There are more women runners today than ever before. And therefore, more women need the right gear. Remarkably, it was only 49 years ago that Title IX was passed, requiring both men and women to have equal opportunities in sports. Believe it or not, sports bras didn’t even exist then. The “Jockbra” was released in 1977, conceived when two women sewed two jockstraps together to support their busts while they worked out.

Since then, we’ve come a long way in women’s running gear—moisture-wicking tops, shorts with several pockets, and bras that support all bust sizes. The options are bountiful and endless, but that can make decision-making exhausting. It’s essential to find the right clothes made with the proper construction and materials to provide the support and fit you need to stay covered and comfortable.

To ensure you conserve your energy for your runs, we’ve compiled a list of gear to help you choose what to wear as you hit the road or trail. Keep reading to see a list of editor-approved running clothes for women that will make runs more stylish and efficient.

The Best Running Gear for Women

How We Selected

Our test editors evaluated and vetted every piece of gear on this list, and when appropriate, we’ve linked to each respective full review and buying guide. We also consulted longtime Runner’s World test editor Amanda Furrer on what items she deemed the best for women. We picked the gear below based on performance, price, comfort (fabric, ventilation), technical features (moisture-wicking, reflective elements), and women’s specific styling and support (no-bounce, customizable fits, hydration packs that fit contoured bodies) to build this essential collection for women runners.

zapatillas de running Under Armour hombre competición talla 42.5

Lululemon Blissfeel 2 Women's Running Shoe

Blissfeel 2 Women's Running Shoe
zapatillas de running Under Armour hombre competición talla 42.5

Lululemon Blissfeel 2 Women's Running Shoe

$128 at Lululemon
Pros
  • Specifically made for a woman’s fit and biomechanics
  • Supportive and thick
  • Contoured upper provides secure fit
Cons
  • Heavier compared to other trainers

Key Specs

TypeRoad
Weight8.9 oz (W)
Drop9.5 mm

The Blissfeel 2 improves on its predecessor in every way, with a feel similar to Adidas’s Ultraboost that provides plenty of pop to its ride. It’s a solid trainer, supportive for pounding the pavement daily, with enough toe room—plus an upper designed to contour the foot—to lend it extra comfort.

Furrer highly recommends the Blissfeel 2 as the best women’s daily trainer. It’s “a neutral shoe ideal for recovery days or runners who want more support and firmer cushioning,” she says. “My right Achilles had been sore after a couple of runs, and I could tell it silently pleaded for me to take a day off. Somehow, when I got to testing the Blissfeel 2, my Achilles felt A-OK. You know a shoe is good when you somehow don’t suffer any repercussions from making poor training choices.”

Read Our Full Review | The Best Women’s Running Shoes

Best Socks

Lovely shoes bought for a wedding | Balega Silver Compression Fit Performance No Show Running Socks

On Sale
Silver Compression Fit Performance No Show Running Socks
Best Socks

Balega Silver Compression Fit Performance No Show Running Socks

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Pros
  • mm Cercled Open Toe Leather Sandals
  • Excellent compression and cushioning
  • Wide color variety
Cons
  • Sizing runs small

Key Specs

SizesS to XL
Fabric76% Drynamix recycled polyester, 22% nylon, 2% elastane

Regardless of style, color, or length, our favorite running socks are by Balega. The brand specializes in well-cushioned, anti-odor socks that stay stink-free between washes despite multiple wears. They sport a plush underfoot without taking much real estate inside your shoes, and they’re airy and light, the way we love. They’re also highly breathable, wicking away moisture with its patented silver ions technology, a moisture-wicking alternative to traditional wool. Grab them in one of 10+ colors or crew-styled Adidas zg21 golf shoes core black dark silver metallic grey five fw5544.

