Find out how to choose optimal running clothes, whatever the season and wherever you practice your running. A complete running outfit includes sportswear, layered clothing suitable for both hot and cold, as well as good shoes. Do not hesitate to add accessories to improve your running comfort and your performance.
Choosing the ideal running outfit in 3 steps
The ideal running outfit, adapted to the weather and the context in which you train, ensures comfort and safety at each session. Here are a few tips for Choosing your running outfit.
Choosing tops for running
The best sports tops should allow you to move easily, be layerable to adapt to the increase in body temperature caused by exercise and provide you with optimal comfort in all seasons:
- A short-sleeved top or T-shirt in summer and a long-sleeved T-shirt in winter, which fits closely to the body to maintain a maximum range of movement. Clothing made of technical materials helps to wick away perspiration.
- Waterproof jackets and windbreakers to protect you from the weather, but with ventilation to prevent perspiration.
- Warm, sleeveless jackets for the coolest seasons, so you can wear 3 layers to maintain your body heat by layering garments.
Running bottoms
For the bottom half of the body, have a choice of several outfits according to the seasons and your preferences:
- Light and breathable summer shorts
- Sports leggings or running tights made of technical materials for maximum comfort.
- Mid-season leggings
- Running trousers or jogging trousers if you prefer a looser fit.
Comfortable underwear for running
Your choice of underwear is very important, so you can be comfortable, whatever your running practice:
- Socks should be adapted according to the season:
- Thermal socks for outdoor winter running.
- Socks reinforced at the heel and toe.
- Double socks to avoid blisters.
- Compression socks, designed to accelerate blood flow and improve oxygenation of the muscles.
- Bra or sports bra to support the breasts while running.
- Comfortable, close-fitting underwear or shorts.
5 criteria for finding the right running shoes
When choosing your running shoes, consider the following 5 criteria, taking into account the nature of the terrain, your preferences and your fitness level:
- Lightness: The weight of running shoes depends on your morphology (your body weight and height) as well as on the desired performance, for example, in the case of track and field athletics.
- Cushioning: This is important to limit the consequences of impact on the joints during the race.
- Stability: Safe on uneven ground, the most stable shoes are also the least flexible and the heaviest.
- Comfort: This particularly relates to the inner lining of running shoes, their ventilation and cushioning.
- Your type of stride: Depending on the inclination of your foot during the run (inward or outward), look for models designed for supine, pronating or universal strides.
Ideally, plan to have 2 pairs of running shoes and test them during training before wearing them for a competition. For more information, please read our article on how to choose your running shoes.
The must-have accessories for running
When choosing your running clothes, don’t forget that as well as your sportswear, these essential running accessories will make all the difference:
- Smart watch or connected wristband to chart your body data and performance in real time or for coaching during the race, thanks to a running application.
- Wireless sports headphones connected to a smart watch or mobile phone.
- Cardiac armbands or cardio sports belts to measure your heart rate and easily manage your pace at all times.
- Sports bottle or water bag to hydrate you during the race.
- Sunglasses, hats and caps for protection while running, whatever the season.
- Protective equipment to protect the joints under the greatest strain or to make it easier to go back to exercising after an injury.
Which sportswear and accessories should you choose for your running outfit?
Check out our Fitness equipment & Coaching page for more advice.