Running equipment - this is what you really need

You want to start running and don't know what running equipment you really need? Especially due to advertising, influencers & co., newbies in running are often faced with many questions. That's why our running expert Anna Gehring will help you and show you which running gear is really necessary and what you should look out for when choosing. As the German student champion over 10,000 metres and an experienced cross-country and long-distance runner, she can give you valuable tips.

spized | Clothing and equipment

October 7, 2024 |

Whats’ on this page

1. Running equipment - focus on running shoes

1.1 Jogging Equipment - Differences in Running Shoes

1.2 Running Equipment - Practical Tips for Buying Running Shoes

2. Jogging equipment: functional clothing and running socks

3. Our tips for buying jogging equipment

4. The sports bra as important jogging equipment

4.1 What makes a good sports bra?

4.2 Do running watches have to be part of the jogging equipment?

5. What do I have to consider when buying running equipment in summer?

6. Do I need special jogging equipment for water supply?

Running equipment - focus on running shoes

The most important part of your running equipment is your running shoes. After all, the shoes ensure that the impact load is reduced. They support and stabilise your foot while running and help you avoid misalignments. Depending on the shape of the sole, your running shoe can also make it easier to roll. There are many different types of running shoes on the market.

Jogging Equipment - Differences in Running Shoes

Shoe type	Properties	Suitable for
Neutral shoes	Running shoes without stabilising elements	Suitable for neutral running attachment
Stability shoes	Running shoes with support element on the inside	Suitable for runners with overpronation; corrects overpronation (foot tilts too much inwards when touching down)
Carbon shoes	Current trend: stiff carbon plate returns energy to runner:in with every step, is supposed to reduce muscular effort and improve running economy	Suitable for competitions, increase positive effects for forefoot and midfoot runners

Important note about carbon running shoes:

Even though the shoes represent a current trend in jogging equipment, they are only useful for runners with a running speed of at least 4 km/h. Furthermore, only athletes with well-trained muscles should use carbon shoes, otherwise there is a risk of injury due to the high strain on the calf muscles and Achilles tendon. At 200 to 300 euros, carbon shoes are considerably more expensive than "normal" jogging shoes. However, these running shoes only last about 300 kilometres.

Important features of running shoes:

Cushioning: As a beginner, you should always start with a very well cushioned shoe. Otherwise, the amount of cushioning depends on your running style, weight and preferences.
Weight: The weight of your running shoes depends on your running style, pronation, body weight and training goal. If you choose shoes with more cushioning, they are usually heavier. If you run more often and train for competitions, you can choose running shoes with different weights. Use the lighter ones for short, fast training sessions and competitions. The better cushioned and heavier shoes are used for long endurance runs.

Laufequipment - Praktische Tipps zum Laufschuhkauf

If you are a beginner runner, you should buy your running shoes in a specialist shop with personal advice.
It is best to try on running shoes in the late afternoon or evening. This is because feet expand during the course of the day.
It's best to bring old running shoes, as the wear and tear on the soles can provide valuable information about your running style.
To try them on, wear exactly the same running socks that you will wear later in training or competition.
Make sure that your running shoes do not pinch. The distance from the big toe to the tip of the shoe should be at least one thumb. As a rule of thumb, running shoes are always one size bigger than your sneakers.
The width of the shoe should be chosen so that your forefoot does not "swim" in the shoe, but the shoe does not press laterally on the transverse arch or above the base of the toe. With moderate lacing, the shoe should fit tightly at the instep.
When rolling, the heel cap should not rub against your Achilles tendon.
It is best to run several hundred metres in your new running shoes before you buy them. This is usually possible in a good running shop. Ask beforehand!
Important: If you wear insoles, you should of course bring them to the fitting!

Jogging equipment: functional clothing and running socks

If you have already bought good running shoes, you can theoretically start running with jogging pants or a regular T-shirt. If you run more often, you will appreciate the advantages of good jogging gear. Functional clothing ensures that you don't sweat too quickly, but also that you don't cool down immediately.

Running clothes: When buying running trousers or shirts, make sure that they are moisture-repellent and heat-regulating. This way, sweat is quickly wicked away.
Running jackets: These jackets should not be too thick and should be wind-resistant. This prevents you from sweating too quickly while running. At the same time, you avoid cooling down too quickly when jogging in the wind.
Running socks: Jogging socks should above all dry quickly and be breathable. To prevent blisters, the socks should have flat seams. Padding on the toe, footbed and heel can provide additional running comfort.

Our tips for buying jogging equipment

Choose tight-fitting clothes rather than loose ones. This gives you more freedom of movement when running.
Wear sportswear in bright signal colours or with reflectors, especially in winter or during the dark season.
Make sure that the clothing has flat seams and zips that lie close to the skin. Otherwise, zips on running tights can chafe when you run, for example.
It's also a good idea to get a small bag or choose clothes with a pocket for keys or a smartphone.

Would you like to motivate yourself even more with your very own running clothes? Here you can design your own high-quality running shirts. And here you can find more customisable running products.

Your customised running shirt could look like this.

The sports bra as important jogging equipment

If you go jogging without a sports bra, you will damage the connective tissue of your breasts. This is because breast tissue consists mainly of glands, fat and connective tissue. There are no supporting muscles. This means that shock movements during running can neither be absorbed nor stabilised. It is therefore recommended to use sports bras regardless of your cup size.

What makes a good sports bra?

Like your running clothes, the sports bra should be breathable and made of functional material. Ideally, the bra should have few or no seams. Wide, padded and adjustable straps provide more comfort. They take the strain off your shoulder muscles. Good sports bras do not have underwires. They can damage the connective tissue during jogging.

Do running watches have to be part of the jogging equipment?

When you start jogging, you don't necessarily need a running watch. You can also measure the duration of training laps with a conventional watch or smartphone. However, running watches can help you manage your training more effectively and increase your motivation. With the help of these watches, you can measure important body and performance data such as pulse, distance or speed and evaluate them later with the corresponding fitness apps.

What do I have to consider when buying running equipment in summer?

In summer, you should wear short and loose-fitting running clothes. The following points are also important:

Choose functional clothing instead of cotton, as this can wick away sweat better.
Wear light-coloured clothing, as this reflects the sunlight better.
Use headgear to protect your head from direct sunlight. Running caps or scarves are a good option here.
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV radiation. The glasses should fit well and be light.
Use waterproof and low-fat sunscreen to protect against sunburn.

Do I need special jogging equipment for water supply?

If you are running for longer than 60 to 90 minutes, and depending on the weather, it is a good idea to stay hydrated while jogging.

What is suitable for this?

Drinking bottle: It can be very tiring to jog with a drinking bottle in your hand. A very practical alternative is the "Soft-Flask". This is a bottle that adapts to the shape of your hand and the fill level. This means your drink doesn't slosh back and forth all the time. It should not be missing from your running equipment for long sessions.
Drinking belts: These belts are practical. They are available with an integrated compartment for your water bottle or with integrated small bottles and holders. The belt also offers you space for a bar, gels or utensils such as mobile phones and keys. Hydration waistcoat or
Hydration backpack: Hydration waistcoats and backpacks are very practical, especially for long tours or runs. They have more capacity than water bottles and are lightweight. In addition, the waistcoats or backpacks are close-fitting so that they do not interfere with running. Hydration backpacks also offer space for a change of clothes.

There's a lot of running gear out there - but you don't need all of it to get started.

If you are just starting to run, good running shoes are the most important thing. If you enjoy running, you can expand your running equipment step by step. You will find out for yourself where you can optimise your running equipment. We wish you lots of fun!