Products You May Like
As we transitioned from the chill of spring running to the intense heat of summer this month, we were able to test a lot of running gear and nutrition items. And while a lot of great gears gets delivered to our doors, not all of them make it into our regular training rotation. If that were the case we’d run the risk of looking like Inspector Gadget in a pair of carbon-plated running shoes. But some of the best items we do indeed go back to without fail.
Here are the running goodies we fell in love with this June.
On Cloudmonster | $170
This is a ‘wow’ looking shoe with a stack height as yet unseen from On (33/27 mm). They went for it–and they nailed it. While it takes a little breaking in, once that small hurdle is jumped, this is a shoe for a long run with a bounce-in-my-step kind of running experience. It’s served me well on long marathon training runs. It’s keeping its spring and the proof is in the choosing: I just keep going back to it in the rotation.
Oh, and the upper is made from 100 percent recycled polyester adding some more joy in every step knowing that On is firmly planted in moving its sustainability mission forward. — Melanie Mitchell
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Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8 | $180
I am not a fast runner, and running shoes don’t often “do” much for me. These made me realize why people geek out over running shoes—my first foray in super-shoes, these give me forward propulsion and bounce that genuinely lend me a confidence boost, which anyone can appreciate. They’re not “full super-shoes” because there’s no real carbon plate; instead there are carbon-infused “EnergyRods” from Adidas that are thinner and more flexible than a full plate. The first time I wore these for a treadmill effort I felt like I was flying, even at my beginner-level paces. — Jessica Campbell-Salley
Lululemon SenseKnit Leggings | $168
I am wearing these right now in prep for a run later. They help me feel locked in place during runs and hikes and are comfy enough to wear during a day of Zoom calls, too. The waist pockets are surprisingly deep and the seamless bottoms on the legs keep my ankles happy. The fabric is a little thick for a truly scorching summer run, but the sweat-wicking is on point. — JCS
Brooks Run Within 2-in-1 Running Shorts | $47.95
I used to really hate running shorts. I would wear leggings year-round when running, no matter how hot it was. Turns out I wasn’t wearing the right shorts. These 2-in-1’s from Brooks’ new Run Within line have joined me on many a summer run so far because they look good and they fit right. Truly the only thing I’d change is adding a bigger pocket to fit my phone, but the small waist band pockets are perfect for carrying keys and cash for my post-run coffee. — Malissa Rodenburg
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This is kind of embarrassing because it’s become such a cliché at this point, but I love the way Athletic Greens makes me feel. We joke that AG1 is a super impressive marketing company that happens to sell a greens powder, but the truth is… I drink it every morning and it’s become a cornerstone of my “wellness” routine. I actually don’t even drink coffee anymore as I find by the time I finish my 12 ounces of water mixed with AG1 I’m perfectly alert. And it’s true what they say: One good decision tends to snowball into more. I’m running more consistently since starting my days with this. (And no, it does not taste great. Worth it though.) – JCS
Osmo Nutrition Mango Hydration Mix | $20
Yes, this sports drink mix has a good amount of sodium and carbohydrates, but for me, it’s the magnesium that I love. When my doctor told me, as someone prone to migraine, that I need to make sure I’m getting a good amount of magnesium (which is an electrolyte like sodium), I went on a hunt. And it was surprisingly hard to find. But this formula from Osmo Nutrition (“optimized for women”) has the right mixture I was looking for and has made a difference in my hydration so far. The mango flavor is light, which I prefer over strong sugary drinks. — MR
Happy Spritz Recover Essential Oil Towelette | $11
Glad to have a social life again, where something like these essential oil towelettes would come in handy. But to be honest, I also use these when I’m staying in sometimes too. Like last night when I returned home from a run and dinner was already cooked and ready to eat. I didn’t want to waste a second showering, but I also didn’t want to smell myself throughout the meal. The pre-moistened towelettes do the trick of helping you feel fresh without irritating your skin. Bonus: They are compostable. — MR
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