11 Must-Have Spring Running Gear From Head-To-Toe
With spring in full bloom and the winter blues fading into memory, it’s one of the best times of the year to gear up with warm weather running essentials to enjoy the positive effects of running on your mental health and body.
With the fresh and rejuvenating air, sunny skies and just-right temperature of spring inspiring you to lace up and burst out of your winter cocoon, it’s one of Sportitude Running's favourite seasons for setting a new personal best (but of course, like our team members we bet you love crushing your running goals all-year round!).
What’s even better is that your spring gear can effortlessly transition into summer – so you can feel primed to perform even as we head closer to the hottest months of the year.
As always, comfort is the priority when creating a spring workout wardrobe that can fuel your motivation to move and keep you loving every stride. Sportitude Running gives you a sneak peek into our favourite spring running gear from top sportswear brands including 2XU, Nike, Saucony and On Running to shed off the winter layers and run light from heel-to-toe.
We'll also dive into Koda and PREPD products to highlight the crucial part your running nutrition and hydration plays in putting your best foot forward when the road is calling.
Head
1. 2XU Running Cap
A running cap is the ultimate way to top off your spring running gear and performs multiple functions beyond just sun protection.
The 2XU running cap is a favourite of the season, featuring a lightweight design with a moisture-wicking sweatband to keep you cool, dry and fresh. Some runners prefer running visors to running caps as they allow your head to breathe – but the 2XU running cap ticks all your boxes, providing full coverage of your head coupled with mesh ventilation to allow heat and humidity to escape.
A glare-blocking bill paired with the Goodr sports sunnies below means you’ll embrace sunny days rather than taking cover away from the light. Also, a running cap is a great way to keep flyaway hair tucked out of the way, while keeping light spring rain out of your face to keep your vision clear.
Available in a range of vibrant or discreet colours with an adjustable Velcro closure to create a personalised fit and lock it in place, you won’t want to lace up without the 2XU running cap.
2. Goodr Circle Gs Polarised Sports Sunglasses
It’s easy to forget that it’s just as important to protect your skin from the sun as your eyes when you’re enjoying the outdoors. No worries, because Goodr has your eyes covered.
The Goodr Circle Gs Polarised sports glasses are your versatile, stylish and affordable sun protection. These multi-sport sunnies are the go-to for everyday athletes, whether you’re trail running, trying to motivate the kids to exercise with a family cycling adventure or unwinding at the beach on off-duty days.
First off, the polarised lenses provide 100% protection from damaging UVA and UVB rays – a big tick for keeping you sun safe. Even when your running circuit faces the sun, you can carry on with the glare-reducing design offering distraction-free comfort for your eyes – so you don’t have to squint as you rule the road.
Lightweight yet durable frames with a non-slip and bounce-free style lets you put them on and forget about them. Circular lenses in your choice of eye-catching colours means you can personalise your eyewear to suit your mood and tastes of the day.
Upper Body
3. For Her: Nike Dri-Fit One Women's Training T-Shirt
Next to choosing a sports bra, having a go-to women's training t-shirt is something every female athlete needs, pure and simple. The Nike Dri-Fit One women’s training t-shirt will keep you moving freely from cross-training at the gym to gearing up for your next marathon.
When it comes to sportswear, Nike is one of the leading brands for comfort. They consistently use Dri-Fit technology in their performance running clothing for a reason. It works hard to fight off sweat so you can work hard crushing your personal best when the mercury climbs – feeling lighter and more energised without perspiration to weigh you down.
Nike’s eye for detail really shines in this women's training t-shirt with side slits for easy mobility and a curved hem for stay-put coverage and confidence – whether you're putting these rejuvenating yoga poses to work or triathlon training.
How’s it feel? If only you could reach through the screen and touch it! You’ll have to trust us that the performance fabric feels luxurious and soft against your skin – so you can say goodbye to chafing and irritation on-the-run.
