Having the right running gear is essential to ensure you're able to perform to the best of your ability. And knowing where to purchase good-quality gear at a reasonable price can help you save a few dollars.
There are plenty of good websites to help you build your running gear kit, but before you go shopping, you need to know what what to buy. This article will cover what running clothes you need and where you can purchase them to ensure you have high-quality clothing without the expensive price tag.
Where to Buy Running Clothes
There's quite a few options when it comes to buying running clothes. If you have a tight budget, but don't want to compromise on quality, these websites are worth checking out.
Sports Direct
Sports Direct provides you with high-quality running gear that's both affordable and reliable.
They have plenty of different brands to choose between and they stock well-known brands such as Adidas, Nike, and Puma to name a few.
If you enjoy trying on your clothes before making a buying a decision, Sports Direct also has physical stores and there may be one near you.
Although, one thing to consider, if you make an in-store purchase and return the item, you'll only receive a credit voucher which will need to be used with Sports Direct. However, if you shop online, they'll give you a full refund.
ASOS
ASOS is primarily known as a fashion brand, but they also have recently designed an affordable running gear line called ASOS 4505 (men's collection and the women's collection).
In addition, they also stock popular labels like Nike, Reebok, The North Face, and Ellesse. There's plenty to choose between, so you can try on a range of different designs.
You'll only be able to shop ASOS from their website or through their app since they do not have any physical stores. However, they do offer a full refund if you choose to return an item.
You can also sign up for their popular Premier Delivery program where you can have all of your items delivered the next day for a one-time annual fee. This is a great option if you're a regular shopper at ASOS.
Wiggle
Wiggle is another very popular online store with runners and they sell a wide range of products. They're well known for providing high-quality running gear, as well as swimming, cycling, and triathlon clothing.
The company prides itself on sourcing the best sports clothing and selling it at a reasonable price. At Wiggle you'll be able to find well-known brands, as well as specialist brands.
Specialist brands allow you to find clothing that's been designed specifically for a particular sport.
Decathlon
Decathlon is a great choice for runners who are looking to purchase affordable, good-quality running clothes. They sell everything from running leggings, to running tops, to hats, to water bottles.
They do not sell other brands on their website, but that doesn't mean they don't have plenty of options available.
The running shirts they sell are made from thin materials which are excellent for summer running.
In addition, Decathlon provides workout gear such as kettlebells and dumbbells that can be incorporated into your "off" running day routine workouts.
Presca
Another very popular sportswear brand is Presca. It aims to provide people with environmentally-friendly running gear. Their clothing is sustainable and of good quality and, best of all, it's also affordable.
You can find both summer and winter running clothes on their website, and all the clothing is made from recycled materials.
TK Maxx
If you're looking for in-store shopping options where you can try on the clothes before your buy, then you may want to run down to your local TK Maxx store. But if you prefer online shopping, you can buy directly from their website.
TK Maxx stores are very popular because you can purchase a variety of well-known and expensive brands at very reasonable prices.
They sell well-known brands such as Reebok, Under Armour, and Adidas.
Should You Buy In-Store or Online?
There's advantages to buying online, but there are also advantages to shopping in person. In the end, it's really a personal preference, and you may find it's helpful to do a combination of the two.
When you're shopping in-store, you can try on the clothing right away, if you don't like the fit, you can leave it and move onto something else. But if you bought it online you'll need to pack it up and send the item back.
Sizes
However, shopping online usually means there's a wider range of sizes. Stores may only stock a few items in the less common sizes, or the size you need may not be available anymore. You'll have a better chance of getting your sizes online, plus if they run out before fulfilling your order, they often automatically backorder it for you!
Although, purchasing your first pair of running shores is often something people enjoy doing in person. It's helpful to have someone assist you in finding the correct size. But if the shoe works for you, you can always reorder it online!
Choices
Often retailers offer more clothing options on their websites than they do in-store.
A physical store may offer 2 or 3 different options in styles or colors, their website may have many more. The wider selection is easier to stock for online purchases, and that gives you more choices!
Time and Convenience
It's hard to beat the convenience of turning on your computer and placing an order. Going to the store takes time and effort, and you can't shop in the middle of the night wearing your pajamas!
In addition, many online retailers have mailing lists that will alert you to upcoming sales, and even target the items you're interested in.
Comparison Shopping
If you're the kind of shopper who likes to see what the other store has, online shopping makes it extremely easy. You can compare several stores to find the best price and design without leaving your house.
This is especially helpful if you're a picky shopper and have something specific in mind, or you're looking to save a few dollars.
Why Running Clothes Matter
When you're running, it's important you're comfortable and have an unrestricted range of motion. If your running clothes are too loose or too tight, you'll feel uncomfortable and it'll be difficult to train or race.
Nobody likes to constantly re-adjust their clothing, but it's especially annoying when you're running.
Running clothes need to fit tight (but not too tight) so they don't get in your way when you're running. If they are too baggy, they'll affect your running.
It's also critical to wear weather-appropriate clothes so you're not too warm or too cold, and that you're protected from the rain.
It shouldn't surprise you that the shoes you wear when running are extremely important. Make sure your shoes fit well and that they're comfortable so you won't get blisters. They need to provide you the right amount of support to ensure that they help you reach your full potential.
Summer Running Clothes
Many runners love running in the summer months, there's less rain and the days are longer. It can be a very relaxing and enjoyable time. However, if you're not wearing the right clothes, you'll feel too warm and uncomfortable.
The biggest challenges you face when running in the summer is the humidity and heat, so selecting clothes designed for summer running will help keep you cool and dry.
You'll want to purchase clothes that use moisture-wicking materials as they will "breathe" and keep you cool and dry. Clothes made with polyester are typically moisture-wicking, but running clothes are almost always labelled as moisture-wicking so they're easy to identify.
In addition, having running shorts, sports sunglasses, a moisture-wicking tank top, and a baseball cap are all important to make your summer run a pleasant experience. And don't forget the sunscreen!
Winter Running Clothes
Winter running can be an enjoyable experience too, especially if you like cold weather. But you'll need to make sure you'll stay warm and dry.
The key to winter running clothes is to layer them properly. Layering your clothes helps you retain heat and keep you warm during your training and competition.
Many time runners think its better to wear one bulky piece of clothing like a jumper or a fleece, but you'll soon warm up and feel too hot to continue your run. Layering your clothes will keep you warm and prevent you from getting too hot.
For example, you might wear a thin running top, a running vest, thermal running tights, a ventilated jacket, and a base layer. Plenty of layers will keep you warm, and if you get too hot, you can always take one something off.
In addition, you'll need a thick pair of running socks, a running hat, running gloves, and a headlight since it gets dark earlier in the winter months.
Watch the Video
Learn more about building a running gear kit in this video: