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Robbe’s top picks for summer running
Because it’s gettin’ hot in here
Miler, Asics, Swiftwick, Norda, Path Projects, Janji, and more
I could have picked from several summer-centric songs for this intro. I could have picked Boys of Summer, Summertime, Summer of ’69, or just Summer. Heck, I could have picked a song of the summer — there’s a new one of those every year. I didn’t. Instead, I picked a Creedence Clearwater Revival song about impending doom… which honestly sums up summer in the Baltimore region pretty nicely. It’s about to get really, really hot.
And, when it does, whether you’re here, there, or anywhere else, you’ll probably want some supplies to make the miles (and the recovery from those miles) a little easier. So, we sat down, put our heads together, and picked out the things that have been keeping us cool — or at least comfortable — in the early days of the hottest season.
Here’s what we came up with.
Nomadix
It took far too long, but car seat cover towels are now en vogue, and for good reason. I mean, who wants to finish a run and soak sweat into the cushion of that $80,000 Ford Bronco you just leveraged your house against? You’re also a grown-up, stop using your bathroom towels for your disgusting run sweat. Instead, opt for the Nomadix Car Seat Cover Towel. Featuring a slip-resistant headrest pocket and a soft MicroTerry, this thing is perfect for the beach or a post-run cleanup. In a pinch, you can even use it as a light blanket (as I did at my kid’s baseball game this year when the weather got cold and windy). The designs are the icing on the cake, featuring retro-inspired designs that deliver surfin’ safari vibes courtesy of the California coast.
Foehn
If you know tech fabrics, you know that Polartec is top-tier. So it is with this running shirt, which utilizes Polartec Delta, an innovative knit structure that optimizes moisture dispersion, enhancing airflow and promoting rapid cooling. It’s incredibly light and breathable, with 360-degree stretch, thanks to a blend of recycled polyester and lyocell sourced from renewable wood pulp. On the shorts side, the Relais Polartec Power Dry short easily competes against the Satisfy Rippy at a much lower price point.
Janji
The Multi Short is more or less running royalty at this point, but the designs are why we keep coming back. This snakeskin pattern rules, but it rules even more that it’s printed on a lightweight 4-way stretch AFO-Vent with micro-perf lining. Throw in six (!) integrated pockets and you have a whole lot of bounce-free storage for your run, no matter the distance.
Path Projects
Guys, you gotta have this shirt. It is my go-to shirt for all summer activities, which includes running. It’s surprisingly comfortable and breathable on the run, thanks to its micro-perforations, built-in stretch (just a bit, not too much), and slightly loose Hawaiian shirt fit. It looks great with anything and even includes a side zip pocket for essentials like keys, credit cards, or gels. Truly one of my favorite pieces of gear for summer living.
Kilometer Studios
If you’re serious about run-commuting, then you know how important it is to have a bounce-free pack that separates your work essentials from your run staples. This pack is a top-tier design courtesy of the Swedish brand Kilometer Studios. Devoted to the run commuter, the design elements are top-notch — an interior sleeve that accommodates a 16-inch laptop, pockets for accessories and chargers, and a clamshell design with a main compartment for storing clothes and/or shoes.
The fit, though — that’s what seals the deal. Featuring a waist built with phone storage and a key carabiner, as well as a chest strap that pulls the shoulder harnesses together, it cinches down in all the right places. The load lifters on the back shoulders tie the whole thing together. Trust me, this thing stays secure. To date, this is the best commuter pack we’ve tested.
Smith
The Smith Sliders are top-tier sunglasses, especially for their class. The design is sharp, calling back to the original ‘90s design with a bit of modern flair. Each pair comes with three lens options (ChromaPop sun lens, ChromaPop low-light amber, and clear), which can be swapped out as your preference changes. The fit is second-to-none, with zero bounce. I wore these for the New York City Marathon this past year and couldn’t have asked for a better pair of sunglasses to get from Staten Island to Central Park.
LMNT
It’s summer, which means the salt and electrolytes are leaving your body and heading to the beach for a few months. You need to get them back, which is why LMNT is your friend. Featuring 1000 mg of sodium and key electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, this helps restore the recovery meter after a long run or workout. But the real story here is that they just unveiled their Lemonade Iced Tea flavor (i.e., their version of an Arnold Palmer). It’s incredibly refreshing and tasty, and may be our favorite flavor of LMNT to date. Plus, it comes equipped with 50 mg of caffeine to keep you going.
Norda
Look, we get it — you can buy Crocs or Kane for half the price. But let me assure you that the Norda 008 blows both of those out of the water in terms of… well, everything. I’m not lying to you when I say I wore these almost every day last summer and have continued the tradition through May. The foam is incredibly comfortable, with an engineered arch support. I honestly think I could run a half marathon in the slide. But here’s what changes everything: The 008 comes with a Vibram EcoStep soleplate, meaning you get excellent grip in wet conditions. Rainy sidewalks, poolside, bike rides, etc. It’s a summer essential if there ever was one.
Swiftwick x Believe in the Run
If you have a pair of the Mount to Coast BITR H1, then you know you need this sock. But if you don’t, that’s okay too. This limited-edition crew sock combines all our favorite things about Swiftwick — breathability, durability, and comfort — with a bit of Believe in the Run flair. Get yours while you can.
Outdoor Research
Designed for summer adventures, this ultralight bivy is a must-have for any fastpacking, section hiking, or overnight trips. It weighs a minuscule 18 oz. and is constructed of a Pertex Shield NetPlus fabric, a waterproof PU-coated floor, and fully seam-taped construction. The whole thing compresses down into a small package and is easy to assemble for all your on-the-go excursions. We especially like the no-see-um mesh that keeps out all sizes of insects, without sacrificing on ventilation, thanks to the dual passive ventilation flaps.
Asics
As far as short-sleeve shirts go, this is one that flies under the radar but is easily as good as anything out there. Featuring Actibreeze technology and a knit material that’s incredibly light, this is one of our go-to tops in warmer weather. The strategic body map perforations provide exceptional ventilation in key zones, keeping you cool no matter the weather.
Miler Running
One of our favorite running singlets, especially for summer, the Base Running Singlet is made from lightweight, breathable, four-way stretch mesh from Switzerland, ensuring a cool, moisture-wicking, quick-dry experience. The fit is just right and ultra comfortable, giving a luxury feel to a simple garment, thanks to the bonded NoSo seams and hems that reduce chafing and lie flat. Also, it’s made in New York City. Not Vietnam, China, or anywhere else. New York City. That rules.
Patagonia
This is one of those things that falls under the “simplicity done right” umbrella. Patagonia has decades of expertise in textiles and performance, and it shows in the Strider Pro Shorts, their most technical running shorts to date. It’s one of the most comfortable running shorts I’ve ever worn, featuring a quick-drying fabric made of 90% recycled polyester with 4-way stretch. The waistband and liner are both super soft, and you get a ton of storage — four envelope pockets and one secured zipper pocket in the back. Also comes in a 7-inch length.
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Robbe is a podcast host and reviewer at 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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