Running is one of the simplest forms of physical activity: all you really need is a good pair of shoes and a path to follow. But when you’re ready to take things a little more seriously, investing in a few ~accessories~ can upgrade your run and make it a little more… dare I say, fun?
As a former college track athlete and current marathon runner, I’ve spent my fair share of time (and money) in search of the best running gear—and TBH, not all of it is worth buying. In fact, I’ve found that less really is more when it comes to running clothes, tech, and accessories. BUT! I will drop some serious cash for socks that don’t create blisters, a helpful GPS watch, and a portable running water bottle to stay hydrated.
So whether you’re training for your first 5K or you’re ready to start ramping up your miles, our editors rounded up all the running accessories we can’t live without. Shop everything from running belts to recovery tools, below:
Footwear
Step one to get into running? A good pair of running shoes. Pro tip: you should aim to replace your shoes every 300 to 500 miles (a.k.a. every 4-6 months!) to prevent injury and properly support your joints. And while everyone's running shoe preferences are different, these fan-favorite (and editor-tested!) shoes are constant crowd-pleasers, whether you prefer lightweight shoes or lots of chunky cushion.
these light-as-a-feather sneaks
Sometimes I wish I'd never been introduced to the FuelCell Rebels, because now I'll never be able to go back to another running shoe. These bouncy kicks are shockingly lightweight (less than half a pound!), so they're a dream if you want to log some fast miles without feeling clunky. Plus, the low heel drop means your foot sits in a very natural position for long runs, short jogs, and sprints alike.
these high-cushion kicks
If you prefer extra cushioning in your shoe when you walk or jog, reach for these best-selling Brooks. Slipping them on truly feels like a sigh of relief, IMO—there's ample cushion around the ankles and even on the tongue of the shoe, plus a springy sole to support your stride. But even with all the added fabric, it won't feel stuffy—the perforated mesh upper is sooo breathable, so your feet shouldn't overheat.
these popular (and trendy) sneakers
It's no secret that our editors love Hokas—and this best-selling pair is def a crowd-pleaser among runners, too. The chunky sole offers shock absorption to help cushion your joints whether you run on pavement or the treadmill, while the rocker shape helps propel you forward. There's also a ton of different colors to match your personal style.
these socks with built-in arch support
I wish i was lying when I say these athletic socks are the only options that haven't give me major blisters during my 20-mile long runs—and I credit the seamless construction and Y-stitched heel for that. Plus, the arch support hugs your foot for added support, which feels noticeably cozy.
FWIW, I'm not the only one who feels this way! "Bombas are the only socks I run in," Heath Owens, senior commerce editor, says. "I recently had to wear a different pair of socks for a long run (hi, laundry pile), and it reminded me of precisely why I prefer Bombas. They're supportive, lightly compressive, and really good at wicking away sweat."
Running Tech
Trust me, you do not need every gizmo and gadget on the market just to get a good sweat in. But owning a quality pair of sweat-proof headphones or a handy smart watch to help you track your progress can definitely help—and we've got plenty of suggestions to start your search.
these (understandably) popular earbuds
When talking about headphones for working out, we'd be remiss not to mention the AirPods Pro (hint: you can almost always shop them on sale at Amazon!). The sweat- and water-resistant design makes them ideal for your high-intensity workouts, while the active noise-canceling and transparency modes let you zone in on the treadmill or stay aware of your surroundings on the trail.
these open-ear headphones
These innovative earbuds were a fan favorite among several Cosmo editors for their cuff-like fit that leaves your ears totally open. The immersive, "open audio" design lets you hear the world around you—traffic, friends cheering you on, and people approaching you—while still delivering rich sound quality.
"These are my favorite open-ear headphones I've tried," Owens says. "While it is impossible to emulate the immersive sound experience of noise cancelation, they have a solid range of volume and easy built-in control buttons so you don't have to grab your phone to change the song or volume. They also don't make my ears sore, even when I wear them for hours."
these sweat-resistant earbuds
"Long runs always leave me pretty sweaty, so I need earbuds that won't slip out of my ear while I'm exercising," says Nashia Baker, commerce editor. "These Bluetooth earbuds are great since they wrap around my ear and have a super-long battery life (48 hours!) that lasts for my entire workout."
this GPS watch
If there's one running accessory you're influenced to buy from this story, let it be this GPS watch from Garmin. IMO, this sleek touchscreen model is *the* quickest way to take your training from 0 to 100. Not only does it offer highly accurate activity tracking—from outdoor runs to ocean swims—but it can also monitor your recovery, predict your readiness for races, suggest new workouts, and sooo much more. It'll even provide personalized insights to help you figure out when to push yourself and when to take a day off!
this entry-level Apple watch
The Apple Watch is a classic—so if you already have one, don't feel pressured to upgrade right away. In fact, Apple Watches are one of the easiest options to track your runs, recovery, and cross-training workouts alike, and our editors love how seamlessly they pair with your iPhone so you never miss a text. Are they the most accurate when it comes to GPS tracking? No. But this Apple Watch SE is a great entry-level option if you aren't ~quite~ ready to make running your whole personality.
this handheld alarm
"On unfamiliar runs, I always clip a Birdie on me," says Mia Lardiere, emerging platforms director and marathon runner. "This lightweight device is basically a handheld fire alarm—simply pull the tab at the top whenever you feel unsafe to set off a LOUD siren and flashing strobe light. Bonus: it's TSA-friendly, so you can take it anywhere you go (unlike pepper spray or a taser)."