What’s more is that it’s made with 100% recycled polyester, staying true to Nike’s mission to make sport sustainable for the generations to come. You can read about Nike’s sustainability initiatives in Nike’s 50th Anniversary: A Celebration Of Sport & Future Sustainability.
4. For Him: Nike Dri-Fit Run Division Men's Running T-Shirt
Whether you need to beat the heat or stay safe running at night, the Nike Dri-Fit Run Division men’s running t-shirt is a tee that takes the fuss out of what to wear on your road sessions. Dri-Fit technology sets you up with moisture-wicking power to outrun the pack – encouraging quick evaporation for a cooling effect that helps make sweat work in your favour.
You get the advantage of its lightweight and breathable design for a barely there feel, without compromising on your Nike brand love with the oversized Nike Swoosh. This bold and head-turning detail is also reflective to light up in vehicle headlights to keep you easily spotted during your night runs.
Airy, stretchy and soft to the touch, true to the brand Nike have crafted another men’s running t-shirt that tops the winners’ podium in terms of performance-enhancing comfort.
Lower Body
5. For Her: Saucony Outpace 2.5 Inch Split Women's Running Shorts
What’s the best way to let your hard-working legs stay cool on-the-run? Keep it short! The Saucony Outpace 2.5 Inch Split women’s running shorts provide just-right coverage in a feather-light style, keeping your skin exposed so you don’t feel stuffy or restricted when the intensity heats up.
A must-have for supporting your fitness journey during the spring and summer months, it features a minimalist design that cuts back on non-essential fabric while keeping comfort at a new high.
A perforated side panel provides ventilation, a mesh brief liner provides support and an internal comfort band provides a secure and personalised fit to elevate the pace. That’s ventilation, support and security all in one – a winning formula for distraction-free spring running to inspire you to train for both speed and endurance.
6. For Him: On Running Lightweight 5 Inch Men's Running Shorts
Just like your favourite On Running shoes, the On Running Lightweight 5 inch men’s running shorts have a speed-driven design that encourages you to be ambitious in your running goals.
Less is more with this minimalist design that offers a short length to take you from refreshing spring sessions to balmy summer runs. 4-way stretch woven fabric allows you to move naturally from footstrike to toe-off and creates a smooth, distraction-free feel.
Breathable mesh is strategically placed in the sweat-prone zone at the back of the men's running shorts to prevent heat build-up and a supportive inner brief keeps you moving confidently during high-impact activity.
There’s no need to put a halt to your marathon training when you get caught under a spring shower, with Durable Water Repellent fabric keeping you dry and focussed. Pair it with a lightweight weather-resistant running jacket and you're set to tackle rain clouds.
Feet
7. Feetures Elite Light Cushion No Show Tab Running Socks
Having the best running shoes for you is a critical part of your running journey – but it’s easy to forget what a technical running sock can do for your feet in terms of performance, comfort and your foot health from heel-to-toe.
It’s no secret that you run better when you’re comfortable and free of distractions – allowing you to flow onto your most efficient motion path and to be in a positive place mentally.
Feetures Elite Light Cushion No Show Tab running socks are the ideal running sock for spring, summer and all-year round running for road warriors that prefer an ultra-thin and minimalist style.
These performance socks prevent blister-causing environments that can occur naturally during running due to heat, sweat and friction. iWick performance fibres transfer sweat away from your skin and a foot-conforming fit eliminates rubbing between skin and fabric.
Feetures have the balance spot-on with the winning combination of a barely there feel and Ultra Light cushioning for protection without the bulk. Sock-Lock technology offers targeted compression and a supportive, stay-put fit so you won’t have to adjust your socks mid-run. The no show height provides just-right coverage for when the weather warms up.
8. OOFOS OOAHH Sport & OOFOS OOriginal Recovery Slides
No matter whether you’re a recreational runner or training for your next marathon, recovery is an essential part of your training all-year round.
Your feet can feel worn out and beaten up after pounding on the pavement and enduring repetitive impacts on road surfaces. Give your body a well-deserved break by sliding into OOFOS recovery thongs and slides to help rejuvenate fatigued feet between running sessions. As we discussed in Why Every Runner Needs Recovery Shoes, running has positive benefits on your mental health, but increases physical stress on your ligaments and joints.
Running can increase risk of overuse and overtraining injuries, with common running injuries like plantar fasciitis putting you on the sidelines of achieving your running goals and making it difficult to fuel your motivation.
Recovery shoes are worth it – with OOfoam offering a high compression rate to soak up impact forces to take the pressure for your feet. It’s not just about your feet – OOFOS recovery shoes feature a rocker-like geometry that also provides relief to your ankles, knees, hips and lower back. Not to mention, the open-toed designs allow your feet to breathe – making them the ideal out-and-about footwear for warmer conditions.
These recovery thongs are also a must-have for anyone in occupations that keep you standing on your feet all day, like nursing, retail and the hospitality industry. If you don’t have time to put your feet up after work or running, put them into recovery slides to take care of your feet with luxurious cushioning from heel-to-toe and reliable arch support.
Hydration & Nutrition
9. Nike BPA Free Sport Water Bottle - 600ml
Drinking water is essential to every body function – from your mental clarity and decision-making skills to the transport of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to your hard-working muscles during physical activity.
The first of Sportitude Running's hydration tips is to keep water accessible – and what better way to do that than gearing yourself up with a water bottle from your favourite activewear brand. The Nike BPA Free Sport Water Bottle is popular for a reason – being high-quality and offering a leak proof valve to prevent any spills when you throw it into your gym bag.
This drink bottle is designed to be active with you, featuring an asymmetrical, one-handed design with a notch for a comfortable and natural grip. The durable and reusable design makes it a great way to help make one-use plastic bottles history. With a vibrant range of colours and 600ml capacity, the Nike BPA Free sport water bottle offers a fun and practical way to store hydration for both kids and adults.
10. Koda Electrolyte - 20 Tablets Tube
Now that you’ve decided on a sports water bottle – you have to think about your hydration strategy and how to replenish the fluids and electrolytes you lose in sweat.
As you sweat rate increases, whether during high-intensity activity or exposure to warmer temperatures, your body’s level of electrolytes (especially sodium) and hydration decreases. A drop in sodium can have adverse effects on your brain’s ability to communicate to the central nervous system (e.g. to transmit messages that are critical to muscle movement) and your body's ability to maintain a healthy fluid balance.
The Koda Electrolyte tablets allow you to turn water into a sugar-free sports drinks to help sustain your athletic performance. It’s ideal to include as part of your pre-race hydration, during your event and to support recovery post-workout. The convenient tube allows you to customise the number of tablets based on your personal requirements with your training load, sweat rate, body mass, the temperature and gender all factors contributing to your unique rate of electrolyte loss.
It can be easily thrown into your running hydration pack or gym bag so you’re never caught out without a much-needed source of electrolytes at hand.
11. PREPD Prime & PREPD Recover Hydration Enhancing Sports Drink
Whether you’re running in a rejuvenating spring rain or under sunny, cloudless skies, your hydration is a critical factor to both performance and to help support your recovery from the inside out. Even a slight reduction in dehydration can have dramatic consequences to your performance.
PREPD is a research-based hydration formula. It contains a unique resistant starch that increases the capacity of your large intestine to absorb fluid – allowing you to get more out of the water you drink. Staying in a well-hydrated state throughout activity helps boost your energy, power output and concentration.
PREPD Prime keeps you hydrated for longer so you can tackle endurance racing like your next marathon and triathlon like a pro. PREPD Recover helps speed up your recovery – aiding in rapid rehydration and the replenishment of electrolytes lost in sweat.
You can read more about the origins, science behind PREPD and how to include it in your hydration strategy in PREPD Hydration: Your Secret Weapon To Improve Performance & Recovery.
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Prepd Prime Pre-Workout Hydration Enhancing Sports Drink - 350ml -
Prepd Recover Post-Workout Hydration Enhancing Sports Drink - 350ml
Happy spring running!