Running Products I Keep Buying (And Why)
- MotivatedtoRun
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 14
I’ve tried a lot of different running products over the years, and honestly everyone has their own preferences. What works for one runner might not work for another, and that’s completely fine
But for me, when it comes to trainers, it’s always New Balance.
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080
I actually bought my first pair by accident back in 2017 when I started training for Brighton Marathon. At the time I was running in a pair of Asics, which were the most expensive trainers I’d ever owned. But being fairly new to running, I didn’t realise that some shoes come up narrower than others, and mine gave me awful blisters.
That’s when I found the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080.
I genuinely can’t explain how comfortable those trainers felt the first time I wore them. They’re soft, cushioned and somehow make long miles feel easier on your feet. Since that first pair, I’ve never really looked back. I’ve worn different colours and different versions over the years, but the 1080s are still my favourite by far.
I’ve also had a few pairs of FuelCells, which definitely feel faster — although that could just be my brain convincing me they are.
The trainers obviously don’t last forever, especially with marathon training. Most are usually recommended to be changed around every 500 miles or so. One thing I’ve learnt though is that you don’t always need the newest release. I’m honestly not bothered whether they’re current season or not, as long as I like the colours. Sports websites often reduce older versions quite a lot, and you can sometimes find really good deals on auction websites too if you know the exact trainer you’re looking for.
When it comes to sunglasses, it’s Goodr every time.
Goodr Running Sunglasses
I used to avoid running sunglasses because I assumed they’d bounce around, slide down my face or just annoy me while running, but these honestly don’t move at all. They’re lightweight, comfortable and surprisingly affordable compared to a lot of sports sunglasses.
One of my favourite things about them though is the colours and names. They do so many weird and wonderful combinations that there’s genuinely something for everyone. My first pair were called Whiskey Shots With Satan and my current pair are called Bosley’s Basset Hound Dreams, which honestly says everything you need to know about the brand.
Mine have lasted through years of training runs, races and everyday life, and they’re not just good for running either.
If there’s one running gadget I use every single day, it’s my Garmin watch.
Garmin Venu Watch
I remember owning one of the older Garmin models when I first started running and at the time it did everything I needed it to do. The only downside was the battery. If I forgot to fully charge it before a long marathon training run, it would usually die before I’d finished.
My current watch is a Garmin Venu and I absolutely love it. I bought it in 2022 ready for marathon training and it’s been brilliant ever since. I wear it every day, not just for running. It connects to my phone, helps me pace runs properly and the battery life is so much better than the older watches I used to own.
And finally, my Shokz headphones.
Shokz OpenRun Pro Headphones
Before these, I had a cheaper pair of bone-conducting headphones which were decent at first, but they felt rigid and eventually snapped at the back. The Shokz ones have honestly been incredible. They’re lightweight, flexible and the sound quality is much better. I also love that I can still hear what’s going on around me while I’m running, which makes me feel much safer.
I’ve had mine for about six years now and if I’m honest, they’re probably nearing the end of their life… but I’m still trying to hold on to them for as long as possible.
Running can definitely become an expensive hobby if you let it, but a lot of these things have lasted me years. The trainers obviously need replacing more regularly, but my watch, sunglasses and headphones have all lasted through years of training, races and everyday life, which for me has made them worth every penny.
These might not be the products every runner chooses, but they’re the ones I’ve kept coming back to year after year—and that probably says more than any review ever could.
From one runner to another,Motivated To Run
Some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. I only ever share products I genuinely use and love.
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