These are the winners of the Runner's World Gear Awards 2024
With decades of combined experience and a passion for finding the best running gear out there, the Runner’s World team are always sweating the details as we road (and trail) test the latest shoes, kit, tech and gadgets.
We’ve put hundreds of products through their paces over the past 12 months and, for our annual Gear Awards, we’ve whittled them down to the very best of the best to take the honours across 23 categories.
These are all items that have helped our running in 2024 and we hope they can do the same for you in the year to come.
RUNNING SHOES
Asics Superblast 2
Serving up the same perfect blend of comfort, responsiveness and efficiency that we loved in the V1, but with a few minor tweaks to make it even better, the Superblast 2 was a runaway Best in Test winner in our last Shoe Awards. Beautifully cushioned but with plenty of pop and a slight rocker that encourages a natural forward motion, this plate-free super trainer glides effortlessly through each stride, with the versatility to excel in everything from racing to long- miles comfort. A go-to for the RW team long after testing duties finished.
Arc'Teryx Sylan
The Sylan is made to move fast on technical terrain, with a midsole that hits the sweet spot between cushioning and responsiveness, and a rocker shape that delivers a wonderfully smooth ride – it reminded testers of a road super shoe. Fantastic traction from the Vibram outsole performs on all terrain/conditions and inspires total confidence on technical descents. Tested on the mountain trails of the Alps and scooping the top gong in our Trail Shoe Awards, the Sylan is a perfect match for adventurous soles.
RUNNING TECH
Decathlon Domyos High-Performance Connected Treadmill T900D
True to Decathlon’s deserved rep for high quality and great value, this top-selling treadmill offers a host of features normally found on far pricier models. We’re talking speeds of up to 18kph, inclines up to 10%, no fewer than 30 preset workouts, plus a space-saving foldaway design. It also packs plenty of extras, including a port to plug in your tech and a tablet holder. Despite the folding design, the robust frame gives a high-quality feel and it’s sturdy and smooth to run on. Adjusting speed and incline is faff-free and the quiet motor won’t make you unpopular with neighbours/family members.
Garmin Forerunner 265
Our top pick when we put the latest wrist tech to the test. This isn’t the most advanced or highly specced watch out there, but it gives you pretty much everything you’d want in a running watch – a wide range of features, good battery life, accurate tracking and customisable workouts – without the remortgaging required for top-of-the-range models. It’s light and slender for comfort, with a sharp, colourful display and quick-to-connect, highly reliable GPS. You also get a pretty comprehensive suite of features, covering sleep tracking and fitness modes, plus training status, training readiness and performance condition.
MyoAir
Billed by MyoMaster as ‘the world’s strongest compression boots’, these offer seven pressure settings ranging from 20 to 250mmHg. Most recovery boots max out at around 110mmHg, so they really do pack a punch. You can easily adjust or cycle between pressures and there’s a wide selection of time settings – our tester went short when time-pressed and the full 60 minutes when settling in for an evening in front of the TV, and reported a noticeable difference in the lightness of their legs, particularly on high-mileage or intense days. A serious investment, but well worth considering if you’re looking for pro-level recovery tech.
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2
Built to withstand any workout, these super-tough, dust-proof, waterproof, sweat-proof earbuds offer an impressive package for runners. The winning combination of impressively crisp sound quality, brilliant battery life, sleek design and secure, supremely comfortable fit was, well, music to our ears. At 5g per bud they’re also beautifully light, while the grippy silicone coating made them among the most secure-feeling buds we’ve ever run in. The best bang-for-your-buck wingtip-less earbuds out there right now.
RUNNING APPAREL
Under Armour Infinity 2.0 High Sports Bra
The Best in Test winner in our October 2024 issue was designed in collaboration with researchers at the University of Portsmouth and uses liquid-injected foam to create a shape that matches the natural figure-of-eight movement pattern of the breasts as you run. An updated, expanded size range makes it easier to find your fit with the 2.0, while a new front-convertible and adjustable strap design and easy hook-and-eye closure deliver maximum comfort and support.
Runderwear Women's Running Hipster
Run-specific undies for next-level next-to-skin comfort. The super-soft fabric and seamless construction mean zero chafing, while the low-rise cut and tight fit keep them firmly in place, with plenty of stretch to allow freedom of movement. A firm fave with the RW team and made with 92% recycled fabric, so they’re gentle on the planet, too.
CXP Endurance XP Boxer 5"
There’s a huge amount of tech packed into these smalls. A unique multi-tension waistband regulates pressure for precision comfort and support, silicon grippers ensure they stay in place with no ride-up, while the four-way stretch fabric flexes with your movement. Bonded seams prevent chafing and the fabric wicks brilliantly, too. We tested these through long miles of ultra training and felt the comfort returns more than justified the investment.
Asics Fujitrail Waterproof Jacket
This superb jacket gets the balance of protection and comfort just right. It’s fully waterproof, but also lightweight and breathable, so you don’t feel like you’re overheating on the run. The ergonomic design means you could wear it over a small backpack to keep it dry. A standout feature is the fact that it packs into its own pocket, while thoughtful little details, such as the drawstring adjustable hood with a soft peak and a press stud just under the collar – to keep it in place while unzipped – make this a winter running essential.
Soar Race Vest
This delivers the sensation that you’re not wearing a vest at all – and trust us, that’s a good thing. While its translucent, next-to-nothing material might make you question the price tag at first, you’ll soon discover this is a feat of race-day engineering and a game changer if you’re pursuing a PB, especially over longer distances. Made with 100% recycled fabric and weighing only 40g, it’s laser cut, with a close fit to reduce drag and eradicate chafing. Featherlight, breathable and supremely comfortable – and it looks the part on race day.