The Best Socks for Runners

Fila Kids Teen Girl Shoes for Kids

Brooks Ghost 15

On Sale
Ghost 15
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Brooks Ghost 15

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Pros
  • Latest DNA Loft v2 foam is softer and lighter
  • Crash pad below heel absorbs shock
  • Firm yet spongey cushioning
Cons
  • Forefoot strikers may need more cushioning

Lovely shoes bought for a wedding | Key Specs

TypeRoad
Weight7.8 oz
Drop12 mm

Brooks’ latest Ghost entry is the perfect balance of firm and spongey; its soft give adapts to the bottom of your foot, and a foam firmness lends support and shock absorption. The brand’s DNA Loft v2 updates the compression-molded EVA, previously used in the Glycerin 19 midsole, making it lighter and softer, while a well-ventilated upper provides optimal breathability during runs. The result is a well-balanced shoe with excellent performance, from daily training to distance running.

While several of our testers say it feels clunky at first run, it feels fantastic once you find its rhythmic stride. Some also say they preferred a more cushioned forefoot in the Ghost 15, though the heel is plenty soft.

Read Our Full Review

Best Rain Jacket

Brooks Canopy Jacket

Canopy Jacket
Best Rain Jacket

Brooks Canopy Jacket

Pros
  • Packable and extremely light
  • Breathable
  • Favourites Mango Cream Shoes Inactive
  • Semi-fitted
Cons
  • Sleeves can run long

Key Specs

SizesXS to XXL
FabricPolyester

This jacket’s superpower is extreme breathability—when we conducted a fabric-permeability test using a hot sauna, the Canopy released more vapors than any other waterproof running jacket we tested. It has a stowable hood, which doesn’t flop behind your head as you run, plus it’s semi-fitted to rid excess fabrics. It’s also made from recycled polyester.

This is ideal for travelers who don’t want to pack bulky clothes but still need quality running pieces. The front pockets also have snug compartments that fit your phone, plus its packability—which includes wearing it as a lightweight backpack—makes it ideal for unpredictable weather when you may have to stash or zip up.

The Best Lightweight Running Jackets

Sneakers ICEBERG Kakkoi 21IIU1455 Comb

Shefit Ultimate Sports Bra

Ultimate Sports Bra
Sneakers ICEBERG Kakkoi 21IIU1455 Comb

Shefit Ultimate Sports Bra

Puma Ca Pro Heritage Puma White Puma White Peacoat Mens Lifestyle Sneakers
Pros
  • No bounce, no slippage
  • Excellent support
  • Red Natural other Rubber Red Charys Leather Sandals from
Cons
  • Not great for long distances

Key Specs

SizesChaussures De Running Enfant Gel-excite 8 Gs

The Shefit bra has long swaths of Velcro on the straps and band for a personal fit. The bra has an impressively inclusive size range, from A to I cups. You can adjust the bra from the front while wearing it—no contorting your arms to reach hook-and-eyes required. The straps go from X-back to H-back and back, whatever your preference is. One more thing: Did we mention it’s a zipper front closure?

Read Our Full Review | The Sneakers ICEBERG Kakkoi 21IIU1455 Combs

Best Smartwatch

Garmin Forerunner 255 Music

On Sale
Forerunner 255 Music
Best Smartwatch

Garmin Forerunner 255 Music

Now 25% Off
Pros
  • Polo Ralph Lauren Pony logo low-top sneakers
  • Material is lovely and l9oks great with boots
Cons
  • No mapping

Key Specs

Connectivityzapatillas de running Adidas asfalto constitución media talla 48+
Battery Lifedistressed touch-strap low-top sneakers Weiß

sneakers Lacoste hombre talla 42 Bluetooth headphones, the 255 lets you leave your phone at home while you’re out running, syncing music from services like Spotify, Deezer, or Amazon Music directly on its device. (If you don’t have these services, you can manually add music and podcasts via Garmin Express.) Music aside, its most significant feature is the multi-band reception, which allows the watch to simultaneously receive two signals from a satellite to filter out inaccurate data points with its GPS.

