What are the best items of running gear you've bought?

[notbad]

The ones that you really can't do without... In my case I'd say it was a proper sports bra but also the proper sports socks I treated myself to, they're thick, cushion my step & absorb the copious sweat I produce. Was sceptical that I needed them, but now very pleased I got them.

[Greg_M Graduate]

Decent quality technical tops, light as a feather take the sweat away in the hot and Brill in the rain.

Cheaper ones are not so good, you do get what you pay for I am afraid.

Ditto re socks though!

[notbad Graduate in reply to Greg_M]

Thanks, I really need to invest in a proper top with wicking instead of the regular T-shirts I wear.

[RhonaL]

Sports bra and wicking jogging bottoms - dry in a jiffy but more discrete than leggings!! (a good thing in my case) ...

[pingle Graduate]

Taking proper bra and decent shoes as read - my skapri! It's like short leggings with a little skirt on top. Wicking fabric, very comfy and hides my tum and bum!

[notbad Graduate in reply to pingle]

Thanks, I hadn't heard of a skapri - sounds very stylish.

[Stevetheb Graduate]

Oh yep - all of it! The geek in me would say that using Endomondo on my old Smartphone has spurred me on - I love all the data and the fact I can see I'm getting fitter/faster... I'm glad I got some good trail shoes (I run along an old railway line in the Cornish countryside) and yes I love my rather expensive socks - nicely padded in the right places.. and matching (I'm so not into fashion!) running shorts and top - though obviously its a shame to the locals who have to put up with my somewhat iffy legs! - Ohh and a hat - for when it's really sunny.....

[nickinocki]

I'm on Wk2R2 so new to this and didn't realise running socks existed. Can anyone advise best brand and how much I can expect to pay? Thanks all

[Greg_M Graduate in reply to nickinocki]

I have Nike dri-fit bit more expensive but they last and last as well as being really the most comfortable I have tried

Had cheaper ones which were comfy as well but I tended to wear through them really quickly in comparison.

[Anonymous36 Graduate in reply to Greg_M]

Nike outlet stores sell the dri fit in pairs for £4. I bought a pack for the summer as I get really hot feet all of the time but especially when running. I love them

[justmee in reply to nickinocki]

sainburys do own brand anti blister socks, 3 pairs for £4. Bargain

[listhestar]

@Nickinocki- I use karrimor socks from sports direct, pretty cheap cf Nike but really like them. My husband had Nike dri fit ones but since found some Karrimor ones and prefers them.

I like my running belt as well- can carry all the bits I need and water space as well so I don't risk a shoulder/back injury changing my gait whilst holding a water bottle!

[Stevetheb Graduate]

I got a couple of pairs from Lidls recently, which are OK but I prefer some Hilly ones I got from Sweatshop.co.uk some time back - they're a bit more padded than the Lidl versions... There are a huge range available from the normal running kit suppliers..

[Cornish_Piglet Graduate]

I wear Thorlo socks, nicely padded in the right places and don't slide down so very comfy.

[sfb350 Graduate]

Favourite necessities:

My new shoes (same as the old ones but half a size bigger so I might get to keep my toenails!);

My Skort from Lidls;

My running socks - I still like my Karrimor ones (from Sports Direct) but I've also got some RunBreeze double skinned ones that help to prevent blisters (the friction should occur between the two layers of sock, not between the sock and your foot). Not impressed with the Lidl ones at all.

Karrimor running belt with two small water bottles and a pocket that I can fit my phone and door key in, plus an emergency £5 note in case I feel faint and have to stop at a pub (good old Sports Direct again ie not expensive !)