Tracksmith Van Cortlandt Singlet
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Boston brand’s signature singlet, making it a fitting winner. But there’s no sentimentality in this award – it’s earned by a combination of the timeless style of the diagonal sash and the cutting-edge performance of the incredibly lightweight and luxuriously soft mesh. Many a RW team race number has been proudly pinned to a Van Cortlandt.
Soar Marathon Speed Short
When every second counts, Soar’s pioneering technology and textile innovation delivers. The ultra-light woven fabric is designed to support the major muscle groups of the upper leg, with the three-panel construction adapted to every contour. Silicone grips ensure they don’t budge an inch. A spacious rear pocket will take up to six gels or a phone without slowing you down or adding bounce. A seriously premium product, worn on RW team 26.2 PB efforts this year.
New Balance RC Short 5"
These get everything right. They’re cut to hit the modesty vs movement sweet spot, with a breathable, perforated four-way stretch fabric for added freedom. A thick, almost fleecy elastic waistband with adjustable drawstring offers slip-free comfort. The inner brief is particularly impressive – wicking and seam-free, with the perfect fit and tension for support without feeling overly compressive. Reflective detailing and an external zipped back pocket, plus two internal drop-in pockets, complete the package.
Under Armour Run Anywhere Tights
The top performer in the women’s category in our extensive leggings test, these seriously impressed our team. A flattering fit and luxe feel is backed up by high-end performance on the run. The waistband sits snug just above the hips and, combined with the drawstring, the result is that they don’t budge, however much you crank up the intensity. Drop-in pockets on the thighs plus a secure zipped rear stash option take care of storage and the silky-smooth feel is a joy as the miles roll by.
Soar Session Tight
Soar kit may be an investment but it pays serious dividends in comfort and performance, and that’s certainly the case here. Our men’s Best in Test winner perfectly balances freedom of movement with support via a mildly compressive woven fabric. Our test team were also particularly impressed with the silicone sections on the inner waist, thighs, calves and ankles, which locked them in place beautifully. And the brand’s customary attention to detail shines through with inner pockets for valuables and reflective details on the ankle cuffs to keep you safe and seen.
RUNNING ACCESSORIES
Smartwool Run Targeted Cushion Mid Crew
We get through a lot of running socks on the RW test team and these are stand-out performers that really go the distance. The bulk of the fabric is merino wool, which retains a luxurious feel even after multiple wears and washes, and delivers excellent temperature regulation. Then there’s a dash of nylon and elastane added to the blend, which hugs the foot with a little gentle compression. A seamless toe sidesteps friction issues, while extra cushioning underfoot and all the way up the heel adds comfort and reduces the risk of rubbing and blisters.
Oakley Sphaera
The keen-eyed among you may have noticed these snazzy wraparounds protecting the eyes of Olympians in Paris. They feature Oakley’s most extended field of view to deliver complete sun
protection with unobstructed peripheral vision. No-slip nose pads and ear socks lock them in place, and vents at the front prevent fogging. They’re so light, secure and comfy that you forget you’re wearing them and, as you’d expect from the brand, the lens quality and definition are superb.
Vaga Club Cap
This model from the Lake District-based brand is everything a running cap should be. It weighs less than 50g and the soft fabric and flexible peak make it super-comfortable on the run. It’s breathable and wicks away moisture well, and features an absorbent internal headband to keep sweat out of your eyes. Because it’s soft, it’s easy to fold into a bag or pocket during or after the run, and, being machine-washable and quick to dry, it’s a doddle to look after.
Montane Trail Lite Gloves
Leveraging the British outdoor brand’s considerable tech savvy and designed with mountain and fell runners in mind, but just as valuable on chilly pavement or park outings. So light they’re barely there, they have softshell fabric at the back of the hand for protection against the elements, and touchscreen-friendly material on the fingers so you can operate your devices on the move without faffing around and exposing your pinkies to the chill. We reach for these at the first sniff of winter.
Stolt Alpha Backpack
We test a lot of excellent trail- and ultra-focused packs, and some will do a very decent job on your run commute, but Stolt’s specialism shines through here. The Alpha can store a laptop of up
to 16", shoes and a change of clothes in its dedicated expandable compartments; while its ergonomic design, padded back and breathable mesh mean you can ditch the bus/car/train in active
comfort. Once you’re at the office, it converts into a smart business bag in seconds, with hideaway straps that allow you to slip seamlessly from run to work mode.
Montane Women's Trailblazer 16L
A design mapped to the female body, including a women-specific harness and shoulder straps, impressed our test team. Plentiful and adaptable storage options cater for hydration, nutrition, spare layers and everything else you need for long days of adventure. Vertical and horizontal compression straps ensure the load stays put, there’s a ‘T-Hook’ system to take running poles if you have them and it’s all made from 100% recycled fabric, with a PFC-free waterproof coating.
High5 Reusable Gel Flask
It’s an uncomfortable truth that long runs rack up shockingly large amounts of gel-packaging waste. But there’s a way to reduce the number of packets you use without cutting back on the carbs: buy reusable gel flasks with bigger refills, decant the refill into the flask pre-race/run, then supp from it as you go. Until we get biodegradable packets, this is a habit change that can help the planet, so we offer a well-deserved high five to High5.
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