27 Things For Anyone Getting Back Into Running Outdoors

Be running up that road. Be running up that hill.

1. Salomon Speedcross 4 Trails for a lightweight, highly cushioned and undeniably on-trend option for conquering dirty terrain.

amazon.com

Promising review: "My fifth pair of Salomon Speedcross. Absolutely swear by them. When I run trails I typically run around 20 miles, sometimes more. Wore these a few days ago for the first time on a 28 mile mountain run. Perfect, perfect, perfect. GREAT grip, very luggy, almost like cleats but manages to be exceptionally light. Cushioned well, but not so well that you lose the feel of the trail beneath your feet. I find it incredibly valuable, especially on rocky or technical trails, to be able to feel the ground. I generally put between 400-500 miles on them before retirement." —Scott A. Steiner

Get them from Amazon for $61.74+ (available in men's sizes 7-14, wide options, and in 10 styles).

2. A budget pair of waterproof earbuds that'll always stay in place (it comes with four ear-tip sizes and two wing sizes) and will probably never die on you (it has an impressive eight-hour battery life).

amazon.com

Promising review: "Most of the headphones I have dealt with in the past always have had a huge annoyance lurking somewhere. These Anker Spirits seems to have finally solved that. I think the most common annoyance I have had is fit and this is where these shine. Usually with a connected pair(wire between the two buds), the wire works its way to the left or right on my neck and tugs because it is too long or sits in the wrong spot. One of the best things about these is the small rubber chunk in the middle of the wire that allows the user to shorten the wire to any length of their choosing. Other buds after an hour or so make my ears throb and ache due to them putting pressure on some wrong part of my ear. These allows for the perfect adjustment of the wire prevent pull or discomfort. With the huge selection of included buds, I think anyone can find a good fit with these." —Spencer S

Get them from Amazon for $32.99.

3. Or an investment pair of true wireless earbuds you'll want to regularly use even when you're not hitting the trails. Dollars well spent!

Amazon

This was our $$$ pick for the best true wireless earbuds. I can say from personal experience that they've held up remarkably well over the last year — especially when taking into account that I've put 6-plus hours of daily use into them between leisurely wear and working out.

Promising review: "These are the best truly wireless earphones on the market. Better than Bose. These German engineers are truly something else when it comes to sound quality. Design and fit are great, fits like a glove and the design is subtle and low-key, not too flashy. Overall highly recommended buying these. Worth every penny." —Phillip k kim

Get it from Amazon for $189.98.

P.S. Sennheiser just released an updated version of these earbuds that you can purchase for an additional $100+.

4. An armband for your phone so you can periodically check in on your running apps or adjust your music without compromising the mobility of your arms.

Amazon

Fits with no case: Apple iPhone 11, 11 Pro Max, Xr, Xs Max, 6 6s 7 8 PLUS (5.5 inch), Samsung Galaxy S10, Galaxy S8+ S9+ S10+, Note 10, Google Pixel 3a, Pixel 3 XL. With no case: Galaxy Note8 9 10+, Google Pixel 3a XL.

Promising review: "I have zero issues with this armband. I run a lot with it and it doesn't slide around and is easy to access if I need to check something on my phone." —Eml9382

Get it from Amazon for $19.52+ (available in three colors).

5. A pair of lightweight, ultra-soft and breathable running pants for those slightly overcast spring days.

Tracksmith

They're made from luxury Italian-made Veloce fabric and, unlike most running pants, are adaptable to just about every environment. (So don't fear if you tend to experience "wild swings in temperature" while you run — these were made with you in mind.)

Get them from Tracksmith for $118 (women's sizes XS-L and in five colors).

6. A Hyperice Hypervolt cordless vibration massager to help relieve muscle stiffness and soreness after workouts.

REI

Promising review: "It provides great relief for deep muscle soreness and tightness. Though not cheap, it will save you lots of money on massages. You can use it on yourself or have others use it on you, but I assure you, you will not be disappointed. It is strong and has three speeds and multiple attachments, so you can vary the intensity. The battery also lasts long, so you can get hours of relief before having to recharge." —Milto knows

Get it from REI for $299.99 (originally $349).

7. A Brooks Maia sports bra for some "snug-but-comfortable" support as you get that body moving.

REI

Promising review: "I originally thought I would dislike how high the fabric came. However, once I started wearing it I noticed that it looked like a nice camisole underneath my clothing and doesn't give you the dreaded uniboob! I have since bought another one. Incredibly comfortable, very supportive, and flattering underneath work clothing as well — all pretty high praise for a sports bra! My size is 34DD, which is also a pretty difficult size to get. In the past I've always had to double-layer sports bras while running, but this one keeps everything in place." —Meaghan the Biologist

Get it from REI for $58 (available in 32DD-40DD and in five colors).

8. EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 to protect your (acne-prone, sensitive) skin from sun damage. As a bonus: It's not's the least bit greasy and blends right into your skin.

@eltamdskincare / Via instagram.com

Promising review: "I found this gem on the Environmental Working Group (EWG) website. Do you know how hard it is to find a skin product that is safe from dangerous chemicals, gentle on sensitive skin, and that despite all this-still works effectively? It's even harder to find a higher SPF sunblock that meets these criteria. Well, Elta MD has not only delivered on these promises: They offer all this in a formula that looks so natural that it doesn't leave you looking like a ghost or mime. It also applies smoothly to work well under makeup. On top of this, it does not clog my acne-prone pores or dry out my face. It even comes in a tinted version and is made in the US. What more do you want?? This is my sun protection product for life." —Liz T.

Get it from Amazon $36.

9. A cotton windproof cap with an integrated reflector so you can stay protected against rough winds (and bad drivers).

klattermusen.com

Get it from Klattermusen for $38 (available in copper and sulphur).

10. A feature-loaded GPS running watch that'll measure your heart rate from your wrist.

amazon.com

Promising review: "This is it! Forerunner 645 is the best running gps watch out there. 1.3 oz only, and the watch is extremely comfortable to wear all day. Fenix 5 weights 4 oz. imagine that. Amazing runners watch. This is the winner!" —Germaine

Get it from Amazon for $226.87+ (available with music and in five colors).

11. A pair of moisture-wicking Veloce-fabric running shorts that'll move with you instead of against you.

Tracksmith

Get them from Tracksmith for $68 (available in men's S-XL and in five colors).

12. Under Armour HOVR Infinite Running Shoes for some much-needed flexibility, cushioning, and versatility.

Under Armour

These shoes can also be connected to the Under Armour Run app. They have Record Sensor technology built in that'll track, analyze, and store your running metrics.

Promising review: "I purchased online — sizing was perfect. I love that these shoes are wider than your average performance runner, so no more sore feet after long periods of wear. Excellent for any sort of training. I mainly run and find they give extra support and extra spring around the base and heel of your feet. The toe area feels funny at first as they feel like you have shoe sole underfoot but you get use to it after a couple of wears. Easily connects to your Under Armour Run app. Overall I give these shoes 10/10." —Tammy75

Get them from Under Armour for $89.99 (available in women's sizes 5–11 and seven styles).

13. An Arc'teryx long-sleeve shirt for a perfect transitional spring piece — soft, stretchy, and moisture-managing!

REi

Promising review: "For me, this is the best technical running long-sleeve around. It's a perfect fit: not overly baggy or tight, while still form-fitting to wick away moisture where it develops. It's very lightweight, yet does not feel flimsy or cheap in any way. Any moisture goes away within minutes of ending your workout. I've been using it for city running so far, but this will be an instant use for hiking and trail-running." —Scottm23

Get it from REI for $79 (available men's sizes S-XL and in black and larix)

14. A mini sport pouch if you'd prefer to keep your keys (and phone) out of your pockets or wrapped around your arm.

Amazon

Promising review: "I absolutely love this belt. I use it daily while jogging. I don't like wearing anything that hangs on my arm, and wanted something to hold my IPhone so I could listen to my music while I run. This belt is perfect. I love the pretty pink color, and also ordered a second belt in all black, with the hot pink trim. It is adjustable to your waistline, and I wear it low on my hips right along with the elastic of my shorts. It stays in place." —Junebug

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in five colors).

15. The perfect windbreaker tee for a layering piece that won't be too bulky or sweaty for a slightly stormy spring run.

klattermusen.com

Get it from Klattermusen for $140 (available in men's XS-XXL and inblue and black).

16. A rechargeable headlight for some added visibility when you're navigating dimly lit streets or trails.

Amazon

Promising review: "I've gone through tons of headlamps over the past three decades and this is by far the most comfortable one I've ever worn. It stays put too. No bouncing around when your running etc... It's also very bright when needed and it has a nice floodlight too. Generally, I'm not a fan of the battery pack being on the back or rechargeables but this one is small and not an issue." —Bryan Lowry

Get it from Amazon for $59.95 (available in four colors).

17. Or a 360-degree reflective vest that'll give you front and rear booster zones so you can be seen from all angles on your run.

Amazon

Promising review: "This vest is superior as a safety vest for the person walking a pet, walking, running, or jogging for exercise or riding a bike. It is adjustable both in terms of length and size around the waist and stretches so that it fits over even bulky winter sweaters and jackets. At night in the red reflection of car tail lights, the entire vest is a bright orange, front and back; in the car headlights the entire vest is a silver-white. Excellent for safety for someone on the street at dusk or night." —VickyNC

Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (available in three colors).

18. Brooks Ghost 12s with an otherworldly system of shock absorption for a suuper smooth stride, not unlike...a ghost.

amazon.com

Promising review: "I am training for my second triathlon, which is an Ironman 70.3. I wanted to get a shoe that would provide the cushion and support without being too heavy for speed work. This shoe has a great balance at most everything. This shoe does not necessarily specialize in any area, but maximizes its strengths in versatility. It will give you the light and responsive needs for speed work, but will also provide all the support and cushion you need for long runs. Can other shoes beat the Ghost in these individual categories? Yes, but no other shoe can provide the ability to excel in any type of run you can throw at it." —Teddy

Get them from Amazon for $109.95+ (available in men's sizes 7-15, wide options, and in 14 styles).

19. A textured foam roller to provide targeted pressure relief on your minor aches and pains.

Amazon

Promising review: "HURTS. SO. GOOD. I'm almost 40 and didn't start foam rolling until I was almost 30 years old. I wish I had known the ins and outs of foam rolling earlier in my life because I truly do believe it could have prolonged my 'prime' athleticism but unfortunately I was plagued by some injuries here and there (knee, hip, lower back). If you've been going pretty hard at the gym or with any kind of running (long-distance, treadmill, sprints, etc) and you are beginning to experience knee pain or discomfort, often it's related to your I.T. band and the tracking of your knee. Foam rolling is definitely something that can alleviate that pain but also make it pain free for future use." —Franky B

Get it from Amazon for $34.95+ (available in five colors).

20. A sport trunk that shockingly won't ride up or give you a bad wedgie mid-run.

Tommy John

Get it from Tommy John for $35 (available in sizes M-4XL and in four colors).

21. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35s for seamless support and ventilation.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "I was kinda sketched out spending $120 on running shoes. I only used to spend that much on basketball shoes. Like I learned in basketball never short on shoes if you plan to use them a lot. These shoes have tons of cushion and adapt to your feet very well. I have very flat feet and had problems with other running shoes but these are fine. Worth it if you can afford it." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $76.61+ (available in men's sizes 8-16 and in 35 styles).

22. A pair of Brooks Spartan pants with stretchy polyester fabric that'll wick sweat and create maximum breathability.

REI

Promising review: "The Brooks Spartan pants are very light and extremely comfortable. While they are intended for running, I use them as casual wear around the house. They are my best find!" —Paul440

Get it from REI for $75 (available in men's sizes S-XL)

23. A cooling towel to hang around your neck after (or even during) a run so the heat wave can't keep you down.

Amazon

Promising review: "I used this product on a 25K run this weekend and it was amazing. The weather was supposed to be 95 degrees. But thankfully it was more like 85. I sill used it from the get-go and I love it. I kept it around my neck and dunked it in the ice water buckets that the race offered every 4-5 miles. It stayed cold the whole time." —Ms. Mc Gibblets

Get it from Amazon for $7.97.

24. A pack of low-cut athletic socks that'll offer you a host of benefits including: moisture wicking, odor resistance, and added stability.

Amazon

Promising review: "These socks are comfortable and the vents are amazing. After a 15-mile run, the socks were only slightly damp. Paired with great running shoes, these socks are awesome. On their own, they're awesome. I'm glad I made this purchase — a cheap price but not sacrificing quality." —Paul A.

Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in three colorways).

25. A pair of high performance glasses for an ultra-light and worry-free (that they'll fall off your face) wearing experience. They're stylish enough for leisurely use, too!

Amazon

Promising review: "I wear these on runs and have no complaints whatsoever. They are so light i barely notice them and are stylish enough that I can wear them outside of physical activities. I never really have to reseat them and they stay in place all throughout my run." —DeltronZ

Get it from Amazon for $140+ (available in five colors).

26. A pair of Birkenstocks with a soft footbed to give you premium support on your recovery days.

Birkenstock

Get it from Birkenstock for $145+ (available in men's sizes 6-13.5 and women's 4-12.5, four colors, and regular/narrow).

27. And a shirt to tell the world that you "be running up that road, running up that hill, running up that building."

etsy.com

Get it from DungeonMastersGuide on Etsy for $20.50+ (available in men's sizes S-4XL and in seven colors).

The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.

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Allison Krausman / Via BuzzFeed