14 — Men’s and Women’s: $98 (30% Off)
The Saucony Peregrine 14 trail shoes have the brand’s PWRRUN cushioning in the midsole, giving it a more comfortable ride than the previous version. The PWRTRAC rubber outsole is sticky and has 5-millimeter lugs extending to the edges to provide exceptional traction on all sorts of terrain. The outsoles have a center cutout that improves the shoe’s flexibility and also lowers its weight. A rock plate provides protection for the entire sole. The 28- and 24-millimeter heel and toe stack heights provide plenty of give, and the 4-millimeter drop works well for many types of runners.
To learn more about this shoe, read our Saucony Peregrine 14 review.
Altra Via Olympus 2 — Men’s and Women’s: $124 (25% Off)
The Altra Via Olympus 2, the brand’s most cushioned shoe, has an impressive 33-millimeter stack height. The midsoles of this zero-drop shoe are plump with Altra EGO MAX foam that’s both squishier and lighter than the foam in the first iteration of the shoe. The roomy toebox stays true to the brand’s style and allows for your toes to splay. As the molded heel collar secures the shoe around the foot, the OrthoLite X55 footbeds provide even more support. The shoe’s rocker allows for a better toe-off that can make it feel like you’re getting a push forward with each stride.
Salomon Speedcross 6 — Men’s and Women’s: $109 (25% Off)
The Salomon Speedcross 6 has a sticky rubber compound for the outsole, revamped uppers, and a new lug pattern designed to shed mud. All this, and it’s lighter than the previous version. The shoe keeps a snug fit and great ground feel for a closer connection to the trails.
Best suited to running on softer ground, the shoe is big on grip and has a welded, close-fitting upper that keeps the foot secure on technical terrain. Familiar details include the brand’s SensiFit construction on the upper, the Quicklace closure system, which ensures you never have to deal with untied laces, and a sticky Contagrip rubber outsole. The 5-millimeter lugs provide a solid grip. The midsoles use a high-rebound compound for great energy return, and it’s also plenty cushioned with a 32-millimeter stack height at the heel and 22-millimeter stack height at the toe.
Do check out our Salomon Speedcross 6 review to learn more about this shoe.
Running Apparel and Gear
The right accessories can make any run more comfortable and fun, and we have something for everyone in the family, including your furry running companion.
REI Co-op Swiftland 5″ Running Shorts — Men’s and Women’s: $42 (30% Off)
The REI Co-op Swiftland 5″ Running Shorts are made to wick and breathe well, and the four-way stretch fabric is incredibly comfortable. The shorts have a mesh liner, two drop-in pockets, and a secure zip pocket. A wide waistband should lay flat and comfortably against your body, and the drawcord closure helps secure the fit.
The flat seams will minimize the chance of any chafing, and a few reflective hits in strategic locations around the shorts will keep you more visible in low light. These shorts are a good option for long trail runs.
You may want to click through and go directly to REI to learn all about the features of the Garmin fēnix 7X Pro – Solar Edition, but the big thing to note here is the Power Glass solar charging lens. In smartwatch mode, the brand says that this extra charging can keep the watch running for up to 37 days if it is exposed to direct sunlight for three hours a day. According to Garmin, solar charging can extend the battery life to 122 hours in GPS mode.
The navigation sensors use multiband GPS with SatIQ technology for accuracy, resulting in battery savings. You can download maps to help keep you on course with prompts.
Watch sensors can monitor your health through sleep tracking, heart rate variability (HRV), and blood oxygen saturation levels. These metrics can help inform your training and recovery plan each morning. Other new features will measure your performance on ascents, or you can get an overall endurance score based on combined data from multiple workouts.
The Nathan Limitless Run 6L Sling is an innovative way to stay fueled and hydrated on runs when carrying a hand-held water bottle isn’t quite enough. The unique design lets you toss a bladder over your shoulder and pull it snugly against your body to reduce bouncing. Its shoulder strap is padded with foam.
The sling’s main section holds a 750-milliliter bladder with a hose and has a compression flap and drawstring closure to secure it. You can stash a wallet and keys in the zippered pocket and snacks in the stretch stash pocket. A spare layer or other add-ons can be daisy-chained onto the back.
Smartwool Performance Run Targeted Cushion Low Ankle Socks — Men’s and Women’s: $14 (25%Off)
All Smartwool socks are 25% off during this sale, but we chose the Smartwool Performance Run Targeted Cushion Low Ankle Socks as just one example of the brand’s durable and odor-resistant socks. These, and other products from Smartwool Run sock line, have Indestructawool zones, a comfortable fit system, and mesh areas throughout for improved airflow. The merino wool and nylon blend improves wicking and durability while preserving the wool’s odor-resistant traits. Lastly, the toes are nearly seamless, and an Achilles tab keeps the sock from slipping down into your shoe.
For runs and workouts, the Janji Women’s Circa Daily Muscle Tank and Men’s Tee offer high performance and comfort. The quick-dry fabrics have a four-way stretch and are made with mostly bio-based fibers that feel soft against the skin while wicking away sweat. Strategic seams help reduce the chances of chafing.
The women’s Circa Daily tank top is slightly cropped to rest at or below the waist.
The North Face Women’s Wander 2.0 Joggers are made of a stretchy fabric that can withstand some abrasions. They’re made of mostly recycled polyester and are quite wicking. These standard-fit joggers also have a water-repellent finish to keep them from soaking through at the first sign of a rain shower.
The seams are behind the knees, and an elastic waistband and lay-flat drawcord let you adjust the fit. Elastic is also at the leg openings. These joggers have two hand pockets, a concealed zip back pocket, and an internal zip pocket for stashing small items like keys or a credit card.
Superfeet and CURREX Running Insoles: From $42 (25% Off)
Superfeet uses a patented Adaptive Comfort Technology and two layers of foam in their insoles so that they flex with your foot and lead to a more efficient heel-to-toe turnover. The top layer of the insoles is wicking to help feet stay dry and blister-free. This also assists with odor control.
CURREX insoles combine nylon, PORON, and foam to optimize for durability, impact absorption, and moisture-wicking performance. The arches are designed to stay in contact with your foot, whether you’re running or standing. Lastly, the insoles’ decoupled heels can help reduce pronation and provide more support.
If you’d like to learn more, the iRunFar team has conglomerated its favorite Superfeet and CURREX insoles in our best running insoles guide.
The Brooks Crossback 2.0 Sports Bra has a nearly seamless construction that reduces the chance of chafing or rubbing. The built-in molded cups provide lift, encapsulation, and a medium level of support. This bra is made of a DriLayer HorsePower wicking fabric, and the straps and band are reinforced for increased support. Perforations in key areas allow for extra airflow.
If your dog frequently accompanies you on your runs, it could use the Ruffwear Trail Runner Dog Running Vest to carry their own snacks and water. This mesh vest has two large side pockets that hold the included pair of 500-milliliter soft flasks. You can use the zippered top pocket for stashing essentials — treats, of course! A leash attaches via a reinforced tow loop.
All Ruffwear dog gear is 25% off.
[Editor’s Note: This article is sponsored by REI. Shop the REI Anniversary Sale for more deals. Thank you to REI for its sponsorship of iRunFar, which helps to make iRunFar happen and free for all to enjoy. Learn more about our sponsored articles.]