Luxury:

Garmin Forerunner

[doggymum Graduate]

I bought some Asics running socks when I bought my running shoes (they match!!) I love them, I have never had a problem with blisters or anything else. My trainers are good too, as are my Nike capri bottoms. I wasn't overly impressed with the Lidl capri's I bought, they don't seem to stop my backside from hitting the treadmill as I shuffle along - but they will do for my runs in the garage! I am 2 runs away from graduating so am waiting for the C25K T-shirt to be available for my 1st proper running top

[totalbeginner Graduate]

hey thanks for asking the Q notbad

i just graduated (last sunday)and was hoping to be able to get some nice bits and pieces soon as a treat. so far i only got sports bra and decent shoes as ive been on a budget. Great to have an idea what to get.

I fully get that you get waht you pay for in terms of quality but has anyone bought clothing from sports direct and was that ok? i didnt get my trainers there i went to specialist running shop but wondered if it matterd about the clothes the same way?

[Greg_M Graduate in reply to totalbeginner]

I had some Karrimor shirts from there and to be honest didn't like them as much they weren't as good at wicking and just feel heavier and more abrasive especially at longer distance. Love New Balance and Adidas.

But I am a delicate southerner with fragile skin

[mrqwest Graduate in reply to Greg_M]

I've got all my running shirts from Karrimor / Sports Direct - I've always thought they were light and fairly soft (although I can understand the abrasive comment!).

Saying that though, I've not tried any other branded technical shirt - I've always worn Karrimor or some casual cotton shirt (bad idea!).

Might check out New Balance or Adidas ones soon.

[tantrumbean Graduate in reply to totalbeginner]

They do seem to have quite a lot of Nike and New Balance stuff in the clearance sale in good old Sports Direct at the moment - so might be worth a visit!

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Water wings and wellies for our wonderful summer weather!!

Also Asics running shoes and MoreMile socks from Amazon 2 pair pack for about £10 well worth the money, fitted correctly and sized too, come in mens and ladies and if you have small feet like me (3) the 2 - 5 are perfect. Also love my new purchase of a Ronhill (go faster!!)running cap, light with stretch and built in sweat band, keeps the rain off my specs and if the sun ever shines will be able to keep the sun out of my eyes and when turned around the sun off the back of my neck.

[notbad Graduate in reply to Oldgirl]

LOL oldgirl yes waterwings & wellies might just be the very thing.

The Ronhill running cap with the sweatband sounds great - didn't realise there were special running caps available, but it makes sense.

[Tiger79 Graduate]

Nike dri fit capris and tee shirts / vests. Brilliant. Brought at sports direct but also worth checkin Nike store on line as often have sale/ last season stuff for good price.

And my y-fumble for phone and key

[laj1987 Graduate in reply to Tiger79]

I love my Nike dri fit's - I'm like a walking advert for Nike, top, trousers, trainers, socks - may have got a bit carried away but everything is just so comfy

What is a 'y-fumble?'

[tantrumbean Graduate in reply to laj1987]

y-fumble.com/

There you go!

[laj1987 Graduate in reply to tantrumbean]

Thanks - they look really good

[Minke]

Agreed - mighty sports bra, trainer socks, Nike slim fit capris and good trainers. After reading all the comments though, I too am keen to get a running belt and maybe a more techy top??

[notbad Graduate]

Thanks for all replies - you've all given me lots of ideas of what might be useful to buy next.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Running shoes (minimalist), extra supplies of Sainsbury's cotton leggings and long sleeved t shirts, Onyaback for lightweight carrying. 2 x sport bras that fit and that I can get on without having used up all energy to go anywhere (ie not pull on). Audiofuel. Pack of thick hairbands from Wilko to fasten my plait with.

Waste of money - trainer socks.

Hmmm, not sure - M&S firm control knickers

[deadasadodo Graduate]

Heavy duty sports bra for the double D's.

If those puppies were not under control havoc would ensue.

[Minuette Graduate]

My ipod nano! I can't run without the nike+ countdown telling me how long I've got left to run

[Burstcouch Graduate]

My Asics running shoes- well worth the money, and Karrimor wrist wallet for my house keys.

[Jojos72]

I love my x socks, they're expensive but I still hav my first pair, which are 8 years old! I love the fact that they have an Achilles support in them and they're not as thick as my Hillys or falkes