Sunglasses
"Cute and trendy athletic wrap sunglasses? Required!!!" Owens says. "No, but really, the sun can get intense when running (I even wear sunglasses on cloudy runs), and you're going to want a dedicated pair of running glasses that'll stay put and you aren't afraid of getting sweaty or occasional drops. Leave your nice frames at home."
these trendy AF sunnies
This particular (budget-friendly!) pair from Goodr is a runner favorite because of the grippy frames and bounce-free design. I looove that the mirrored lenses reduce glare while protecting your eyes from UVA and UVB rays. Plus, the brand offers several other sizes and styles so you can always match your running 'fit.
these shades that stay put
I'm not kidding: I've had people stop me mid-run while I'm wearing these to ask where my sunglasses are from. Not only do they feel super comfortable, the frames are *just* the right size so you don't look like a bug—and they have comfortable nose pads to keep them from slipping down once you start sweating.
these fog-resistant glasses
Whether you're logging a long run or aiming for a new PR, these chic sunnies offer *serious* style points. I love that they're sporty enough to wear during your workout (we're talking scratch-resistant lenses! UVA and UVB protection! anti-fog design!), but they also look cool enough to pair with your post-run 'fits, too.
Handheld Accessories
From energy gels to your keys to mid-run hydration, there's a surprising amount of things you'll want to carry with you during a jog. But since carrying everything in your hands while also trying to hit a new PR is a *bit* of a hassle, these affordable accessories make it easier to keep the essentials on-hand while being hands-free.
This Minimal Run Belt
This sleek running belt is big enough to hold a surprising amount of stuff (like your phone, energy gels, keys, credit cards, and more) without bouncing around. Bonus: this one has breathable fabric, an adjustable waistband, and reflective details to make you more visible to other runners and cyclists.
this Amazon's choice armband
Some people prefer an armband over a belt, since it's wayyy easier to access your phone mid-run. This one has more than 35,000 five-star ratings on Amazon and claims to fit iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, Android Pixel, and more—even with a phone case! Reviewers say that they love the comfortable fit and the touchscreen-compatible sleeve, so you can change music or answer texts without removing your phone.
this lightweight water bottle
Stay hydrated on your long runs with a lightweight running water bottle; this option from Nathan Running has a built-in strap for a comfortable grip and weighs just over a pound for effortless carrying. I particularly like the elastic pocket that's perfect for holding keys or gels, and that the breathable mesh fabric prevents your hands from getting all sweaty. Post-run, you can remove the fabric sleeve and toss the water bottle in the top rack of your dishwasher. Easy peasy!
this best-of-both-worlds water bottle belt
Lardiere swears by this running belt when she wants to bring hydration with her—it has an angled pouch that makes it easier to grab your water bottle with one hand. There's also a zipper pouch to keep your phone or keys secure, and the adjustable waistband is handy for finding the perfect fit.
Gels and Energy
When you're on the move for long periods of time, it's sooo important to make sure your body has enough fuel to keep going—which is where energy gels come in! These gooey packets offer quick-digesting energy without requiring you to pack a full-on meal. Not every brand or flavor will work for you—in fact, most of our editors have ~opinions~ about which is best—but you can try a few of our personal faves below while you form your own thoughts.
these editor-approved gels
"Huma is my fave gel!" Owens raves. "They taste yummy because they're made from chia seeds and much easier to swallow without water—unlike other brands I've tried."
these fun flavors
If there's one hill I'm willing to die on, it's that GU's salted watermelon flavor is their best. It offers 20 mg of caffeine, 125 mg of sodium (to replenish all the salt you've been sweating out!), and 35 mg of potassium in one compact little package. While the brand also offers flavors like chocolate, salted caramel, or even birthday cake, I find salted watermelon to be the most refreshing mid-long run. Plus, GU tends to be more affordable than other energy gels, so it's perfect if you're on a budget!
these fruit-flavored chews
If the idea of slurping a weird substance mid-run is off-putting to you, try Honey Stingers—they're basically the runner's version of fruit snacks. These bite-sized chews offer sodium, potassium, vitamin C, and carbohydrates to help you stay fueled on your next long run.
this yummy drink mix
You *need* to make sure you're drinking plenty of water when running (and especially in warm weather). Liquid I.V.'s dissolvable drink packets are packed with electrolytes and other nutrients to replenish what you sweat out.
Recovery Tools
What you do after your run is arguably just as important as the run itself. But I've found that keeping my recovery routine simple (and attainable) is the best way to make sure I actually do it. Below, you'll find a few of our editors' personal faves for resting and recovering after a sweaty workout:
this textured foam roller
Not every recovery tool on the market is worth the splurge, but trust me when I say this textured roller is legit. Its hollow construction and dense foam exterior helps release sore muscles while promoting blood flow, and the textured surface helps you get a deeper massage than a smooth roller. But if you don't believe me, you can browse over 12,500 five-star reviews on Amazon.
this high-tech recovery tool
For more targeted muscle recovery, reach for this portable massage gun. It's my go-to recovery tool for addressing tight quads and glutes after long runs thanks to three different intensity settings—plus, you can swap the attachment heads to suit different muscle groups.
these on-demand workout courses
Incorporating stretching and strength training into your running routine is a great way to help avoid injury while building your overall wellness—and Alo's on-demand classes give you tons of options to choose from without schlepping to the yoga studio. There are even breathwork, mindfulness, and nutrition classes to incorporate into your routine no matter how you like to move.
Why Trust Cosmo?
Samantha Jones is a commerce editor with years of experience researching, writing, and editing stories about the best products worth hitting *add to cart*—including workout gear and a ridiculous amount of running shoes. On top of her own experience as a former Division I track and field athlete and current marathoner, she consulted her fellow Cosmo editors for their favorite running accessories for fun runs, marathons, and everything in-between.
