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Best Race Day Gels
A patented Support Web within the fabric of the tights, designed using kinesiology studies, stabilizes joints and muscle groups. Coolmax fibers wick moisture. And the men’s star print (shown) is a stylish step beyond basic black. Both constellation and polka-dot prints are available for women. $150; see tights at amazon.com.

Shoes & Gear
Because most reflective patches make clothing look too technical for indoor or daytime wear, Columbia designed a new be-seen technology that’s invisible until you need it. Trail Flash reflectivity (men’s shown) looks like ordinary patterning until it’s struck by bright light, which then rebounds to alert motorists. $65; see pullover at amazon.com.

Muscle and Joint Stabilizing
Most high-end running apparel uses low-profile flatlock seams to reduce chafing. The Ensa (shown) and men’s Accelerator take seam-reduction one step further. Narrower Merrow seams join the fabric edges without any overlap and reduce friction zones. $79/$69; see shirts at amazon.com (Accelerator/Ensa).

Form Correction
Many runners use visualization to help them run tall (“Imagine balancing an egg on your head!”), which is a hallmark of good form. This pullover (women’s shown) actually engages back and shoulder muscles to counter slouching. Elastic bands across the upper back open your chest and straighten your neck. $95; see shirt at amazon.com.

Effort Tracking
Instead of requiring a chest strap to monitor your heart rate, LifeBeam does it with something that many runners wear during every workout: a cap. Its forehead sensor is no bigger than your pinky fingernail, so it doesn’t interfere with the band’s sweat-mopping function. But it does relay your heart rate, calorie burn, and cadence to your favorite fitness tracker. $99; see hat at amazon.com.

Shoes & Gear
BioViz is a fancy word for a simple concept: fluorescent colors for days and strategic reflectivity for nights. Be seen from at least 223 feet (BioViz standard) in the Fly Jacket ($85, men’s shown, amazon.com), Flash Run Pant ($90, amazon.com), and Fly Tight ($70, amazon.com).

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Sweat makes the fibers in this half-zip (pullover for women) become more compact, enlarging the spaces between the threads. Result? Better breathability as your output rises. As you cool down, the fibers expand again, plugging the gaps to keep you warm. $130/$110; view half-zip at nike.com.

Heat Relief
The same chemical that gives certain chewing gums mintycool flavor also makes this tank tolerable in hot weather. Xylitol is applied to the fabric, where it reacts with sweat to deliver a cooling sensation. $40; amazon.com.

Form Tracking
These capris (shorts for men) have conductive threads sewn into the waistband that transmit your movements to a sensor on your sacrum. The sensor withstands rain and laundering, its battery lasts one month on a single charge, and its accelerometer and gyroscope transmit data about your form to your smartphone. See tights at lumobodytech.com.

Heat Relief
This engineered polyester shirt (women’s shown) cranks up the A/C as you get hotter. Sweat causes the fabric polymers to expand and open the laser-cut channels across the back and chest. See shirt at amazon.com.

Sweat Protection
Three fabric innovations distinguish the Sonic (and women’s Speed). An ultrathin anti-friction treatment minimizes chafing. “Intelligent” polymers wick sweat faster. And the Polygiene treatment uses silver salts to fight odor. See shirt at amazon.com.