Our goal is to help you get comfortable, stay confident and attain the quintessential runner’s high that makes all the effort worth it.

Criteria for Selecting the Best Running Clothing & Gear Brands

From running shoes to apparel and gear, there are a lot of things to consider when selecting running-oriented products. Keep these criteria in mind before you buy.

Quality of Materials

It’s the quality of materials that sets the best-running clothing and gear apart from regular recreational options. You want to look at durability, comfort, and overall fit. Well-made gear and apparel can accompany you reliably through challenging conditions and terrain, like winter running, without failing.

For running shoes, check for grippy tread, foam for comfort and how durable the outsole is constructed. Materials like kevlar strands, nylon, polyester and merino wool are versatile and of high quality. For shorts and shirts, check fabric type and overall comfort while avoiding cotton.

Innovative Design

Running shoes are critical, but they aren’t the only important items to runners. Don’t sleep on unique apparel and gear items that can elevate your running game. Lightweight, comfortable running clothes can be the difference between attaining an organic runner’s high and a lot of uncomfortable chafing.

Some additional innovative features include tight pocket designs that won’t swing with every stride and hydration vests and hip belts that help answer the question of how to carry water while running. Newer brands like NNormal, ON, and Satisfy have also put a lot of thought toward looks and eye-catching minimalist running designs.

Expertise and specific niche brands

One of the greatest things about niche brands is their hyperfocus on certain aspects of a sport or discipline. The more a company micro-focuses on the movements, terrain, and conditions involved while running, the more likely it is that you get a piece of gear or clothing that can hang with all your running ambitions.

For road running, ON has some of the best running shoes to soften each footfall on concrete or asphalt. If you’re a social runner, fashion-forward Satisfy may scratch an itch. Trail runners will appreciate the advanced training programs, stat collection and navigation tools of Garmin and Coros watches. If you’re tough on your shoes, check out durability-focused NNormal.

Community Presence

Running is so much more than an activity. For many, it’s a lifestyle. A part of representing what running means to you is selecting a brand that aligns with your values. From quality products to selection size and sustainability, the best running brands make sure to give back. Wearing and supporting brands that create quality products without harming the environment is an effective way to push your power as a consumer.

Reputation and Reviews

One simple and effective method of aggregating and ranking products is via reviews. Pooling honest feedback can provide a clear window into what the product can and can’t do. Look at reviews that mention specifics about a product, both positive and negative.

Brands like New Balance, which have a variety of products and a long history, tend to score pretty highly for their broad appeal. The farther into a running niche you go, the more you’ll get products designed to work in a specific set of circumstances. This may create a sect of dedicated followers and some whose needs were not met, leading to a less enthusiastic review

Best Running Apparel Brands

On

On, the Swiss Apparel Company has taken the running world by storm. Originally lauded for their running shoes, On has branched out to include stellar running clothes. Comfort and support are two of the main qualities that set ON apart from other brands. They are increasingly popular amongst runners, casual walkers and everyone in between.

While their running shoes are what they’re best known for, we really love their shorts. On’s Performance Shorts feature a minimalist design, are very comfortable, and have a convenient side pocket for cell phones and keys.

NNormal

Co-founded by world renowned mountaineer & trail runner Kilian Jornet and footwear company Camper, NNormal is a value driven running brand aiming to create durable gear in the running world. They make comfortable and fashionable running shoes and apparel with a strong focus on sustainability.

NNormal’s key products include their Kjerag & Tomir running shoes, running hats, running vests, running socks and super comfortable shorts. NNormal shoes are made to last, making use of sustainable construction, Vibram outsoles, and comfortable cushioning foam. The apparel lines are also popular for their comfort, versatile fit and durability.

Satisfy

Inspired by the French Alps, Satisfy and its fashion-forward running apparel have proven popular with runners and the athleisure crowd. The brand has a strong aesthetic, isn’t afraid to experiment with different fabrics, and looks really good. Their products are durable and comfortable and leave an impression, making them one of our new favourite brands.

Satisfy is focused on creating new and unique running styles. Their offerings make use of high-quality fabrics sourced from luxury fashion houses. This approach gives their apparel a lightweight and breezy profile, which is perfect for running. Branching out from the fitness pipeline of Adidas & Nike has created an in-demand brand with a strong organic following.

New Balance

New Balance has been around since 1906 and has experienced its fair share of highs and lows over a storied history. What we love about them is the consistent and wide selection of products. They come with a heavy-weight brand name that even casual shoppers will recognize.

Of particular value are their running shoes and classic running apparel, available in a wide variety of sizes. If you are a running generalist or the abundance of choice overwhelms you, get started with New Balance.

Our Favourite Gear Running Brands

While shoes and clothes are essential, don’t forget these pieces of gear to keep track of all your running progress.

Garmin

Garmin has quickly established itself as a force in the outdoor gear world. Centered around their wearable tech, they have some of the best activity-tracking watches on the market. It’s not just tracking, either. Their premium watches feature navigation, maps, social connection, and integrated training programs.

Our personal favourite model for running is the Forerunner 965. These watches are perfect for stat-heavy runners and those trying to establish a consistent training rhythm. These watches can handle road running, trail running and a mix of both. The easy-to-read display and advanced features make them well-suited for runners and triathlon brick workouts.

Coros

On the heels of Garmin, Coros has emerged as a fantastic alternative for wearable tech. These watches offer many of the same features as Garmin products for less upfront cost. Some of their best features include easy phone interfacing, a good overall warranty and a large, clear display. One of our favourite models is the Coros Pace 3.

While we recommend Garmin for serious enthusiasts due to the overwhelming abundance of data they provide, premium Garmin products are expensive. If you want something with reliable stat and activity features without coughing up the price of a Garmin, Coros has you covered.

All In All

Between the style of Satisfy, the durability of NNormal, the versatility of New Balance and the comfort of ON, you’ll be well-kitted for race day or your next training run. Before you head out on your next adventure, don’t forget to check out the advanced gear features of both Coros and Garmin, whose watches make tracking road and trail running progress easy.

Interested in more? Head over to our Running Apparel & Gear Page for more excellent and practical running solutions. With the selections at Altitude Sports, you’ll be slaying personal records in no time.