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Here’s where to find some of the best gear out there that doesn’t make it into reviews
Because we’ve been wearing it all the time this past month
Anything from running to hanging out to livin’ the good life
We get a lot of gear to review here at Believe in the Run. Sometimes we get a whole seasonal collection to review, but more often than not, we get a bunch of items meant for different purposes. Some nutrition here, a couple hats there, tack on some casual pants and maybe some socks.
If you’re like us, you probably don’t want to read a review about just one pair of socks, or a backpack, or whatever. But if we’re using something all the time– if it’s become part of our running life– we want you to know. That’s where this monthly roundup comes in.
Each month, we give you a list of items that we really, truly love. Everything on this list is something we keep coming back to again and again. Maybe it’s the fit, maybe it’s the performance, maybe it’s just something we can’t explain. But at the end of the day, we love it, and we hope you do too.
Of course, we’re always looking for new gear to fall in love with, so if you have any recommendations yourself, please leave them in the comments below.
Thomas’s Pick #1
This is my go-to storage solution for long runs and races. I have tried a ton of belts and haven’t found anything better for storing nutrition, keys, or even an iPhone. The wide belt lays flat with absolutely no bouncing. I can put eight or more gels in the band, and there is still room for a phone. If you want to step it up a notch, Compress Sport has a version that can even store trekking poles.
Meaghan’s Pick #1
I’ve been obsessed with the Session shorts for years now, but Tracksmith just upgraded them completely. And luckily, in a good way. The shorts are now designed with a soft high-stretch fabric, a new, smooth liner and more pockets for carrying all your goods. While they’re not quite as snug-fitting as the previous model, they’re 10x more comfortable, which is quite the win.
Robbe’s Pick #1
We’re fully in the throes of cozy season, and I’m here to tell you that Paka socks are my absolute favorite all-around socks right now. Made from traceable alpaca wool and Tencel, these are soft, odor-resistant, warm, and moisture-wicking socks. I even wore them for a rainy and muddy 50K back in March. It also helps support women farmers in Peru, so you’re doing good while feeling good.
Thomas’s Pick #2
I shake up RNWY Complete Protein after almost every run or workout. The secret sauce in this protein is the addition of Creatine. Getting enough protein is crucial to maintaining muscle. I use the chocolate flavor to make it feel like I’m getting a little treat.
Meaghan’s Pick #2
I can’t tell you how excited I am about the number of pockets companies are putting in sports bras. This one comes with three: two for gels under each arm and one in the back for your iPhone. I used this for the Berlin Marathon, and it worked perfectly. I never felt the gels, and they were easy to grab mid-race. And maybe (definitely) the best part, no chafing! I wear a size small in almost all sports bras, and the same was true for this one.
Robbe’s Pick #2
Smartwool has been my go-to running glove for the past couple years, and the newest upgrade to the Active Fleece is as good as always. Featuring soft-brushed Merino next to skin and recycled polyester, the glove balances warmth and functionality. Great for those late fall and early winter days.
Ryan’s Pick #1
Alright, so technically, we reviewed the R1 last month, but it deserves more love. Roll Recovery managed to create one of the most portable massage guns I’ve ever used without stripping out its features. The R1 offers four levels of intensity, though I usually find myself digging in at the highest level and enjoying every minute of it.
Ryan’s Pick #2
Hey, look, a product I actually bought! I’ve been rocking the Mellow Clog as my in-home recovery shoe for several months now, and I don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned it. I actually grabbed it while rehabbing from a stress reaction, and now it’s become second nature to slip it on while I tackle day-to-day tasks. Just keep in mind that this is a Croc that comes without sport mode.
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As the founder of Believe in the Run, Thomas’s goal is to help runners pick the shoes and gear that will make their running experience the best that it can be.
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Meaghan signed up for her first marathon three weeks before the race, because it was $10 more than the half she planned to run. She learned everything in running the hard way. Now a USATF & UESCA certified run coach, she loves encouraging friends to go for big goals as she continues to chase faster times. She enjoys a hot cup of coffee, a cold martini, and making bagels for friends and family.
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Robbe is the senior editor of Believe in the Run. He loves going on weird routes through Baltimore, finding trash on the ground, and running with the Faster Bastards. At home in the city, but country at heart. Loves his two boys more than anything. Has the weakest ankles in the game.
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Ryan is kind of like Robbe’s Igor behind the scenes. He helps to compile and clean up everyone’s reviews, and finds time to get in a few miles of his own. When he’s not running or editing, Ryan writes and reviews for Android Authority, spending time with the latest tech and complaining when things don’t work quite right. If he’s not doing any of that, maybe you’ll find him nose-deep in a crossword puzzle or trying to catch up on an endless backlog of shows to stream.
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