Best Women’s Running Gear 2019 | Essentials for Female Runners – Runner’s World

The Kayano is a go-to shoe for women who overpronate, or need a little more stability than the average neutral shoe can offer. A more supportive twist on the original medial plate, which now extends from the midsole to the heel, and a combo of two lightweight foams give the 25s a softer, yet sturdy ride. But the biggest selling point here for female runners is Asics’s gender-specific cushioning that adds 3mm of height to the midsole. This tweak helps reduce strain on the Achilles tendon when pounding out high mileage.

But what if you’re looking for something lighter, or need a pair of kicks for race day? Your best bet here is the Escalante. Altra pairs its heralded zero-drop platform with a featherweight midsole for an underfoot experience that is minimalist, yet still bouncy and energizing. Plus, the brand goes the extra mile for ladies with its specialized Fit4Her technology, which better fits the female foot anatomy with a narrower heel and wider toebox.

One of our testers says she feels like Laura Croft every time she wears this Editor’s Choice pick. “I can’t help feeling like an action hero donning the bra over my shoulders, fastening the single clasp in front, and then zipping up,” she says. Add in the easily adjustable front straps and breathable honeycomb mesh, and you’ve got a bra fit for any tomb raider.

Alright, hear us out on this one. Running skirts are seriously convenient for days when you want to mix up your workout wardrobe a bit, and especially for when you’ve still got places to go after your sweat sesh. This sweat-wicking pick from Lulu has built-in shorts underneath with secure pockets, and even adds an easy-access eyelet for your headphone cord. Go long or mini with two length options.

This pair of leak-proof shorts is invaluable for that week each month when you need a little extra peace of mind on your runs. They feature a built-in, three-layered pad that can hold up to five teaspoons of fluid (the equivalent of three regular tampons), and will also protect against bladder leaks. “These underwear are a game-changer,” our tester says. “Nothing—I mean nothing—leaked through my underwear. I was dry and comfy for the entire run.”

If you’re a fan of Lauren Fleshman’s Believe Training Log, you’ll love Grayson Murphy’s bullet journal-inspired planner. The NAZ Elite runner designed this triple-threat log-journal-planner combo for athletes who like to keep all their notes in one place. Plus, it’s loaded with fun, creative extras—like pages for your bucket list, books to read, and movies to watch—so you can stay motivated on running days and rest days alike.

If you’ve tried everything from belts to armbands with no avail to comfortably tote your phone on a run, allow us to introduce the Koala Clip. This sweat-resistant pouch attaches to your sports bra so you can piggyback your phone and other essentials through your workout, hands- and bounce-free. You can grab the Koala Clip in three different sizes and a rainbow of colors, and you can even personalize it with your favorite race manta.