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Rabbit EZ Tee SS

EZ Tee SS
zapatillas de running Under Armour hombre asfalto neutro entre 60 y 100

Rabbit EZ Tee SS

Pros
  • Incredibly soft
  • Jordan Air Jordan 1 High OG sneakers Bianco
  • Ankle Boot Sneakers With Maxi Side Logo
Cons
  • Maison Margiela square-toe ballerina shoes

Key Specs

SizesWool Flex Boots In Suede
FabricPolyester, spandex

It’s a mystery to us how Rabbit makes this top soft as butter, but we won’t lose sleep over that enigma—or in the EZ Tee. The shirt is cozy enough to wear to bed and functionally sound thanks to its stretch-woven, sweat-wicking material. We’re fans of Rabbit’s EZ collection for its tailored fit and unrivaled comfort, and as our previous test, Lakota Gambill, says: “The material is so soft and light and comforting.”

Read Our Full Review

Ren Caovilla wraparound strappy sandals

Ciele Athletics GoCap

GoCap
Ren Caovilla wraparound strappy sandals

Ciele Athletics GoCap

Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • Fast drying
  • Great style and color options
  • Miki House Sneakers con applicazione Blu
Cons
  • The Craziest Runway Shoes From Milan Men's Fashion Week Spring 2017

Key Specs

FabricPolyester
UPF+40

The GoCap is made of fast-drying Coolwick fabric that keeps your head from getting too sweaty on hot days. Multi-panel construction provides a sleek, comfortable fit. The soft, bendable brim and reflective accents are bonus features that roadies and trail runners will appreciate.

The Ren Caovilla wraparound strappy sandalss

Best Hydration Pack

Salomon Sense Pro 5 Set Hydration Vest

Sense Pro 5 Set Hydration Vest
Best Hydration Pack

Salomon Sense Pro 5 Set Hydration Vest

Now 30% Off
Pros
  • Large capacity
  • Espadrillos för Herr från Car Shoe
  • Stretchy and breathable
Cons
  • Some users report chafing

Key Specs

Capacity5 L
FabricPolyester, elastane

The Salomon Sense Pro 5 is one of the best women-specific race options we’ve tested. The two front flask pockets are positioned lower to fit around a woman’s chest, and the included flasks have straws to make drinking easy without pulling them out of the pockets. The design also features six additional pockets for quickly accessing essentials, including two zippered compartments for securely holding a phone or other gear. A rear pass-through pocket, a main zippered compartment, and a top-loading pouch provide tons of organization that make it capable of holding everything you’d need for races up to 200+ miles.

The Best Hydration Packs

Best Running Short

Janji 3-Inch AFO Middle Shorts

3-Inch AFO Middle Shorts
Best Running Short

Janji 3-Inch AFO Middle Shorts

Pros
  • Vast size range
  • zapatillas de running hombre apoyo talón 10k talla 48
  • Heres What Happens Every Time the Kardashians Wear One of Olgana Paris Shoes
Cons
  • Asymmetrical back pocket may be too deep

Key Specs

SizesXS to XXXL
Inseams2-, 3-, 4-inch

These three-inch inseam shorts have a perforated flat waistband, mesh fabric that's fast-drying and breathable, and for even more ventilation, side-split leg openings. They're a favorite of Furrer, who says these shorts are so lightweight, “you have to look down to remind yourself you’re wearing them.”

Read Our Full Review

Headshot of Kevin Cortez
Kevin Cortez
Commerce Editor

Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin Brown his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.

Headshot of Casey Clark
Casey Clark
Contributor

Casey Clark is a freelance journalist who specializes in beauty, health, and style-related commerce content. She graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in journalism. Her work has been published in Women's Health, Forbes, Better Homes & Gardens, and more.

Headshot of Amanda Furrer
Expert consulted:Amanda Furrer
Test Editor

Amanda is a test editor at Runner’s World who has run the Boston Marathon every year since 2013; she's a former professional baker with a master’s in gastronomy and she carb-loads on snickerdoodles.