July long weekend deals on running gear and apparel

Runners seeking protection from wind and drizzle will appreciate the Houdini jacket. Built with an ultralight recycled ripstop nylon fabric, the Houdini shrugs off wind, and, thanks to a DWR surface treatment, resists light rain and drizzle also. Because the jacket avoids traditional waterproof/breathable membranes, it’s not only significantly more breathable, but also less bulky. In fact, it can easily be stuffed into its own chest pocket, ready for deployment when the weather turns. The addition of a minimalist hood provides extra weather protection, while the half-elastic cuffs prevent unwanted drafts. This is an exceptional piece of running kit for changing summer conditions.

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 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.

Runners wanting a roomy fitting top with exceptional ventilation and wicking will appreciate the Active Mesh T-Shirt. On the front of the shirt, Smartwool employs a merino wool/TENCEL lyocell blend fabric that provides wicking and cooling. For the back, sleeves and shoulders, the fabric changes to a merino wool/TENCEL lyocell/polyester blend that offers wicking and cooling, as well as extra durability, thanks to the polyester. Finally, mesh ventilation on the sleeves and back ensures additional comfort when running in warm weather.

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 AHARPLUS rubber for durability with ASICSGRIP outsole rubber for improved traction and softness.

The Salomon Cross 5″ shorts are the perfect addition to any runner’s summer wardrobe. Salomon has spec’d a classic 5″ inseam and mated it to their Active Fit construction, ensuring unrestricted movement during long, easy runs, as well as more spirited interval workouts. The shorts use a smart internal waist adjustment, which provides a secure and comfortable fit while minimizing the risk of irritation and chafing. At the centre back of the shorts, there is a small zippered pocket that’s perfectly sized for an energy gel, credit card, or ID. These are great workhorse shorts at a very reasonable price and should be part of every runner’s clothing collection.

Brooks’s commitment to manufacturing sophisticated, functional and stylish running bras can be seen in the Crossback 2.0 sports bra. Unlike some sports bras, the Crossback 2.0 is designed with lab-proven engineering to provide appropriate motion reduction for high-impact activities like running. The bra features built-in moulded polyester cups that offer comfort and reduce movement. With the 2.0 version, Brooks has lengthened and strengthened the bottom band for increased durability, security and support. For additional comfort, Brooks employs soft fabrics and nearly seamless construction to minimize chafing. The bra’s wide, contoured shoulder straps reduce pressure points while the carefully positioned perforations deliver additional venting.

Constructed with a unique natural-fibre blended fabric (53 per cent merino wool and 47 per cent Lyocell), the Active Ultralite High Neck Tank is a perfect alternative to traditional synthetic warm-weather running tops. The ultralight fabric has a wonderfully soft hand, does a great job of managing moisture and is naturally odour-resistant, ensuring you can wear the top multiple times between washes. The stylish, relaxed-fit patterning also includes highly functional details, such as offset shoulder and side seams to reduce the risk of chafing.

Constructed with a lightweight, fast-drying recycled polyester ripstop fabric, the Strider Pro 5″ Shorts won’t hold you back when you’re running in warm weather. The shorts’ 5” inseam does a good job of providing coverage without restricting movement, while the low-profile waist ensures comfort even during the longest trail runs. Patagonia employs a polyester crepe boxer-brief liner that provides exceptional wicking and, thanks to a Polygiene treatment, resists odours. Finally, the one zippered pocket and four drop-in hip pockets provide plenty of storage for energy gels and other small essentials.

Designed as a go-fast training shoe, the Phantasm 2 delivers the performance and cushioning runners demand for faster running. The shoe features a unique midsole that combines an Energy Blade plate with a two-part foam midsole, creating a responsive, propulsive ride while still retaining sufficient cushioning for daily training. Salomon’s rocker geometry promotes a faster and smoother heel-to-toe transition, which ensures the Phantasm 2 feels fast even at the end of a long run. It’s worth noting that the Phantasm 2 midsole measures 37 mm in the heel and 26 mm in the forefoot, resulting in a 9 mm drop, which may be too high for some runners. For the upper, Salomon has spec’d a highly breathable mesh textile with strategically placed padding for exceptional fit and foothold. Finally, the outsole has been updated with more rubber in the forefoot and heel for increased durability.

While many companies claim they use soft materials for their clothing, few can match the almost sublime hand of the Vuori Strato Tech Tee fabric. The fabric consists of a polyester/elastane blend that feels amazing next to your skin, delivers excellent wicking, dries quickly, and, thanks to the elastane, offers enough stretch for unrestricted movement. This is a simple, no-nonsense running top that’s ideal for warm-weather running.

Products reviewed in this article: