With the world around us evolving at a neck-breaking pace, it’s not unusual for modern tech running gadgets to replace the good old exercising equipment we used to have.
Now, instead of sweatbands, runners have smartwatches adorning their wrists. And instead of plastic water bottles, there are now advanced steel bottles that filter the water and count your consumption.
There isn’t any gadget that burns calories yet, but we have high hopes for the industry!
If you want to run AND have fun, you’ll need a few running gadgets to up your game. So here are some devices you’ll wish you had earlier!
1. Garmin Forerunner Watch
When running on a treadmill, you’ll have a heart rate monitor and an LCD that shows your speed, distance, etc. However, you have none of that when running outdoors, and it’s sometimes essential for monitoring your progress.
That’s where the Garmin Forerunner comes into play. The smartwatch monitors your distance, blood pressure, burned calories, and heart rate.
Not only that, but it also has a built-in accelerometer, sleep monitor, and GPS. It’s an all-in-all watch that does anything you need it to.
The Forerunner dons a five-button interface that allows you to mark your laps as quickly as you can press a button. It’s easy to use, innovative, and, best of all, affordable to many.
2. Garmin Running Pod
When it comes to running equipment, you can’t lose with Garmin. Their running pod is insanely popular in the running community because of its functionality and convenience, although its price isn’t what you’d call affordable.
The running pod can connect to any compatible device and help you monitor your running progress and metrics. It measures cadence, which is the number of steps per minute.
In addition to that, it measures the balance of ground contact time, stride length, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, and vertical ratio.
So, you pretty much get all the data you need to make sure you’re running correctly.
It also helps you improve your running by showing you what you’re doing wrong.
With this pod, you don’t need to fasten a chest strap or an armband. All you have to do is clip the pod to your shorts or waistband. I’d say it’s a necessary gadget for all pro runners.
3. Running Vest
You may need a running vest to keep you hydrated if you tend to run long distances.
It’s also a necessity if you practice trail running because you make double the effort, and there’s a high chance you can’t get water during the race.
Running with backpacks is now as old-fashioned as Blackberry phones. Now, runners wear vests because they’re easier to carry.
On top of that, they keep the weight distributed across your chest and back rather than loading it all on your shoulders and spine.
This running vest from AONIJIE has nine external pockets, so you can keep all your belongings safe until you finish the race.
It can also accommodate a 1.5L bladder, and it has a bite-and-pull valve for easy access to water while running.
4. Heart Rate Strap
If you want an accurate reading of your heart rate while running, a chest strap is what you need. This one from Garmin is soft and adjustable, so you can find the most comfortable size and adjust it accordingly.
The heart rate module is removable and washable, so you can maintain it correctly. The battery is also pretty solid, working for up to 3.5 years if you use it reasonably.
You won’t have to replace it any time soon.
5. In-Ear Running Headphones
Running without headphones would be one boring experience. Don’t you agree?
To listen to your favorite playlist while running, you need a pair of solid headphones that won’t slip out of your ears or cause pain.
One solid choice is the Noot Products in-ear headphones. They’re made for sports, so they come with a couple of valuable features.
For one, they’re sweatproof, so you don’t have to worry about wearing them out if you sweat a lot. On top of that, they have easy controls.
You can forward to the next song by clicking on the (+) button, then rewind the music you want by clicking on the (-) button.
There’s also a button for picking and ending calls without having to stop your run.
6. Heart Rate Armband
If you don’t prefer to wear a chest strap while running, you can always get an armband instead.
It’s easier to move around with because you won’t even feel that it’s there. Its reading may not be as accurate as a chest strap, but it’ll get you the closest result.
The armband responds to changes quickly, accounting for accurate readings during sprints or interval running. If you don’t want to wear it on your arm, you can tighten it and wear it on your wrist instead.
It’s generally better to wear it on your arm because it’ll move less while you’re running, giving more accurate reads.
7. Waterproof Socks
It’s not uncommon to step in a puddle accidentally while running; if you’re not wearing waterproof socks, you’ll likely have to endure the wet feeling until you get back home.
Even if you don’t step in a puddle, if you sweat excessively from your feet, you’ll get the same annoying feeling.
Aside from being bothersome, moisture may cause your skin to develop blisters because it’s an open invitation for bacteria and mold to grow.
It’s better to wear a pair of waterproof socks to prevent that from happening. The Randy Sun socks are highly durable because they’re intended for hiking.
They’re made of waterproof nylon that’s thick enough not to allow any water inside.
8. Portable Fan for Treadmill
If you mostly run indoors, it might get hot inside the room, especially since you keep sweating while running.
For that, you may need a portable fan for your treadmill, and this one from Jiffy may fulfill all your needs.
The fan is rotatable all the way around, so you can direct it any way you want.
You can also use it in various positions, thanks to its flexible cord. You can either hand-hold it or rotate the cord around the treadmill’s handle.
The fan offers a rotating speed up to 2470 RPM. It operates silently, thanks to its advanced brushless motor.
The fan comes with a built-in battery, holding a decent capacity of 5000 mAh. You can charge it in multiple ways, using a power bank, a car charger, or a power adapter.
When it’s fully charged, it gives you 6–20 hours, depending on which speed you choose. There are three speeds to choose from.
9. Running Sunglasses
If you tend to run a lot outdoors, you’ll need a pair of polarized running sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s rays.
They’re also necessary if you’re running in the direction of the sunlight because you’ll be squinting the whole time.
The Jojen pair is affordable and lovely, and it’s designed to look like any conventional sunglasses.
It’s a good option if you don’t like the shape of regular running sunglasses. Or, if you want glasses that aren’t too tight around your face.
The lenses are also polarized for protection against UV rays.
10. Chest Light
If you love to challenge your sight and run in the dark, you’ll need something to guide you.
Or else, you’re prone to accidents because of the low visibility. In this case, a chest light will grant you a safe journey back home.
The chest strap from Rabow is visible from every angle. Aside from the large lamp in front, the strap’s material is reflective.
So, you’ll be obvious to any runner around you, and the light will help you see anything in front of you.
The belt is lightweight and comfortable, so you don’t need to worry about affecting the quality of your run.
11. Phone Armband
Most runners need their phones on them while running. Either they use its features to track their vitals, or they need it for calls or work.
In all cases, you’ll need a cell phone armband to keep your phone in place while running.
This one from Tribe is made of a blend of Neoprene and Lycra for breathability.
That way, if you sweat a lot, the material won’t irritate your skin. Additionally, it’s highly durable, so you’ll seldom see a tear on it.
The armband features an adjustable band, elastic enough to go around any arm size.
It also comes with dual buckle loops to allow you to secure it according to your size.
The band provides you with easy access to your phone, so you can reply to texts and have calls without needing to stop amid your run.
12. Open-Ear Sport Headphones
If you run a lot outdoors, you’ll need a pair of solid open-ear headphones to stay on your ears.
This pair from Shokz is comfortable and lightweight, so you won’t feel any ache after you wear it for the whole workout session.
The headphones are safe for outdoor running because they’re bone-conduction, which means they resonate the sound through your skull rather than your ear canal.
In other words, you can enjoy the beats of your songs inside your ears yet still listen to the ambient sounds around.
So, your ear canals aren’t blocked, and you can hear if a car is approaching or if there’s something else around you. Of course, that’s vital for your safety.
The Shokz also comes with a quick-charge feature, charging sufficiently in only five minutes. If you’re in a hurry or you use it a lot, this feature will be pretty helpful.
13. LED Shoe Safety Light
If you don’t want to wear a chest or a headlight, but you still want to be visible at night, you may need an LED shoe light.
It attaches to your shoes, showing different bright colors to let the people around you see you running.
The LED light has a black shell that glows brightly. It’s also weatherproof so that you can step in puddles comfortably, and it won’t get damaged.
The lights can run up to 70 hours if they’re steady. If you adjust them to be flashing, you’ll get an extra 30 hours, amounting to 100 hours of bright lights.
The batteries are included in the purchase, so you don’t have to pay extra money.
These fellows aren’t only suitable for running, but you can also wear them while hiking, cycling, or even having a walk around the city at night.
14. Reflective Light Bands
If you have a race or a marathon coming close, you may want to buy a couple of reflective bands.
They keep you visible to the cars and runners around you, so they’re perfect for running at night or in heavy fog. You can also wear them while running indoors if the light settings are dim.
The bands are adjustable, so you can get them to fit your size perfectly.
They all come with velcro closures for security. On top of that, they come in a mesh storage bag.
15. Smart Water Bottle
Water bottles have come a long way! Instead of the good old plastic bottles that turned warm after only a few minutes, there are now smart bottles for runners and athletes.
The HidrateSpark water bottle is designed to remind you to drink water.
It tracks your consumption, and the lower compartment glows up to remind you to get hydrated. The bottle connects to the HidrateSpark app, which you can use to track your consumption and input your data.
The bottle is BPA-free and made of stainless steel. It’s resistant to rust and entirely safe for use.
When you buy it, you receive a fast-charging cable and a rechargeable battery. The cable charges it in a few minutes, so you can always use it when you’re in a hurry.
One more thing to love about the bottle is its customizability. You can design your own bottle by choosing its size and lid and choosing the glowing colors that you prefer.
16. Portable Massage Gun
If you want to treat your muscles to a brief massage after running, you’ll need a portable massage gun that you can take anywhere.
That way, if you’re going to a race, you can take it with you. It’s compact enough to fit in any bag.
The portable massage gun from Theragun comes with a battery that lasts for two hours, more or less, depending on your usage.
It also comes with a charging cable, so you don’t need to buy it separately.
The gun has three speeds you can change according to the intensity you want. It works quietly, nearly silent, so that you can use it anywhere without bothering those around you.
The low sound is thanks to the gun’s brushless motor, which works quietly and effectively.
17. Bluetooth Massage Gun
The Hyperice massage gun is one of the best running gadgets you can get your hands on. It comes with five interchangeable heads suitable for use on several muscles.
You can use it for muscle recovery after finishing a tough workout session.
Not only that, but the Hyperice also features three speeds, so you can adjust it according to the intensity you want.
It’s capable of producing up to 3200 percussions per minute, which is impressive considering its relatively compact size.
The massage gun features a high-torque motor that generates 60W of power; it’s also brushless, accounting for a low operation sound.
It works almost silently, regardless of the speed and percussion frequency you choose—all thanks to the Quiet Glide technology.
The gun only weighs three pounds, and it includes a patented pressure sensor that offers three levels.
18. Sports Earbuds
If you don’t like over-head headphones, you can opt for earbuds instead. They’re small so that they won’t cause aches inside your ears; you won’t even feel them.
Bose makes one of the best sports pairs on the market. It offers a pristine sound quality that makes you feel as if the performer is right inside your ear.
It also comes with StayHear Max tips that stay inside your ears without budging. You’ll get three different sizes to find the best fit.
The earbuds are resistant to sweat and water in general. The rating is only IPX4, though, so they’re not made to be submerged in water.
The earbuds don a microphone that clears your voice amid the surrounding ambiance. That way, your caller hears your voice clearly enough.
Lastly, the earbuds are easy to use while you’re running on a treadmill or outdoors. They only have a couple of control buttons that you can use to play, pause, and answer calls.
19. Treadmill Desk Table
If you have some work to do while running on the treadmill or you want to stream a TV show online, there’s no reason you can’t get a desk table.
This one is portable, and it’s universal to fit all kinds of treadmills, regardless of their design or their size.
The desk’s installation is easier than ever. All you have to do is insert the treadmill’s handle into the holes on the sides.
They should fit all kinds of handles, but there’s nothing to guarantee that. So, it’s better to double-check the dimensions before buying.
The desk can support up to 22 pounds, making it perfect for your laptop plus a couple of gadgets. You can even rest your water bottle on it if there’s no holder on the treadmill.
If you’re afraid the desk will slip, the protective padding on the bottom will prevent that from happening. It offers decent traction to keep the desk in place.
20. Neck Fan
If your neck gets too hot while running, you may want to buy a neck fan. It can work indoors and outdoors, and it’s wearable like a pair of headphones, so it doesn’t irritate you.
Not only that, but the fan is also bladeless, so you can make sure it doesn’t catch your tall hair or cause uneven cooling.
The portable neck fan here has 48 outlets for the wind. Once you turn the fan on, you can feel the cool wind instantly.
The fan offers you three speeds, so you can choose according to how hot the weather is.
You can recharge it using its USB port via a phone charger, a computer, or a power bank. It sports a 1800mAh battery that’s good enough to offer seven working hours on a single charge.
If you only use the fan at its highest speed, the battery may not last as long, though.
The Final Verdict On The Best Running Gadgets
Running gadgets are endless. If you don’t know what you want or where to look, you’ll find yourself in an endless array of choices. I’d say essential gadgets are earbuds, a smart water bottle, and a heart rate tracker.
Garmin’s running pod is also an excellent tool to have for pro runners.