The best running gear to kick-start your 2024 season

With its new Fresh Foam X midsole compound, the 1080 v13 delivers the plush cushioning runners have come to expect from this neutral shoe. The new midsole also provides improved response and reduced weight when compared to previous compounds. New Balance has also updated the midsole geometry by reducing the drop from 8 mm to 6 mm. The result is smoother transitions and improved toe-off, both of which will be appreciated by faster runners. For the upper, New Balance employs a new stretchy mesh textile that delivers exceptional breathability and comfort, while also providing critical support in strategic areas. The shoe’s outsole has also been improved, now consisting of the same highly durable NDurance rubber compound, but New Balance has reduced the coverage and thickness to help shed more weight.

Runners seeking stability without comprising cushioning and responsiveness will appreciate the new Guide 16. Saucony realized that the previous version of this shoe was already addressing the needs of many runners, so they have wisely chosen to employ only small updates with this model. The upper has been tweaked for an improved fit and better lockdown. Overlays have also been adjusted, as has the heel cup. While these are minor changes, they improve the overall fit and performance of the shoe. For the midsole, Saucony continues to use its PWRRUN EVA foam, which delivers a nice balance of cushioning and responsiveness. Pronation control is provided by Saucony’s HOLLOW-TECH stability device, which consists of a firm TPU insert on the medial side of the shoe. It’s worth noting that this medial post effectively controls excess inward roll without excessively impeding a runner’s natural stride. Other notable details include an 8 mm drop that hits the sweet spot for many runners and an XT-900 carbon rubber outsole that delivers plenty of durability.

While Smartwool claims these are trail-specific socks, they feature similar construction to Smartwool’s more overt road-oriented offerings, making them a solid choice for any running situation. Not only do these socks have Smartwool’s highly durable Indestructawool construction technology, but they also use the company’s unique merino wool-blend fabric for exceptional odour resistance and wicking. Smartwool also specs strategically-placed mesh zones for additional breathability and comfort and the mid-crew length provides extra ankle protection in colder conditions.

For many runners, the lack of daylight is one of the big challenges with running during this time of year; the reduced visibility makes it difficult to be visible to drivers and street traffic. While the Brooks Run Visible Thermal Tight can’t increase the daylight hours, it can help ensure that drivers, cyclists and pedestrians can see you. The tights feature multiple reflective highlights, and the vibrant yellow panels are difficult to ignore. Brooks has spec’d a warm, quick-drying polyester/spandex fabric that wicks moisture, ensuring you remain comfortable in cool conditions. The addition of ankle zips simplifies getting dressed, and the two pockets (one drop-in and one zippered) provide storage for small essentials.

The Wind Shield pants, with their unique panel construction, do a superb job of keeping out bone-chilling winds while allowing excess heat and perspiration to escape. The pants feature a stretchy, laminated softshell fabric on the front, upper back and lower legs. This fabric does an exceptional job of shedding wind, and thanks to the Capilene lining, feels cosy against the skin. On the sides, waist and back of the legs, Patagonia uses a very stretchy and highly breathable fabric, ensuring excellent heat regulation. Gussetted ankle zips simplify getting dressed, and the no-bounce side pockets provide handy storage for small items.

It’s now widely acknowledged that merino wool is an excellent material for technical outdoor clothing. Not only does it not retain odours like many synthetics, it also tends to have a wider temperature comfort range, as well as excellent moisture management properties. With the Intraknit Active Base Layer top, Smartwool supercharges the material’s performance by blending it with TENCEL Lyocell, a natural fibre sourced from wood. The result is improved softness and temperature regulation that runners will appreciate. Smartwool also adds strategic, seamlessly knit mesh ventilation panels, allowing excess heat and perspiration to easily escape. This versatile body-confirming top can be used alone in milder conditions or as part of a layering system when temperatures drop.

If you are looking to stay warm and comfortable during cool weather runs, check out the High Point Long Sleeve top. Constructed with DriLayer Seal fabric that consists of recycled polyester, wool and a hint of spandex, the top does an exceptional job of wicking moisture away from your skin. The addition of wool in the fabric increases the top’s temperature comfort zone, making it a great choice in changing weather conditions. Brooks should also be commended for their decision to add spandex to the top. This minor fabric tweak allows the garment to hug your torso, making it easier to layer under other clothing–a tangible benefit in cooler running conditions. The addition of thumbhole wrist-cuffs ensures the sleeves stay put and provide extra hand warmth when the temperature drops.

The problem with many wet-weather running jackets is their weight, bulk and lack of breathability. After all, who wants to run in a heavy jacket that keeps you dry from rain, but makes you soaked from your own perspiration? Thankfully, the Brooks High Point Waterproof Jacket avoids these pitfalls. Constructed with a lightweight, naturally hydrophobic polyester face fabric, the jacket does an admirable job repelling light mist. The addition of a laminated waterproof/breathable membrane ensures the jacket provides protection from a real downpour. Brooks has added an adjustable, fitted hood for extra foul-weather protection. To ensure runners avoid becoming sweaty, Brooks has included massive vents that work with the breathable laminate to allow for the efficient escape of excess heat and perspiration. Finally, all this weather protection comes in a light and highly compressible package that can be stuffed in a pocket, ready to be deployed when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

If you are running in cold, dry conditions, check out the Smartwool Intraknit Merino Fleece Hoodie. Constructed with a merino wool fabric blend, the jacket delivers soft and cosy protection from cold temperatures. Thanks to the jacket’s high merino wool content, the hoody is less likely to retain odours and offers a broad temperature comfort range. Smartwool has included mesh panels under the arms for efficient ventilation. To ensure the jacket sticks around for many years of active use, Smartwool adds abrasion protection on the sleeves–an area that frequently sees excessive wear. Finally, two zippered hand warmer pockets provide secure storage for small items.

At first glance, the Smartwool Active Fleece Gloves look like many other lightweight running gloves. However, on closer inspection, you’ll notice that these gloves actually have a number of unique and sophisticated features, making them a top choice for winter running. The most compelling detail has to be the fabric that Smartwool has spec’d. It consists of a soft merino wool on the inside with a durable and weather-resistant recycled polyester on the outside. The combination plays to each textile’s strength, creating a glove that exceeds the performance of either individual fabric. Other notable details include silicone grippers on the palm and fingers, touchscreen-compatible thumb and fingertips and reflective highlights for additional visibility when running in low-light conditions.

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