My Favorite Running Gear and Products
This post was written by Coach Chris Knighton.
Athletes frequently ask me for running gear and product recommendations, so I thought it would be helpful to put together this list of my favorite items to share with you.
Please note, some of these links may be affiliate links, meaning if you click through on a link and buy a product I may earn a small commission for the referral. This has not influenced the products I listed here at all, but buying through these links is a nice small way for you to support what I do.
Thanks! – Coach Chris
Knighton Runs Merch Store
We also have Knighton Runs Hats and Mugs at the link above! They make a great gift 😉
Running Clothing
Road ID Bracelet – Road ID Silicone Wristband – I never leave home without my Road ID. It’s engraved with My Name, Year of Birth, Allergies, City of Residence, and Emergency Contact Info for my wife and dad. Wearing my Road ID allows me to leave my driver’s license at home when I run and have peace of mind.
Sun and Rain Hat – Ciele GoCap
Arm Sleeves – Nike Pro Dri-Fit Sleeves – Helpful for races in cold temperatures.
Lightweight Jacket / Rain Jacket – Nike Men’s Shield Lightweight Running Jacket Black/Reflective Silver CJ5469-010
Long Sleeve Tops – Nike Dri Fit Element 1/2 Zip – Men’s Version and Women’s Version
Tights – Nike Running Tights
Shoes – Click here to see my full article on running shoe recommendations.
Running Watches
I love Garmin watches. If you do not yet own a GPS running watch, buy one now. GPS watches are one of the best tools you have to monitor and improve your running. Getting my first Garmin helped get me hooked on this sport.
Here are my recommendations at different price points:
High-end GPS Watch – Garmin Fenix 6
Mid-range GPS Watch – Garmin Forerunner 245 Music
Basic GPS Watch – Garmin Forerunner 45 or Garmin Forerunner 35
Best non-GPS Watch – Timex Ironman Classic 30 Mid-Size
The Best Running Watches for High School Cross Country and Track & Field Athletes – Read The Full Article Here
The Best GPS Running Watches for Marathon Training and Racing – Read The Full Article Here
The Best Treadmills for Running at Home
These three treadmill models come highly recommended by members of The Knighton Runs community.
You can read my full article on The Best Treadmills for Marathon Training here.
Assault Runner Pro Treadmill (Non-motorized treadmill)
Sole F63 Treadmill (motorized treadmill)
Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Studio Series Smart Treadmill (motorized treadmill)
Running Back Packs, Vests, Belts, & Water Bottles
Running Backpack – Ultimate Direction Fastpack (multiple sizes available) – Best for commuting/carrying spare shoes and clothes to workout spot, etc. Not ideal great for training runs.
Racing and Training Vests – Check out Ultimate Direction models
Running Belt – FlipBelt – Running belts are a great way to carry a phone, wallet, and keys on your run. The flip belt model is very comfortable and some athletes even carry water in it. I use a very similar model to this when I want to listen to a podcast or audiobook on my run.
Handheld Running Water Bottle – Amphipod Hydraform Handheld 12oz – Good for long runs and workouts. Coach Chris’s Personal Favorite.
Hands-Free Armband Hydration Pack – Hydrosleeve Hydration Pack for Runners – This armband hydration pack is a great option for runners looking for a hands-free way to carry water. My athlete Eric discovered this product after struggling with other methods of carrying water and wrote, “I actually ran with it for the first time on Sunday and I loved it. I forgot it was even there at times, and it’s super easy to grab a drink from. The only issue with it is it only holds 7.5 oz of water, which worked out perfect for my 4 mile run, but anything longer I will have to stop and refill.” Stopping to refill should be no problem if you can plan your long runs around water fountains, bathrooms, or spigots. Carrying less water with you has advantages so consider checking this one out!
Gels + Fuels
Energy Gel – GU Energy Sports Nutrition Gels – Great for long runs, races, and workouts. GU Energy Gels are my go-to fuel for marathon training. I suggest taking one every 30 to 45 minutes during long runs, half marathons, and marathons. The “tastefully nude” flavor is easy to get down and has a mild sweet taste.
Muscle Cramp Prevention / Treatment – HOTSHOT Sports Drink
Sports Nutrition + Drinks + Kitchen Equipment
Protein Powder – Momentous Essential Plant-Based Protein Powder (Vegan) – It’s critically important to refuel after a workout or long run within 30-minutes of completion. Making a smoothie or shake with Momentous Protein Powder is an easy and healthy way to jump-start your recovery process. Their chocolate flavor is delicious even when mixed with just water.
Read my full article on Plant-Based Protein Powders here.
Electrolyte Drink – SOS Hydration
Blender – NutriBullet – Great for post-run smoothies and healthy eating.
Anti-Chafe Balm, Lotions, Etc.
Anti Chafe Balm – Body Glide Original Anti Chafe Balm – Better safe than sorry! I rub Body Glide balm all over my feet and “sensitive” areas before any important race, workout, or long run. Save yourself from nasty blisters, chafing, or bleeding with a little lubricant.
Anti Chafe Balm – Body Glide for Her Anti Chafe Balm – Not sure what the difference is between this one and the one above but it’s pink and marketed towards women, soooooo……… you can choose pink vs blue ? Both are good and probably pretty much the same.
Sun Screen – Neutrogena Beach Defense Water-Resistant Sunscreen Lotion – Simple, basic water-resistant sunscreen. Good for keeping you from getting burnt during long runs in the summer. Even in the winter, it’s good to rub some on your face to keep the snow from reflecting sunlight too harshly on your skin.
Recovery Tools + Footwear
Foot Roller – R3 ROLL Recovery R3 – Orthopedic Foot & Plantar Fascia Massage Roller
Deep Tissue Massage Roller – ROLL Recovery R8 Plus
Classic Foam Roller – Amazon Basics High-Density Round Foam Roller
Massage Gun – QDH Muscle Massage Gun
Hand-held Stick Roller – TheStick Roller
Calf Stretcher Tool – ProStretch Calf Stretcher – This one is a curve ball! My wife introduced me to this tool after I developed tight calves from running. The ProStrech Calf Stretcher can help you get a deeper and more effective stretch than conventional methods. This improved flexibility and range of motion may help relieve, rehab and alleviate plantar fasciitis, shin splints, tight calves and achilles tendonitis, as well as enhance overall performance.
Recovery Sandals – Oofos OOaah Sport Slide (come in many colors and styles)
Strength Training Gear
Resistance Bands for Strength Training and Rehab Exercises – Fit Simplify Resistance Bands (Set of 5)
Night Time Running
Flashlight for Running – Nathan Running Flashlight
Headlamp – Petzl Headlamp
Reflective Vest / Wind Vest – bpbtti Hi-Viz Safety Running Cycling Vest Sleeveless Windbreaker
Reflective Harness / Torso Straps Only – SAWNZC Running Reflective Vest
Reflective Ankle Bands – Apace Hi-Viz Reflective Ankle Bands
Winter Traction + Below Freezing Cold Gear
Traction for Road Running – Kahtoola NANOspikes Footwear Traction
Traction for Trail Running / Hiking – Kahtoola MICROspikes Footwear Traction
Insulated Gloves – Carhartt Waterproof Insulated Mitt
Clear safety glasses to maintain visibility – 3M Safety Glasses – Perfect when it’s snowing and hard to see.
Discover My Favorite Running Books!
My Favorite Running Books! – These are the books that have had the most impact on my life, running, and coaching.
