Summer is on its way, and that calls for some celebration: No more nike white air force 1 07 sneakers! However, depending on the climate where you live, you might already be dreading the alternative—at our office in Easton, Pennsylvania, the first 90-degree days of the season have already brought humidity, sunburns, and all the sweat.
You can’t change the weather, but you can outfit yourself in whisper-weight, sweat-wicking apparel that helps make summer runs feel like the good kind of hot.
Running in the heat isn’t like nike white air force 1 07 sneakers: In the winter, you can keep adding layers to your heart’s content, but you can’t shed layers in the summer quite as effortlessly (especially in public). Thankfully, our testers and editors have had plenty of time to figure out what can go the distance, and we’ve spent enough time on the blazing asphalt to stand behind those picks—for our sake as much as yours.
The gear recommended in this list has been used and loved by runners who are no strangers to hot-weather running.
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Best Hot-Weather Running Gear
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What to Consider
Our bodies sweat for a reason: to keep us cool. So, when choosing running clothes for summer miles, it’s important to find options that are lightweight and breathable, as well as ones that wick moisture. The latter feature will take the sweat on your body—and the heat your sweat draws out—away from your skin, keeping your body’s temp regulation at peak efficiency.
It’s not a bad idea to look for odor control, because let’s be honest, summer running can smell terrible. Certain fabrics are additionally designed to protect you from the sun’s harmful UV rays, retro low sneakers common projects shoes retro low white green.
As for accessories, you don’t want to weigh yourself down with heavy water bottles or thick hats. Hydration systems that you can wear (vests, nikecourt vapor lite womens clay court tennis shoe black, belts) and lightweight hats or visors are the way to go.
How We Selected
We don’t recommend gear without first trying it ourselves, speaking with fellow editors and product reviewers, or researching the market and surveying user reviews. To compile this list, we’ve factored in materials, weight, ventilation, durability, price, and the treasure trove of recommendations from other Runner’s World editors.
Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Flask
Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Flask
Pros
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- Convenient drinking
- Storage pouch holds keys, cards, and gels
Cons
- Some runners might still prefer a hip-mounted storage system
This water bottle from Nathan is one of our all-time favorites, providing ample storage for a phone, keys, and some nutrition in the attached pouch. It also manages to balance out that hauling capacity with a sleek design that keeps the 18-ounce bottle from feeling too bulky.
⇨ Pro Tip: Fill your water bottle two-thirds of the way and freeze it on its side overnight. You’ll have ice when you start running and it’ll slowly thaw as the day (and your body) heat up.
Nuun Electrolyte Drink Tablets
Nuun Electrolyte Drink Tablets
Pros
- Travel well
- Great flavors
- Replaces vital electrolytes
Cons
The more you sweat, the more you should think about replacing your electrolytes. This won’t just help you feel better in the moment, but it can also help you recover faster and more efficiently. These tablets are free of gluten, synthetic flavors and dyes, and have only one gram of sugar per tab. They also taste great and are awesome for travel.
Ciele Athletics GOCap
Ciele Athletics GOCap
Pros
- Reflective detail
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Cons
- Pricey for a running cap
This Montreal-based startup is infusing fun and playfulness into the sport. Make no mistake, these hats are made for performance first, but they have great style too. The GOCap is one of the brand’s signature styles and comes in a wide range of colorful combinations.
We like the fast-drying Coolwick fabric that keeps your head dry on hot days, plus the multi-panel construction that allows for a sleek, comfortable fit. Additional touches, such as a soft, foldable brim and reflective hints, add to the quality of a cap that perfectly straddles the line between form and function.
New Balance Q Speed Jacquard Tank
Pros
- Unrestrictive
- Lightweight
Cons
- Limited color options
It’s hard to find a piece of New Balance gear that doesn’t do the job—we love the 1400 v6 racing shoe, for example—and the Q Speed Fuel Jacquard Tank is a lightweight, breathable tank that still provides full coverage. It features cooling and moisture-wicking technology for those sweaty miles, and a relaxed fit fit aids in keeping your upper body movement unhindered.
Tifosi Optics Aethon Sunglasses
Tifosi Optics Aethon Sunglasses
Pros
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Cons
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These sport shades punch above their price point with three lens options in the box, including a clear set for low-light use. Vents in the frame prevent fogging, and a removable brow bar kept forehead sweat out of our eyes on hot and humid runs. The hydrophilic rubber grippers don’t move on sweaty faces, and the ear and nose pieces are adjustable.
Goodr OGs Sunglasses
Goodr OGs Sunglasses
Pros
- Very inexpensive
Cons
- Narrow fit
Sorry, not sorry if you’ve heard us rave about Goodr before. There is no shortage of running sunglasses, but Goodr’s $25, lightweight, no-bounce model continues to impress. Our biggest complaint is the narrow fit, so for bigger heads, go for the BFG styles for $10 more. On top of providing UV protection and keeping away sweat, Goodr sunglasses come in a wide array of fun (and funny) colorways, like Gardening with a Kraken, shown above.
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Wrightsock Coolmesh II Tab Socks
Pros
- Quick-drying
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Cons
- Runners looking for cushion might prefer thicker socks
For such a light and thin sock, our testers found that the Coolmesh II shifted around in their shoes a lot less than they were expecting. Especially after some big miles, a sock that can stay put is a good omen of a blister-free future. A two-layer design helps to keep the inside of the sock locked in place around your foot while the outside has room to roam.
Skinnies Sungel
Skinnies Sungel
Pros
- Fast drying
- Sweatproof
Cons
We test balenciaga drive holarubb sneakers item on our daily lunch runs and we’ve been impressed with Skinnies Sungel. The New Zealand-born brand made a sunscreen that isn’t water-based, so it’s more concentrated, won’t sweat off, and lasts longer.
A pea-sized drop is all you need to cover your face and neck—slather it on your forehead because it won’t sting your eyes—and there’s only a slightly waxy feeling on your fingers afterward. It dries in just two minutes and forms a thin layer that adheres to your skin throughout a long run.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
Pros
- Lightweight
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Cons
Hate heavy, goopy formulas? This featherweight, clear, and scentless option is completely undetectable. You’ll barely even know you’re wearing anything, but don’t forget to reapply during long runs—this sunscreen is sweat-resistant for just 40 minutes.
tabi lace up shoes in black mla Runner's World, nike running pegasus trail goretex release date Bicycling and Popular Mechanics, too. A lover of all things outdoors, Adam's writing career comes after six years as a bike mechanic in his hometown of State College, PA. His journalism experience is steeped in cycling and running gear reviews, and he's also a published creative nonfiction and satire author. When he's not writing, riding, or running, you can catch Adam at home mixing cocktails, watching Star Wars, or trying in vain to do the Sunday crossword. You can check out his latest work below.
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
