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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
The Wahoo Kickr Run is the most advanced treadmill I have ever used. My favorite feature is its seamless integration with Zwift, which can control the side-to-side tilt and elevation both up and down. You can also use Zwift workouts to control the pace or set up your own custom workouts. While I love running outside in the real world, the treadmill is an excellent option for a more controlled environment. I just started testing the treadmill and will have a full review after a couple of months of use. They are still rolling out new firmware updates.
Meaghan’s Pick #1
I know I’ve put Goodr sunglasses on my list of favorites before, but the most recent pair I received is worth adding. The semi-rimless, blue shield frames with polarized gradient lenses are perfect for race day, hiding all (painful) facial expressions.
Robbe’s Pick #1
We love hats, and we love Alex Herms, everyone’s favorite shirtless big dude runner. So, of course, we’re gonna love his first signature hat, a seven-panel run cap with a pliable brim adorned with his go-to motto. Plus, we know it’s false fall here in Baltimore, which means there will be plenty more days for shirtless escapades.
Thomas’s Pick #2
While I have been rehabbing my butt tendons — I think that’s the technical term — I’ve been using the bike to do HIIT workouts. The last pair of cycling shoes I purchased are about 15 years old. Udog offered to send me a pair of shoes to try out, and I immediately fell in love with the simple European-style shoes. At first, I was a little concerned about a cycling shoe that laced up instead of having BOA dials to get the perfect fit. However, the Tensione fits securely with a bit of throwback grace. As you know, at Believe in the Run, we appreciate performance and style above all else.
Meaghan’s Pick #2
Shout out to Fairlife protein shakes, which have been saving my life while I’m running more than I ever have. The extra mileage has somehow made me so tired that even mixing up a bag of protein powder has been replaced with an already-made high-protein beverage. And for that, I am grateful.
Robbe’s Pick #2
The first time I tried these sunglasses, I was stunned. The crispness, the clarity, the light weight of the frames — I’m not sure I’ve ever worn sunglasses that touch all the bases and do it so well. It makes sense, though — Method Seven makes specialized lenses for commercial pilots who fly west directly into the sun on repeated flights. This model is specifically built for trail running, featuring deep notch filtering and partial polarization (the first of its kind) to maximize the reflected light 2-10 feet in front of you. I promise you these are worth every dollar and more.
Ryan’s Pick #1
I’m not normally a vest guy – they usually just jostle around a bit too much for my liking. However, the Nathan Pinnacle 4 is a little more my speed. It’s way lighter than other Nathan vests I’ve used, yet it comes with a surprising stock of pockets. Oh, and I’m not really a bladder guy, either, so the Pinnacle’s soft flasks with extra-long straws are great, too, even if they make the vest a little front-heavy.
Ryan’s Pick #2
Normally, when it comes to cheap sunglasses, I’m a Goodr guy. Maybe it’s the fun names, or maybe it’s just because they send us so many shades, but I’ve been loyal for a while. The only problem is their lenses tend to scratch pretty easily. Tifosi, on the other hand, seems to have a better formula for affordable shades with durable lenses, so I’ve been rocking the Sanctum for the last few weeks. It’s an interesting silhouette, equal parts wayfarers and shields, and the purple colorway pops nicely against my usual all-black apparel.
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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.
More from ThomasMeaghan 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.
More from MeaghanRobbe 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.
More from RobbeRyan 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.
More from Ryan